Head 2022/23 Snowboard Boots Preview

Will you be using any previously unseen materials (in build, cushioning, support or grip) or construction methods?
The revolutionary boot fitting system Liquid Fit: Provides the most precise and quickest customization by using a 100% flexible, paraffin-based material that can be injected in Liquid Fit ready liners. The Liquid Fit material then automatically adjusts to the individual foot shape, focusing on the most critical areas of the foot: the ankle and the heel section. This increases precision, performance, comfort, and heel hold. Liquid Fit material can be added and extracted from the liner also multiple times, according to the individual demands. The customization process has to be done by a local HEAD retailer. It is a quick and easy process, which does not require a lot of time. Liquid Fit technology is used in our pro boots EIGHT BOA LIQUID FIT and FOUR BOA FOCUS LIQUID FIT in season 2022/23.

What lacing systems are your main focus in 22/23, and why? Is shifting customer preference influencing what you offer, or are things pretty stable now?
We have mainly used BOA Fit Systems for many years as they are simple to use, comfortable, time-saving, and durable at the same time. No more fumbling with laces in the cold.Depending on the boot model, we use different BOA® Fit Systems, from the version with a single BOA dial for our entry-level boots up to BOA Hybrid or BOA Mid Power Focus used in our top boots as those configurations allow riders to charge harder and perform at their peak.

BOA Liquid Fit

Please tell us about the dominant visual themes in next year’s boot line (materials as well as colours), including any interesting artist collabs you have lined up.
Most boot models have simple but modern designs and color themes, like black, white, and brown, to match a wide range of bindings-, boards- and sportswear designs. Even if the boots show a clean look in general, a lot of design details are attached, like the use of different fabrics tone in tone but with little color spots and contrasts attached. These also includeelements from running shoe technology, to underline the boot’s contemporary and clean look.

Which part of your range are you investing in the most? Freestyle, freeride, do-it-all, beginner…? Why?
We mostly invest in the “do-it-all” part, as we want to make it easy for our consumers. Other that with boards, our customers do not buy 3, 4 different models for different situations. Once a consumer has found a boot that fits perfectly and performs in a way they like, we feel that they should be able to use it anywhere on the mountain.

Which other footwear sectors do you follow which influence the line?
Mainly the running shoe industry. In addition, we are also taking a close look at the bike, skate, and snow footwear industry.

SCOUT, LYT-BOA, Coiler

What are your top marketing stories for next season?
In regards to our snowboard boots, our top marketing story is Liquid Fit technology, a revolutionary and sustainable snowboard boot customization system. Snowboard boots customizable to this level are unseen so far on the market! As a part of the HEAD winter sports world, we use the synergies, technologies, and innovative approach of the brand, with the clear goal of becoming the technical leader for snowboard equipment. Also, the Liquid Fit Technology is implemented in both, ski and snowboard boots, making it better accessible for the customer, as a dealer who only sells ski boots can also customize the snowboard boots, as the customization follows the same principle.

Best Sellers/Hero products
Although the high-performance EIGHT BOA LIQUID FIT has already a great out-of-the-box fit, it features a heat-moldable liner that is Liquid Fit ready to fully customize it to the individual foot shape for a maximum foothold, comfort, and performance! For lacing, it features BOA® for the BOA® Fit Systems for many years as they are simple to use, comfortable, time-saving, and durable at the same time. No more fumbling with laces in the cold. Depending on the boot model, we use different BOA® Fit Systems, from the version with a single BOA dial for our entry-level boots up to BOA Hybrid or BOA Mid Power Focus used in our top boots as those configurations allow riders to charge harder and perform at their peak.

The SCOUT LYT BOA COILER is amongst our best-selling boots and the lightest boots on the market. The new construction offers a comfortable, forgiving boot that is just simply fun to ride in. Although light in weight, the sole offers plenty of grips and has outstanding dampening performance. BOA® offers a fast, effortless, and precise fit. The liner of the boot is heat-moldable and can be customized to your foot.

The FH BOA was developed in collab with our Futureheads team that needed an advanced youth boot. Its cuff cut supports the natural stance on the board and avoids the boot from bulging out. The liner is heat-moldable for a perfect fit. The BOA® Fit System is easy to use and can be micro-adjusted for the best fit. Add to this two-size footbed and you have a lightweight boot for young guns to expand their snowboarding to the next level.