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Riding Level Intermediate - Expert
Lacing Type Mixed Lacing
Manufactured in China
Flex Retention Average
Shock Absorption Great
Traction Great
On & Off Ease Average
Warmth Great
Flex Medium/Stiff
Turn Initiation Medium/Fast
Sizing True To Size
Boot Width Medium
Comfort Great
Heel Hold Great
Adjustability Excellent
Reduced Footprint Poor

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K2 Darko 2016 - 2010 Review by The Good Ride

The K2 Darko has been around for a while and is a popular boot in K2’s line. This is like a softer version of the K2 T1 for those that want a little more freedom and a more mellow response. 2015 has a different sole and a few little tweaks that make it more comfortable but both the 2014 and 2015 are good boots.

Ethics Statement: We don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews.  No one is perfect and we do make money from the “Where To Buy” links below, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average riders’ perspective.

Reduced Footprint: K2 is bulky and bigger than most boots and it runs on the bigger side of the spectrum.

Flex:  Very middle ground flex that is a nice balance between support and freedom to move a bit.

Comfort:  K2 rarely is called an uncomfortable boot manufacturer. The K2 Darko is one comfortable boot

Heel Hold:

Adjustability:  We like the lacing for the shell because it allows you to adjust the top and bottom of the boot differently which to many is very important.

Flex Retention:  The Darko boot doesn’t have Endo construction which does an amazing job retaining its flex but it does offer up pretty good flex retention for not having it. It can work for a 100 day a year rider but it’s not in the same world as the Endo construction boots.

Response:  Not like the stiffer K2 boots but it does have some decent response that can work with most boards out there.

Traction:  good traction that can help most riders not slip.

Shock Absorption:  Harshmellow tech is pretty good and it offers up a nice balance of feel and protection.  It’s kind of in between a skate shoe and a super soft cushy snowboard boot.

All in all, this is a good boot and if you don’t need or care about reduced footprint tech then this could make you happy.

 
K2 Darko Past Reviews

2013 and below Review of the K2 Darko

The K2 Darko has had many variations of lacing systems over the years. They had a lace system for 2010, an inner/outer BOA system in 2011 and for 2012 a BOA on the inside Lace on the outside system which is unique. For us the 2012 is definitely the call because of the added adjustability but it’s all personal preference.

All the Darko boots from all years are both incredibly comfortable and have good shock absorption.  Some but not all of us at The Good Ride don’t like a BOA in a liner because it means you are getting wire closer to your feet and possibly causing pressure points over time.  It’s more paranoia than any actual issues because we don’t ride most boots 100+ days and no one has reported this yet.  There is also have some articulation at the ankle to help the boot retain its flex longer. Despite it’s weird Lace/Inner BOA Design the Darko is well built, comfortable and supportive for it’s price range. K2 knows how to build a comfortable boot around your feet.

 
K2 Darko Specs

 
K2 Darko Images

We try to get as many images of the K2 Darko, but forgive us if they're not all there.

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

K2 Darko User Reviews

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