Review: Nordica Cruise 80 Ski Boots · 2024
By Ski Expert
max pilling
11 photos
The Curated Take
4.0/5
The Nordica Cruise 80 Ski Boots are an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate skiers seeking a comfortable and forgiving boot. With a wide last and adjustable calf, they provide a comfortable fit, making them ideal for those with wide feet. The 80-flex rating offers a forgiving ride and ease of turn initiation, suitable for skiers looking to progress. These boots are surprisingly light, waterproof, and durable, making them great for learners transitioning from rental boots or just for casual skiing days. Their responsiveness and versatility make them valuable for many skiers.
Ideal for
- Great for beginner to intermediate skiers
- Comfortable for skiers with wide feet
- Excellent for people who want a forgiving ride
Not ideal for
- Not for those with narrow feet
- Not a precise and aggressive boot
- Advanced skiers might want a stiffer boot
Claimed Stiffness Accuracy
With an 80 flex, this is not a stiff or high-performance boot. But that is why it is a great choice for those who want to go slower. I feel...Read more
Heel Hold
I found that while this is not a high-performance boot, there is still a nice heel pocket that enables my heel to stay put while flexing into a turn. My...Read more
Weight
It weighs 1,690 grams and is much lighter than other stiffer boots. Because the boot has less material, it comes in 200-400 grams lighter than others. I find that my...Read more
Waterproofing
Even when skiing on wetter days, my feet remain dry. The hard plastic shell does a great job of keeping water out and ensuring my feet stay dry. These boots...Read more
Durability
The Nordica Cruise line is often seen in ski shop's rental fleets. This is because this boot is very durable and can take lots of abuse. While it isn't the...Read more
Walk Mode
This boot has no dedicated walk mode, but its wide fit and soft flex make walking a bit easier. The Cruise boots are comfortable to walk in. Because they have...Read more
Responsiveness
Because this boot does a great job of locking my heel in, I find that it enables me to have a responsive ride even though I am in a beginner...Read more
Versatility
While an advanced skier will want a stiffer boot, those with narrow feet can use this boot from day one until they are an advanced skier. Once skiers are going...Read more
Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
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About the boots
- Model: Nordica Cruise 80 Ski Boots · 2024
Test conditions
- When I bought these: April 2023
- Where I’ve used them: Tamarack, Idaho and Alta, Utah
- How many times I've used it: 10
Expert Reviews of the Nordica Cruise 80 Ski Boots
max pilling The Nordica Cruise 80 is a great fit for those who are stepping away from rental boots but want a boot that feels similar. The wide last allows for a comfy ride, while the adjustable calf enables even those with large legs to fit comfortably in the boot. A flex of 80 is just a step up from most rental boots one finds without being too aggressive. I've found that these boots are great for beginner and intermediate skiers, where a forgiving nature and ease of turn initiation are most important. The boot is very easy to get in and out of and has enough heel hold to help someone learn the basics and progress in their skiing. This boot is a great choice for newer skiers looking to buy their first boot after skiing in rentals.
Product Specs
| Age Group | Adult |
| Gender | Men's |
| Model year | 2024 |
| Ski boot type | Alpine downhill |
| Walk/tour mode (Y/N) | No |
| Skill level | Beginner, Intermediate |
Review Ratings
Claimed Stiffness Accuracy
5/5
max pilling gave 5 of 5 stars. With an 80 flex, this is not a stiff or high-performance boot. But that is why it is a great choice for those who want to go slower. I feel that this boot is accurate in its stiffness rating. It is easy to flex and turn in without suffocating my feet.
Heel Hold
4/5
max pilling gave 4 of 5 stars. I found that while this is not a high-performance boot, there is still a nice heel pocket that enables my heel to stay put while flexing into a turn. My heel doesn't move around even though I am in a wider, softer boot. This feature will help newer skiers get the basics of carving down much quicker than in a boot where their feet move all over.
Weight
4/5
max pilling gave 4 of 5 stars. It weighs 1,690 grams and is much lighter than other stiffer boots. Because the boot has less material, it comes in 200-400 grams lighter than others. I find that my feet don't get tired in these boots compared to my heavier, stiffer boots.
Waterproofing
4/5
max pilling gave 4 of 5 stars. Even when skiing on wetter days, my feet remain dry. The hard plastic shell does a great job of keeping water out and ensuring my feet stay dry. These boots breathe decently well, so my feet don't sweat as much as in others, further keeping my feet dry.
Durability
4/5
max pilling gave 4 of 5 stars. The Nordica Cruise line is often seen in ski shop's rental fleets. This is because this boot is very durable and can take lots of abuse. While it isn't the stiffest boot out there, it is great at staying together while being banged, rattled, and thrown around. The wide fit enables a bit more plastic in the usual hotspots, leading to increased durability.
Walk Mode
3/5
max pilling gave 3 of 5 stars. This boot has no dedicated walk mode, but its wide fit and soft flex make walking a bit easier. The Cruise boots are comfortable to walk in. Because they have a soft flex, it is almost like the boots have a walk mode.
Responsiveness
4/5
max pilling gave 4 of 5 stars. Because this boot does a great job of locking my heel in, I find that it enables me to have a responsive ride even though I am in a beginner boot. This boot is a great choice for people learning better technique as they can benefit from a higher response without a super stiff flex.
Versatility
4/5
max pilling gave 4 of 5 stars. While an advanced skier will want a stiffer boot, those with narrow feet can use this boot from day one until they are an advanced skier. Once skiers are going really fast, they will want a stiffer boot, but until then, the Nordica Cruise 80 will do great for most intermediate skiers.
FAQs
What do you love about this product?
max pilling I find that turning at slow speeds is extremely easy in this boot. I usually am a fast skier, but I pulled out these boots when skiing with my beginner wife, which made the whole process very easy. It is easy to flex the boot and then initiate the turn.
Why did you choose this product?
max pilling I chose this product because I needed a softer flexed, comfy boot for days with my wife. The wide last and calf combined with a soft flex help me enjoy slower days, giving my feet a much-needed break from higher-performance boots.
