Tecnica’s women’s specific entry into the 1kg boot realm, the Zero G Peak W.
Tecnica rounds out their Zero G Peak series of boots with the women’s specific Zero G Peak W. This 1kg class boot promises a solid fit for many foot types and the lightness to help you float up the vert. Here’s a first look.
Any seasoned skier is well aware of the need for a boot quiver, especially for someone like me who is always seeking perfection in footwear. My ultimate boot would be feather light for ease on the ascent and then charge on the downhill. With lighter and better ski boots being developed every year, I am staying hopeful in my quest, and this season, Tecnica’s Zero G Peak W caught my attention.
Tecnica, a tried and true boot company established in the 1960s, has come a long way from the Moon Boot and now makes some of the best ski touring boots on the market. Last season, I started skiing in the Zero G Tour Pro, which is pretty close to perfect, other than the really big days when I want something lighter. So, when I learned about the Zero G Peak W, a lighter and more minimalist version of the Zero G Tour Pro, I knew this was a needed addition to my boot quiver.
The Zero G Peak series comes in three versions; the Zero G Peak Carbon, the Zero G Peak, and the Zero G Peak W. All three share common design attributes, including the carbon-infused Grilamid shell, while the Zero G Peak Carbon has a carbon cuff.
Read WildSnow’s Zero G Peak Carbon first look and long-term review.
Zero G Peak W Basics
The Women’s Zero G Peak is a two-buckle, mid-volume, touring boot that is supposed to walk like a dream, hold its own on the descent, and be comfortable out of the box. And for those with unhappy feet, the heat moldable CAS technology for both the liner and shell should be able to achieve a custom fit. Technica constructs the boot with a carbon-injected shell, aluminum buckles, and a LIGHT FIT liner resulting in less than 1000g per boot — specifically 905g for a size 7.5 women’s boot.
Once locked into ski mode, the traditional ski boot style cuff wraps around the calf and secures with a 40mm power strap creating a fairly stiff boot, especially considering it is only two buckles. The lower boot buckle forms a Z-shape to wrap over and secure the lower foot. The T-Hike lever (lockout mechanism) is easy and quick to transition into ski mode and sets the forward lean at 13 degrees.
The Zero G Peak W’s inner gaiter reaches way past the ankle which should help prevent snow from sneaking into the boot.
The Z-Cable buckle secures the boot lower and helps pull the ankle firmly back into the heel pocket.
A pretty basic yet effective spring loaded throw locks the boot into ski mode.
Zero G Peak W Sizing
Generally, I wear a size women’s US 8.5 to 9 size shoes or in Euro sizes 39 for Sportiva and 40 for Scarpa. My foot is a bit wide in the front with bunions, and I have a low-volume ankle with large heal spurs, as many skiers do.
For the Women’s Zero G Peak, I chose size 25-25.5 (Euro equivalent 39.5/40) as I plan to use this boot for long days making comfort a priority over performance. Right out of the box, the boot felt great on my foot with plenty of room for my wide front foot: the classic good fit one can expect from a company like Tecnica, which has been making ski boots for over 60 years. Without molding the liner, the boot still felt relatively snug; when locked down into ski mode, it feels pretty stiff for such a minimalist boot.
After a quick lap on the Teton Pass, it was obvious this boot is not the four-buckle Zero G Tour Pro, but just the fact that I was comparing them makes this two-buckle boot superior to many I have used over the years.
I expect this boot to excel on the ascent. The Zero G Peak W is light and has a 75-degree range of motion in walk mode and a waterproof gaiter. The thick tread and trademark Vibram sole look ideal for scrambling and climbing in the wintery mountains; the toe and heel welds make the boot compatible with any crampons.
In short, it appears as if the Zero G Peak W is designed for ski mountaineering and long ski tours. I expect this to be my go-to boot for big days in the Tetons and quick fitness laps on the pass. And if the downhill performance exceeds my expectations, the Zero G Peak W could become my primary boot.
The studio shot from Tecnica. Stiff, streamlined, and 1kg summarizes the Zero G Peak W. We’ll have more on the boot later this season.
Technical Specs for the Zero G Peak W
MSRP: $849.95
Last: 99 / Volume: Mid-Touring
Weight: 905g (MP 245)
Customization Liner: C.A.S. Light
Customization Shell: C.A.S.
Soles: Touring – Vibram® – Quick Step-In Low tech inserts
Shell: Carbon co-injected, Wrapping Shell Construction with Gaither, Power Frame Construction
Cuff: Carbon co-injected, Power Frame Construction
Liner: LIGHT FIT – C.A.S. Light – Anatomical Pre-Shaped – Breathable Membrane
Buckles: 2 Light Aluminium, wrapping construction, Hiking position
Powerstrap: 40 mm light strap – Power Lock
Extra Features: Free Move hinge points, Carbon Reinforced Sole
Forward Lean: 13°
Ramp Angle: 3°
Lisa lives in the Tetons and has been guiding for Jackson Hole Mountain Guides and Alaska Mountaineering School since 2009. She has worked as an avalanche forecaster and was part of the first-all female ski descent of the Grand Teton.
