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BREAKING THE MOLD To say the Raichle Flexon Comp ski boot had a cult following would be an understatement. The lightweight, three-piece boot invented by a former NASA scientist was the first to allow a natural flex of the ankle, thanks to a floating ribbed tongue. From the early 80s to the late 90s, Flexon athletes won everything from Olympic downhill medals to mogul titles. The company dissolved by 2000, but a black market for the highly desired boots lingered on with Seth Morrison being the highest profile Flexon hoarder. In 2006, the original molds were revived and reintroduced to loyal and new fans alike under the name Full Tilt Boots. Since then, the company has listened to its customers by not fixing what wasn’t broken.
“We updated what we could, but we didn’t change what didn’t need to,” says Josh Malczyk, Full Tilt global brand director. Over the years, Full Tilt updated things like the liners, buckles and outsoles but there was never a need for an overhaul—unless you were a Full Tilt fan with wider feet than the original narrow shell could accommodate. Brand new for 2015-16, Full Tilt’s wider-lasted Evolution shell adds better fit, function and styling to the company’s classic three-piece DNA. Built from the ground up with new molds and toolings, the new 102-mm-last shell offers an advantageous strength-toweight ratio in a clean profile. The middle buckle sits at a 45-degree angle and “really locks down the heel,” says Malczyk. It’s a precision fit with Full Tilt comfort. The men’s Descendant and women’s Plush offer a range of flex and feature options in the new shell.
In addition to the new shell offerings, Full Tilt’s timetested Classic boot now comes in a bigger size range (and lower price point) to accommodate just about everyone. The company continues to sell parts to Full Tilt customers who customize even further. Because the boots are so versatile, Full Tilt sports an impressive roster of athletes that spans all genres of skiing. Athletes Phil Casabon and Henrik Harlaut will be skiing in the new Evolution shell next season while others will continue to ride and promote many models across the versatile lineup that still speaks to en evergrowing audience.
Often, skiers with wide feet sacrifice comfort or performance. Full Tilt’s new Descendant series offers the Evolution shell with an adjustable three-position forward lean, 45-degree heel lock, asymmetric ribbed tongue (for smoother flex), a ladder cable buckle system and, as always, a heat-moldable Intuition liner for a customizable fit. The Descendant 8, the stiffest model in the series, performs at the highest level while maintaining a smooth flex and light weight. The Plush 6, Full Tilt’s new female-specific 102-mm-last boot, accommodates wider female feet with a light, warm boot that’s easy to get in and out of thanks to an adjustable three-position forward lean and a women’sspecific Intuition liner.
Designing future Full Tilts in Italy
*Also available in black
PLUSH 6 Now women with a slightly wider foot can experience the comfort and performance for which FT has long been known. Using the all-new 3-piece,102 mm lasted Evolution shell and heat-moldable Intuition liners, this boot’s fit and warmth are out of this world. In addition, the adjustable forward lean helps customize performance. $600
CLASSIC Full Tilt’s beloved Classic boot is now offered in a greater range of sizes (22.5-31.5), two colorways and a lower price point than ever before. Featuring the original lightweight 3-piece shell design and a 6-flex tongue, the Classic’s proven performance will help skiers of all ages step up their game. $500
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DESCENDANT 8 The Descendant 8 is the stiffest model in the all-new Descendant Series. Created for skiers with wider feet that refuse to sacrifice comfort and performance, the Descendant boots (also offered in 4-flex and 6-flex models) retain the same award-winning, smooth-flexing, lightweight performance that keeps the world’s top skiers demanding FT. $700
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