Rewriting the Rules of Ski Boots? K2 Ski Boots’ Tom Pietrowski

Rewriting the Rules of Ski Boots? K2 Ski Boots’ Tom Pietrowski

Author: BLISTER January 30, 2026 Duration: 57:59

(1) Why is it that typically, only the stiffest ski boots have all the best features and get the best liners and all the bells and whistles? (2) What are boot manufacturers doing about the fact that many of the best skiers on the mountain also have the least amount of money in their bank accounts? And (3) did K2 just create the first ski boot that was truly designed for women, from the ground up? To address these questions, we’re talking with Tom Pietrowski, the global product line manager for K2 ski boots.

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TOPICS & TIMES:

Blister Summit (2:30)

This Week’s Gear Giveaway (3:49)

Tom’s Super Hot Take (5:02)

K2 Cortex 140 (12:49)

Boa Cable Length (15:41)

K2 Cortex Team 120 (18:23)

Flex Rating vs Price of Ski Boots (21:30)

New Recon (28:15)

K2 Anthem: the 1st True Women's Ski Boot? (30:48)

K2 Boot Collection Upgrades (47:06)

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For anyone who has ever stood in a shop debating the merits of a new jacket or stared at a trail map while thinking about their skis, GEAR:30 is that conversation. This BLISTER podcast goes far beyond basic specs and marketing claims, offering a nuanced, often technical look at the equipment that defines our time outside. The discussion is driven by the people who live with these products: our own reviewers who are putting gear through its paces in real conditions, the designers who obsess over materials and intent, and the athletes whose livelihoods depend on performance. We also check in with the seasoned folks from our network of recommended shops, who see what works and what doesn’t after a season of hard use. Episodes dig into specific items, broader trends in innovation, and the sometimes-surprising realities of long-term testing. It’s a deep, authentic resource for anyone who appreciates the intersection of sports, design, and technology, and who believes the right tool can transform an experience. Tune in for honest, detailed talk that treats outdoor gear with the seriousness and curiosity it deserves.
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