Last year was a big one for Tecnica; the new Inferno boots put them back the race/expert boot in a big way. It’s snug fitting, race bred, and ready to rock. Where the old Diablo Race Pro boots had a very aggressive forward lean, the new Infernos allow you to stand tall, stack your bones, and ski from the middle of the ski. This really makes for a great skiing boot on or off the course. Of course, no boot fits every foot, so the new Demons bring the stance and performance of Inferno into a wider fit.

The Inferno 130 is a stiff and reactive boot thanks in part to a removable carbon steel “Power Chassis” in the sole of the boot. With Chassis inserted the 130 is a powerful and reactive boot that really shines on hard snow. In soft snow, it may feel a bit harsh, and can be removed. The 130’s 98mm last is snug, but anatomical, and surprisingly comfortable out of the box. If the 130 sounds like too much, the 110 flex Blaze is likely just right. This all mountain Inferno is still plenty stiff and snug, but does it without the steel “Power Chassis” For most experts, this is the best fitting and skiing Tecnica in years. The women’s Viva Inferno Fling has a 98mm women’s last, a lower cuff, and a 90 flex. A very similar boot is the Inferno 90. It is a race boot for teens, and very appropriate for smaller adults. The 90 have the regular 98mm last, and lower cuff.

The new Demon boots are a higher volume boot with loads of performance. The Demon 110 uses a generous 100mm last and a neutral stance for serious mass appeal.

Tecnica’s new Free Mountain boots are all about adventure. All of these boots feature interchangeable soles so you can turn your alpine boots into Tech (Dynafit) compatible alpine touring boots. The boots we carry also have walk modes for better backcountry travel, or just easier walking to the lodge. The Bushwacker is just plain sweet; three buckles, a monster power strap, 110 flex, and a 100mm last with an air bladder to help dial the fit. The ladies Crossfire has a female specific 100mm last, 100 flex, oversize power strap and three buckles. Either boot is ready for any challenge on the ski mountain or in the backcountry.

The Air Shell Phoenix boots get up simplified this year. Now they just have one bladder and one pump on each boot. The controls are easy to access on the back of the boot, and you can keep your gloves on while you pump or release. The Phoenix Max 10 and a Viva Max 10 have a generous 102mm last, but the “Air Shell” gives it a huge fit range. Both are rated at 80-90 flex, and have a low cuff with three buckles and a beefy powerstrap.

The Mega last is about as roomy as it gets with a 105mm forefoot, and some serious volume. The men’s and women’s’ Mega 8 are 70-flex boots with a cushy fur liner. Even with a soft forward flex and high volume shell, the Mega boots still get ‘er done all over the mountain.