Freeride ski boots
Product 2026
Man
We had never skied with any Phænom products before, so this was a complete discovery — testing a new ski boot brand is a rare occasion.
The designers of the Phænom FR 01 130 chose a clean, streamlined design based on a three-piece construction, a walk/ski mode switch, two buckles, and a wide power strap at the top of the cuff. It features Low Tech inserts and GripWalk-style soles.
This is a unique boot, both in its look and technical choices. At first glance, the Phænom FR 01 130 presents a design that is both modern and somewhat retro/vintage. There’s also a freestyle spirit, thanks to some design touches we really liked: the large “Phænom” branding on the side of the boot, and the bold placement of the ISO norm visibly printed on the tongue.
Let’s start with putting the boot on — it’s not easy at all. You have to pull the tongue to get your foot in, all while carefully managing the overlapping shell flaps that shift and need to be precisely repositioned. It’s not the most pleasant operation. Note: we tested this boot during winter 2025 — has the Phænom FR 01 130 been updated since?
The single instep buckle is also tricky to latch — the ladder is slightly misaligned with the buckle, requiring additional adjustment.
Once your foot is inside, the Phænom FR 01 130 feels firm and solid. We tested the 130 flex version. The boot bends slightly at first, but stiffens quickly — the flex isn’t very progressive. Larger or more powerful skiers will find this suits them well.
Heel hold is excellent. Testers used the term “good cockpit,” meaning the focus is clearly on foot retention. You can really push the boot, ski fast, and apply strong pressure. The forefoot width (last) is 120mm.
The liner doesn’t have thick foam padding, so if you overtighten the buckles, you’ll be in direct contact with the shell. It’s important to choose your size carefully with this model.
You can ski with the upper strap almost loose to gain a bit more ankle flex. The excess strap tucks into small hooks at the back of the boot. While visually interesting, this feature requires some care to use properly.
The ski/walk mechanism works very well, and the oversized upper straps on the liner are excellent. The overall finish of the boot is also of high quality.
To complete the picture, the Phænom FR 01 130 would benefit from some refinement — softer materials in some areas, stiffer ones in others (perhaps via bi-injection). The boot also needs improvement in ease of entry, which isn’t quite there yet.
A ski boot with an original concept, designed for powerful skiers — and with the option for free-touring.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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