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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

The HF 120 Pro is very enticing - especially with the, "Your car is your base lodge," scenario! And a heated liner would be really nice - I've never had one. I think my current Head Vector 115's might be a bit optimistically named flex-wise anyway, so performance shouldn't be an issue. And I'm 72, and it's highly unlikely I'll get any younger!
 
I recently just got these and have to say I am very excited. I am an advanced aggressive skier and these held up fantastic. Brought these into the moguls and trees and the performance was no different than a pair of tecnica mach 1 110 mv that I just came out of. The HF I think will be a major selling item and change people’s attitudes towards rear entry once they realize how comfortable they are without giving up performance. I did add a power strap just for that extra support.
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I currently ski Salomon X-Pro 130 that work well for me. I am 106mm wide forefoot with high arches. I skied the Hanson rear entry on Pro Patrol in 1979 as they were the thing then. If they made this boot in a 130 forward flex with a power strap I would love to try them. Perhaps even a 120 forward flex would be worth a try. Even though I really like my current boot I still have a somewhat hard time getting it on and off. Next season I will be sporting two Total Knee Replacements having had the left done two weeks ago on 2/8/21. Rear entry may help me in my situation if the performance is close to what I have now in my regular fit boots. I replaced an Atomic Live fit 130 with it. Reason for replacement was because the Atomic was very difficult to get on and off (using silicone spray) and the shell overlapped in the front (high arch) tearing both pairs that I own. I liked everything else about the boot. I think rear entry with 120/130 forward flex may work well for me as I am now mainly a groomer cruiser in bounds.
 
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How much of a difference do rear entry's make on the instep side (high instep)? I know flex varies, but once you're in the 120 range from any manufacturer I honestly care MUCH less about boot performance and much more about being able to stay on the hill ALL DAY LONG and eating lunch w/o removing my boots.

Most of us on here could out ski and teach most skiers even w/ slippers... or even that Apex boot on. Splitting hairs here but the locals (ex ski patrollers, guides and instructors) and I when living out west got DUSTED by a construction worker buddy of mine from VT in OLD GEAR.......... we're talkin' 10 + years old boots and skis! We had to hike him into submission to slow him down!
Let's talk about ramping these up to a 120 Nordica! Where's the (technologically enhanced) " BEYOND BEEF"?!?!? :popcorn:
I concur with this. I am ex Pro Patrol and have high arches with a 106mm last. I also will be skiing with two Total Knee Replacements next season 21/22. If these are in a 120-130 flex and have a power strap I am most likely a player. I am currently on Salomon X-Pro 130 boots that perform well for me.
 
I currently ski Salomon X-Pro 130 that work well for me. I am 106mm wide forefoot with high arches. I skied the Hanson rear entry on Pro Patrol in 1979 as they were the thing then. If they made this boot in a 130 forward flex with a power strap I would love to try them. Perhaps even a 120 forward flex would be worth a try. Even though I really like my current boot I still have a somewhat hard time getting it on and off. Next season I will be sporting two Total Knee Replacements having had the left done two weeks ago on 2/8/21. Rear entry may help me in my situation if the performance is close to what I have now in my regular fit boots. I replaced an Atomic Live fit 130 with it. Reason for replacement was because the Atomic was very difficult to get on and off (using silicone spray) and the shell overlapped in the front (high arch) tearing both pairs that I own. I liked everything else about the boot. I think rear entry with 120/130 forward flex may work well for me as I am now mainly a groomer cruiser in bounds.
We will see a 120 HF Pro for the coming season.

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We will see a 120 HF Pro for the coming season.

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Can the forefoot of this boot be stretched to accommodate me? I am 106mm last. Boot shell appears to be 102mm last. I know that it says heat moldable but I want to make sure this applies to the shell as well. I do not know why it would not. Perhaps in my oven as with the X-Pro 130.
 
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Even though I was always an old school 4 buckle snob I never understood why ALL the rear entries went away. This type of boot fills a huge void that includes Beginner - Advanced, people with foot problems and aging skiers just wanting to be able to get out without pain. I mean if SX 92's were good enough for Scott Schmidt there should be enough performance available for the masses with modern skis. Its supposed to be fun after all, especially important when starting out and painful feet out in the cold isn't the way to cultivate the next generation.
 
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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Just noticed this thread. I have a narrow low volume feet in two sizes. As they came from Nordica out of the box my skinny legs and calves told me that these wouldn't work.
The shop had one pair of boots in stock and they were 27.5. My left foot measured 28.25 Mondo and my right foot with a bum ankle measured about a full size smaller. There's also some muscle atrophy in the right calf we had to account for.
The fitter got the right foot pretty well setup, then we started working on a performance fit on the left foot. Once James was confident the boots would work for me he said "Okay, we have to cook em!" I replied " If you do that I'll have to buy them." I quess that's the idea.
Bought the boots and got them dialed in after the initial fitting with good results. Initially I had a wigwam ski sock on the left foot with a oldschool wool sock in the right liner. James recommended I try putting the stock footbed in the right boot along with the Sidas footbed to take up some volume and allow me to wear a matched pair of socks. This didn't work out well so I tried a new pair of Dr Scholls inserts that I had. I've been skiing with these for the last 5 days with good results.
The boots are very warm and I've had no issues with cold or damp feet after a full day of skiing. At the initial fitting James put tongue inserts in both boots to take up volume in both boots. We have these rather inelegantly attached with duct tape.
I found the forward flex in the right boot to be lacking somewhat so I bought some NRS 2 foot straps from a local raft shop. I have these between the tongue and the boot itself to insure the firmness of the flex is the same on left and right feet. With the pseudo Power Straps tightened equally I can increase the tension on the main boot strap/buckle on the rear of the boot.
As for the Hands Free aspect? Not so much but I don't see that as a major problem. My issue was flexion of the ankle and being able to get in the boot itself. 110 may be a bit optimistic out of the box but with the fitters help and the straps they are now plenty stiff for my style of skiing.
On to day 8 of the season Friday :)
 

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I'm going to check these out. I certainly meet some of the demographics. I'm 67 and coming off of a ruptured achilles tendon injury. I like my Technical Mach 1 120 boots, but was having some problems getting them on last season. Plus, I need boots with Grip walk soles. Hopefully they will be in stock this fall.
 
I'm going to check these out. I certainly meet some of the demographics. I'm 67 and coming off of a ruptured achilles tendon injury. I like my Technical Mach 1 120 boots, but was having some problems getting them on last season. Plus, I need boots with Grip walk soles. Hopefully they will be in stock this fall.
The should be. I would not dismiss getting the Elite, the model that is heated.
 
I have fit a few of these this season. The 120 with the powerstrap is a nice upgrade but if you cannot find it, the 110 with a Booster or most any strap will work in a pinch.
 
I skied 24 days on the HF110'S at Timberline and Mt Hood Meadows last season.
Towards the end of the season I was getting alot of what seemed like longitudinal flex under the footbed at warmer temperatures. This is something I don't recall encountering before. Could be another visit to the fitter is in order before my first day out in the 2021/2022 season.
 
I have fit a few of these this season. The 120 with the powerstrap is a nice upgrade but if you cannot find it, the 110 with a Booster or most any strap will work in a pinch.
I just discovered the existence of these (the 110’s) today. I also found one of the big snowsports stores here in Australia had a sale on their 2 remaining sizes, 26.5 and 29.5. Guess who's got a 26.5 foot?. And A$665 (US$465, say) isn't to be sneezed at.

I have wide feet, high insteps, big ankles and calves. I started with Tecnica Phoenix boots, 106mm nominal last, 27.5 mondo. The last few years I've mainly skied in Atomic Waymaker Carbon 110’s, nominally 101-103 last with a single Live Fit panel, 26.5 mondo. These have been great, some days I can leave them on all day without loosening the buckles, other days I need to loosen the buckles at lunch and coffee breaks.

The biggest hassle I have is getting the boots on and off. On isn't so much of an issue since I got a pair of Sidas USB bootwarmers. Not only are they great for drying and deodorising the boots overnight, but I can plug them into the car's lighter socket, put the boots in the passenger footwell and blast them with the car's heater. The boots arrive at the resort carpark thoroughly warmed inside and out, and stay warm and pliable long enough to put on. But getting the bastards back off again when the arthritic knees are tired...

My backup boots are Dalbello Boss, a cabrio style boot with a 103mm last, again 26.5 mondo. I generally need to loosen these between runs as the ankle buckle is just a little tight on the loosest setting. One day I'll get them to an old-school bootfitter to have the buckle tweaked somehow.

But it sounds like the HF's have been designed for me. They're going to get a workout this August. I'll report back later.
 
Reading the whole thread to get to here, I've been thinking "what's the name of that aftermarket strap I read about years ago?"

Booster, as above. Thanks @Philpug, Ski Talk delivers again!
 
My HF110's were getting a bit sloppy(25 or 26 days last season) this season so I paid a visit to Tognar's website. I bought insole inserts in both 1/16" and 1/8" and ended up stacking both in the liner under Sidas footbeds.
I have increased the heel lift under the liner by 1.3mm as well for a total of 3.3 mm under the heel.
In addition I purchased Booster Straps as well.
I too have limited flexion in my right foot due to an injury in 2011. Adding the additional 1.3mm heel lift definitely helped the last day out.
The boots feel great with a thin ski sock with no hot spots. I'm headed up to MT Hood tomorrow to try them out.
 
I bought insole inserts in both 1/16" and 1/8" and ended up stacking both in the liner under Sidas footbeds.
Did you buy insol inserts or did you buy bontex shims?
Stacking insole inserts are not ideal, but shims can definitely help the fit.
 

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