… It's worth mentioning that there isn't a standardized test to establish these ratings—it's up to the manufacturer to list them. A lower number means the boot is softer, while a higher number means the boot is stiffer, and you'll find numbers ranging from 70 at the low end for a super soft beginner alpine boot up to 130+ for an expert model. However, fewer buckles also means you'll sacrifice power and rigidity on the descent. This best-of-both-worlds scenario tends to warrant a higher price tag, but for folks who seek a true backcountry experience with big ups and downs, it's worth the investment. On the other hand, with an aggressive stance, four-buckle design (many backcountry models use two or three), and a new, more substantial liner, the XTD can hold its own on steep groomers. surefoot ski boots. Walk mode and "cuff rotation" go hand-in-hand: this specification describes the amount of fore/aft motion (and in cases like the Salomon X-Alp, side-to-side motion as well) available in a ski boot while in walk mode. Alternatively, it is never fun to feel as if you can't turn your skis while using a pair of boots that flex too much. We highly recommend trying on multiple pairs before purchasing, as every manufacturer builds boots with a specific shape that will fit some feet better than others. Second, speed is harder to generate and of less priority in the backcountry. 7 oz.Flex: 100What we like: Skis better than most skimo boots.What we don't: The stretch gaiter makes removing the liner difficult. Overall, these features make the Tour Pro one of the lightest, stiffest touring boots on the market. 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). Tecnica revamped the Zero G line last year with new materials and technology, resulting in a lighter, stiffer boot. 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. To start, the Salomon simply is not as good of a climber. 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. The cuff rotation specification is a good number to pay attention to when thinking about how much of your ski day will be uphill focused. Like the previous version, this boot targets ski mountaineers and those wanting to cover significant ground with a focused, ultralight build. 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. Most notably, the Lange XT3 is one of the heaviest designs on our list at almost 8 pounds for the pair, which is a significant downside for those spending extended time on the skin track. FREE Shipping. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Last Width … The Dynafit TLT series is a favorite among the fast-and-light touring crowd, but the simplified design does have some shortcomings. ? That said, it's very important to have a general understanding here, and at the least, have the wherewithal to check that your boots and bindings are compatible before you buy. Another defining feature of a backcountry boot is its walk/hike mode. Rossignol's Alltrack Elite is built for those who aren't ready to bid farewell to their loyal resort skis and bindings. 5 oz.Flex: 115What we like: Proven design with predictable downhill performance.What we don't: Not a good option for hard chargers. 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. And finally, Salomon has cut down on the amount of rubber on the sole in order to save weight, which results in less durability. Tech bindings, otherwise known as pin bindings (such as the G3 Ion) have metal prongs at the toe that insert into small holes in the front of the boot. For those on either end of the spectrum, Scarpa also makes a standard Maestrale (110 flex rating and $100 less) and Maestrale XT (130+ flex rating and $100 more)... Read in-depth reviewSee the Scarpa Maestrale RS  See the Women's Scarpa Gea RS. Further, you get the benefit of compatibility with both alpine and tech bindings—a great set-up for those who want to try out backcountry skiing but aren't ready to fully commit. Only down side is no tech inserts so will require a frame touring … And third, touring boots typically are manufactured with lighter materials, which makes them softer in general. The good news for these folks is that there are a growing number of one-quiver boot options, including Atomic's Hawx Ultra XTD 130. Talk to our Gearheads 24/7 about your needs. The new Salomon S-lab X-Alp Boot is a super lightweight ski touring boot aimed at those who value “light and fast” over “ski-anything” performance. While many of the models in this article are made with Grilamid or carbon, the K2’s more affordable TPU shell adds significant heft. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee The Dynafit TLT8 Expedition and Salomon S/Lab X-Alp are two of our favorite ultralight boots.Sidecountry Sale. To start, it's a standout on the skin track with a comfortable fit, lightweight carbon fiber and Grilamid construction, and total flex of 60 degrees, which exceeds our ankle's range of motion. The good news is... Dynafit is no stranger to the ski boot market, and their Hoji collection offers great all-around performance for backcountry skiers who don’t want to sacrifice descending capabilities. For more background information, see our detailed buying advice and comparison table below the picks. Category: SidecountryWeight per pair: 7 lbs. If it's too roomy, a boot will not offer the needed support for downhill skiing. Stories from real people who are blending the outdoors with the everyday, the latest information about gear we love, advice to get you into a new activity or take your passion to the next level, and trip reports to help you plan your next adventure. La Sportiva's Synchro takes direct aim at the Scarpa Maestrale RS above. Thus, one pair of boots can now be used with multiple ski set-ups (resort set-up, alpine touring set-up, etc.) Tecnica Mach1 105 MV Ski Boot … 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. $749.95 $ 749. $10.95 shipping. 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. 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. Ski mountaineers love this boot for its extremely low weight and huge cuff rotation, both vertically (75 degrees) and laterally (35 degrees). 95. When applicable, we’ve made mention of the various flex options available for each boot in the individual write-ups above. The Maestrale RS (and women’s Gea RS) was lightly updated recently with a revised power strap that includes an integrated RECCO reflector and a few tweaks to the shell and buckle design to boost durability. Dynafit Hoji PX Ski Boot. This depends on the specific kinds of skiing you enjoy most—skinning up a sunny ridgeline in the North Cascades is far different than bracing... For experienced skiers and snowboarders venturing into avalanche terrain, an airbag pack can provide an extra boost in safety. These complaints aside, the S/Lab X-Alp remains a proven favorite among ski mountaineers.See the Salomon S/Lab X-Alp. This rail attaches and releases from the heel, allowing for both uphill and downhill movement. Let's start simply. Ski touring boots and bindings must be precisely set up to ensure they will be reliable in both walking and skiing modes. Boots like the Lange XT3 130 LV and Rossignol Alltrack Elite fit squarely into this category. Further, the boot does a fine impression of an alpine model with a progressive flex that can be driven hard. Category: UltralightWeight per pair: 5 lbs. Please try again. No foot is the same as another. /, When you create an account, you agree to our. With the Alltrack's emphasis on downhill performance, you inevitably give up some of the seamless walkability of a dedicated backcountry boot. 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. 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. Furthermore, new MNC (Multi Norm Compatible) bindings from Atomic and Salomon take away the guesswork—they simply are compatible with every style of boot. Winter Gear Guide—Find the Best Boards, Skis & Gear of the Year. Tecnica trimmed away over one pound from the previous model, which certainly is impressive, but we're curious to see how the boot stands the test of time. Whereas a boot's Mondo size refers to the length of the foot, the last refers to the foot's width, in millimeters. But it's important to note that soft materials and a high cuff rotation create inherent weakness in the structural integrity of a boot. 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. When shopping for cross-country ski boots, it's important to choose boots that match the type of skiing you're doing. The design is user-friendly and functions just like a typical backcountry model by flipping a lever along the back of the boot. 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. With a flip of a lever along the spine of the boot, you can control the flexibility of the cuff. Category: All-aroundWeight per pair: 6 lbs. An alpine touring boot sole (ISO 9523) is rockered (similar to the bottom of a boat) to allow for a more natural gait. They are characterized by a minimalist build, high cuff rotation (often both lateral and vertical), minimal buckles, crampon compatibility, tech binding fittings, and grippy soles. Starting with alpine touring skis, you'll want to make sure to match the flex of your boots with the stiffness of your skis. As with K2’s Mindbender, the Cosmos is a good option for those just getting into the sport. As a follow-up to their standout Shift binding, Salomon has released a touring boot under the same name. Your password must be at least 8 characters long. 44 out of 5 … Extremely technical and at the same time comfortable and warm. $899.95. You can measure your own Mondo size quite easily, by putting your foot against the wall, marking where your toes end, and measuring the distance in centimeters. It's important to pay attention here, because the style of boot you choose will influence which binding you'll pair it with, and vice versa. They differ from standard downhill (alpine) models in a few ways, the most notable of which are binding compatibility and uphill capability. But as with any all-in-one answer, there are some compromises. Its narrow 98-millimeter last might not work for all foot shapes, but the Alltrack Elite is well-equipped for hard chargers that like to take on ambitious side- and backcountry lines. Category: SidecountryWeight per pair: 7 lbs. Scott flies a little under the radar in the backcountry ski world, but there's a lot to like with their men's Cosmos and women's Celeste boot line. 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 its four-buckle layout is familiar and offers plenty of adjustability. Beginners should prioritize comfort more than anything else, and the Mindbender’s generous last and heat-moldable liner and shell help to ensure a good fit. Further, you inevitably lose some warmth and durability with the noticeably thin materials (we’re happy to see metal used for the top buckle, however). Free shipping on many items | Browse your favorite brands | affordable prices. There are two main styles of backcountry ski bindings: tech and frame (you can read more about the pros and cons of each in our article on tech vs. frame bindings). In many areas, skiers can ride a lift, skin for a few minutes to the area boundary, and find themselves in legitimate backcountry terrain. Unfortunately, many companies have not gotten around to producing women's specific-models of some fantastic boots. In a perfect world, an alpine touring boot would be both lightweight and flexible on the uphill, and stiff and supportive when bombing down steep terrain. Category: All-around/sidecountryWeight per pair: 6 lbs. If you identify as a female and have found the perfect pair of boots that only come in a men's model, try them on and don't be afraid to go for it (and vice versa). The boot is lightweight at 1430g, given it’s designed as a touring boot, the Freeguide Carbon has a great balance of weight and power for a higher-end ski boot. Get the best deals on Ski Touring Boots when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. And priced at $679, the Vega is a good value overall, undercutting most of its competition by $100 or more. 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. In general, the type of liner you choose comes down to how secure and adjustable you like your boot to feel. Again, it's worth repeating that this information is good for planning purposes but can't come close to the value in getting fitted by a reputable ski shop. These gripes aside, the Synchro is another very solid, lightweight boot for big days in the mountains.See the La Sportiva Synchro  See the Women's La Sportiva Shadow. 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