The Orton is K2's two-dial BOA boot for riders who spend their days all over the mountain. It sits below the stiffer Thraxis in K2's lineup, and it has built a loyal following on Reddit.
This review covers how the Orton fits and rides, how it holds up and who should try something else.
What It Is: A Two-Dial BOA Boot
The Orton uses a two-dial BOA system. One dial tightens the lower boot around your foot, and the other tightens the upper boot around your ankle and shin. This lets you set each zone on its own.
K2 pairs a more flexible upper with a rubber lower, and the boot comes with a high-end foam liner. The lower is built to grip and protect, and the upper is built to let you move.
On the Snow: Tough and Responsive
Owners say the Orton is built tough. One rider who taught in them all winter said they held up well to the abuse. Their only issue was some stitching on the side that started to wear, and it did not affect how the boots worked.
A rider who rode 62 days in a mix of freestyle, freeride and deep powder compared the Orton with the Union Reset Pro. Their short verdict was that if the Orton fits you well, you should get it.
Another rider who had both the Orton and the K2 Hanford much preferred the Orton. They got more than 100 days out of the Orton in one season, and said it was on the soft side by the end. The Hanford was too soft for them after about 20 days.
Where It Excels
The Orton shines for riders who want a durable all-mountain boot with a compact shell. One owner in their second season said the boots are still going strong, and that their Vans Infuse are considerably bigger and heavier. Another rider who had ridden both said the two feel similar in stiffness, but the Vans are bulkier.
One rider tried both the Orton and the Vans Infuse and kept the Orton. They had about 30 days on them and loved them.
Where It Falls Short
Fit is the main issue. One owner came from Vans and said their feet were killing them after three days. They had to tighten the boots so much to stop heel lift that the boots hurt. They also called the liner thin on cushion.
Other riders had ankle problems. One rider said the ankle was way too loose on their heel and switched to the Ride Trident. Another returned the Orton after one day because hard foam around the ankle made one foot numb, though they said it was otherwise a great boot.
One owner said the boots loosen during the day and need adjusting. Another wished K2 made a wide version.
The Sizing Question
You'll find this question in most Orton threads. Several owners say the Orton feels roomy. One rider went half a size down from their Vans and Burton boots. Another sized down too. A third owner kept their usual Vans size and said it fit well.
Here's the take from owners: try your street size and half a size down, and pick the smaller pair if your toes just touch the end.
Pro tip: If you have to crank the ankle dial hard to stop heel lift, owners suggest the boot may not match your foot shape. Try a different size or add heel padding before you ride a full day in pain.
Who Should Buy It
Buy the Orton if you want a tough two-dial BOA boot for all-mountain riding and you have a medium-width foot.
Look elsewhere if you have a wide foot, a narrow heel that lifts easily or want a boot that feels soft and cushioned out of the box.
Alternatives
The K2 Thraxis is K2's stiffer boot for riders who want more support. Read our full K2 Thraxis review.
The Vans Infuse is a bulkier boot with a similar stiffness that owners find comfortable. Read our full Vans Infuse review.
The Union Reset Pro is a more expensive boot that one rider found very comfortable out of the box. Read our full Union Reset Pro review.
Verdict
The K2 Orton BOA is a tough, compact two-dial boot that owners trust for long seasons. It runs roomy for some riders, and a few had heel lift or ankle pressure. If it fits your foot, it is one of the best all-mountain boots you can buy.
