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K2 Thraxis Snowboard Boot Review

Boots - Boot Reviews

 
User rating
 
4.0 (1)

K2 Thraxis Snowboard Boot Review

thaxis-blk
$399
Advanced to Expert All Mountain to Freeride
Were you worried that Burton was one of the only companies to make a boot over $300 well don't!  K2 stepped up and threw in all the tech the could to compete in the excessive price range of $400 boots.  So is it worth it?  We can't say for sure but we will say the K2 Thraxis is a well made high end All mountain to freeride snowboard boot for people who need more lace up speed than a regular BOA snowboard boot. Unlike some BOA boots K2 makes a very dense liner to shield you from the pressure points a boa lacing system can cause if you tighten it up really tight.  The strange thing about the Thraxis is they have 1 BOA for the liner, 1 BOA for the upper and 1 BOA for the lower.  Even with 3 BOA coils it's still not as adjustable as speed lace or some traditional lace boots because the upper and lower aren't completely seperate like some BOA Boots.  but it is one of the the easiest BOA to take on and off. No one else in the industry does this but it's an interesting idea.  K2 always seems to have different designs for their boots and bindings. In the case of the traxis the design doesn't hinder the performance.  The Traxis is a solid performing boot.  Is it an equal to the Burton Ion or DC Status?  tough call.... We will say that the Traxis is one incredibly comfortable, responsive and easy to adjust boot so if it appeals to you then go for it.

How It Rides

Flex Stiff   Upper Adjustability Good   Traction Excellent
Comfort Excellent   Lower Adjustability Good   Sole Cushioning Excellent
Heel Hold Excellent   Response Excellent   Board/Binding Integration Excellent

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The Good Ride Take

The Good Ride Take on K2
K2 is a big company and is almost secretive when it comes to trying their gear before you buy it.  So many companies are really proud of their gear and try to do everything they can to get you to ride it.   K2 seems to do the bare minimum and despite its size has the least amount of gear to demo than almost any other company.  Their policy seems to be if you want to try our stuff you have to buy it.  K2 choose Flat Camber and rocker/camber snowboards and hasn’t chosen to work with any hybrid shapes.  Some people love or hate their flat camber but their flat/rocker shapes seem to be some of the best out there and are well liked.  When it comes to Bindings K2 spends a lot of time working on the quick release side of things instead of working on improved board flex and turn initiation like other companies have as of late.  Their boots are well made and pretty comfortable but many don’t have the traditional upper and lower BOA system that others do.  Instead they have an inner and outer lacing system which some like but to us it doesn’t make sense.  Their customer support is not on par with some of the best out there.  There is no customer service phone # on their site to call so you must contact them via email.

 

Company Info

K2 Thraxis 2012

~The~

Thraxis

 

$399.99

 

YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL

The 2011-2012 K2 Thraxis™ snowboard boot continues to change perceptions of what a high performance snowboard boot can be and do. Combining the Boa Focus system with K2’s patented Boa®Conda™ Liner tightening means endless options for true custom fit.

Triple Boa

Triple Boa Boots Technology

Ultimate adjustability

with 3 boa control reels there is nothing you can't customize with this system. 2 boa reels make up the boa focus system with it's upper and lower zone tightening. Then the third reel adjusts the BoaConda internal liner tightening.

Triple Boa Boots Technology

Harshmellow - Boots

Harshmellow - Boots Boots Technology

HEELS REJOICE

Formulated for long lasting impact absorption and vibration killing, the same Harshmellow material used in boards and bindings can be found in our boots. Integrated in the heel and forefoot areas of our top boots, minimizing rebound and making landings softer and more controlled.

Harshmellow - Boots Boots Technology

vibram

vibram Boots Technology

Legendary durability & grip

Known for their deep heritage in the outdoor footwear industry, Vibram outsoles provide the absolute best in tread performance. Focusing on lightweight, superior grip and long lasting durability these exclusive designs and rubber compounds can't be topped.

vibram Boots Technology

Boa Partnership

Boa Partnership Boots Technology

10 years of boa® history

K2 introduced Boa® lacing systems to the snowboard market 10 years ago and now, more than ever, K2’s decade of partnership with Boa® is a stand out advantage. For 2011 we continue to lead the charge, featuring our exclusive K2 Boa® CONDA, low-friction, low-profile guides, Boa® H2 reel closures, as well as many other advancements within each Boa®-equipped model. K2 continues to offer the most progressive, comfortable and fastest Boa® systems on the market.

Boa Partnership Boots Technology

Intuition

Intuition Boots Technology

Intuition Pro-Foam 3D

Intuition Pro-Foam 3D Boots Technology

Precision fit and dialed riding performance that holds up to pro abuse.

• High density thermo-forming Ultralon® foam
• Internal “J” bar and external “J” bar with full body reinforcement for heel hold and powerful control
• Integrated power strap for extra support and stay-tight closure
• 3D molded DUAL EVA insole with HARSHMELLOW pods

Intuition Pro-Foam 3D Boots Technology

"Super-Light" Vibram Sole With Harshmellow

 

We have managed to create a sole that is 30% lighter than our previous offerings that still maintains superior on snow performance. The tread patterns precisely designed with Vibram® for peak performance, reducing the rubber coverage while maintaining superb traction and durability where you need it most. HARSHMELLOW in the forefoot and heel adds the ultimate in damping and shock absorption.

"Super-Light" Vibram Sole With Harshmellow Boots Technology

 

K2 Thraxis 2011

K2 Snowboarding Thraxis Snowboard Boot
$399.95
THREE = INFINITY
The 2010-11 K2 Thraxis™ changes everything you know about snowboard boots. Three reels combine for infinite fit combinations. One Boa® spinner dials in the liner with K2’s patented CONDA system, the other two allow for maximum adjustment of the shell. A NEW lighter-than-ever Vibram® outsole with integrated HARSHMELLOW ensures maximum grip and cushy landings. Moldable Intuition™ liners and a lower profile round out K2’s most advanced footwear bonanza.
intuition
Best Thermo-formable fit liners on the Market
harshmellow
Vibration Force Field
boa-conda
Boa® Conda - Dialed in liner fit on the fly

Thraxis Construction Features

LINER:
LINER:
Intuition™: Pro-Foam 3D Thermo-form Ultralon® liner, Aegis Anti Microbial
LINER FIT:
LINER FIT:
Moldable Internal/External J bars, External Fit Cage, Integrated Asym Power Strap
LINER LACING:
LINER LACING:
K2 Boa® CONDA System
FOOTBED:
FOOTBED:
3D formed Dual Density EVA with Harshmellow
SOLE:
SOLE:
Vibram™ Super Light Sole with Harshmellow Technology
SHELL LACING:
SHELL LACING:
Boa® Focus System

 

K2 Traxis 2010

THREE = INFINITY
Three dials combine for an infinite number of adjustability in all dimensions. The Thraxis is going to change everything you know about snowboard boots.
Combine an engineer's ingenuity with the superlative real-world demands of a pro rider, and what you get is the groundbreaking Thraxis. Three separate Boa® reels offer unlimited adjustability for that perfect "dialed in" fit to your exact specifications. Lightweight but supportive in all the right places thanks to K2's Boa® CONDA System. Virbram® sole keeps traction at an all-time high, while HARSHMELLOW keeps harsh impacts at an all-time low. Get functional and futuristic with the Thraxis.
SIZES
6-13, (1/2 sizes 8, 9, 10, 11)
Black

FLEX INDICATOR

CONSTRUCTION FEATURES

LINER:
Intuition™: Pro-Foam 3D Thermo-form Ultralon® liner, Aegis Anti Microbial
LINER FIT:
Internal/External J bars, Integrated Power Strap
LINER LACING:
K2 Boa®: CONDA System
FOOTBED:
3D formed dual density EVA with Harshmellow
SOLE:
Vibram™ Super Light Sole with Harshmellow Technology
SHELL LACING:
Boa® Focus System
DETAILS:
3D formed tongue


Pictures

K2 Thraxis 2012

K2 Thraxis 2011

K2 Thraxis 2010



Compare Laces & Sizing

BOA vs. Speed Lace vs. Traditional Lace
A Snowboard Boot Lacing System Comparison by The Good Ride.

The Good Ride Take on BOA Boots- A BOA Boot has a steel cable attached to some sort of plastic Coiler mechanism that tightens the boot instead of laces.  There are 2 main types of BOA boots.  
1. Single BOA- This uses just one BOA Coiler to adjust the entire boot.
2. Double BOA - This uses 2 BOA Coilers for upper and lower adjusting.  Some have 1 for the outside and 1 for the inside but most are for upper and lower. 
BOA boots are the easiest to get on, get off and adjust out of any boot.  Single BOA boots have the least upper/lower adjustability of any boot because the bottom and top is tightened by one coil. If you have a Double BOA (2 Dials for upper and lower) they are closer to other lacing systems but still not as good.  Both the upper and lower dials adjust the ankle in the same place.  This means you don't have complete separation like you do with Speed Lace and most Traditional Lace Boots.  The biggest issue with BOA boots is if they break it requires a shop or the manufacturer to fix them.   It’s usually not the cable that breaks but the dials.   Out of all the boots you can crank a BOA tighter than any other boot which can be a good or bad thing.  There have been some complaints that BOA boots can have some pressure points from the cable system when tightened too tight.   The bottom line is BOA tech is a cool technological advancement that will work well with many riders and is super easy to adjust.  In the end it comes down to personal preference and BOA could be right for you.

The Good Ride Take on Traditional Lace- Traditional Lace is what most people know.  It’s reliable and easy to repair.  Lace boots take a lot more effort than BOA or Speed Lace.  Also many riders complain about blisters in attempts to get them tight.  Some Lacing systems have handles at the top that connect to the laces and we love this.  Another thing we like is when the upper lace hooks hold the lace in place so each section can tighten independently.  When you have this along with a handle connected to the end of the laces it’s more adjustable than BOA and Speed lace.  We really like this but it’s almost not a traditional lace boot.  It’s more a hybrid but whatever you call it we like it!  However it’s not great in terms of the time it takes to get things dialed out or make minor adjustments on the hill.

The Good Ride Take on Speed Lace- Speed lace is a perfect compromise between BOA and Traditional lace.  It’s almost as fast as BOA and more adjustable.  Some Traditional Lace is just as adjustable but speed lace is easier to do so.  We really like how the upper and lower laces are 100% separate. This is a huge advantage over BOA Boots and some traditional laces that don’t lock at each hook.   Speed Lace is super easy to tighten up and dial out.  It’s also pretty easy to make small adjustments throughout the course of the day.   If the laces break out on the hill it will be a lot more difficult to fix than traditional laces but it can be done without help from a shop or sending it back.   If you are a 100 day a year rider then plan on changing out your laces half way through the season.   We have been lucky so far and never had one break on the hill because any time they start to get frayed they break.  We mainly ride speed lace boots but we aren't that high on ourselves to say that's the way it should be.  Everyone is different.

All lacing systems have strengths and weaknesses.  It’s up to you to figure out what will work the best.

User reviews

Average user rating from: 1 user(s)

 

Overall Rating:
 
4.0
 
 

Trying it out

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Just picked up a pair of these, will be riding them tonight for the first time. Coming from a set of the Burton Hail, I wanted something both stiffer and more responsive. While I have loved Hails (I have had 2 pairs) for the comfort and flex, it was time to upgrade in the response category to go with my other new equipment. I am riding a 2011 Burton Custom Flying-V with 2010 CO2 est bindings, and have been feeling like I can't take full advantage of the stiffer binding if my boot is flexing and sloppy inside it!
Try-on impression: The only boot I can remember putting my foot into with a stiffer feel was a Burton Driver X! In this same sitting I had tried on a Rome Folsom, and that boot was MUCH softer than I expected after reading about it on this site. Needless to say, the Thraxis was much more of what I had in mind when I went into the store even though it was not even on my radar at the time. The liner in the Rome Folsom is the most comfortable I have ever put on, so the K2 was almost losing points before my foot was all the way in! (K2's liners do exactly what they should without you noticing, but the Folsom was like a tempurpedic mattress wrapping my foot) Anyhow, once I started to crank down the internal ankle boa, I was pretty much hooked. An easy, fluid, and functional way to address heel hold without having to unlace any other portion of the boot is genius! Having separate upper and lower adjustment boas works well and is easy, but if the boot had a regular lace it would still be fine with me. I assume that is what the T1 is for, but there were none available for the price I got these at... I will update with riding impressions after a day or 2 in them!
Overall Rating:
 
4.0
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Reviewed by Ian
February 16, 2011