Race like a racer without enduring the agony of da' feet. Nordica's Speedmachine 12 features the same Power Cuff features found in Nordica's World Cup Spec Dobermann racing boots but Nordica rounded down the flex index number so you can enjoy the fit longer than a handful of race runs. This is superb precision design that any expert will appreciate. The design offers most of the same features found on Nordica's critically acclaimed winning (Skiing Magazine 2007 Gear Guide and Ski Magazine 2007 Buyer's Guide) Speedmachine 14 ski boot although you don't enjoy the extra 10-mm. on the Velcro® top strap the gel tongue or racing-rigid flex rating. What you do get is the same bi-injected boot design with soft pliable plastic throughout comfort areas and rigid material where energy transfer is critical to precision edge hold. Up top along the front of the cuff you'll find Nordica's HP Slide-In System a pivoting sliding shell construction that enhances easy entry while keeping your foot retained at a perfect 45-degree angle. The HP Slide-In System maintains efficient operation at low temperatures so you'll never find yourself in a frozen jam. While it's certainly not the cheapest ski boot you'll find on the mountain you get a lot of exceptional performance from the Speedmachine 12--a factor that can make all the difference on big mountain vacations.