Dynafit Radical Pro Boots

Introduced for the 2019/20 ski season the Hoji-Lock System made its debut on the Hoji Pro Tour Boots and came from the mind of Eric “Hoji” Hjorleifson in collaboration with Low Tech Binding inventor Fritz Barthel. I won’t go into too much detail about the Hoji-Lock System here as I did that in my review of the Hoji Pro Tour Boots, suffice it to say, the Hoji-Lock System provides the ultimate convenience. Simply flip the lever locate on the Radical Pro Boots spine up for walk mode and down for ski mode and at the same time as releasing the cuff it also opens up the boot's top buckle and power strap. you get a super solid 120 flex rating in ski mode and access to the full 60°s of unrestricted cuff rotation in walk mode with the flip of a lever. Beautiful.

With a more than respectable flex rating of 120, the Radical Pro Boots get their stiffness from the Hoji-Lock System located on the boot's spine and also the Ultra Lock Strap and three micro-adjustable buckles which allow your foot to be firmly yet comfortably positioned. The new thermo-moldable Radical Pro Liner uses Ultralon Foam for comfort and warmth and have a built-in flex zone on the liner's spine for increased mobility in walk mode. The shell’s tongue similarly has an integrated flex zone and is constructed out of two different materials which provide a natural walking movement and saves energy by limiting resistance. When in ski mode the solid nature of the tongue provides a secure fit and resistance from buckle pressure when you tighten up the Ultra Lock Strap and top buckle.

Dynafit uses Grilamid for the Radical Pro’s conscription with glass fibre infused into the Grilamid for the cuffs which keeps them light yet durable. Unlike the Hoji Pro Tour Boots speed nose design, the Radical Pros do have a built-in toe welt that accommodates step-in crampons. Located on the toe welts as part of the tech fittings are Dynfit’s ‘Master Step Inserts’  which have a vertical channel that helps align and centre your binding’s tech pins for more consistent step-ins.

You have your choice between a forward lean of 11° or 15° thanks to the removable spoiler which is pre-installed when the boots are manufactured in Italy. This provides an aggressive stance for challenging skiing and more performance when needed. On the underside of the Radical Pro Boots, you’ll find Pomoca’s Climb (TOUR) Soles which have an aggressive grip for boot packs but won’t accumulate snow and impede stepping into your bindings.

Available in both Men’s and Women’s versions, the Radical Pro Boots from Dynafit are that sweet spot between uncompromising downhill performance and unencumbered lightweight uphill bliss. 

Lower - Grilamid
Cuff - Grilamid loaded with glass fibres

• Liner: Radical Pro Liner, Ultralon foam
• Sole: Pomoca Climb (TOUR)
• Boot-Binding System: Master Step
• Closure System: HOJI Lock

Having spent a few years skiing touring in the Hoji Pro Tour Boots I was impressed with their fit and the ease of use the Hoji-Lock System provided at transitions. There is no question that it provides super solid ski performance with the convenience of a one lever switch from ski to walk mode and back again. There were a few minor shortcomings in this first iteration of the Hoji-Lock System, namely, people cried out for a toe lug and to get rid of the speed nose which Dynafit quickly did the following year. Compared to the Hoji Pro Tour and Hoji Free boots, the Radical Pro Boots have an improved fit around the ankles by increasing the instep volume. This higher volume provides more ski touring comfort with a stiffer liner tongue and upgraded padding all around. The Radical Pro’s tongue has a built-in articulation zone to provide generous amounts of flex on the up but due to its solid nature (when compared to the Hoji Pro Tour V-shaped tongue), it also works to contribute to the Radical Pro’s 120 flex rating. I found (along with most others ) that the fabric that covered the V-shape in the tongue of the Hoji Pro Tour boots ripped pretty instantly given all that constant flex it was required to take.

I found the Radical Pro Boots just as comfortable if not more so than the Hoji Pro Tour’s thanks to their wider last and I also appreciate the lighter weight (albeit minor). The crampon compatible toe lug along with the ability to use the Radical Pro’s with a wide range of AT binding are also huge pluses.

The skiing performance was just what I like, stiff enough and able to ski anything I wanted but not the full-on free ride performance that the Hoji Pro Tours provided.

The integrated and pre-installed spoiler inside the shell provides some welcome additional forward lean for more aggressive skiing yet the boot's progressive flex prevented any shin bang.

I think that the new power strap stopper built into the tongue of the boot is genius as I have had issues with other AT Boots that don’t have this (talking to you Scarpa F1 LT) where the power strap slowly migrates upwards with every step and puts unwanted pressure on the liner tongue and therefore your shins.

One feature I do miss that the Radical Pro Boots don’t have is the power strap cam system found in the Hoji Pro Tour Boots. While the Radical Pro's power strap works fine, it’s just a simple velcro strap and I find that these wear out fast with constant use, whereas the cam system prevents this. Even a velcro power strap with a hook closure like that found in the Scarpa Maestrale XT Boots would be a good compromise—I know it adds a little weight but the convenience and durability outweigh that for me.

If you are looking for the convenience of the Hoji-Lock System and want solid downhill performance in a more spacious fitting boot then look no further than Dynafit’s Radical Pro Boots, you can thank me later.