It was mashed potatoes at Loveland Ski Resort. Spring conditions were in full effect, with lots of soft corn, slush snow, bright sunshine, and balmy air. The conditions provided lots of variability and some tricky terrain. For a brand new company hoping to grab market share from the giants of the ski industry, the conditions were perfect to prove some mettle.
On my feet, dark, shiny black, were the latest boots from the nascent brand phaenom, the FS01 120. The “FreeSki” model (get it?) powered a pair of all-mountain Nordica Enforcers through the springtime corny mashed potato snow. While the boot looks rather normal from the outside, inside, it’s packed with uncommon design elements meant to enhance comfort, performance, and sustainability.
Spoiler: These are some damn fine ski boots. The big names should take note.
In short: phaenom (yes, all lowercase) did a limited drop of 200 boots in Europe in 2024. The phaenom FS01 120 will hit the market in North America and beyond in fall 2024. The boots have unique design elements, including lace-up liners meant to be removed from the shell. It also has a hybrid three-piece cabrio design with an overlapping upper cuff. The low-cut tongue lies under the cuff, with a 102mm last shell over the lower foot. In very short testing, I found it super-comfortable yet high-performing. Brass tacks? This is a legit ski boot coming out of left field. Check ’em out.
- Flex: 120
- Shell weight: 1,550 g
- Liner weight: 550 g
- Last: 102 mm
Pros
- Lace-up liners allow for snug fit, tight control
- Liners step in and out of shell
- "phaenom strap" improves shock absorption, flex control
- Built for easy modification and repair
Cons
- Unique step-in, step-out liners might not be for everyone
phaenom FS01 120: A Unique Design
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phaenom Ski Boots Review
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Sustainability
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Faction Sibling
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