Nidecker Altai Written Review: How It Rides And Who It Is For Review by The Good Ride

• User Reviews
• Product Specs
• Product Images
• Questions?

Ethics Statement: The manufacturer doesn’t pay us to write these reviews.  We do make money from the “Where To Buy” links, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average riders’ perspective.

How This Review Happened:  Borrowed it and sent it back.

Size: 9
Days: 1
Conditions: Good Varied Spring Conditions.
Riders: James (Size 9, 5’10” 185-190lbs),
Insoles: Footprint Insole Technology Gamechangers
Bindings: Union Ultra
Boards: Gnu Gremlin
Jacket: Volcom Guide Jacket.
Pant: Burton AK Gore-Tex Pro 3L Hover Pant
Helmet: Smith Maze
Goggle: Smith 4D Mag
Gloves: Burton AK Tech Leather Glove,

James’ Foot Specs
Foot Size: 9 US
Foot Width: E
Arch Length: Right 9.5 and Left 9
Instep: (left and Right) 10.5”
Calf Circumference: Top of boot 17” & Bottom of boot 12”

Fit

The Nidecker Altai has a pretty true fit length wise and a normal fit width wise. It’s tight for my E width feet and it will need a good bit of heat molding with boot fitting foam on the sides to make it fit.

Flex/Response & Flex Retention

There is a pretty medium to medium stiff flex with the Nidecker Altai and the response seems to match. There is some softer material near the ankle to help preserve the flex and have it flex more naturally as well.

Adjustability/Heel Hold/On & Off

I personally love the upper/lower separation of the Nidecker Altai’s BOA system. There is good heel hold but if you really want BOA to focus around your ankles and hold them in place there are other boots out there with overlapping Double BOA. For me BOA is slower on than speed lace but easier off. Actually my traditional lace boot is about the same time when putting them on. They are just way more messy.  Both are pretty fast though

Shock Absorption

All this soft EVA foam with no rubber underneath gives the Nidecker Altai good shock absorption

Traction

This could be a deal breaker for many riders because the Nidecker Altai only has rubber on the toe. The rest is slippery EVA foam which is not good at all in hard to icy snow.

Reduced Footprint

The Footprint is about 1cm longer than my Burton Kendo’s in size 9 as well. Both fit the same on the inside. It’s pretty close though to my Burton’s to the point I didn’t have to adjust my binding straps to fit the Nidecker Altai.

Conclusion

The Traction is a deal breaker for me but if EVA foam boots don’t bother you then there is nothing else bad about this boot.

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