Kästle recently released their first-ever collection of ski boots, including two race-specific models and four “race-inspired” models designed for on-piste and all-mountain skiing.
The race-specific Kästle K150R and K130R feature a stated 91.5 mm last (size 26.5), while the piste / all-mountain K130P, K120P, K110P, and K100P all feature a stated 100 mm last (size 26.5).
Across the whole collection, Kästle highlights a few key design features (you can find a bit more info on each on Kästle’s website):
- “K_Release” micro-adjustable buckles: designed to be as low-profile as possible to avoid dragging on the snow (or air or anything else) when carving at high edge angles, but with a quick and easy release function.
- “K_Active” power strap: all the boots feature a wide (50 mm) power strap with a cam-style closure for easier micro-adjustments. It’s not totally clear whether the power strap is elastic or static (“active” suggests the former), but we’ll update this post when we can confirm this.
- “K_Blend” materials: Kästle is pretty tight-lipped about what materials they’re using for the shells of their boots, but here’s what they have to say about them: “Outstanding performance results from a constant pursuit of innovative solutions. For the creation of our K_Boot, we use an extremely specialized material for our top models. ‘Kästle’s secret mix.’ The answer from our R&D department for better skiing experiences in all conditions.”
- “K_Tilt” spoiler: The boots feature an optional spoiler that attaches via velcro to the back of the liner to tweak forward lean and rearward support.
- “K_Fit” liner: The stock liners on the boots come with “specially made E.V.A. pads in different densities” that can be attached via velcro to the ankle area. The liners also feature adjustable tongues and optional laces.
Here are some other notable specs for Kästle’s K_Boot collection:
Kästle K150R & K130R:
Stated Last (size 26.5): 91.5 mm
Available Sizes: 22.5–28.5
Forward Lean: 14°
Stated Weight per Boot (size 26.5): 2170 g
Kästle K130P & K110P:
Stated Last (size 26.5): 100 mm
Available Sizes: 24.5–30.5
Forward Lean: 12.5°
Stated Weight per Boot (size 26.5): 1985 g (K130P); 2010 g (K110P)
Kästle K120P & K100P:
Stated Last (size 26.5): 100 mm
Available Sizes: 22.5–26.5
Forward Lean: 12.5°
Stated Weight per Boot (size 26.5): 1985 g (K120P); 2010 g (K100P)
As for as soles go, the K110P and K100P come fitted with GripWalk soles that can be swapped for included Alpine (ISO 5355) soles; the K120P and K130P come mounted with Alpine soles and have GripWalk soles in the box; the K130R and K150R feature solid plastic soles that need to be ground down by a bootfitter to fit ISO 5355 standards.
All the boots feature adjustable cuff alignment at the cuff / shell pivot; the race-specific K130R and K150R also come with multiple canting and lifter plates.
It’s rare that we see a fully new boot brand in this industry, so Kästle’s new collection is exciting. We’re hoping to test out some of the new boots this coming season.
Are ski boots like skis where many brands share manufacturing plants? Or are these an entirely new ground-up endeavor?
I went down that rabbit hole a while back. The majority of boots seem to actually be made in one of a few factories. For example Full Tilt are manufactured by the Roxa factory in Asolo Italy. A huge percentage of ski boots are designed in a small area of Northern Italy. Outside and Powder magazines both have interesting articles on the area. If you want to go down that rabbit hole too start with googling “Montebelluna ski boot” you will find the 2 articles and a lot of interesting history and forum post threads.
Pretty sure the Amer Sports boots are made in Bulgaria. At least the injection molded parts.
I wonder how that K130R compares to the Head Raptor RS140 or the Lange ZA.
Hello, excited about a Kastle ski boot probably being made at the old Koflack factory???, I have skied Kastle skis going on 7 years,, from original FX 95 thru thew Fx 96 series,,, Still use Z 108 as my powder ski… unfortunately the customer service from Kastle is Awful in the States… Have probably sent them 5 Emails over the years never heard a Word???? So in that regard my quiver is now Volkl.. I did send them an E mail asking for info on those Boots last year when i saw them on the World Cup,,, never heard a word… not even sure who the rep is in Western Wyoming.
Love blister consider it the Holly Grail of Ski review…. Hope you guys get the Goods this year…
Sincerely Steve Ramondo… driggs
I know this, many many years ago Koflach got bought out by Atomic. That said, whether or not Atomic is making them (private label) for Kastle, I’m not really sure.
Not made by Atomic nor have any connection with anything Amer Sports.
$950
really?
Sigh, yet another boot lineup that doesn’t try anything new. Visibly too much heel to toe drop. Excessively narrow lasts on the race boots that only fit a small percentage of skiers without enormous modification.
Would it be too much to ask for a boot with a narrow heel and mid foot and a wide toe box?