Shell & Outsole

The durable PU upper is essentially the same as the regular Helios but stands out thanks to a bling white colourway and a couple of graphic touches on the tongue and toe box that nod to Nidecker’s new ‘Instinct’ board range.

It’s an asymmetrical design, with a 3D-molded tongue and a wedge-like shape across the top of the foot that promises a better fit with your bindings – especially if you choose a pair from the Nidecker or Flow range. The shell also features an articulated joint at the ankle that ensures the flex is smooth and consistent

Tightening the Helios APX is super easy via a dual zone Boa lacing system. You can adjust the upper and lower sections separately; crank em both up for maximum support and response, or ease back on the top dial to keep your turns feeling more relaxed and add a little tweakability.

The ‘H4’ coiler is chunky enough to be operated even in gloves, and is more durable than older models. It’s designed to ‘eject’ rather than break, so if it snags on something (stairs are the usual suspects) and gets pulled off, you can just pop it right back on. The APX version of the Helios also features Boa’s ‘TX’ laces, which stands for ‘textile wrapped’. They look and feel a bit more premium than standard steel cables, and slide just as smoothly over the surface of the boot.

There’s plenty of grip on offer from the all-rubber ‘BFT Gravity’ outsole. The tread pattern is effective whether you’re hiking a slushy park or icy ridgeline, and gel cushioning at the heel and toe helps soak up bumpy pistes and heavy landings.

“In a nutshell: discerning shreds who know value when they see it”

“For this one we used the same last as the Helios. Jean Michel Rodot (who has been the Nidecker designer for over half a decade) did the graphics which match the Alpha and Beta boards in our Instinct capsule. The Remind insole is an aftermarket addition we threw in…it sells by itself for over forty euros – so lots of added value, better shock absorption and a slightly higher riding position. And if you pull it out, you can wear it in your skate shoes too.”