Tecnica Cochise Pro 130 Review

This is my review of Cochise 130 Pro. In my opinion, it is a solid, well-rounded alpine boot that, while not a true backcountry model, is able to handle just about any mountain with ease.

Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of this boot, who it is best for, and other similar alternatives to consider.

Quick Summary

• Where to buy: Amazon
• Best for: Freeriders who also want the ability to take on big downhills. Solid for inbound skiing too.
• Pros: These boots offer great value due to the amount of attributes you get for the price. They also get high marks for their excellent performance and have the ability to be used with alpine and tech bindings. They look sharp as well.
• Cons: The Cochise is limited in its walk mode. The boots are also heavy and have a poor range of motion.
• Alternatives: Dalbello Sports DS 130, Lange XT, Dynafit Hoji

Why Trust Me

I’ve been hitting the slopes since I was a kid. I enjoy getting out in the snow and have hands-on experience with a wide range of different skiing items. I spent ample time researching these boots and looked at how they performed in various areas and conditions.

Detailed Review of Tecnica Cochise Pro 130

The Cochise 130 Pro is a durable shoe made with performance in mind. If you can handle the flex, it’s an extremely powerful boot that’s able to take on just about any in-bounds environment. The limited range of motion and extra weight stops it from being a true backcountry option, but the premium performance and strong construction make it a good high-end model for skiers who want more from their footwear.

Strong Performance

The most important aspect when looking at any ski boot is performance. There, the Cochise hits it out of the park. Tecnica designed these for touring, but still packed them with a ton of downhill capability. Many boots try to hit that middle ground, and most fail. That’s not the case here. The Cochise gives you the ability to drive hard, even if the heavier weight prevents them from ever reaching extreme speeds.

That gives the boots a lot of extra versatility, enabling them to be used in many different conditions. The model works perfectly as a crossover freeride shoe for aggressive skiers who like to switch up their skiing conditions. That’s partly due to the Cochise’s impressive design, but it’s also due to the shoe’s durability. It’s sturdy, and the high flex gives you a lot of control.

Warmth and Comfort

As impressive as the Cochise’s performance is, I think the comfort is another major selling point. The boots come with a microcell foam liner that’s both thick and insulating to give you some extra warmth. Even better, the liner isn’t so thick that you’re going to overheat if you want to hike or push yourself through tricky runs. It wicks away moisture to ensure you never get uncomfortable.

The roomy toe box also adds to the fit. That feature is something I particularly enjoy because it means you can move your toes around should they get cold when you’re going up a lift or standing around in line. There’s also space for an aftermarket boot heater if the insulation isn’t enough.

These boots are snug and secure without being too tight or uncomfortable. You’re not going to get any chafing here. As a bonus, the boot board is thick. You’re never going to get the most comfortable shoe with a higher flex, but the Cochise Pro 130 does a good job of cutting down on discomfort. Those with high arches might not get the same feel, but everyone else will enjoy these.

A Durable Boot

As mentioned, the Cochise gets impressive grades for its durability. They have the ability to handle just about any winter environment due to their tight construction and premium materials. That build ensures you can move over rocky or uneven terrain without worry. Even the plastic sole blocks last a long time no matter how hard you push. If they do break down, you can quickly replace them.

Backing that up is the metal built throughout the shoe. I’m a big fan of extra sturdiness, and that material a good way to incorporate toughness into the larger design. Though some people might be skeptical of the block style plastic mechanism, the extra materials help alleviate any worries you might have. The only weak point is the velcro. It works fine, but I wish they would have gone with something a bit more reliable.

Walk Mode

When looking at ski boots, I always see what they can do beyond simply acting as shoes. Unfortunately, the Cochise isn’t the best here. The walk mode works, but it does not give the 42-degree range of motion that Tecnica claims. It’s actually quite limited, which is a bummer for those who need to tour or hike.

As such, I would not recommend using these boots to walk long distances. Rather, due to their strong performance, the Pros are much better suited for shorter walks. That is where they hold up. The buckles are also nice and the sole blocks are great, especially because they work with both alpine and tech bindings.

Price and Value

I consider the Cochise Pro 130 to have good value. That’s because, while they still cost quite a bit, they sit right in the middle of ski boot prices and offer a much higher performance than what you’re paying for. The walk mode isn’t great, but everything else works as advertised. There’s a lot of value here if you’re willing to pay for it. The durability is also key because it ensures you will get many seasons from this pair.

What I Like

What I like most about the Cochise Pro 130 is the way it marries power and comfort. Higher flex options tend to cause a bit of discomfort, but these feel great all the way through. They are snug, but aren’t too restrictive or tight. I am also a fan of the shell, which enables you to get a custom fit in specific areas to make sure the boot molds to your specific foot shape.

I also appreciate the Cochise Pro’s versatility. This shoe is well-made, which means it’s able to stand up to any environment. That’s important for skiers who hit a lot of different terrain. The solid blocks help in this regard as well.

What I Dislike

The Cochise Pro’s walk mode is my biggest disappointment. Not only does it not give you a lot of motion when moving around, but it also doesn’t get anywhere close to the claimed 42-degree range. That means, though you can easily hike in the boots for short distances, they aren’t going to be what you want for long treks.

These boots are also a bit on the heavy side. There’s nothing wrong with a bit of extra weight, but with so many light-but-powerful options on the market, I would have liked something a bit less intrusive. I’m not a fan of the velcro incorporated into the buckle system either.

The Alternatives

The Cochise are reliable boots, but they are not the only high-flex option around. If you’re searching for something similar-but-different these will all fit the bill:

• Dalbello Sports DS 130 – Skiers who want a strong boot for on-piste skiing will greatly enjoy this option. The DS 130 is incredibly stiff and comes with a strong Powercage that provides excellent control and power transmission. It’s also a versatile boot that has adjustable canting, forward lean, and strong ramp. I’m also a fan of the 100mm last.
• Lange XT – The XT (review) is an ultra-light boot that I like for its comfortable fit, unique design, and excellent alpine performance. The Dynafit inserts are wonderful, and the liners help keep you warm. The patented Power V-lock ski/hike system is perfect for when you need to push through the backcountry. There’s a lot of free-touring versatility here.
• Dynafit Hoji – The Hoji is a feature-heavy boot with a lot of versatility. You won’t get the same control or performance you’ll find in the Cochise Pro 130, but you still get a nice boot that enables you to both walk and ski with ease. The fit is solid, as is the stiffness. You also get a comfortable feel alongside secure straps and a V-Shape tongue.

Final Verdict

For aggressive skiers who need downhill performance across many different mountains and terrains, the Cochise Pro 130 gets the job done. The boot is versatile and has the toughness to power through out of bounds areas. It’s surprisingly comfortable, gives you excellent control, and enables you to push to your heart’s content. That combination makes it a great advanced option for any skier who needs extra push.