Review: K2 Mindbender 120 BOA Ski Boots · 2024
By Curated Experts
max pilling and Ryan Z.
K2 Mindbender 120 BOA Ski Boots · 2024
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$799.95
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The Curated Take
4.9/5
The K2 Mindbender 120 BOA Ski Boots cater to intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a hybrid boot that performs well in the resort and backcountry. They feature a 120 flex, offering a balance of stiffness and playfulness, suitable for aggressive riding. The BOA system accommodates various foot widths, ensuring comfort and easy adjustability. While heavier than pure touring boots, they excel in downhill performance. The boots maintain durability and comfort with effective waterproofing and a responsive design. They are ideal for skiers who value versatility and comfort without sacrificing performance.
Ideal for
- Comfortable without sacrificing performance
- Accommodates large amount of foot widths
- Touring/resort hybrid
Not ideal for
- Heavier for a touring boot
- 120 flex is not suitable for beginners
- Not the best at touring when compared to touring-specific boots
Claimed Stiffness Accuracy
At a flex of 120, this boot strikes a great balance of being stable at high speeds, having precision in my movements while also being flexy enough to butter, flex,...Read more
The boots are soft when warm but stiffen nicely when cool. When they are warm, they are very easy to get on and off, which is definitely helpful! Overall, I...Read more
Heel Hold
Adding the calf shims makes my heels stay put even better. I first skied these boots in really icy, hardpack conditions, and even when charging through moguls, my heels stayed...Read more
My heel is pretty much locked in with this boot. I have had to tighten them a bit more than I originally thought, but the boots were good to go...Read more
Weight
At just under 1,700 grams, the K2 Mindbender boots are not dedicated touring boots. Skiers will feel the weight just a bit more when touring than other boots, but they...Read more
Waterproofing
The first day I skied these boots was on a warm, wet, and slightly rainy day. Even while touring in these boots, I didn't get wet feet. I found that...Read more
Since I have had the Mindbender, no water has gotten into my boots. I have also not skied any super deep powder, so that may be the final test. But...Read more
Durability
A major concern people had about the BOA design was its durability. However, durability will not be an issue. The BOA cable is strong and thick, and the actual BOA...Read more
I have had no issues with durability. The BOA seems strong and is in a position where it will not be hit often, if at all. The boots themselves seem...Read more
Walk Mode
The spring lever design makes getting in and out of walk mode easy. It is nice to use in the parking lot and does a good job of giving me...Read more
I love the walk mode in this boot. K2 improved it from past year models, adding a locking mechanism that ensures I won't escape ski mode unwantedly. I never had...Read more
Responsiveness
Because of the BOA design, skiers can get their last dialed into the ideal width. If it is too roomy, turn the dial, and they will feel more precise. The...Read more
The boot is very responsive. I feel very connected to the ski, and what I want to do with the boot translates very well. I don't feel like I have...Read more
Versatility
With touring capabilities, walk mode, and a burly design, this is a great boot if someone wants to ski both in and out of bounds. Skiers can tour just fine...Read more
I think these boots and all Mindbenders, in general, are some of the most versatile options available to consumers. This boot is ready if I want to charge on groomers,...Read more
Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
max pilling
Ryan Z.
About the boots
- Model: K2 Mindbender 120 BOA Ski Boots · 2024
Test conditions
- When I bought these: December 2023
- Where I’ve used them: Tamarack, Idaho
- How many times I've used it: 7
Expert Reviews of the K2 Mindbender 120 BOA Ski Boots
max pilling The Mindbender BOA 120 is great for people who want a boot that can do well in both the resort and the backcountry. The 120 flex is a great in-between for aggressive riders who want a little bit more flex to be playful. The BOA system is especially comfortable and easy to use, accommodating many different foot widths, and very easy to adjust on the fly. The boots are very good for those who want comfort without sacrificing performance. A great walk mode and touring pins allow this boot to be good on the way up when backcountry skiing but still optimized for the downhill. It's a versatile and comfortable boot.
Ryan Z. I have had the Mindbender 120 in the past, and this new version takes everything great before and makes it better. As with every K2 boot, the fit directly out of the box is terrific. They are comfortable and ready to go. The walk feature is something that I think is great to have, regardless of whether skiers plan to use it for touring or not. I am pleased with how well the BOA locks my foot into place and how snug it feels while using the boot. It definitely turned me into a believer that BOA is the way of the future.
Product Specs
| Age Group | Adult |
| Gender | Men's |
| Model year | 2024 |
| Ski boot type | Alpine touring |
| Walk/tour mode (Y/N) | Yes |
| Skill level | Advanced, Expert |
Review Ratings
Averaged between reviewers, view below how all experts voted.
Claimed Stiffness Accuracy
5/5
max pilling gave 5 of 5 stars. At a flex of 120, this boot strikes a great balance of being stable at high speeds, having precision in my movements while also being flexy enough to butter, flex, and pop while remaining comfortable. The 120 flex feels noticeably softer than my 130 flex boots.
Ryan Z. gave 4 of 5 stars. The boots are soft when warm but stiffen nicely when cool. When they are warm, they are very easy to get on and off, which is definitely helpful! Overall, I would say they may be on the softer side compared to the other 120 models.
Heel Hold
5/5
max pilling gave 5 of 5 stars. Adding the calf shims makes my heels stay put even better. I first skied these boots in really icy, hardpack conditions, and even when charging through moguls, my heels stayed put to give me all the control I needed.
Ryan Z. gave 4 of 5 stars. My heel is pretty much locked in with this boot. I have had to tighten them a bit more than I originally thought, but the boots were good to go once I found my settings. It may vary from person to person, so skiers may have to mess with the BOA a bit.
Weight
4/5
max pilling gave 4 of 5 stars. At just under 1,700 grams, the K2 Mindbender boots are not dedicated touring boots. Skiers will feel the weight just a bit more when touring than other boots, but they are lighter than most resort boots, helping their legs stay fresh on the hill. It strikes a good balance of being great on the downhill and ability to get up the hill.
Waterproofing
5/5
max pilling gave 5 of 5 stars. The first day I skied these boots was on a warm, wet, and slightly rainy day. Even while touring in these boots, I didn't get wet feet. I found that the liner does a good job of wicking sweat away and keeping my feet dry, while the outer shell repels water and doesn't have cracks or holes for water to seep through.
Ryan Z. gave 5 of 5 stars. Since I have had the Mindbender, no water has gotten into my boots. I have also not skied any super deep powder, so that may be the final test. But so far, it has not been a problem. I have been warm as well, so I have no complaints as of yet.
Durability
5/5
max pilling gave 5 of 5 stars. A major concern people had about the BOA design was its durability. However, durability will not be an issue. The BOA cable is strong and thick, and the actual BOA dial has a release if it gets hit, preventing damage. These boots will stand up to many years of stress and abuse.
Ryan Z. gave 5 of 5 stars. I have had no issues with durability. The BOA seems strong and is in a position where it will not be hit often, if at all. The boots themselves seem well-built, and I have had no complaints about durability. The buckles are strong and clip well, and even after a few knocks, there is no bending or anything like that.
Walk Mode
5/5
max pilling gave 5 of 5 stars. The spring lever design makes getting in and out of walk mode easy. It is nice to use in the parking lot and does a good job of giving me extra range of motion when touring. The walk mode has a durable lever that will ensure I never accidentally start skiing in walk mode.
Ryan Z. gave 5 of 5 stars. I love the walk mode in this boot. K2 improved it from past year models, adding a locking mechanism that ensures I won't escape ski mode unwantedly. I never had an issue before, but this adds some peace of mind for sure.
Responsiveness
5/5
max pilling gave 5 of 5 stars. Because of the BOA design, skiers can get their last dialed into the ideal width. If it is too roomy, turn the dial, and they will feel more precise. The 120 flex helps keep my heel in place to control my every movement. I sized down one size for these boots, helping me get a precise feel.
Ryan Z. gave 5 of 5 stars. The boot is very responsive. I feel very connected to the ski, and what I want to do with the boot translates very well. I don't feel like I have to put extra effort into my turns or anything like that at all. I would give this a 9.5/10 in this category.
Versatility
5/5
max pilling gave 5 of 5 stars. With touring capabilities, walk mode, and a burly design, this is a great boot if someone wants to ski both in and out of bounds. Skiers can tour just fine on these boots while taking them to the resort. On top of that, the BOA system can accommodate multiple-foot widths so that it will work for more people than the typical boot.
Ryan Z. gave 5 of 5 stars. I think these boots and all Mindbenders, in general, are some of the most versatile options available to consumers. This boot is ready if I want to charge on groomers, freeride off-piste, or go touring. The boot's fit is excellent and even allows this to be a decent option for some freestyle skiers.
FAQs
What do you love about this product?
max pilling This boot's performance, versatility, and comfort are the best parts. I get a boot that can ski both in and out of bounds and tour while having a 120 flex for tons of performance. The cherry on top is the BOA construction that allows me to adjust the last of the boot to be however tight or loose I want. This helps to have a very comfortable boot that can be highly adjustable.
Ryan Z. I have been skiing in the new Mindbender since the beginning of this season, and I have had a fantastic experience with the boot thus far. I have a wider foot than what is normally permitted in Mindbender boots, with the standard Mindbenders being a bit on the narrower side. This new boot starts a bit wider, and the BOA system allows me to make the boot snug without putting all the pressure where the two front buckles normally are. This boot has allowed me to ski the way I want to.
What was your favorite moment with this gear?
max pilling While skiing at my home resort for the holidays, I could quickly go out and do a tour off the side of the resort on these boots, loosen them for excellent comfort, and then tour back to the resort to ski with my family. The versatility of being comfortable while skiing anything I want makes this boot great.
Why did you choose this product?
Ryan Z. I had previously had Mindbenders and loved them but my foot was a bit too wide to be 100% comfortable. Now with this option, it works out perfectly.
max pilling
Ski ExpertRyan Z.
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