K2 Orton Snowboard Boots Review

Hello and welcome to my K2 Orton snowboard boots review.

In this review I will take a look at the Orton as all-mountain snowboard boots.

As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Orton a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how they compare with other all-mountain boots.

Overall Rating

Boots: K2 Orton

Price: $489 (USD recommended retail)

Style: All-Mountain 

Flex Rating: Stiff (8/10)

Flex Feel: Medium-Stiff (7/10)

Rating Score: 84.8/100

Compared to other All-Mountain Boots

Overview of the Orton’s Specs

Who are the Orton Most Suited to?

The Orton are best suited to anyone looking for a high quality boot that's slightly stiffer than average and performs a little better when riding fast and leaning into carves than it does for slower riding, but still rides well enough at slow speeds. 

It's the kind of boot that doesn't disappoint in any area, except in the fact that it's a longer than typical on the outsole, so not as suitable for those looking for a low profile boot. 

Should be fine for any solid intermediate rider and up, but not for beginners or even lower intermediate riders, IMO, unless you're physically a bigger rider or quite strong/athletic. 

The Orton in More Detail

Bindings angles: +15/-15

Board Demoed With: YES Greats

Bindings Demoed With: Union Falcor

Outersole Length:  30.8cm (mondo 28cm)

Difference between Mondo & Outersole: 2.8cm

Backstay Height: 11.1" (28.2cm)

Weight: 2lbs 8oz (1120 grams)*

* Average of a sample of around 50 boots I've weighed was 1028g (2lbs 4oz), so the Orton were marginally heavier than the average, but pretty close to average weight. Heaviest I've weighed were 2lbs 15oz (1320g) and lightest were 1lb 8oz (680g). 

Flex

I felt they were 7/10 flex pushing 7.5/10 flex. 

Fit

Width: Widest part of foot was snug, but no pressure, so a good for me width-wise. I would say it's a medium fit when comparing to other boots - and with my foot being average width for its length, they were a really good fit for me width-wise. 

True to Size?: When first riding, I felt like they were a little on the too tight side but after heat molding and riding in them, I feel like they were probably going to pack out to be a touch too big.

A good amount of room for toes length-wise. Plenty of room on top of toes as well, which is always nice. And width for toes was good too - just enough wiggle room. 

They were just right for testing but might have packed out to be a shade too big over time. Probably would have been alright, but the 9.5 might have been the better bet for me in the long run. A 9.75 would've been perfect! So bordering on a running a little big. 

High or Low Arch: Snug on the top of my feet but no major pressure. When I first tried them on my right foot (which has a higher arch) the top of my foot there was a bit of a pressure point, but that's typical for me with most boots. This went away pretty quickly after heat molding and riding in them. 

Around Ankles: No noticeable pressure points around ankles but pretty snug.  

Responsiveness

Quickness of turns at slow speeds: Noticeably harder to turn at slower speeds versus my control boots (Tactical ADV) - not worlds apart, but noticeable. 

Carving/Higher Speeds: I found for higher speed carves and generally at higher speeds, I felt the Orton performed better than the Tactical ADV. Really nice for carving in. 

Heel Hold

They were about the same as in my control boots. A little bit of heel lift, but nothing major. Nothing that would hold me back from owning these boots. 

Adjustability

Complete upper/lower section separation from the two BOAs. Front BOA tightens the 4 cables on the shin of the tongue. Side BOA tightens the cables on the top of the foot. No overlap - so you get that full separation. 

There's nothing else special about the adjustability of these boots, but having that upper and lower separation is great. 

Comfort

No major pressure points anywhere for me - and overall I found them a nice and comfortable boot. 

Shock Absorption

Good amount of shock absorption on landings, without being epic or anything. Absorbs chatter well too. 

Traction/Sole Quality

The quality looks real nice. There's a large rubber content in there too. Good variety of flex pattern and tread depth is medium. 

Reduced Footprint

The Orton's are about average in terms of their profile. From all the boots I've measured the average difference between outersole and mondo of the boot is just under 3cm (2.93cm). The Orton has a 2.8cm difference. 

Entry/Exit

When I first put them on it was super hard to get my feet in. Really wasn’t sure I was going to get it in at all! But after heat molding and riding it was much easier. Still took some effort to get my feet in, but noticeably easier than the first time. 

Liner has Velcro on two sides of inside of top part of liner to keep it together and also has a velrco strap for the top part of the liner. Attacking that from two points. So feels very secure around shins. That is a little bit of extra time, but well worth it for that secure feeling. 

Liner is on the stiffer side and has this spine that runs down the shin area of the liner, which means it takes a little more effort to get tight than a softer liner.

Score Breakdown and Final Verdict

The Orton is a very versatile boot that can work with a wide variety of boards and riders. Everything about this boot is above average - and overall that makes for a very good, well-rounded boot, without weaknesses (unless you need a low profile boot).