Dynafit Ridge Pro Review

The Dynafit Ridge Pro represents the culmination of a long, tumultuous progression for Dynafit boots. With this model, the perennial industry leader reclaims a top spot in the boot sector. We heartily recommend the Ridge Pro to any dedicated backcountry skier.

Performance Comparison

Downhill Performance

Stiffness is a good proxy for downhill performance, and the Dynafit Ridge Pro delivers just the right amount of it. Its fore-aft and lateral stiffness are exactly what we want in a touring boot – accessible enough for beginners, yet stiff enough for hard-charging ski touring. Downhill performance, however, isn't just about absolute stiffness; we want a boot that “gives” slightly. The best designs are those with a “progressive flex” – they feel soft when you first lean into them, then, with increasing force, steadily ramp up to full support.

The Ridge Pro comes as close to this ideal as any lightweight touring boot we've tested – we couldn't ask for better downhill performance at this weight. The flex is progressive: the cuff starts tight, gives slightly initially, then ramps up over the first half-inch or so. During a late-season effort on the rugged “Birthday Tour” in Washington, we skied everything from runnels to avalanche debris, and the Ridge Pro's consistent support was invaluable.

Uphill Performance

While uphill performance is largely a function of weight (which we rate separately), it also depends on cuff range of motion and friction within the cuff. Although the listed cuff rotation angle is higher, we measured a range of motion of 41 degrees. While some boots offer significantly more, human ankles rarely need more than 40 degrees for efficient skinning and climbing.

We examined internal cuff friction on the Ridge Pro in a few configurations. You could just flip the proprietary “Hoji Lock” on the back, which loosens the upper cuff a bit by releasing tension on the upper buckle, but not quite to our liking. To set yourself up for an efficient “two-move transition,” you can simply open the top buckle and flip the switch on the back – that loosens these boots up enough to walk long distances comfortably. This makes transitions quick because you only need to flip two buckles, but the result is moderate friction similar to other boots in this class.

However, if you also loosen the power straps, the cuff mobility is nearly frictionless. One interesting feature is that the “floating tongue” is designed to slide in and out of the shell with each step, which it does if you transition these boots the way we described above. It doesn't do this if you fully loosen the power straps, but this option reduces the friction caused by the floating tongue. Either way you set them up, having these options means the Ridge Pro either tours better than the competition or matches them with a significantly faster transition.

Weight

The Ridge Pro weighs 1250 grams per boot. With 1049 grams of that as the shell and 201 grams as the liner, this is a typical, well-balanced split. As far as liners go, the stock one is relatively lightweight. While you can swap it for an aftermarket version, you won't save much weight. It's also high-quality enough that you shouldn't feel any rush to replace it.

A pair weighs 5.6 pounds (2526 g), which is exceptionally competitive. No boot at or below this weight skis better than the Ridge Pro – in fact, it outperforms some boots that are nearly a pound heavier. Dynafit nailed the weight-to-performance ratio here.

Comfort and Fit

Fit is what ultimately sets these boots apart from the crowd. While other cutting-edge options walk uphill and ski down nearly as well as the Ridge Pro, we've noticed a trend among the boots we tested: many feature high-volume shells. This has certainly benefited folks with larger feet, but it has forced skiers with average-to-narrow feet to choose between performance and comfort.

Testers described a snug instep and a fairly average heel pocket fit. With a proper shell fit, our lead tester found ample toe room, even when securely locked down in ski mode. This neutral, relatively average fit will certainly accommodate anyone with a fairly average foot. Even if your foot is higher-volume than average, the precisely fitting Ridge Pro is an excellent platform that can likely be adjusted with some minor boot-fitting to achieve maximum comfort.

Warmth

Warmth is largely affected by factors such as weather, your metabolism, and whether you're starting from a warm car or a cold tent. However, boot construction still plays a role. Generally, thicker shells and liners insulate your foot better, while boots with a well-sealed interior keep the warm air pocket you create around your foot from escaping.

When compared side by side with other boots on the market, our test team agrees that the Ridge Pro provides ample insulation. While the liner and shell thickness are average, the overlapping layers effectively trap the warmth you create while walking uphill. While a more robust gaiter system could further improve protection against snow getting in, we had no major complaints in the field.

Ease of Use

Even though Dynafit claims that you can transition these boots with just a flip of the proprietary Hoji-Lock, it's not quite the same as the true “one-move” transitions of Dynafit boots of the past. To walk comfortably, we felt we needed to either release the top buckle (or fully open it by also undoing the powerstrap) or, at the very least, release tension from the instep dial. That said, we recognize that the Hoji Lock mechanism simplifies the system by linking the upper strap and the cuff lock. The point is, you have choices with this design. And compared to the current market, this remains one of the more user-friendly options.

This boot is easier to get on and off than two-piece “overlap” style boots, and similar to other three-piece designs with a shell tongue. One catch is the lower boot's dial closure system – not technically a BOA system, but a similar design. A plastic strap at the end of the cable can sometimes slide beneath the boot tongue. It's important to pay attention to the proper layering, as tightening the dial with this strap out of place could damage your boots.

Should You Buy the Dynafit Ridge Pro?

Yes – as long as it fits your foot, this is the best ski touring boot on the market. Even if it doesn't fit your foot well, some minor boot-fitting work will do the trick. The Ridge Pro strikes an excellent balance of uphill and downhill performance. Whether you are new to the backcountry or a seasoned veteran looking to upgrade, the Dynafit Ridge Pro is a breakthrough backcountry ski boot.

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