Thought I’d give you quick feedback on Hoji Free v Lange XT LV Free Promodel since you don’t carry the Lange and there is some comparison to be made.
It was obviously pretty warm here end of season so that obviously impacts things v cold weather, but I’d just had the Lange out couple of days before so close apples to apples.
Basically, the walk mode and ROM were huge differences. Far better on Hoji, no downside to that system. I didn't do as Dynafit suggested and adjust completely to downhill first then leave as is when switching to walk mode. I did have to loosen booster strap a little and first buckle one notch to be in best position for walk but still, to get to downhill comfort in transition was very easy, easier, than with a traditional system. Flex – pretty close. Lange Promodel is stated at 140 and is stiffer than the 130 XT Free LV which I've also owned and stiffer than the Cochise Pro 130, but if anything it’s only a little stiffer at first part of range and I believe the Hoji is smoother through the range – surprisingly more alpine boot like.
Volume was very close, but the instep height is lower on Hoji and that actually helped my foot where the higher volume on Lange in that part of the shell was a little bit of an issue.
My foot felt lower in the shell, closer to ski in the Hoji – very different feel that way between boots. Not sure what that is. Threw my old Cochise on and difference with Hoji was the same. Maybe a little less ramp angle so I feel lower? Not sure. But different for me in a positive way.
Only thing I didn’t like so much was adjusting that 2nd buckle. Obviously didn’t have everything dialed in yet, so had to stop coming down and adjust. It’s difficult to make small adjustments with the strap if standing awkwardly but it was my first day with boot.I think I'll get batter at it, but can't see how it will be as easy as a traditional buckle.
So I definitely preferred the Hoji Free and to a level that surprised me. I think the only way someone wouldn’t is if they had an issue with the lower instep.
One last note is that the length felt very similiar to the Lange in case that's a reference point for someone. 29.5 lange; 29 Hoji.
Dynafit Hoji Free Boot
For the hard charging skier who regularly ventures into the sidecountry and the backcountry, the fine folks down at Dynafit have for you the Hoji Free, a quiver-of-one freeride touring boot that is compatible with both alpine and tech bindings. If you plan to spend most of your time skiing out of backcountry trailheads, we recommend you either hit that preseason training program especially hard and develop some serious stamina, or maybe consider one of our purely backcountry touring boots, found here. However, for folks who ride the chairlift as often as they hit the skin track, the Hoji Free is hands down one of the best options out there. With a wide range of motion and flexible v-shaped tongue, you'll be outpacing all your pals who are wearing true alpine boots with "walk" modes, while you zip along out front. On the descent, the 130 flex index rating of the Hoji Free feels indistinguishable from an alpine boot, where three buckles and a stout power strap offer all the security you need to ski as hard as you can. Fully moldable liner ensures that even the pickiest of feet can be made to feel great in these boots after a quick visit to the shop.
- Unique to the Hoji line is the Hoji Lock, a ski/walk lever system which adds tension to the upper strap and buckle when in ski mode, while removing that tension in walk mode.
- UN EN ISO 9523 compatible, meaning that this boot works with tech bindings as well as touring frame bindings and alpine bindings with adjustable toe height.
- Quick Step In means that precarious transitions are simpler and easier for you to get through without getting too puckered.
- Full size toe and heel welts means you can use automatic crampons for booting up icy couloirs.
- Fully moldable Sidas liner offer you all the customizable potential you could possibly want.
- Pomoca sole will stand up to years of parking lot abuse and rocky scrambling.
- Made in Germany.
Update 2020/21: Now available up to size 31.0.
Compare otherFreeride Boots
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
1654g [27.5] |
| Weight (pair) | 3308g [27.5] |
| Buckles | Hoji Lock. 3 buckles + Power Strap |
| Boot Sole Length | 290mm [25.0/25.5] 300mm [26.0/26.5] 310mm [27.0/27.5] 320mm [28.0/28.5] 330mm [29.0/29.5] |
| Binding Compatibility | Tech, frame and all Alpine bindings |
| Cuff Rotation | 55° |
| Forward Lean(s) | 17°, 11° with spoiler removed |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
| Materials | Grilamid loaded with glass fibers |
| Liner | SIDAS |
| Sole | Formula Pomoca Climb |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Free touring and anything else you are a afraid to do in lighter boots |
| Notes | A Hoji boot with a tighter fit. And a toe for use with any crampon and alpine binding. |
| Bottom Line | The new Free touring standard |
Questions & Reviews
6/1/2020
Keith
(used product a few times)
Comment on this review:
2/1/2020
Wondering what the ramp angle is on the Hoji boot, both the Pro and Free.
2/1/2020
Hey Gordie, unfortunately we don't keep measurements on boot ramp angle, nor do we have a way to measure it -- sorry to say!
Answer this question:
1/9/2020
I was told to go up a half a size from your normal ski boot when you choose a touring boot. Is that where you would start as well?
1/9/2020
Hi Todd, I'm not sure that's a great rule of thumb, there's a lot of nuance in this equation! Your best bet is to visit our boot fitter.
Answer this question:
12/22/2019
Does it come in a size 22 ?
12/22/2019
Bart, this model only goes down to 25. I see Dynafit does make the Pro Tour Womans version in a 22.5.
Few mens boots size below 24 or 25. We do have this in a 22.5 - Zero G.
Few mens boots size below 24 or 25. We do have this in a 22.5 - Zero G.
Answer this question:
10/11/2019
Eric
(downright abused product)
I had the privilege of skiing this boot for the last half of last season and was really impressed with the downhill performance and great "walkability." The 55 degrees of cuff rotation is as advertised and really easy to utilize with the "Hoji-Lock" lever on the spine of the boot. The fact that the lever also loosens the cuff buckle and power strap is an added bonus and makes transitions a breeze! On the downhill, the boots hold their own against true alpine boots and I had no problems skiing them hard at the resort as well as out touring. It really is the one boot to do everything in. Despite having a quiver of boots at my disposal, I have found the Hoji Free to be my go-to for both resort and BC days. **Disclosure - I work as a rep for Dynafit**
1/22/2020
Curious how you think the Hoji Free compares in the real world to the Hoji Tour (which I own). I’ve read the specs, just wondering if you have any side by side experience to share. Thx
1/22/2020
Hey Justin, the Hoji Free has the same level of performance as the Hoji Pro Tour, albeit with a slightly different fit (narrower, higher arch) and a newer, beefed-up liner.
Look forward to getting EPoore's input on this as well!
Look forward to getting EPoore's input on this as well!
1/24/2020
Hi Justin, having skied both of them. I would say that the Free is a stiffer flex and a narrower lower shell (more of a performance fit). Having worn them side by side, I would say the 130 (Free) and 120 (Pro Tour) flex rating is accurate. There is more room over the top of the foot in the Free which I really appreciate and more room in the ankle. I wouldn't say there's a noticeable difference in the ROM when touring thanks to them using the same Hoji Lock Mechanism. Having been a Vulcan lover for years, the Free fits the void my Vulcans left in my boot quiver. Hope this helps!
Comment on this review:
8/15/2019
Has the last been normalized as compared to the initial Hoji? That is, have they reverted to the TLT, or something else?
8/15/2019
Hey Thom! We haven't got any in to try on. The word is that it is 'normalized' as you say. Not the TLT or Hoji Pro.
8/15/2019
Hi Thom, as compared to the Hoji Pro, Dynafit brought the toe height down a notch and also made it a bit narrower in the forefoot. The instep was opened somewhat as well.
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