Ski Boots Go Fully Buckle-Free: The Rise of Dual BOA Ski Boots

Discover the Benefits of BOA Ski Boots

Once upon a time, ski boots had one mission: crush your foot into submission. Buckles? They were medieval torture devices designed to clamp down like a vice, securing performance at the cost of circulation. Skiers have long accepted this tradeoff: if you wanted control, you needed to suffer, at least during break-in. Then BOA showed up, whispering sweet nothings about precision fit, micro-adjustability, and effortless tension control.

We covered BOA’s foray into the ski world in a previous article, where the tech replaced the lower two buckles with a sleek cable system. The results? A more even fit, better comfort, and the ability to fine-tune pressure like a safecracker on a mission. But now? Now, brands are doubling down—ditching traditional buckles altogether.

That’s right—BOA is making a move on the entire boot. Top cuff buckles? Gone. Replaced with a second BOA dial.

This isn’t just an experiment anymore. This is a full-scale industry shift.

The Rise of the Full-BOA Boot

At first, BOA technology was seen as an intriguing upgrade—nice to have, but not essential. After all, buckles worked, right? But with major ski brands now integrating dual BOA zones—one for the lower foot, one for the cuff—the conversation has changed.

Brands like Nordica, K2, Salomon, and Fischer are betting big that fully BOA-equipped ski boots will redefine performance and comfort. Instead of clamping down with brute force, skiers can micro-adjust their fit with two separate dials, tightening or loosening their boots based on terrain, conditions, or sheer whim.

The advantage? Even pressure distribution, precision control, and supreme comfort—all without hotspots, buckle bite, or mid-run adjustments that require the dexterity of a neurosurgeon.

It’s a move that makes sense. Traditional buckles, for all their reliability, have limitations:

Pressure isn’t evenly distributed – Buckles tend to over-tighten specific zones while leaving others loose.
Mid-run adjustments are clunky – Ever tried unbuckling or re-buckling with frozen fingers? Enough said.
Fit customization is limited – Buckles have fixed notches. BOA dials are infinitely adjustable.

With a two-zone BOA system, you control the forefoot and cuff independently. This means:

Snug fit on the lower foot for better power transfer.
Secure but comfortable cuff tension for increased stability without restricting circulation.
Quick adjustments on the fly—tighten for aggressive skiing, loosen for long traverses.

BOA isn’t just tweaking fit—it’s fundamentally changing how ski boots function.

BOA’s Evolution: From Snowboard Boots to Ski Dominance

BOA has been playing the long game. It started in snowboard boots in the early 2000s, offering a faster, more precise alternative to laces. Snowboarders loved it—one twist, and your boot was dialed in. But ski boots? A different beast entirely. The demands of alpine skiing—edge control, flex, and performance—meant BOA had to evolve.

The first major ski boot integration came when BOA replaced lower foot buckles with a micro-adjustable cable system. The benefits were immediate:

More even fit – Traditional buckles create pressure points. BOA spreads tension evenly.
Easier adjustments – Mid-run tuning became effortless.
No more buckle slop – BOA holds tension better than buckles on rough terrain.

Now, with BOA taking over the entire boot, the company is leveraging its two decades of innovation to ensure these fully BOA-equipped boots meet the highest performance standards.

The cables are stronger than steel, made of aircraft-grade stainless wire wrapped in a durable, low-friction coating. They don’t stretch, they won’t break under normal skiing conditions, and they eliminate the inconsistencies of traditional buckles.

The real kicker? BOA backed its system with a lifetime warranty. That’s a level of confidence you don’t see from most ski hardware manufacturers.

Who’s All In? The Brands Leading the Charge

BOA technology isn’t a fringe experiment anymore—some of the biggest names in skiing are going all-in.

K2 – Cortex Zonal BOA® Series

Models: Cortex Zonal 140 BOA®, Cortex Zonal 130 BOA®, Cortex Zonal 120 BOA®, and women’s-specific Cortex Zonal 125 BOA® W, Cortex Zonal 105 BOA® W.
Features: These boots are among the first to feature two BOA® dials and cables—one on the forefoot and one on the cuff—allowing for independent adjustments to optimize fit and performance.
Design: Built with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) for a responsive flex and featuring a low-volume fit with a 96-98 mm last.

Salomon – S/Pro Supra Dual BOA® Series

Models: S/Pro Supra Dual BOA® 120 and S/Pro Supra Dual BOA® 105 W.
Features: Eliminates traditional buckles entirely, utilizing two BOA® dials to provide a more consistent and uniform wrap over the foot and leg, enhancing power transfer and allowing for precise micro-adjustments.
Design: Offers a medium volume fit with a last width adjustable between 100-106 mm.

Nordica – Speedmachine 3 BOA® Series

Models: Speed Speedmachine 3 130 BOA® DD
Features: Incorporates a BOA® closure system on the cuff, while traditional buckles secure the foot in the lower part of the shell.
Design: Aimed at all-mountain skiers seeking a blend of comfort and performance.

Head – Kaliber 130 MV GW BOA®

Features: Equipped with the BOA® Fit System, this boot offers enhanced power transfer and a uniform fit that reduces pressure points.
Design: Medium volume fit, suitable for advanced skiers seeking precision and comfort.

These models represent the latest advancements in ski boot design, offering skiers enhanced fit customization and performance through the integration of the dual BOA® Fit System.

Skiers seeking next-level fit customization should keep an eye on these models.

The Skeptics: Are We Really Ready to Ditch Buckles?

Not everyone’s sold. Skiers love their buckles—there’s a certain satisfaction in cranking them down before dropping into something steep.

The Main Concerns:

Durability – Buckles have been around forever. BOA is newer, and skiers wonder if it can hold up to the abuse of hard-charging lines.
Perception – Some skiers still see BOA as a “gimmick,” despite its real performance benefits.
The feel of buckles – Some riders just prefer the mechanical feedback of traditional buckles.

But here’s the thing: BOA isn’t trying to replace buckles for the sake of change. It’s addressing real limitations and offering a better fit system—one that adapts to your foot rather than forcing your foot to adapt to the boot.

And while skepticism is natural, let’s not forget: people doubted shaped skis, rocker profiles, and even ski brakes when they first appeared.

Now? You’d be crazy to ski without them.

Final Thoughts: The Future Is BOA (Whether You Like It or Not)

BOA isn’t just tinkering with ski boots—it’s fundamentally altering how they fit, feel, and function. Whether you’re a die-hard traditionalist or a tech-obsessed early adopter, the shift is happening.

Ski boots are getting:
✅ More adjustable
✅ More comfortable
✅ More performance-driven

And yes—more BOA.

So what’s your move? Stick with buckles, or step into the future?