However you choose to say it, backcountry skiing is just as much (if not more) about the uphill as it is about the downhill. For short tours or strong riders who prioritize downhill performance (including sidecountry enthusiasts), you should have approximately 8 pounds and under for the pair as a good benchmark. But flip the lever into walk mode, and you get surprisingly good range of motion (53 degrees with the latest model) and the GripWalk soles hold their own while hiking. That said, if your climbs aren’t especially steep or you don’t mind sacrificing some efficiency, the Salomon’s resort-inspired construction has a lot of appeal among skiers who like to charge both on- and off-trail.See the Salomon Shift Pro 120  See the Women's Salomon Shift Pro 110. That said, the TLT8 increased durability and fit customization by swapping the old wire system for a more precise ladder buckle set-up. Frame bindings often are less expensive than tech bindings and offer more power on the downhill, but they are bulky and heavy, both on your ski and with each step. Who is the Salomon Shift Pro best for? A pair of soft skis can feel overpowered by a stiff boot like the Maestrale RS, which can lead to a disconnected and insecure feeling while descending. Category: Sidecountry/all-aroundWeight per pair: 7 lbs.Flex: 120Other flexes: 130What we like: Super cush, thick liner; skis like a true alpine boot. Ski mountaineers love this boot for its extremely low weight and huge cuff rotation, both vertically (75 degrees) and laterally (35 degrees). Switching into tour mode gets you pretty limited freedom of movement—its 40 degrees range of motion is the smallest on our list and falls short of other freeride models like the Rossignol Alltrack Elite (50°) and Lange XT3 (53°). Because of this, a backcountry ski boot's flex rating won't always translate perfectly to the flex rating of an alpine ski boot (for example, a backcountry boot with a stated flex of 110 might feel slightly softer than an alpine ski boot with the same given flex number). When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Compatible with alpine bindings and crossover tour set-ups like the Salomon Shift, the boot offers serious performance with very few compromises. Overall, these features make the Tour Pro one of the lightest, stiffest touring boots on the market. As a follow-up to their standout Shift binding, Salomon has released a touring boot under the same name. 14 oz.Flex: 130Other flexes: 110, 120What we like: Very lightweight for a stiff, aggressive boot.What we don't: Pricey. I worked as an alpine boot fitter before specializing in touring boots … Dynafit Hoji PX Alpine Touring Ski Boot - Women's Original price: $699.95 Current price: $524.96 Original price: $699.95 5 5 out of 5 stars from 1 reviews 5 1 (1) 15 oz.Flex: 120What we like: Stiff and strong on the downhill.What we don't: We consistently maxed out its flex while skinning and bootpacking. And although the Synchro's closed-cell foam liner is nice, it is not as luxurious as the revered Intuition liner, which has kept our feet warm in frigid temperatures. Beginners should prioritize … When choosing a pair of boots, it's important to think through the style and performance level of your entire ski kit, including your skis and bindings. Category: UltralightWeight per pair: 4 lbs. Category: All-aroundWeight per pair: 6 lbs. On the pendulum of uphill and downhill performance, Lange’s XT3 swings decidedly toward the latter. Recently, there has been a push by many ski gear manufacturers to offer a range of flex options for individual boot models, allowing the user to choose the perfect stiffness for his or her ability level. All in all, the Cosmos is a solid backcountry boot option but fails to stand out in a very competitive market. Dynafit's tried-and-true TLT series received an upgrade last season with the TLT8 Expedition CR. Quick View. Flex: 125What we like: Solid buckle system with well-designed micro-adjustments.What we don't: Not quite as light, comfortable, or walkable as the Scarpa Maestrale. Add in crampon-friendly front toe bights and machine-washable liners to fight funky smells, and this boot is the new standard for superlight ski touring and ski mountaineering. In addition, while the boot is fairly stiff relative to its feathery construction, it can feel harsh and is more difficult to drive in poor snow conditions. There is no rubric for this, but generally boots with a higher flex rating (115+) should be paired with stiffer skis, and vice versa for boots with a lower flex rating. The Scarpa Alien truly is a niche boot that is excellent at doing one thing: moving fast on flat and moderately uphill terrain. 00. On the descent, the Vega lacks the progressive flex and outright rigidity of the slightly lighter Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD above (although the La Sportiva’s upgraded liner has improved comfort when you're driving it hard). /, When you create an account, you agree to our. No foot is the same as another. And although it comes with a stated flex of 100, the S/Lab X-Alp feels noticeably stiffer than the Procline (flex: 90), thanks to the spine built into the back of the shell. The new hybrid design targets downhill-oriented riders with traditional alpine boot features like a four-buckle layout, sturdy shell, and a warm liner. And Dynafit has a women's version of almost every one of their models. And to complete your alpine touring set-up, see our article on the best backcountry skis. The good news is that this growing category has seen some impressive advancements in recent years, with a plethora of models that excel both on the climb and descent. Salomon S/Lab MTN Alpine Touring Boot (19/20) $799.00 $975.00. "Earn your turns" or "You've gotta get up to get down." Many backcountry boots favor either uphill or downhill performance, but the Scarpa Maestrale RS's impressive balance of both earns it our top billing for 2021. While in ski mode, the Alltrack Elite feels like a true alpine boot: it has an aggressive stance, four sturdy buckles, and the shell is stiff but precise. And Scarpa didn't skimp on the liner either: the included Intuition Cross Fit Pro is a proven design that is warm, resists packing out, and can be heat molded for a custom fit. The main challenge will be finding the ideal balance of a snug yet comfortable fit. And finally, Salomon has cut down on the amount of rubber on the sole in order to save weight, which results in less durability. Dynafit Hoji PX Ski Boot. And locked into place, it resembles a standard downhill design with enough stiffness to transfer power to the bindings and skis. The Dynafit TLT series is a favorite among the fast-and-light touring crowd, but the simplified design does have some shortcomings. This lack of refinement and uphill capability pushes the S/Lab MTN down our list, but it's still a viable option for serious downhillers... Read in-depth reviewSee the Salomon S/Lab MTN. These complaints aside, the S/Lab X-Alp remains a proven favorite among ski mountaineers.See the Salomon S/Lab X-Alp. They also take some time to dry, which can make for an extremely cold day as your sweat starts to freeze. Therefore, DYNAFIT does not only have one touring ski boot in its program, but the right one for your needs. Dalbello Boss 110 Ski Boot Mens. And third, touring boots typically are manufactured with lighter materials, which makes them softer in general. But it's important to note that soft materials and a high cuff rotation create inherent weakness in the structural integrity of a boot. 1 color available. CATEGORY: All-Mountain Adventure. In general, ski mountaineers and the majority of alpine touring enthusiasts opt for tech bindings, while beginners or those who prize downhill performance choose frame bindings. Unfortunately, many companies have not gotten around to producing women's specific-models of some fantastic boots. Please try again. And while its main competitor—the Lange XT3 130 LV—can ski more aggressively, the Atomic gets the edge here as the superior all-rounder. For this reason, all backcountry ski boots (and some alpine ski boots), are designed with two modes: a walk mode (increased range of motion for uphill travel) and a ski mode (stiff and supportive for descents). If skiing big lines is a priority or you're looking for a single boot for all types of backcountry adventures, the Salomon X-Alp falls short. First off, the included liner isn't as warm or protective as the picks above (although Dynafit did boost the insulation and comfort with this latest model). Because sidecountry terrain necessitates far less uphill travel than other forms of backcountry skiing, an ideal sidecountry boot will prioritize stiffness and stability on the downhill (similar to a typical alpine boot) over uphill comfort and weight savings. Overall, you get a ton of flexibility whether you choose to shred the resort on your alpine set-up or explore the backcountry with your touring kit. They guarantee support and … With a great 104mm last and generous instep volume, this boot will be a choice for the super wide. If finding a comfortable ski boot has been a challenge for you, we recommend working with your local ski shop professional. Noting that you go uphill 90% of the time, these are the perfect blend of uphill freedom and downhill … Considering the great price—for a backcountry boot, at least—you can expect a few drawbacks. And whether they're made of open or closed-cell foam, most boot liners are heat moldable, a process that fits them precisely to your feet and eliminates hot spots and potential for loss of circulation. 5 oz.Flex: 130Other flexes: 100, 120What we like: Lightweight with a confident feel on the downhill.What we don't: Falls short of the Maestrale for touring. And with a new Freetouring liner and the form-fitting Custom Shell carried over from the prior model, the S/Lab MTN fits a wide variety of foot sizes. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Buckles: … The Hawx is reasonably nimble and flexible for walking, and reworked, lighter buckles in the 2020 update improve touring performance. Although the flex of 95 is decent for a lightweight rider, it's too soft for a strong pilot on a set of stiff skis. Salomon Shift Pro. And the walk mechanism connects in two spots when locked into ski mode—both at the top of the spine and the bottom—keeping the boot from bowing and deforming under pressure and increasing the flex point. @ # $ % ^ & * _ - + = ` | ( ) '{' '}' [ ] : ; " '' < > , . Also, its steep $900 price tag is a big pill to swallow, especially with excellent options like the Maestrale RS above for $100-ish less. Whereas the typical weight of an alpine ski boot design can hover around a hefty 11 pounds per pair, an average backcountry model weighs around 7 pounds and can drop as low as 3 pounds for a ski mountaineering set. SCOTT’s new boot has a … Rossi’s hike mode and more traditional buckle system simply can’t match the ease of use and freedom of movement that you get with Scarpa’s Maestrale or Dynafit’s Hoji Free above. With a low weight of 6 pounds 5 ounces for the pair and a stated flex of 130, the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD toes the line better than any other boot on the market. Hoji Pro Tour Alpine Touring Ski Boot - Women's, AllTrack Elite 120 GW Alpine Touring Ski Boot - Women's, R3W 105 Ti IR Alpine Touring Boot - Women's, AllTrack Pro 120 LT GW Alpine Touring Ski Boot, Zero G Tour Pro Alpine Touring Boot - 2021, Shift Pro 110 Alpine Touring Boot - Women's, Hawx Ultra XTD 115 Tech Alpine Touring Boot - Women's, Zero G Tour Scout Alpine Touring Boot - 2021 - Women's, Hawx Ultra XTD 95 Tech Alpine Touring Boot - Women's, Sparkle 2.0 Alpine Touring Boot - Women's, Procline AR Carbon Alpine Touring Boot - Women's, My Ranger Free 90 Alpine Touring Boot - Women's, Procline Carbon Lite Alpine Touring Ski Boot, Mindbender 110 Alliance Alpine Touring Boot. Frame bindings, such as the Marker Tour F12 EPF, essentially are traditional downhill bindings attached to a rail that extends from heel to toe. A tech binding only is compatible with boots with tech fittings—other style boots simply will not work. 1. Our New Kits for Ski, Snowboard, Winter Hiking, Indoor Training & More, Warmer Tech Means a Better Winter, No Matter the Forecast. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee If this sounds like you, Tecnica also offers the Zero G Tour Scout and Tour Alpine, which have 120 and 110 flex ratings, respectively.See the Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro. The bottom line is that each ski brand makes their boots with a unique shape, fit, and features. With the Alltrack's emphasis on downhill performance, you inevitably give up some of the seamless walkability of a dedicated backcountry boot. Thus, one pair of boots can now be used with multiple ski set-ups (resort set-up, alpine touring set-up, etc.) Sale. Many recent innovations allow for more support without more ounces. And here is where boots come into play. As a result, we've put backcountry ski boots into three general categories: "ultralight" for those that prioritize climbing efficiency and low weight above all else, "sidecountry" for those that want alpine-worthy downhill performance, and "all-around" for boots that try to achieve that elusive all-in-one solution. Category: UltralightWeight per pair: 5 lbs.Flex: ModerateWhat we like: Super lightweight; buckle system allows for fast transitions.What we don't: Can’t charge like an alpine boot and minimalist liner isn’t particularly comfortable or protective. La Sportiva's Synchro takes direct aim at the Scarpa Maestrale RS above. Most importantly, you want to match the design and materials... Backcountry skiing can be an incredibly rewarding way to spend your time outdoors—no crowds, untouched snow, and a skin-track workout to compliment your knee-deep powder turns... Best Backcountry (Touring) Ski Boots of 2021, Ski Portillo: Chasing August Turns in Chile, See the Women's Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 115, See the Women's Dynafit TLT8 Expedition CR, See the Women's K2 Mindbender 90 Alliance, See the Women's Rossignol Alltrack Elite 120, Back to Our Backcountry Boot Comparison Table. Thus, while boots with a greater cuff rotation will be more comfortable on long ascents, they aren't able to provide as much support on the descent as a boot with harder materials or lower cuff rotation. And on the downhill, the 100-flex rating is missing the precision and power that you get with a stiffer design (K2 does make 120-flex and 130-flex versions for $600 and $700, respectively). “Ski touring boots are one of the most important bits of kit that you’ll be purchasing” It’s therefore vital for me, at this point, to rehash the time-old cliche that you should get yourself down to a brick and mortar … Dynafit’s Hoji Pro Tour was an attention-grabber when it was released a couple seasons ago, but its speed toe design came with limitations in binding and crampon compatibility. You can use a conversion chart to determine your Mondo size but we still highly recommend getting fitted by a ski boot professional. For example, the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD is available in 100, 120, and 130 flex ratings for men, and the women’s version has 85, 95, and 115 variations. If your ski boots come with an open-cell foam liner, we have found it to be worth the price (especially for those who run cold) to buy a closed-cell foam liner separately. Another defining feature of a backcountry boot is its walk/hike mode. 13 oz.Flex: 130What we like: Seriously good all-around performance with the Hoji Lock System.What we don’t: Not a weight leader. The ski boot sole discussion actually is a continuation of the binding compatibility dialogue above. Scarpa Alien RS Alpine Touring Boot. Truth be told, many backcountry skiers split their time between touring and the resort. sale Current price: Original price: $869.95 35% off. And take note: a 130 flex makes for a solid boot for expert skiers, but this stiff build will overpower those with less experience. Some boots … That soft materials and technology, resulting in a very competitive market for traverses. 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