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The rumors are true: the rear-entry boot is back. And it's just what the industry needs. Nordica has learned from its own history in offering this collection of HF boots, HF as in "Hands Free." You still have to touch the boot with your hands to put it on, so HF may be overstepping it a little. (I am guessing that “Set it and forget it” is trademarked by Ron Popeil.) Nordica could have just gone with EZ, because that what getting this new boot on and off is.

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” --George Santayana (and many others)

Nordica isn't repeating history because it isn't positioning the HF110 as a replacement for your traditional four-buckle overlap boot. This is not a performance boot for anyone running gates or hucking cliffs; instead, it is a comfort cruiser designed to keep aging skiers in the game, to help out people who just want to ski. To them, "performance" might be as simple as putting on a boot without losing their breath or pulling a muscle. It might not be the boot for you (I know it’s not for me), but there is a population for which the HF110 will check every single box -- and then some.

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From Nordica's press release: Nordica’s all-new HF collection, with HF standing for Hands Free, offers the performance and comfort of its Machine family with a new easy entry shell and closure system. The key to the design is its anatomical, patent pending one-piece customizable Primaloft® 3D Cork Fit liner. It wraps around the heel and forefoot like a traditional boot, and has an extremely large opening of 40-degrees to easily slip a foot in or out. The HF’s innovative Wonder Lock buckle system allows for hands-free closure - just push it down with a ski pole or the other boot, and they are good to go. The Maxcontrol Pivot provides perfect alignment between the rear cuff and shell and lateral support for immediate ski response. The shell is customizable with Nordica’s infrared technology and comes with Gripwalk® soles for easy walking. Available in two men’s and two women’s models, with the premium-level HF Elite models featuring mobile-controllable Therm-ic heated liners, Michelin® Gripwalk® soles, and a lighter buckle system. Available in men’s and women’s specific models, Nordica’s HF boots are for those who want to have fun and keep skiing without any compromise.
  • Last: 102mm
  • Size range: Men’s (24.5 – 31), Women’s (23.5 – 27.5)
  • Flex: Men’s (110), Women’s (85)
  • MSRP: HF Elite and HF Elite W ($900), HF 110 and HF 85 W ($700)
Yes, this boot has a generous fit. It is a 102 last in the forefoot. Even though I was able to ski my current boot size of 25.5 (295mm shell), I needed to do some work with my skinny foot and chicken leg in order to gain some semblance of control. I have a built-up footbed that I take to trade shows so I can test a sample size 26.5 if needed, and I put it in this boot. I also added extra spoilers (yes, plural, spoilers, one in the back and one in the front) to get the cuff closer to my leg. Now, this is not uncommon; I even have to do it with many low-volume 97-98mm boots. I know this boot is not meant to fit me, but I really hope that Nordica or even someone else does decide to build a rear-entry boot for a skinny-ass foot.

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Nordica’s beer-tap rear closure has an adjustment to accommodate everyone from those with cankles and overly developed athletic calves to basic medium sizes. Skinny legs need not apply -- unless you are willing to work with aftermarket volume reducers like I was. Nordica designed a pretty ingenious zeppa (footboard) that will help take up a bit of volume. Think of it as a built-in heel wedge that can actually disappear under the zeppa if you don’t need it. The liner uses the same cork heel cups as the upper end Pro/Speed/Sport Machines, a proven design. The front buckle actually reduces the instep volume à la a three-piece shell. You can see this working because the red stripes along the lower disappear. The shells ship with GripWalk soles, but DIN soles come in the box in case you have a binding that does not accept GW.

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On the snow, the HF110 feels pretty darn good. I believe it fits my foot better and gives me more control than its four-buckle brother the Nordica SpeedMachine when I first skied it a few years back. I also didn’t have any unrealistic expectations. A foot that is usually in a 96-97mm shell in a 102? Yes, I move around in the boot, but the HF110 is more comfortable and skis better than many other boots that don't fit me.

Conditions at Mt Rose on the first day of testing were 4 to 6 in. of snow, meaning 1 to 2 in. of wind buff in some places and 6 to 8 in. of powder pockets in others, firm windblown chalky groomers, and (for the bonus round) 45-mph winds with snow blowing sideways and flat light. These are conditions that make you feel like you are trying to survive rather than just enjoy a day of skiing, conditions that throw you around in a boot that does not fit. And this is where the HF110 performed much better than I expected. If I were "Joe Skier" who skis 10 to 15 days a season on the blues, sometimes venturing onto some easy blacks, the HF110 would have performed as promised.

In conclusion, I am not sure if all the Salomon SX92 loyalists are ready to give up their boots, but anyone looking to get a boot from this century should put the HF110 on their short list. (List? Hell, it's the only boot that is really even a consideration.) I'm not sure this is the modern SX boot everyone has been waiting for because it doesn't have the same multitude of fit adjustments; really, though, how many actually used them? The HF110 is the modern version of the N957 and N997 that Nordica offered back in the day.

People have been scoffing about rear-entry boots: why did we even try them, they were awful, waah waah waah .... Well, what overlap boot from that era would you still want to ski today? A Nordica N981? How about the Rossignol R900 or the Koflach five-buckle Comp SR? None of these boots stood the test of time like the best rear entries of the day. Would any purist even consider skiing in these relics? As for me, I have an open mind and hope Nordica plans on introducing a low-volume version for 2021-22, because there is a market for that boot. If I had some friends in from out of town who just wanted to ski some runs and enjoy views of the lake, damn right I would be reaching for an HF110 LV.
  • Who is it for? Well, it's a pretty big list. Those who have trouble getting boots on and off; skiers who have a lot of foot; comfort cruisers; older skiers who are considering quitting.
  • Who is it not for? Purists. Don’t worry, Nordica is not coming to take away your four-buckle boots. Someone who is into rear entry is not trying to to convert you. Relax. Ski and let ski. If you have to ask if why rear-entry boots are back, the HF line is not for you.
  • Insider tip 1: Step up to the Elite with its Bluetooth-enabled Thermic heater. Why stop at business class? If you are going to ski in comfort, go first class.
  • Insider tip 2: The 110 flex is a bit optimistic. There is no independent lab to verify boot flexes, but I would say it is closer to a 100 (at most). Don’t worry so much about the number, though; for the desired skier, it is enough. Plus ... shhhh … I found a trick to add some stiffness.
About author
Philpug
I started skiing in the mid-70s in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania; from then on, I found myself entrenched in the industry. I have worked in various ski shops from suburban to ski town to resort, giving me a well-rounded perspective on what skiers want from their gear. That experience was parlayed into my time as a Gear Review Editor and also consulting with manufacturers as a product tester. Along with being a Masterfit-trained bootfitter I am a fully certified self proclaimed Gear Guru. Not only do I keep up with the cutting edge of ski gear technology, but I am an avid gear collector and have an extensive array of bindings as well as many vintage skis.

Replies

What's old is new again. I was in a Nordica rear entry boot in the late 80's.
The NR990 served me well enough for 5-6 years.

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Important thing is it uses recycled wine corks for the liner.
 
This easy on and off stuff really resonates with me. This week I started my 72nd ski season with great skiing at Mt. Bachelor but a lot of trouble getting my boots on and off. The best answer--I really like the way my boots perform--is probably to lose some poundage but I am going to try to keep up with the latest in easy on and off boots.
 
How would the performance of these boots compare to a full tilt descendant 8?
I think they will perform on or even better. But of course is still will come down to fit and which one first your foot better. But if you are looking for a comfort cruiser, these should be on your short list.
 
She will likely the best sales person for this model & will enjoy skiing again & have GripWalk. Well done sir!


Thinking you now need to produce some "PugSki - Baby's got Back, Back Buckle, Back Skiing" stickers to go with a promo video / theme song to show Nordica the power of the site.

:)
This is great news can't wait to try a pair as my boots now are a nightmare.I have a blister about 3 inches long and 1/2 in wide on the inside of my shin. When do they hit the shops?
 
Stopped in at the Sports Creel in Spokane yesterday since it was next to the vets. Phil there is very arguably THE MAN for boot fitting in this area. Starting to think about sending the 2012 Soli Impacts into the afterlife before they send themselves. He was showing me the HF after I asked about them, didn't have my size but he showed them to me very interesting stuff. Turns out he has been skiing in them this season and liking them! That is high praise from Phil, he is an old gray beard powder dog (literally) with a store full of hardware to play with, you will normally find out in the trees someplace snowy.
The liners are very impressive, lots of cork and flex points very Nordica. Light and getting lighter he says with a new plastic compound that's name I don't remember; they are already pretty close to the weight of the K2. He was saying that more of Nordica's liner are going to follow the HF's design which is quite a statement when you think about it.
The Stride 120's felt like old friends right out of the box but think I am going to wait till I can try the HF's on before pulling the trigger on new boots.
 
This is great news can't wait to try a pair as my boots now are a nightmare.I have a blister about 3 inches long and 1/2 in wide on the inside of my shin. When do they hit the shops?
They are in select shops now.
 
I am very intrigued by these boots!

I'll be 72 by ski season. I'm an advanced skier who happily skis in the Northeast mostly on groomed easy blacks. I'm 5'7" and weigh 155 lbs (down 10 from when the pandemic hit). My skis are Atomic Vantage X-83 CTi @ 168cm, and my boots are Head Vector 115's. I like the boots alot - 102mm last, quite comfortable, reasonably warm, and are a great match with my skis performance-wise. They're not any harder than other 4-buckle boots to put on and take off, but it's still a PITA. I can give them to my son who really needs new boots and can't really afford them.

So, I'm going to try a pair of these new Nordicas if available when I take my skis to be tuned soon. I'd get the heated version.

But I'm concerned that they won't be stiff enough forward-flex-wise. and I don't see how I'll be able to evaluate that accurately by just walking around the shop in them. So:
1. Do you think Nordica will unveil a higher-flex (i.e., 120) version soon?
2. Is there a way to add stiffness - perhaps an aftermarket booster strap?

Thanks!
 
What holds your foot down in these boots? Is it the shell? What does that front strap/buckle do?
What does the "beer-tap rear closure" adjustment adjust? Is it only how far the cuff closes?
 
Great article and glad to see a positive review of this boot here! As a bootfitter, I see far too many people struggle with getting their boots on their feet (typically older, less mobile skiers and less serious women skiers). My shop's testing of the Nordica HF showed similar results, Nordica did a great job of keeping the convenience of the old rear entry boots while greatly improving the performance and fit over the old boots. Definitely worth considering if you want good boot performance AND ease of entry.

For those not aware of it, another ear entry option is the Atomic Savor. While it is a good boot, it is definitely designed as far more of an entry level boot than the Nordica HF.
 
I would love to take these out for a spin. I‘m 52 this year and used to be an avid (although by no means advanced) skiier in my youth. Started with a few pairs of regular ski boots but had a very keen eye on Salomons ever since they first came out. They were too pricey for me back then but got a pair of SX50s some years later and they felt like the future. Moved into a pair of SX82s but then had a hiatus for various reasons for some 15-20 years during which time I discarded them. Took up downhill skiing again the past few years but even though I have no physical issues modern boots feel like a bloody nightmare to put on and walk in. For this winter I got a pair of SX82s off of eBay for a relatively modest cost and will put them to the test. If they hold up and I continue skiing a pair of HF110s would be a good upgrade path for me.
 
I am excited for the HF120 Pro...basically the 110 plus a powers tap. Honestly, I wouldn't mind having a pair of these in my boot quiver.
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I am interested in picking up a pair of these but I am also an aging racer so am interested in learning ....what is a "powers tap"? When might these be available and from where? I am also a Thermic Bluetooth fan so naturally would be interested in that option as well. A boot fitter told me about one of his client's essentially doing this with his 110s. I have a high instep but a smaller foot with a HUGE calf so am having some issues finding a boot in the size I should be skiing as I alway have to step up a shell size or two
 
I just ordered a pair of the HF110s to see how this modern version stacks up. While I am a racer, I am an older one and am not planning on using these for racing but rather am planning on using them for the recreational trips. I like the heated liner but was not able to find any available with that option so bought the model without it and will use a pair of thermic heated socks along with these in conditions under 10-degrees fahrenheit.

One of the local boot fitters showed me a pic of a client's HF110 where he had added a power strap to it himself so it looks like that can also be done aftermarket for someone with a modicum of mechanical skills.
 

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