Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro Review

This is my review of Tecnica Zero G. In my opinion, it is a varied boot that skiers of all levels will be able to appreciate. It has excellent downhill capabilities as well as the mobility and power needed for any backcountry excursion. They are a true lightweight workhorse that will last for years.

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: Backcountry skiers looking for a lightweight boot with excellent downhill performance.
  • Pros: This tried and true design hits every mark. It’s light, rides well downhill, and provides excellent power and control. It also has the strength and long-lasting durability to hold up through months or even years in rough environments.
  • Cons: These boots don’t quite have the insulation you would expect out of a touring option. They also can be a bit tricky to get in and out of, and definitely could be better when trekking uphill.
  • Alternatives: Scarpa Maestrale RS, Dynafit Hoji, Dalbello Lupo Air

The Tecnica Zero G Tour is a relatively intuitive boot. Skiers at every level should be able to get the hang of the fit and buckling system right away.

The Zero G Tour Boots have a snug fit, but offer ankle flexibility. However, they aren’t great for extremely cold temperatures.

These boots are incredibly lightweight. They come in at six pounds, which makes them great for speeding downhill and exploring the backcountry.

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 have spent ample time researching these boots and know a few skiers who have spent a lot of time with them.

Detailed Review of Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro

The Tecnica Zero G Tour is a strong, well-made boot that’s more than useful for downhill skiers. That makes it a touring boot that does a little bit of everything. While it could be better on the uphill climb and insulation, it has a great weight, a smooth performance, and excellent support. The price is also reasonable, which is nice to have for skiers who care about their budget.

A Perfect Weight

Clocking in at six pounds, the Zero G Tour is lightweight and has incredible downhill performance no matter where you like to ski. That alone makes these boots more than worth the cost in my book. The reason these work so well is the slim design that allows the company to pack a wide range of features into a more standard shell. Of course, there are lighter options out there, but it’s hard to find one that’s so reliable.

If you get a lighter shoe, you’ll likely get worse downhill performance and lose some points in control. You can also go heavier, but there’s no guarantee that will add weight to your setup. At six pounds, you get something you can easily take with you into the backcountry without worrying about fatigue. That’s something I always appreciate.

Excellent Performance

When heading through the backcountry, you’re going to be moving around a lot. That’s why a good boot is so important. The Zero G Tour delivers off-piste because of its lightweight build and strong ankle mobility. These give you plenty of space around the shins, which I appreciate in terms of increasing overall range of motion.

That allows you to speed downhill easily and also get uphill. Though these boots can’t quite match the same uphill mobility seen in other touring shoes, they still give you enough movement where it counts. Their increased stability is another reason they have what it takes to hold up in the backcountry.

Comfort and Warmth

In terms of fit, these shoes will be good or bad, depending on the skier. This will always shift from person to person, but I found that most people didn’t have a problem with the way they went on. Just be careful about your size and don’t be afraid to go up a size if needed.

As the Zero G Tour is a lightweight boot, it’s not going to give you a ton of insulation. That’s a bit odd considering they are for the backcountry, where you tend to be more exposed to the elements. This shouldn’t be a deal-breaker for people who ski in warmer or non-freezing conditions, but know that you’re likely going to need warmers if you want to truly venture into harsh environments.

Easy to Use

Something I value about these boots is how simple they are to operate. They have a power strap and four buckles that skiers of all levels should be able to use. In addition, the external ski/walk mode is intuitive. It’s easy to lock in and will stay closed throughout the ride. However, as you would expect from an overlap boot, they aren’t easy to put on and take off.

You also don’t get a lot of extra features with these boots. Though some people will see that as a downside, I’ve always been a fan of a more minimalistic approach. Being able to use these without worrying about a lot of extra (and often useless) traits means everything is much more streamlined.

Price and Value

This boot will run you quite a bit of money. Even so, that’s pretty in line with what you would expect out of a high-end model with this type of power, strength, and control. With that in mind, this is a good value item if you need a solid downhill or lightweight boot. It has a lot to offer and will give you a lot of seasons before wearing down.

What I Like

In my opinion, the best aspect of these boots is their performance. As far as touring options go, it’s hard to get better downhill results. They offer a lot of power and control, all while staying incredibly stable and secure no matter how hard or fast you like to push.

The long-term durability is great as well. It always helps to get a well-made product, and that goes double for something you plan to take off-piste. I am also a big fan of the lightweight construction. At six pounds, these feel absolutely perfect for your touring needs no matter if you want to go on a quick trip or all day journey.

What I Dislike

There’s no doubt that the Zero G Tour is an incredible boot. However, it’s not quite perfect. First, they could be much easier to put on and take off. Taking extra time with your footwear is never going to be a full deal breaker, but it’s something to take note of when making your final decision.

The one black mark on these is the insulation. They run cold, and that can be a pretty substantial issue for skiers who already get chilly feet. While the protection is fine for warm runs or hotter areas, if you ski in frigid conditions, you’re going to want a warmer or similar product to help pick up the slack.

The Alternatives

The Tecnica Zero G is a great boot for the backcountry, but there are a few other capable options for skiers who like to travel out of bounds. If you’re looking for a similar design with different traits, check out these models:

  • Scarpa Maestrale RS – If you want a versatile, well-balanced boot, the Maestrale RS should do the job. It has similar durability to the Zero G, and comes at a similar price point. The ski/walk option isn’t too strong, but the wide/high volume fit is one of the best around. The shell is comfortable as well.
  • Dynafit Hoji – The Hoji is a great touring boot that’s both lightweight and has incredible downhill performance. Though it is undoubtedly complicated when compared to the competition, especially the Zero G, the extra features make it perfect for skiers who want a few extra characteristics.
  • Dalbello Lupo Air – This model uses a blend of grilamid and polyamide composite carbon to create a lightweight boot that cuts down on weight without losing any performance. It’s easy to switch modes and works extremely well for touring. A good value boot that will give you reliable results with each run.

Final Verdict

Though I rarely say it, there’s almost nothing to truly dislike about the Zero G Tour. The look is great, the downhill performance is as good as any other touring boot, and the weight is absolutely perfect. They hold up in just about any condition and give you more than you could ever want in terms of long-term durability. The price is reasonable as well.

Sure, you won’t get the insulation you may need for rough environments, but it should still hold up enough for most non-extreme trips. The boots are able to handle both on and off-piste environments with ease, and are easy to climb with. Even using them is a breeze. If you do a lot of touring, they are absolutely worth consideration.

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