The ’24-’25 Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro: same excellent descents characteristics with some gains on ROM and friction.
A go-to for many ski tourists over the years, Tecnica’s Zero G Tour Pro gets some tweaks. One thing that remains the same is that this four-buckle overlap boot is a keeper. It has a passable (and modestly improved) range of motion and friction and well-established (read as excellent) downhill characteristics. Here’s THR’s first look.
There will be a handoff for the full-blown review—for now, Tecnica’s Zero G Tour Pro (ZGTP) gets a first look in the snowy Central Oregon Cascades. After over a week of touring days in the boots this season, we have a few things to say. But, first things first.
The 2024-2025 iteration of the ZGTP gets new cosmetics with a combo. There’s the familiar orange-black with a splash of sage to keep it fresh. Otherwise, let’s get to the substance, at least the first-look substance.
Niche Boot or Not
The ZGTP looks like a traditional touring boot that relies on a heavy dose of alpine/lift-serve boot qualities. Meaning that it sports four buckles, a meaty cam-lock power strap, an overlap design, and if you downsized like me, that same gotta-flex-my-ankle-in-a-way-that-doesn’t-feel-great to get the boot on requirement. If this boot fits properly, it could serve all your touring needs—particularly those seeking excellent downhill performance or relying on longer, wider, heavier skis.
Tecnica’s boot cobblers shaved grams here and there, and presto, this model comes in roughly 80-90g lighter. Not insignificant. While somewhat beefier, the C.A.S. Ultralight – Light Fit liner sheds mass yet delivers good heel hold and fit. Tecnica markets the boot and liner as a medium-volume build, and this seems, FWIW, to be accurate. At 99mm, the last reflects the medium volume benchmark.
Fit out of the Box
While we’re not exactly sure which feet boot designers use for their feet models, there is some variability regarding normed sizing this season. Similar to the Dynafit Ridge, in the new ZGTP, if you desire a performance fit yet a comfortable performance fit, consider sizing down. I’m a reliable 27-27.5 fit in every boot I’ve worn in the past decade. After wearing the older model of the 27.5 ZGTP for the past two seasons, I decided to experiment with downsizing. In the 26.5, I’ve got a pretty comfortable performance fit.
As with older models, the boot shell arrives with dimpled zones in spots for potential punches. Many have had luck moding the shell to accommodate a bunion or three.
Adam Fabrikant has been in the ZGTP for several years. He says, “After carpet testing the boot for 29 minutes, the new boot feels like an identical fit.” So, for ski tourists not sizing down, there you have that.
The differences in fit from last to this year are subtle. The official word on the street regarding fit is an ever-so-slightly-wider fit and greater instep height.
Initial Thoughts on ROM and Friction
The old “I read it somewhere” might apply here. Tecnica claims a 60-degree range of motion, a 10-degree improvement over past generations. Maybe so. Forward ROM and friction are good to great, considering the overlap design, four buckles, etc. Rearward ROM and friction are, to this user, on par with the ’23-’24 model. Which is to say, it is not bad, but this is where designers could make improvements. Generally, the ZGTP does improve its tourability by small margins. However, it has more friction than a Fischer Transalp Pro and feels similar to the Scarpa Quattro SL.
Touring uphill, even less steep uphill skinners, feels natural and, for what I see enveloping my foot (a beef boot), overall, it’s pretty damn fine.
All that considered, after downsizing, which helps reduce overall weight, I can see touring in this boot all day and feeling neither burdened by the ROM, friction, or mass.
Other Items of Note
The ski/walk mode throw takes the lead from the brand’s lighter ZG Carbon Peak. It’s a dual block system, which means take extra care when securing in ski mode to ensure the spring-loaded hook secures properly. Otherwise, the system is rigid and, for the most part, seems to remain out of the way while walking.
In the past, tourers have bemoaned the ZGTP’s too-upright stance. Now, the boot comes with a 14 or 16-degree forward lean. One gains the extra two degrees by adding a velcro spoiler. Yes, the stance is more forward—it’s too early to say, having not skied true powder in these boots, where I fall on the claimed improvement and skiing feel/performance. With no mods, the older model had a 12 and 13-degree forward lean.
This is a me problem. I still find transitions in this boot fiddly. I’ll try to do better. The buckles seem nearly identical to past models. I’ve seen the magnesium parts break in the past, with fixes, depending on your local shop’s know-how and tools, potentially problematic. I’ll be keeping an eye on this to note any improved durability.
Regarding the claimed 130 flex, those debates can rage in online forums. If not a true 130 flex, it’s definitely in that range, and on par with the progressive flex and stiffness of the Scarpa Quattro line of boots.
The lower shell offers opportunities for punches. Overall, the boot ratios its stiff yet progressive flex.
In isolation—the ski/walk mechanism on the ’24’25 ZGTP.
A side by side of the new (left) and old (right) ski/walk mechanisms.
Basic Specs
Weight (g): 1328g (size 26.5) confirmed with stock insole.
Liner: Ecodesign – C.A.S. Ultralight – Light Fit, with Laces-Recco®
Soles: ISO 9523 Low tech insert, Vibram rubber
Shell: Grilamid – Quick Instep
Cuff: Co-injected Carbon
Buckles: 4 Light Magnesum, hiking position
Powerstrap: 35mm light with hook
Forward lean: 14° (Default, 16° with Spoiler)
ROM: Claimed 60 degrees
Price: $899.00
I too sized down in these; my ‘normal’ size had two full fingers of space in the shell. Boot is hard to get on, but once it on it feels good! I’ve been skiing the Zero G Peak and some times I want just a bit more oomph. Hoping this makes that happen. Will probably upgrade the liner to something a bit more plush than the stock liner.
Keep us posted Travis. I am curious to hear how you like them. Luck has been on our side here in Bend. After sufficient time in these boots, I am enjoying them more and more. Just skinned a bunch for an overnight B-day (thank you Barry), and as an experiment, I stayed out of my risers the entire time, with the exception of steeper zigs and zags, and a punchy snowmobile road. I found that in most circumstances (no riser and rolling terrain) the ROM and friction are an excellent combo for what I am looking for in a four buckle boot. So far, I’m glad I sized down and I’m glad I didn’t disregard the ZGTP altogether.