For 2012/13, Nike Snowboarding has added the most expensive boot yet to its line up: the Zoom Ites — retailing for a mellow $400. I got the chance to take a pair for a ride, but before I break it down, I should offer a couple disclaimers. In addition to getting a free pair of boots, Nike got me good and liquored up before, during and after slipping into these things. And since the snowboard industry beleives female consumers aren’t worried enough about boot-tech to pay top dollar and just want something that looks nice and doesn’t let them get them wet, I was riding dude’s boots.
The most notable feature of the Zoom Ites is their “customizable flex” – basically inserts you can add, remove, switch around depending on your taste. The Ites actually range from one of the softest, to one of the stiffest boots on the market, depending on how hard you want to go. If you’re getting serious out there, you may want to switch them up depending on the day or the run (and it’s relatively easy to do with a nice tug), but realistically the benefit of this is you can up the stiffness if the boots go soft on you during the season. After starting soft, then sticking in a hard one, I opted to just go raw dog which, for me, was the best feeling.
Out of the box, the Ites slid on and off with ease without any sort of awkward fumbling, and were comfortable without much adjustment. They use the same lace lock webbing system as other Nike’s I’ve ridden, so tightening and tying is still pretty tedious. But if you’re that much of a pussy, go get a pair of BOAs.
Since boot size is probably important to you, I should note that the Ites use a different footbed than other boots in the Nike line, and fit a bit differently than the Kaijus or Zoom Forces. As far as the appearance, the round toe in the size six wasn’t especially sexy – but as they boots got bigger, things smoothed out a bit. If you’re a sports nerd you’ll probably get a bit excited by the white/ultramarine/infrared (not pink and blue) colorway, which is a throw back to the Air Max 180 running shoe.
After a few rounds here’s my final review: These fuckers aren’t cheap, but it could be worse, you could be paying $1,295 for a ski boot, and then you’d be skiing. Overall the boot is comfortable, customizable, sure to be the latest addition to any fashion-forward rapper’s wardrobe and will give any Nike fan a total boner.
A girl reviewing snowboarding products? Yobeats about to loose all creditability.
wow what a riveting review
“they arent cheap, but at least theres a ski boot out thats more expensive”
YEAH I WANT TO WASTE MONEY
I spy rastaflare
they a’ite
i had a pair of these in little league i think, but isn’t it hard to snowboard in baseball cleats? or is that the new thing jake oe does
Yeah except she started and still runs this site Horton you dumb fuck. These look nice but I’ll stick with my zoom forces and save $200 that I can spend on other frivolous nonsense.
like i said, brooke gearys post suk ass………………………………………………………………………………nigga
kobe bryant only rides nike
@dick poncho
yeah, she a good cook doe
im surprised you guys didnt just take a shit on them and cover them in jelly or something.
dontdoitarmy.com
basically the review meant that while the boot had a cool nichey little thing with the customizable flex, its gonna be an easy ‘technology’ to steal and probably 5 or 6 boots next year will have that feature. so don’t spend 400 bones on this shit unless you like nike. which it doesnt sound like Brooke does (thumbs up) otherwise she wouldve been tryin to sell all you kids these ‘magical boots that make you fly. and possibly dunk’.
guys. chouces are the paint on which we paint the canvas oif life. Choices people… you need to know about big bird and all he’s done to give back to the comsnunity
ITES the stolen name
“After starting soft, then sticking in a hard one, I opted to just go raw dog which, for me, was the best feeling.”
You would, Brooke. You would.
.
Who the fuck would pay $400 for boots? all you need to do is buy a pair of 32s, hope they dont blow out on you 1/2 way through the year then send em back and get a new pair fo free.
Its like stealing paints from an artist. Kinda bummed on Nike these days. Wish everyone knew the real Ites. Its a shame…..
Ites collaborates with Nike
Haha, the fuck is this? Is this the annual player haters ball? I will agree that the price is just as shitty as this review is, but go read around deeper about this boot. The tech is fresh and makes your $550 burtons look foolish. The floor of these things is comfortable especially for you lazy leaners plus other great specs. As far as everything else goes people would be high fiving, no hand clapping, and singing gospel if these were any other brand. Sticking with the Kai’s this year, but the fit in these is pretty epic. Again, keep hating nike haters… I’d be hurt too if my favorite brand was about to be outdone years to come… SB *cough*. I say good day sir. Hate Hate Hate Hate.