For ultimate response, supreme fit, and technical features that dominate the freeride category, look no further than the K2 Thraxis. This is K2's stiffest flexing and most supportive snowboard boot, built to service even the most demanding intermediate to expert all-mountain freeriders.
Let's delve into the details that make the K2 Thraxis a top contender in the snowboard boot market.
Key Features and Technologies
Zonal BOA® Fit System
The Thraxis features a Zonal BOA® Fit System with three BOA® dials: two for zonal exterior lacing and one controlling K2's Conda liner lacing system. This allows you to micro-adjust your fit and eliminate heel lift by securing a soft, urethane chip around the 45-degree angle of the ankle.
Boa® Conda Liner Lacing
The Boa® Conda system allows you to tighten, loosen or adjust your liner on-the-fly from the outside of your boot. A patented Conda "chip" cups the ankle and top of the foot via a soft, flexible urethane structure.
Intuition® Pro Foam 3D Liner
Your foot is wrapped in K2's most supportive liner, crafted from multiple densities of heat-moldable Intuition® foam which can be remolded repeatedly for a perfect fit throughout the boot's life. K2's most supportive liner uses a high-density Intuition foam for added stiffness without sacrificing custom molded comfort. K2 added internal and external J bars where extra support is needed around the ankle.
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This liner is also outfitted with Spaceheater material to keep you warm and dry, and integrated with 95% post-consumer recycled coffee mesh from SCafe to eliminate unwanted odor.
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Endo 2.0 Flex Construction
Endo 2.0 Flex Construction represents a complete rethink of how a boot is constructed and flexes. Endo brings precise, engineered flex that stays consistent from day one through the life of the boot.
K2 Boa Partnership
K2 introduced Boa® lacing systems to the snowboard market more than 10 years ago. Now, more than ever, K2’s decade of partnership with Boa® is a stand out advantage. They continue to lead the charge, featuring exclusive K2 Boa® low-friction, low-profile guides, Boa® H2 and H3 reel closures, as well as many other advancements within each Boa®-equipped model.
Fit and Comfort
The K2 Thraxis does a pretty good job fitting a wider foot. It’s tighter around the ankle but opens up very well in the toe box to accommodate wider feet. If you are worried about heel hold, then the K2 Thraxis will lock in even a smaller heel/ankle and keep you secure. You have about all you can get from BOA here. It’s not quick on but pretty fast off. No complaints here with the K2 Thraxis.
The flex on the boot is amazing. It is as stiff as you want it to be, but that lets you run it without cranking everything down, so you foot feels great. Also, for me the shape is perfect. Carving or flexing the boot hard it distributes pressure very evenly and creates zero pressure points. Sizing seems true to the other boots I've ridden.
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One note if you're trying this on: The inner boa has a moveable plate that velcros to the shell and adjusts where the pressure is applied for heel hold. Moving this makes a huge difference. Even just a few millimeters. If you feel instep pressure try moving that up. Finally, as is usual the stock insoles are completely worthless. It is recommended to put performance insoles in mine for great arch support.
Flex and Response
This is a pretty stiff boot, right up there with any other stiff boot in the industry. The response matches the flex as well and it’s up there. Maybe not a 10 out of 10, but definitely a 9, but it lasts a long time.
While there is minimal ankle articulation, there are other really cool things that make the K2 Thraxis last a long time. The addition of Urethane throughout most of the boots frame is a great idea. It’s a smart approach to dealing with preservation of the flex. It’s like having a lot of ankle articulation.
Additional Observations
The newer years have done a good job of reducing their footprint.
Some riders have experienced issues with the inner tongue system, which is designed for perfect heel hold. The steel cables running through hard plastic tubes can create pressure points, leading some users to remove the system entirely.
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Warranty
1 Year Warranty - Covered under manufacturer warranty for 1 year from the time of purchase.
Summary of Features
Here's a table summarizing the key features of the K2 Thraxis snowboard boots:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Zonal BOA® Fit System | Three BOA® dials for micro-adjustments and eliminating heel lift. |
| Boa® Conda Liner Lacing | On-the-fly liner adjustment with a patented Conda "chip" for ankle support. |
| Intuition® Pro Foam 3D Liner | Heat-moldable liner with high-density foam and J bars for added support. |
| Endo 2.0 Flex Construction | Engineered flex that remains consistent over the boot's lifespan. |
| Spaceheater Material | Keeps feet warm and dry. |
| SCafe Coffee Mesh | 95% post-consumer recycled coffee mesh to eliminate odor. |