It started with an idea. Our snowboard boot scientists approached K2 Snowboarding Team Rider Sage Kotsenburg with a new concept on snowboard boot construction - and the switch flipped, it was on. A first-of-it’s-kind construction comes from a one-piece rubber lower with integrated mesh. To boil it down, this means that the Orton will not only be waterproof, but also warm and dry, all day long. The one-piece-rubber lower is married with a dual-zone BOA® Fit System, making this a versatile boot, fitting feet of all shapes and sizes.
In the development of this boot, Sage spent over 100 days in this product, getting it 100% right. Atop of that, the Orton was tested by our staff, our team of athletes, backcountry guides, and our film crew. Thousands and thousands of hours went into setting a new standard with the Orton. Sage knows that the devil is in the details…and he’s detailed. For the best performance in the bootpack, we chose our Vibram® V5 rubber outside. For ultimate damping and vibration absorption, we chose our Eco-Harshmellow™ injected midsole and Eco-Harshmellow™ Pro insole. For the best possible fit, we chose our performance liner-lasting and a heat moldable, tri-density, Intuition™ Pro Foam 3D Liner. To top it all off, a rip-stop asym lace-cover with a gaiter hook keeps all the snow out.
RESPONSE: 8/10
LACING: H5 Coiler Zonal BOA Fit System - Impact resistant, durable, and performance-driven, the H5 BOA Dial ejects on severe impact and is easily re-inserted into the boot. One dial controls the upper shell lacing, and the other maintains the lower shell lacing.
LINER: Intuition Pro Foam 3D Liner - Heat moldable Intuition foam liner with internal and external J-Bars, cored ankle pockets, and strategically placed seams to keep your foot warm, dry, and comfortable all day long.
INSOLE: Eco-Harshmellow Pro Insole - Three separate compositions, Pro, Plus, and Base, now all incorporate K2’s proprietary Harshmellow™ damping into the layup of the footbed. The result is superior vibration absorbing and comfort for all-day excursions into the backcountry or hiking and riding around the resort.
OUTSOLE: Vibram V5 Outsole with Eco - Harshmellow - Our premium rubber compound provides industry-leading durability and grip and is integrated with Harshmellow foam to absorb chatter and vibration.
EXTRAS
Flex Zone Upper with Rubber Lower - Minimal seams, minimal parts, and durable as hell. A snowboarding-first, the all new one-piece rubber lower found in the Orton was designed and developed to meet the demands of Sage Kotsenburg
3-Point Harness Liner Lacing - A traditional liner harness with a pull lace and three contact points hugs the ankle and provides additional support.
S'Cafe Coffee Mesh - A post-consumer recycled coffee ground mesh liner layer that controls odor and absorbs moisture.
Endo 2.0 Construction - A K2 Snowboarding exclusive, Endo™ Construction, allows us to alter a snowboard boot's flex, response, and rebound without adding extra materials (extra materials = excess weight). By replacing additional materials with an injected heel counter, adding an extra rebound is as easy as a formula change. In addition, it helps us to provide a more consistent flexing, longer-lasting snowboard boot.
TX3 BOA Laces - TX3 is constructed from recycled PET with a structural core. This lace provides a softer, more flexible look similar to the characteristics of a traditional lace but the superior closure of a BOA system.