For years, ski equipment has been constantly evolving: from the arrival of carving skis to the expansion of freeriding and improvements in protection with more advanced helmets and goggles. However, there is one key piece of equipment that has remained surprisingly stable over time: the fastening system on ski boots. Although traditional metal buckles have proven to be very effective, in recent years an innovative alternative has gained prominence that is changing the way we adjust our boots: the BOA system.
Traditional metal hooks are simple and robust: a lever system that, when closed, compresses the plastic shell of the boot against the foot, ensuring a secure fit. In recent years, many brands have incorporated micro-adjusters, which allow the length of each closure to be slightly varied without changing the position of the buckle. This system improves the precision of the fit, especially in the instep and ankle areas, where a few millimetres can make the difference between comfort and excessive compression. Lighter and more resistant materials have also been introduced, as well as more ergonomic locking mechanisms, designed to facilitate handling with gloves or in extreme cold conditions. Despite these improvements, it is a manual, asymmetrical system that depends on the physical strength of the user, which can be a limitation for those seeking speed, comfort or a millimetre-perfect fit during activity.
That’s why, when we first saw ski boots with the BOA adjustment system, it caught our attention. Was it just a fad? Or was it really a useful innovation?
Our team is passionate about technology and advances in equipment, but we are not particularly enthusiastic about trends. We like equipment that is useful, high-quality, durable and provides real value in the mountains. That’s why we decided to try out the BOA system with a critical and open mind, without being swayed by aesthetics or marketing.
The excellent winter we are experiencing has allowed us to test the BOA Dual Dial system over several days in different snow conditions, and we have been able to form a solid opinion. Specifically, we tested it with the Salomon S/PRO SUPRA DUAL BOA® 115 boot. It is a women’s boot with an EXOWRAP system in which the shell and liner are modified to maximise the BOA adjustment system, which wraps around the foot with precision and support. In this article, we want to share our honest experience with these BOA system ski boots: how they work, what advantages they offer (and also what limitations), and what type of skier we recommend them for.
Because beyond the novelty, what really interests us is answering a single question: Does the BOA system improve the experience on the snow?
What is the BOA system and how does it work in ski boots?
When we talk about the BOA system in ski boots, many people think it is simply a modern way of adjusting ski boots without using hooks. But the reality is that it goes much further: it is a precise, fast and secure adjustment system, which has been adopted by some of the best ski boot brands such as Salomon, Atomic, Fischer and K2.
How does it work?
The BOA system is based on three main components:
- A dial (wheel) that you turn by hand to tighten or loosen.
- Stainless steel cables, ultra-resistant and coated, replacing laces or buckles.
- Low-friction guides, through which the cables slide to provide even pressure distribution.
When you turn the dial, the cables gradually tighten, adapting the boot to the contour of your foot without the need to apply physical force, as is the case with traditional buckles. If you need to release some of the pressure, simply pull the dial slightly or turn it in the opposite direction (depending on the model).
This system was originally developed for snowboarding, but its success was such that it quickly made the leap to alpine skiing, especially in boots designed for freeriding, all-mountain skiing and touring. Today, the BOA system can be found in all ranges of alpine ski boots except competition models.
What is the difference between these and traditional hooks?
After more than 40 years of wearing boots with metal buckles, we can say that switching to the BOA system was as obvious as switching from a manual to an automatic car. BOA reduces friction, improves adjustment speed and, above all, eliminates uneven pressure points that skiers with complicated insteps or wide feet suffer from so much.
With buckles, you could feel like the instep was too tight and the upper part too loose, or vice versa. Adjusting this on the track could be uncomfortable due to the deep hip flexion and exerting a lot of force to close it, even more so with gloves on and in cold weather. With BOA, it seems easier to fine-tune the fit with a few turns of the dial, even without looking. The experience is truly superior in terms of ergonomics and adjustment control, although if we had to define the BOA system in two words, we would use “uniform fit”. If you want a specific fit, there is a
Types of BOA system configurations in ski boots
Not all BOA boots are the same. It is essential to know the configuration of each one before purchasing, because the number and exact location of the dials directly influence the precision of the fit.
Single Dial:
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- The most common in models for recreational skiers.
- Control the entire fit from the instep of the foot. The classic hooks remain on the upper part.
- Fast, but less customisable in the shank area as you still have two adjustment points.
- Ideal for those seeking comfort and convenience.
Dual Dial:
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- One for the instep, another for the upper area (shin/tibia). The BOA on the upper area has a hook that you must remove to easily put your foot in or take it out. The system is very simple, but robust and easy to use with or without gloves.
- It allows for a much more technical and precise adjustment with just two fingers, millimetre by millimetre, in each area of the foot.
- There are various high-end models that include the BOA® Dual Dial. For example, the K2 Cortex 140 Zonal BOA®, the Salomon S/Pro Supra Dual BOA® 120, the Head Kaliber 130 MV GW BOA® and the Nordica Speedmachine 3 BOA® DD 130 (GW), all designed to offer independent zonal adjustment between the instep and the upper part of the boot, with maximum precision and control.
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BOA H+i1 (new generation):
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- Introduced in collaboration with premium ski boot brands.
- Integrate the system into the boot shell design, preventing it from snagging on ski trousers.
- Better durability, less snow/ice accumulation, and cleaner aesthetics.
This variety of configurations allows each skier to find their ideal version of BOA, adapted to their style, level and foot morphology.
How can you tell how much pressure you are applying with the BOA system?
Although the BOA dial itself does not feature a numerical scale, some ski boots equipped with the BOA H+i1 system do incorporate a visual tension indicator directly on the boot shell, right where the plastic areas overlap.
This marker, usually located on the instep of the boot and on the shaft, consists of a series of lines engraved or printed on the plastic, which act as a visual guide to the level of adjustment. As you turn the dial and the cable tightens the shell, the plastic tab closes over these marks. The more lines the moving part covers, the greater the degree of compression you are applying to your foot.
This allows you to quickly see whether the boot is lightly, moderately or tightly adjusted, and repeat the same adjustment in future sessions. This is particularly useful for instructors, technicians or any skier who wants to repeat a precise setting day after day, or compare adjustments between both feet.
Although simple, this system offers a major practical advantage over adjusting “by eye”, where there is no visual reference for the actual pressure level. The only problem we have detected with this system is that sometimes snow accumulation in ski boots obscures the lines engraved on the casing, forcing you to clean the area in order to adjust the BOA.
What are the disadvantages of the BOA system? What else should you bear in mind?
Although the BOA system offers clear improvements in comfort and precision, it is not perfect. During our tests and after sharing experiences with skiers with very different profiles, we have identified some limitations or weak points that you should be aware of before choosing a ski boot with this system.
The first thing to note is that it is a more bulky closure system than buckles, making it more susceptible to impact. As the BOA system is not made of metal like buckles, it initially gives the impression of being fragile, although we have experienced several impacts and the system continues to work perfectly.
Some skiers have asked us about the reliability of the BOA system in extreme cold conditions, commenting that the dial could lock up or that the cables could become stiff at very low temperatures. It is true that these types of concerns have been circulating since the system began to be used in alpine skiing, especially coming from the world of snowboarding.
However, at I LOVE SKI we wanted to check it out for ourselves, and after using the SALOMON DUAL DIAL BOA model for full days at temperatures as low as -15°C, we can confirm that the mechanism worked perfectly: the dial remained operational, with no jamming or loss of tension, even after snow accumulation or humidity cycles. The only drawback we encountered was when trying to release the lower BOA, which becomes very stiff and is sometimes difficult to release with gloves on in very cold conditions. Although we cannot guarantee the same performance in all models and extreme conditions, overall our experience has been entirely satisfactory in terms of cold resistance.
Greater dependence on the mechanism: if it fails, you are completely dependent on it.
Unlike a metal buckle that can be adjusted manually at any time, the BOA system requires the dial mechanism to function properly in order to close and keep the boot in place. If the cable breaks, the dial freezes, or it accidentally comes loose, it may be difficult to continue your journey safely.
BOA offers repair kits and most boot brands have their own warranty. Furthermore, carrying out repairs at the ski resort is a simple task, given that the vast majority of technical shops have spare parts and are fully familiar with the system. Although this is one of the main concerns for those who ski off-piste, we believe that this fear is somewhat unfounded.
Specifically, BOA offers what it calls the
BOA Lifetime Guarantee, a lifetime guarantee focused exclusively on the adjustment system components (the dial and cables).
This BOA® warranty covers these elements for the lifetime of the product in which they are integrated, and allows the user to request free repair kits if any of these components fail or break within that period.
In other words, although the warranty does not cover the entire boot, such as the upper, shell or sole, it is designed to ensure that the BOA mechanism remains functional throughout the life of the equipment. If the dial or cables are damaged, BOA will provide you with replacement parts at no cost: all you need to do is submit a claim through their support system and they will send you the appropriate kit.
Adaptation curve if you are coming from the classic system
Many veteran skiers are so accustomed to buckle adjustments that switching to the BOA system can cause some initial mistrust. Not so much because of how it works, but because the feeling of pressure is different: more uniform, less localised, more progressive.
This isn’t a negative thing in itself, but it does require a few days of adjustment to understand how the boot “feels” on the first few descents. Some users even tend to tighten it too much the first few times, seeking the aggressive pressure of a tightly closed fourth buckle.
In our experience, after two or three days of use, this perception changes, and you begin to appreciate the comfort and fluidity of the fit.
Who would benefit from a boot with the BOA system?
After testing it with different profiles from the I LOVE SKI team, and after analysing the opinions of collaborating riders, we can say that the BOA system is useful for almost everyone. It provides a real leap in quality for many skiers if the right model is chosen, as the heel is very snug. Here is our assessment, broken down by user type.
Recreational and intermediate skiers
Yes, definitely. For those who ski several weekends a year, seek comfort and ease of use, and don’t want to bother with complex manual adjustments, the BOA system is a direct improvement to the on-slope experience. We liked that it allows for quick, intuitive, and progressive adjustment. You have to turn the wheel quite a few times when you put them on at the start of the day, but after that, micro-adjustments are quick and more comfortable than with classic buckles.
Advanced skiers, freeriders and all-mountain skiers
Yes, with some nuances. In this segment, BOA begins to show its best side. Especially in models with Dual BOA (Zonal Fit) and the BOA H+i1 system, the zonal adjustment allows you to customise the pressure on the instep and upper part of the boot separately. This is crucial for those seeking technical performance, immediate ski response and adaptation to different terrains.
In freeriding, where footwear must perform equally well on demanding descents, approaches and traverses, the BOA system provides comfort and precision without sacrificing performance. What’s more, the ability to loosen or tighten the fit in seconds during a break or in the middle of a long line is a real advantage. Example models: K2 Cortex 140 Zonal BOA®, Nordica Speedmachine 3 BOA® DD 130, Head Kaliber 130 MV BOA®
Competitive skiers
You have probably wondered why the BOA system is not yet used in World Cup racers’ boots. The reason is not a technical limitation, but rather a combination of habit, extreme precision in zonal adjustment and certain design features. In competition, many athletes prefer classic buckles because they allow for highly localised and robust fastening, which is especially useful in aggressive turns and maximum incline angles. Some technicians also point out that the BOA external dial can be somewhat bulky compared to the aerodynamic shells designed for high performance, which could rub against the snow in extreme turns. Even so, several brands are already developing specific prototypes with BOA systems adapted for competition, which opens the door to wider adoption in the future.
On the other hand, when talking to coaches and technicians specialising in high-level alpine skiing, an interesting point arose that we have not been able to observe directly on the slopes, but which makes sense from a biomechanical and design perspective. Some specialists comment that boots with the Dual BOA system (with two dials), by wrapping the foot and the upper in a very uniform manner, can offer a slightly different range of torsion than boots with traditional buckle closures at the bottom. Whereas the BOA tends to “wrap” and distribute pressure evenly. Classic buckle closures allow for independent anchor points, which some technicians believe can provide greater localised rigidity during extremely aggressive turns, when very technical maximum tilt angles are sought.
Practical tips before buying ski boots with the BOA system
If, after reading all of the above, you are considering making the leap to the BOA system, here are some useful recommendations based on our experience on the slopes, conversations with boot fitting specialists, and observation of current brands and models.
Select the Dual Dial
If you are looking for simplicity and comfort, a model with a single dial may be sufficient. These models are designed for recreational or intermediate skiers who prioritise ease of use. However, if you want technical control and zonal adjustment, opt for models with Dual BOA (Zonal Fit), such as the K2 Cortex 140 Zonal BOA® or the Nordica Speedmachine 3 BOA® DD 130, which allow you to adjust the lower and upper parts of the boot separately. Remember that the Dual BOA system significantly improves performance in technical skiing, off-piste or in variable conditions, so if you are someone who does not change ski boots on a regular basis, we recommend purchasing one with the dual BOA® system.
Do not buy for aesthetic reasons: try before you buy.
Although many BOA boots have a modern, minimalist design, the most important thing is how they fit your foot. Some skiers may need more volume in the instep, others a tighter cuff, and that is not defined by the dial, but by the last and the inner boot. Whenever possible, try on several models with technical socks and, if possible, in a specialist shop with a simulator or on a test run on the slopes.
Check whether the model uses the BOA H+i1 system.
As we explained earlier, the BOA H+i1 with the SS3 cable is the most advanced and integrated version of the system and is specifically designed for alpine skiing. It provides better pressure distribution, durability and resistance in extreme temperatures. If you see this name on the product sheet, it is an indicator of technical quality, especially if you are an intensive or high-performance skier.
Value maintenance and durability
Although the BOA system is very durable, we recommend periodically checking the condition of the dial and cable, especially if you ski in wet snow, on ice or off-piste. Some brands include tools for maintenance or quick replacement in case of breakage. Tip: keep the system’s serial number (found on the dial or cable) in case you need specific replacement parts.
Conclusion: Is it worth investing in the BOA system for your next pair of ski boots?
After thoroughly analysing the BOA system, testing it in different conditions and comparing the opinions of skiers of different levels and needs, the I LOVE SKI team is clear: yes, the BOA system represents a real evolution in the way ski boots are adjusted.
This is not a passing trend or a mere aesthetic appeal. We are looking at a technology that provides greater precision, comfort, speed and adaptability, especially in models that incorporate the Dual BOA system.
However, as with all technical equipment, the most important thing is to choose the right model for your foot type, skiing ability and goals. BOA can make all the difference for many skiers looking to improve their experience on the snow.
If you are considering changing your boots this season, we encourage you to do your research, compare models and, if possible, try them out on the slopes. Because beyond the closure system, what matters at the end of the day is that you enjoy skiing, without discomfort and with maximum control.
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