Expert Review: Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro Ski Boots · 2024


All photos courtesy of Connor Wilkins
About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the ski boots, which I purchased with my own money in November of 2022.
My take
The Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro is possibly the best boot for backcountry touring. They are extremely comfortable and light, making them ideal for all-day tours, where one needs their feet to be comfortable, and they have the range of motion required for all manners of touring. Flip the switch, though, and they become burly downhill boots capable of holding the tightest and most technical descents. I have used them for mid-winter backcountry pursuits to technical ski mountaineering descents.
There are no differences between the 2022/23 and 2024 boots.
Using my zero g boots to tour in vail pass
About the gear
- Model: 2022/23 Tecnica Zero G Pro
- Size: 26.5
About me
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 170lbs
- Street shoe size: 10
- Experience: 10+ years of skiing
Test conditions
- When I bought these: November 2022
- Days tested: 100+
- Skis: DPS Pagoda Tour 94, 100, and 112
- Bindings: Moment Voyager XIV
- Where I’ve used it: Colorado
- Terrain: Everything from powdery tree runs to technical, 40+° ski descents.
How it performs
What I was looking for
I was looking for a pair of backcountry boots that combined a lightweight design with the stiffness of a 130 boot. I was also looking for comfort that prevents blisters and keeps my feet warm and happy all day.
Why I chose this gear
I needed a pair of boots perfect for winter tours where I want to harvest powder and also suitable for technical descents. I use crampons and climbing routes that require different climbing styles, from rocky faces to mellow uphill touring.
After going through several backcountry boots, I landed on the Zero Gs for their acclaimed stiffness, range of motion, weight, and comfort level. By understanding my foot shape, I know that Tecnica tends to fit my feet best; thus, it made the decision easy when I was looking to switch from my Scarpa Maestrales.
Using my Zero G boots to boot pack
What I love about it
- Accuracy of Claimed Stiffness: Stiffness is not an objective number; every brand and boot can vary on its level of actual stiffness. I was unprepared for just how stiff these boots are, allowing me to really charge and trust that I could hold a line at high speeds and weave in and out of trees with just a thought. That level of trust in a backcountry boot is hard to come by, especially in a sub-1,500g boot, and I found just that in these boots.
- Accuracy of Claimed Fit: Tecnica claims this boot is ideal for a narrow to mid-width foot, and I can confirm this boot fits those claims. The 99mm last measures exactly and fits my foot like a glove. I have flat feet; thus, I suffer from a few issues, like the dreaded sixth toe, typically requiring a punch on the outside of the foot to allow my toes to wiggle and circulate blood, which is imperative in keeping my feet warm. What is unique about the Zero G is it's completely customizable and punchable, allowing me to make the required customizations without compromising the durability and stiffness of the boot.
- Comfort: With the abovementioned customizations, the Zero G is extremely comfortable and fits my feet well. I can be out in them for 10+ hours and not be in pain. That is very rare in the ski world.
- Flex: The Zero G Pro is about as stiff as possible, with a rating of 130.
- Weight: The stated weight of 1,310 grams makes this boot one of the lighter options in the burly backcountry boot category (typically around 1,500 grams a boot). While it is lighter, this weight does not affect downhill performance. These weight savings save me a lot of sweat when trudging uphill to get to the goods.
- Resort: They can handle a small amount of resort use and are still good for a couple of days in the resort.
- Backcountry: This is where this boot shines. It’s primarily a backcountry boot, which is what it is meant for, from hut trips to technical mountain descents.
- Adjustability: It is a very customizable boot. Skiers can take them to their local boot fitter to dial in the fit and get their liners molded.
- Walk mode: The range of motion on these boots is impressive for being a 130 flex boot. I don’t feel limited, even when climbing ice in them.
- Grip: The grip on the bottom of these boots is also impressive with Vibram soles. I can walk around in these boots and trust I won’t slip while walking to and from the ski hill.
- Durability: They aren’t as durable as resort boots, though they will hold up to some serious abuse. I am known for being hard on gear, and they have held up for me extremely well, given the amount of punishment I exact on these boots. The C.A.S shell construction that Tecnica uses is made from strong plastic and gives its durability. I have used these boots for over 100 days in the backcountry, and the wear and tear is minimal.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Ease of use: This is where things get a little difficult. They aren’t the easiest to get on and off and require a few minutes of foot stuffing to get them set up.
- Park: The Zero Gs are not a park boot. Expect them to break if used in the park.
Using my zero g boots to descend down the Citadel Peak Northwest Couloir
Favorite moment with this gear
Big mountain ski mountaineering can be daunting, so having gear I can rely on is very important. My favorite moment with these boots was during an ascent and descent of Citadel Peak in Colorado. The day started with a skin up to the base of the peak, where we pulled off our skis and donned our crampons for a boot pack up to the top of the couloir we intended to ski. Upon reaching the top, we had the option of traversing left to the couloir entrance or heading up a tight rocky and icy chute to achieve the summit and then entering the couloir to the left. After some discussion, we decided to keep the line pristine and climb up the chute, which required technical skills and ropework to ensure safety. My boots climbed up technical mixed ice conditions to claim the summit without issue. We reached the summit and traversed to the line, where we had to downclimb rock to get into the couloir, where my boots kept me safe and secure. From there, we had a perfect descent of over 1,000 feet, where I skied fast and hard.
Value for the money vs. other options
Compared to other products on the market, like the Scarpa Maestrale series or the Dynafit Radical/Hoji series, skiers are getting a lighter-weight boot just as stiff and more customizable to give them the ideal fit. Because of this, the value of these boots comes down to their uphill performance. Pricing is similar between these boots; thus, one will find the greatest value in the overall comfort and fit of the Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro backcountry boots.
Final verdict
These boots unlock skiers’ full potential in the backcountry, allowing them to easily travel uphill and not worry about shaving weight elsewhere in their setup. When skiers lock the boots out and get ready to go downhill, they stiffen considerably and allow them to easily tackle any line, whether mellow backcountry laps during the winter or steep and technical descents off the world's tallest peaks.
Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro Ski Boots · 2024
- We price match
- Returnable