Nidecker Kita W Review

Hello and welcome to my Nidecker Kita W review.

In this review I will take a look at the Kita W as freeride snowboard boots.

As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Kita W a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how they compare with other women's freeride boots.

Overall Rating

Boots: Nidecker Kita W

Price: $399 (USD recommended retail)

Style: Freeride 

Flex Rating: Stiff (9/10)

Flex Feel: Stiff (8/10)

Rating Score: 90.8/100

Compared to other Women's Freeride Boots

Out of the 11 women's freeride boots that I rated:

Overview of the Kita W’s Specs

Check out the tables for the Kita W's specs.

Specs

Who are the Kita Ws Most Suited to?

The Kita Ws are best suited to riders who are looking for a stiff boot to ride fast in and carve trenches with. They aren't for the faint of heart and not forgiving of mistakes and don't like slow speeds as much. 

Not for beginners or intermediates, these things are best suited to advanced to expert riders looking to charge. 

Best matched with boards in that 7/10 and up flex range. Still doable for 6/10 flex boards though, if you prefer your boots stiffer. 

The Kita W in More Detail

Rider Height: 5"7" (170cm)

Rider Weight: 125lbs (56kg)

Rider Boot Size: Women's US8.0 Ride Hera

Outersole Length:  27.9cm (mondo 25cm)

Difference between Mondo & Outersole: 2.9cm

Backstay Height: 11.2" (28.5cm)

Weight: 2lbs 1oz ( 940grams)*

* Average of a sample of  women's boots I've weighed was 1lbs 15oz (880g). Heaviest I've weighed were 2lbs 10oz (1200g) and lightest were 1lb 10oz (740g). 

Fit

Width: When I first tried them on the lateral side (side of pinky toe) was a little cramped and had a slight pressure point there, but nothing too major. Otherwise was good width-wise.

When riding that pressure point was no longer there. They were still snug width-wise, but no pressure points. I would say medium in terms of width. 

True to Size?: From first try on, length-wise they were comfortable. My big toe was just touching the end with a small amount of space for the rest of my toes. On the tops of my toes they were quite tight - not a lot of wiggle room. But no pressure points or anything on tops of toes.

They felt very much the same when riding in them, after heat molding.

So, IMO, they were just right in the 8, so I would say true to size.  

Top of Foot (Instep): When I first tried them they were quite snug (a little tighter than I’d like) but no one pressure points. They felt more comfortable when riding, after heat molding. Still quite snug, but no pressure points. 

Around Ankles: Very comfortable around ankles from first try on to last run.

Responsiveness

The Kita W felt significantly less responsive for sharp quick turns at slow speeds vs my control boots, but this wasn't overly surprising given how stiff they were. This is typical of stiffer boots. 

For higher speed carves these boots were awesome! They gave such good support and allowed me to carve deeper and longer. 

Heel Hold

Very good heel hold. Minimal heel lift when walking and purposely trying to lift heel up, but not noticeable when riding. 

Adjustability

The BOAs provide complete independence between the upper and lower sections of the outer boot. Front BOA system controls upper (front) portion across bottom of shin, side BOA system tightens lower (top of foot) portion. 

The liner is tightened with a standard lacing harness. 

Comfort

They were a little tight for me in the beginning but became more comfortable as I rode them.  A little bit of toe numbness for a while, and whilst it eased, they were still tighter than I would have ultimately liked. But no pressure points by the time I got them out on snow. 

Stiffer boots tend to take longer to break in, so I still think these were the right size, but needed longer to break in to be as comfortable as they could be. 

Shock Absorption

They performed really well in our stomp test and when out on snow in terms of absorbing shock from landings and from general chatter. 

Entry/Exit

Was quite difficult to get feet in, both before and after heat molding. Had to twist quite a bit to get them to go in. 

Once in the lacing system is quick and easy to use.  

Score Breakdown and Final Verdict

The Kita Ws are pretty stiff boots - probably the stiffest I've tried - and perform really well at higher speeds but not as well suited to low speed riding. 

They have a quality build feel and have no real weaknesses throughout. Allow longer to break in (which is typical of stiffer boots).