Hello and welcome to my Nike Zoom Kaiju review. These snowboard boots are versatile enough that you might question whether they are for freestyle riding or for all-mountain riding.
The answer is both.
O.k. so all-mountain boots should be able to accommodate freestyle riding too so technically I would class them as all-mountain boots. But if you were looking for boots just for freestyle riding the Zoom Kaiju’s would be great for just that.
The Kaiju’s and How they Rate
In this review I will look at the Kaijus and put them through my rating system to come up with a score out of 100.
Since we are looking at the Kaiju’s as both freestyle boots and all-mountain boots I will put them through both rating systems to see how they perform for each style of riding.
Overview
Boot: Nike Zoom Kaiju
Price: $349 USD recommended
Lacing System: Traditional Lacing
Flex: Medium
Freestyle Rating: 85.5/100
All-Mountain Rating: 88.5/100
So as you can see they rate really well as both freestyle and all-mountain boots.
O.k. let’s take a look at some of the details to learn why these boots rock so much.
Flex
The Kaiju’s medium flex allows them to excel all across the mountain, part of the reason why they are so good as all mountain boots – but as freestyle boots this medium flex works too especially if the upper section of the boot is independently adjustable from the lower section.
By slightly loosening the lacing in the upper section of the boot you allow for more give which is better for freestyle riding. Of course boot flex isn’t as important to be soft for freestyle riding as it is in the bindings and the board but it can make a difference.
The Kaiju’s get the balance just right.
Response
Response is not hugely important for freestyle but definitely important for all mountain riding. The Kaiju’s are super responsive which really helps their all-mountain score.
In fact the Kaiju’s have response that you might expect out of a stiff, rather than medium, flexing boot.
Reduced Footprint
The outersole of the Kaiju is reduced somewhat but not in a big way. This is an important factor for some riders and unimportant for others.
This is usually not important for freestyle riders whose boards tend to be slightly wider anyway and aren’t as likely to be doing any hard carving.
Shock Absorption
Shock absorption is a big factor for freestyle riding. You need to absorb all those landings all day long. It’s also important for comfort.
The Kaiju’s definitely don’t disappoint with plenty of cushioning in the soles.
Traction
And they’ve been designed in such a way that all that padding doesn’t affect the traction on the base of the sole. So if you need to do any hiking in the backcountry (or just want grip in the carpark!) then the Kaiju’s will help you out there.
Comfort
And finally comfort. No one wants to be uncomfortable on the mountain – no matter what type of riding you are doing. The Kaiju’s are mega-comfortable so you won’t have to worry about that with these suckers.
Of course, make sure that they are a good fit – they won’t be comfortable if they don’t fit well – but if they do they’ll be like walking on clouds.
Final Scores
O.k. let’s see where the Kaiju’s scored their points both in the freestyle rating system and the all-mountain rating system.
Nike’s Zoom Kaiju as Freestyle Boots
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Flex: | 4.0 | 16/20 |
| Response: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
| Heel Hold: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 4.5 | 27/30 |
| Adjustability: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Comfort: | 5.0 | 10/10 |
| TOTAL | 85.5/100 |
Nike’s Zoom Kaiju as All-Mountain Boots
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 10/10 |
| Response: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 2.5 | 5/10 |
| Heel Hold: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Traction: | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Adjustability: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Comfort: | 5.0 | 10/10 |
| TOTAL | 88.5/100 |
Note: There are different criteria for each rating system and different points allocated for different criteria in the two rating systems.
If you’re keen to check out more Freestyle or All-Mountain snowboard boot options check out my top 5’s at the links below.
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