Review: Deeluxe X-Plorer Splitboard Boot
What we liked …
Awesome looks and a chunky and effective Vibram Sole
What we didn’t
They’re on the soft side (but thats a personal preference)
Verdict
OUR RATING
4 out of 5
THE SHORT READ…
A surfy boot which looks great and can do everything you need it to in the slack country.
The Long Read…
Want a pair of boots that look good on the dance floor and rock the pow. Look no further. This is a brilliant choice if you want the softer more surfy style of riding from a very solid touring specific boot.
Let’s have a look at it’s key features:
2x power straps - One pull-cord on the liner and a really strong strap on the outer boot.
Vibram Eastridge sole - This is the real deal. It’s got deep grips and a solid edge. This is the type of sole you’d see on some of the most hardcore alpine boots so if, like me you tend to want a very solid grip and edge for climbing the steeps then is for you.
Power straps on the liner (or, power ‘pull cord’?) and a proper strap on the outer boot make for an infinitely adjustable fit around the calf.
Boa adjustment - to tighten the fit around the top of the ankle. While this works great it also contributed to the boots soft feel. Like I say my preference is for very, very stiff soft boots (I rode Jone 32 boots for 8 years!).
For a different tack on the Boa approach, check out the new K2 Waive, which has a Boa which pulls tight the top of the back of the boot and a plastic plate over the front of your ankle. This can be loosened to create a softer boot and to walk uphill better but also gives you the option to go very hard too. See our review for the K2 Waive here.
SUMMARY…
Its really hard to find any fault in this boot, its so comfortable and looks outwardly like a non-splitboard boot, other than perhaps their softness. I recommend putting these boots together with some Union Splitboard bindings and you’ll be able access any slack country you want and still maintain a solid board feeling setup for the piste/groomers.