Tecnica Zero G Tour
Ski boots or especially AT ski boots are difficult by definition: they have to offer good ski performance (being rigid) while at the same time also offering a high range of motion for a comfortable uphill. In my opinion, ski boots are the most important equipment for your skiing adventure - not only from a performance perspective but also from comfort.
I personally am on a multi-year struggle and fight to find my personal AT ski boot - one that does fit my low volume feet with a very low instep but rather wide forefoot especially under load. Boot with stock liners are almost always a no-go for my feet. I switched to thermoformable liners a couple of years ago but also started testing injected liners for an even better (performance) fit. Season 20/21 was about to start when I decided to start another approach for a better AT boot. Up until then I was skiing my Scrapa Maestrale - about 5 years old and with heat molded liners but also some foam injected ones (interchangeable).
New ski boot: The Zero G Tour
I did visit my boot fitter of choice to get a new pair of performance AT boots - the focus was not only on backcountry skiing but also some more free riding. After an initial assessment of my feet, the choice was made to assess the shell fit of the Tecnica line. As I personally rather have boots that are not too stiff I opted for the Zero G Tour with a flex rating of 110. The shell seemed to fit good enough to start with - some shell molding was required to widen the forefoot accommodating my unique-sized feet. To get the best possible fit I did choose a foam-injected liner. It is a bit heavier than the thermo-fit one but in the past, the heel hold was better than in the heat-molded one. The custom insole did complete the package.
First days and modifications
The first few days with the new boots were mainly for resort skiing. The initial impression was good to very good. No painful areas, very good control with the buckles. They are slim, well-positioned, and offer some micro-adjustment on all four buckles. Well done. I did like the flex, probably a bit on the softer side (I might opt for the 120 in a next boot). Especially once the boot is warm or later in the season for spring skiing in warmer temps. The power strap does its job, I might opt for a booster strap as an aftermarket add-on. Probably something for next season.
After the first break-in period, I did notice the boot being a bit too roomy. A 3 mm volume reducer was added (between shell and liner). This helped already, but I still had some movement or lack of hold in the instep area. I started testing with some additional foam that I slipped in between the sock and liner or between the leg and the sock. The trials were impressive, so I invested some time in Internet research. I discovered a replacement tongue being a bit thicker than the one used for my liner. The change did add another step in the right direction offering some more hold in the instep and also in the lower leg. Pretty promising, I change I can highly recommend if your feet are low volume, especially in the instep.
Verdict and next season
Best AT ski boot so far. Highly recommended especially for more downhill-oriented setups. The boot is still light for the uphill while offering great downhill performance. I especially liked the buckle design and micro-adjustment options. The range of motion with the foam-injected liner is not world-class but very remarkable. I’m under the impression I do get warmer feet in this boot on the uphill than in the Maestrale ones. But this is very subjective anyway.
I will continue with the Zero G Tour for the upcoming season. I would like to test some aftermarket booster straps as I think there is room for improvement with the power straps attached.