how we test | tester bios | ski tests | parts department | f.a.q. | size conversion chart | review archives: 03 | 04 | 05 | 06
2007 Ski Boot Reviews
RACE
Given that many of our testers annually average more days racing than many skiers will spend on the hill in a lifetime, it’s not surprising that volunteers for this category are plentiful when we start making assignments. Not to say that there isn’t penance to pay for participation. These boots are the tightest, lowest volume fits on the market and often need custom sculpting by a top boot fitter to work without pain. The trade-off is that they provide unparalleled precision and power. All the boots in this category have solid, integrated toe and heel pieces, a feature that lets boot techs taper stance-correcting modification angles into the boot itself. That wasn’t terribly important until recent years when a rapid proliferation of integrated ski/binding systems made it impossible to execute stance modifications with under binding cants.
all reviews: Atomic | Head | Lange | Nordica | Salomon | Tecnica
Atomic Race Tech CS 130 — $699
[ view image ]
The RT CS exudes confidence without being shrill. It retains the geometry of the pure-blood Ti models that Bode and Hermann use (really!) but claims to expand the inner cavity a smidgen to reduce the vice-like grip. Maybe so, but our testers still felt it clung to their feet like a Chinese finger trap and found the flex as stout as a pint of Guinness. Our testers gave it solid marks in every category—the only one of the Race gold medal boots to not suffer a bobble anywhere. It even tied with the Head RS 110 for easiest to get on and off in the category. On the hill, it connects quickly to the snow. It’s as solid as a diamond tipped rotary blade slicing through asphalt. Tilt it left or right and it rips through everything although powder isn’t its strong suit.
Beware: Relatively short cuff isn’t much of a safety net in the back seat. Smaller skiers, however, will appreciate the low stovepipe.
Head RS 110 — $649
[ view image ]
More freeskier than racer, our testers liked the RS 110 for its versatility and easy entry and exit. They wondered, however, if it didn’t belong a category below in AME/Freeride. Head, as usual, has installed some clever fit twists on this boot. A double D-ring and stretch panel on the Velcro power strap offers unparalleled tugging capabilities. You’ll think a boa is wrapping the cuff to your shin. The Full Custom Frame—a bobsled like insert that reduces forefoot volume from 103mm to 100mm and secures around the midfoot and heel—means this boot delivers for a lot of foot types. “You don’t have to overpower the boot to get it to work,” said the lightweight Rich. Our more aggressive and bigger skiers enjoyed the RS for its ability to go anywhere without harshness but felt it too wobbly to rap through a race course.
Beware: Can be overpowered by bigger and stronger skiers.
Lange World Cup 130 — $649
[ view image ]
This boot better deliver the goods to get past its cuddly but distinctive high sky tone that Lange aptly calls Crazy Blue. (What else could they have been when selecting this color?) Lange likes to slap the World Cup tag on a lot of its boots—it goes back to their total dominance at the first Cup tour back in 1968—but this is not their World Cup boot. That’s the 150 which has a stiffer flex and a wafer thin liner compared to the 130’s more conventional sock. This boot delivers great power to the edge but is a bit cushy for a racer. The flex is a bit soft but nicely progressive without ever hitting a wall. The womb-like fit (thanks to the neoprene toe box and tongue) holds you in all the right places. Our testers, who have skied in more Lange’s than they can remember over the past 20 years, felt it hewed to its heritage. “Typical Lange,” they said. “It is high energy and connected to skiers and snow. You can pick up any of the comments from the last five years of Lange reviews and they would all be accurate.”
Beware: Lots of forward lean.
Nordica Dobermann 130 Pro — $649
[ view image ]
Alpha dog tenacious for those who know what it’s like to smack plastic rods at 10 degrees with just millimeters of Lycra insulating their skin. We skied the boot primarily with both spine studs in for max stiffness but taking one or both out will let the boot dial down to a frisky friendliness. All the buckles and ladders are screwed for quick and easy replacement. This boot has bite. It straps ups perfectly around the foot and responds to anything you ask of it. It earned aces for its versatility on and off course and is particularly foot steerable. It provides great ankle articulation, a Nordica hallmark. Virtually all testers gave it strong scores for dynamic comfort noting its excellent out-of-the-box skiability. Those with higher volume feet were most enthusiastic.
Beware: Cuff is wider than others which diminishes lateral response for those with thin calves.
Salomon Falcon Race — $649
[ view image ]
Salomon finished first in three of our five test categories and the all-new Falcon flagship set the pace. Salomon has been creative and innovative while keeping the design clean in this replacement for the acclaimed Course. That’s not easy. The Falcon uses the Spaceframe concept pioneered with the use of honeycomb-patterned holes stamped from the outside of the shell’s midfoot in the Course. In the Falcon, however, the execution has been refined with the use of selective plastic reinforcement molded right into the shell walls. There’s many more attractive features including the foot-hugging leather liner that’s dynamically easy on the foot to the 3D buckle that varies its strap angle across the instep. All combine to make a fabulously comfortable, superior performance boot. It rocked to the two highest category scores of ANY BOOT IN THE TEST—and they were in the all-important lateral response and rear support columns. There’s something fantastic going on with this liner. It sucks your foot to the bottom and into the heel pocket. The Falcon’s superior feel to the edge is a direct reflection of this. This is the benchmark for all others.
Beware: Tough in, pinches on exit.
Tecnica Diablo Race Pro 130 — $699
[ view image ]
Is there something cosmic about the end of the boot manufacturer’s alphabet that inspires excellence or is it just coincidence? Tecnica joined Salomon at the top of our testing heap, taking 2 of 5 categories and finishing second in the other three. The Pro 130 is another “Just the facts, ma’am,” boot. There’s nothing bling dangling from the boot but it does have worthwhile features like flex adjustment (with removal of two spine rivets), a rear spoiler to customize lean and highly-adjustable, bomber buckles that envelope exceptionally well, according to our testers. The 130 has a unique stance set-up, with aggressive forward lean and shallow ramp angle, noted many of our testers. “It is a ‘ski’ boot, not a ‘stand” boot,’ said one of our male testers. “They’re uncomfortable at rest but in motion, just tip it and rip it.” Our race-ready women were similarly impressed. They gave it perfect scores for lateral response and said they felt plenty in reserve when the rocketed through turns and powered their tails. (Oops? Can we say that!?)
Beware: Stance may need adjustment to suit some.
ALL MOUNTAIN EXPERT and FREERIDE
Are we lazy for lumping together these categories? Not really. Most factories market view image and features to satisfy the different needs of each group but there’s lots of cross-purpose use here. The main difference in collections from the same company are in last (one is usually more voluminous than the other) and some vibration absorption, padding and flex tweaks (with all being more damp in freeride models.) In some cases, identically featured women’s models are not made so our female testers skied the top model available.
all reviews: Atomic | Dalbello | Dolomite | Head | Lange | Nordica | Rossignol | Salomon | Tecnica
Atomic M110/Balanz M90
— $589/$469
[ view image ] [ view image
Atomic has for years has the reputation of stomping the hill strong. The M series uses Tri-Tech construction, separating the toe and heel lugs from the body of the shell with a floating stabilizer to provide a spot-on sweet zone. What Atomic lacked, however, was the envelopment and smoothness that the best boots in the category provided. No longer. The toe box remains tight but the M boots scored their top marks in closure and dynamic comfort this test as two years of liner and buckle developments continue to pay off. There’s no flinching from responsibility with either M model we tested. If you find yourself in the backseat it’s definitely operator error, not a design flaw. This is a firm boot best suited for strong, big skiers. The high volume cuff dampens precision for those who don’t fill it up.
Atomic includes a couple of pleasant niceties to the package, coating the sole with zebra stripes of grippy material for superior traction and a power strap that looks capable of towing a semi.
Beware: Tight Achilles pocket snaps at heel on exit.
Dalbello Proton 12/ Electra 10
[ view image ] [ view image
Dalbello continues its tradition of high value boots with the Proton/Electra package. The company has incorporated tried and true best practices technology in these classic looking boots to create versatile packages. They’ve got standard issue bulletproof industrial-look buckles, a beefy power strap and dual cant. There’s one special twist--the bi-injected overlap uses a unique construction that made it one of the easier boots in the category to get in and out of. The women’s Electra pays appropriate attention to a woman’s morphology and taste with a thoughtfully lasted liner shrouded in a faux fur our ladies really liked. All our testers felt it fit comfortably right out of the box. On the hill, the men felt the Proton steady and supportive. It’s readily flexed but not overly mushy. It steers well and is fluid and forgiving in turns. The balance is solid and it’s energetic. Our women felt the Electra glided well and would fit better in the Cruiser category.
Beware: Fluffy liner will compress quickly.
Dolomite Pro Z 130 — $660
[ view image ]
Dolomite has focused the past two seasons on establishing grass roots support to re-build its dimmed performance image. The back-to-basic Z series had two entries in this category and both scored similarly well. That’s not surprising since the only leg -up the 130 has is stiffer, translucent plastic and a tighter, firmer liner. The shell is anatomically shaped and Dolomite admirably committed to using standard U.S. sizing which means building one extra shell mold set for the run. It’s more expensive but it also provides more precise fit for a greater number of skiers. This is a boot for skiers with a firm hand. “They are rock solid,” said one of our hard-charging women. If you like to put oomph in your turns these will be loyal companions.” The Pro 130 is strong to the edge and very quick but so stiff forward that our testers felt it had somewhat limited versatility in the bumps are times when they wanted a softer touch.
Beware: Exact a price when you leave the gates behind.
Dolomite Pro Z 110 — $600
[ view image ]
It’s difficult to tell 110 from the 130 but the solid color plastic and duller aluminum finish on the buckles are the visual clues. Both Pro models have stone-cold power straps and buckles and dual canting. They can be softened by removing either or both of the screw studs from the spine. Judging from our testers’ responses, that’s something worth experimenting with since many felt the 110’s stock flex, like the 130’s, was best suited to gates. Our hard-charging guys liked them the best. The snug fit gives them agility and spunk. They are solid and progressive, super responsive. One of our experienced, self-reliant female skiers had difficulty getting them on and off. “I had to have a friend help out,” she admitted. “There is no easy way in.” Several other female testers agreed. In all sizes, our testers judged the 110 tight so skiers with low volume feet would do well to give a look here.
Beware: Needs constant attention or you lose command.
Head S 11/S 11
[ view image ] [ view image
Head also saddled up two similar steeds for this category. The S11 is aimed at traditional all-mountain skiers, the unisex Mojo (see below) at hipper freeriders (as if you couldn’t tell from the name). Our testers preferred the S11 cosmetics (translucent lemon yellow) and gave two thumbs up to the exclusive double power buckles on the S11 cuff that turbo-boost closure leverage. The S11 also comes standard with the Full Custom System insert giving it a wide fit range (see RS 110 Race review). Both the S11 and the Mojo scored almost identically The S11 has a gentle entry and comfortable initial fit. “This one has a home address on Easy Street,” said one tester. The suspension is smooth and balanced with the engine revving and in rough terrain it manages to maintain its composure. It’s so comfortable it makes you want to ski. One of our women concurred, but with reservation. “You can range all over the mountain with it,” she said, “but if you’re looking to seriously challenge the hill, the S11 don’t quite have the horsepower.” Two of our stronger male skiers agreed; “It’s among the softer flexing boots in the category.”
Beware: Has a speed governor, governour.
Head Mojo — $TKK
[ view image ]
The Mojo is one of the new cadre of white boots (this with brilliant blue accents) that our more mature testers don’t seem to embrace. Younger skiers seemed to like the look and what they might find most attractive is the price tag; the Mojo is street priced $100 below the similar S11. It gives up the extra leverage buckles (hey, kids are young and strong; they should use those muscles!) and the Full Custom System insert (a $25-$30 option from the dealer). Without the FCS, our slim-footed skiers found the interior to be stretch limo sized and experienced difficulty initiating shell contact. “I gave away all my forward movement before any energy transferred to the ski,” said one. If the Mojo feels sloppy in the shop, make sure to ask your bootfitter to try it with the FCS. Of course, for those with meaty feet who always suffer from clamp down pain, this might be an ideal choice. As with the S11, our skiers who limited their terrain program had the most pleasant time. It has energetic rebound from turn to turn and is balanced and well shaped. Park and pipe kids will love it. The rear is a bit soft for traditional skiing but just right for riding switch.
Beware: A bit soft for super-adventure skiing.
Lange World Cup 120/World Cup 120
[ view image ] [ view image
Time was that Lange’s step-down racer was a benchmark for quickness and precision. It’s still got those goods but others have caught up to it and the boot’s fit, despite improvements, can still be challenging. The last is narrow, the forward lean aggressive and skiers often need some tailoring of the shell to get a good fit. Shorter skiers and our women testers felt the cuff rides so high it impacted the stance. This year’s model has a new, more substantial liner with a detachable Velcro spoiler. It’s more comfortable, particularly in the toe region, but sacrifices a bit of shell intimacy. Like all Lange WC models, it comes in Crazy Blue but if you not the look-at-me type, it’s also available in a more demur black with red accents. The 120 is powerful and predictable but lacks slam dunk soothing comfort and ego coddling. If you can handle the beast within, you will be rewarded. It bonds well to skis and has a nice progressive, stiff flex. The 120 has an excellent ability to shape turns with a flex that’s right on target for skiing hard all over the mountain.” The Comp 120 comes in both LF (low fit 95mm) and MF (medium fit 98mm) shell lasts.
Beware: Short buckle adjustment range.Nordica Hot Rod Top Fuel — $845
[ view image ]
This boot is an off-road capable Cobra, the Speedmachine 14 (see below) a street legal Mustang. The Top Fuel is built with the tighter Dobermann Pro last but has a softer flex and a more vibration damping suspension for better all-conditions versatility. Nordica dresses up the Top Fuel in eye-popping translucent cherry-red plastic that our testers said stiffened substantially in cold temperature. Don’t be fooled in the shop,” warned Wax. Nordica adorns the boot with a bunch of flashy but practical twists including old-school bail buckles and a stretchy Booster Velcro strap. The testers gave this boot higher marks in the performance categories than the Speedmachine 14 but found it less friendly in entry/exit and adjustability. It uses one of the boot world’s most reliable architectures. It provides power and precision in every turn, terrain, snow and stance position.
Beware: Chews insteps raw on entry and exit.
Nordica Speedmachine 14/Olympia Speedmachine 12
[ view image ] [ view image
This brother-sister combo has lots of bells and whistles—and a couple of sirens too. Double cant, adjustable flex, quick-set spoiler, a stout Velcro strap and a slick easy-slide material on the liner spine are just part of the well-appointed packages. The women’s model has a cuff expansion feature that accommodates wider calves and fur lining on the innerboot. It’s more like driving a well-appointed Lexus than a BMW roadster. The liner is slipper-smooth, the neoprene toe box malleable and the geometry makes it easy to walk in. While power is substantially reduced from the Top Fuel, the transfer from edge-to-edge remains smooth and effective. Several testers noted the Speedmachine was generously lasted and warned slender-footed skiers. Anything less than a D-width and solid leg requires buckling to the end of the range. That causes overwrapping of the flanges and blocks flex.
Beware: New Super Booster assembly lacks suppleness of older elastic-based model.
Rossignol Bandit B-Squad — $789
[ view image ]
This unisex boot may be the most straightforward design Rossignol has ever brought to market. Excepting the shamrock green canvas, The B-Squad looks positively old school. It would be a mistake to think it old tech, though. The shell is bi-injected to improve comfort and power transmission. The rear spoiler and tongue are both Velcro adjustable to provide stance and fit customization. The buckles have built in leverage boosters. The interior is smoothly contoured and well-proportioned, gripping our testers feet firmly. The tall rear spoiler supports the leg nicely. This is definitely a pilot’s boot. If you sit back and relax, it will get away from you. It drives accurately with an energetic edge connection. It rolls up easily and allows you to develop a high edge angle. It holds like Superglue on the snow. Our women felt it fun and snappy.
Beware: Despite improvement, still has traditional Rossi difficult in and out routine.
Salomon Falcon 10/Scarlet
[ view image ] [ view image
Salomon continues to smack it out of the park. The Falcon 10/Scarlet combo perfectly ratchets down the Race’s power and precision while adding an unparalleled level of all-day comfort. It has thoughtful external features like the 3-D instep buckle but much of its technology is tucked inside. The new Energyzer frame (most evident on the translucent 10s and Scarlet) is embedded in the spine of the lower shell and anchored in the sole below the heel to provide lightening-swift energy transmission to the ski. The liner uses three layers of custom moldable tapered foams for an enveloping, uniform wrap. Several testers noted it was the best initial feel they’ve ever experienced and that the boot swallowed the foot without the instep pinch common in performance boots. It’s perfectly mapped and let even one of our more senior skiers zipper the bumps like Johnny Moseley (OK; a very old Moseley). And our ladies? Yes, they gave a damn, a big damn about the Scarlet. “Best fit, best turn, great energy,” said one. “You feel every bump and ripple underfoot but somehow it never feels harsh. It’s skippy without being skitterish.”
Beware: Leather collar on liner cuff needs to be hand-rolled backward to prevent it from plinking the calf.
Salomon X Wave 10/ Rush 9
[ view image ] [ view image
Chocolate or vanilla? The X-Wave/Rush combo finished virtually tied atop this category with its Falcon stable mate. The choice is clearly a matter of taste. Those testers who stomp the hill hard and are super-fit, liked the trigger response and vacuum fit of the Falcon. Those who like to dial it back and high-speed cruise for part of the day and were born before 1960, favored the uber-comfortable X-Wave, feeling that it gave up just a few ticks on the line. It’s exceptionally sensitive without the onerous fit of a race boot. The duo’s shells use honeycomb Spaceframe flex technology for improved uphill ski contact. The adjustable 3-D instep buckle does a great job of personalizing fit and two layers of custom foam in the liner earned it a top mark for dynamic comfort. “This one could put us out of business,” joked one of our master bootfitters. “It doesn’t have a downfall.”
Beware: Cuff rises high on leg. Short skiers could have stance issues.
Tecnica Diablo Magma — $795
[ view image ]
Similar priced, Tecnica’s Magma and Pro (see below) are a bit like dueling old west gunslingers. The Pro is rugged outlaw, all grit and spit. The Magma is dandy sheriff, oozing with Tecnica’s high-tech, high-touch features including a tri-density shell, Rapid Access swinging door cuff and endless flex and fit customization possibilities. This devil seriously seduced our women. They gave the Magma much higher marks than the men who, while appreciative of the Magma, generally preferred the Pro. One of our female racer testers skied both boots and said of the Magma, “Very impressive. Just as responsive as the Pro 110 but way more comfortable. It takes direction well and goes just about anywhere.” The Magma has superior wrapping ability. It closes around the foot with no pressure points and responds attentively to every direction change. It’s smooth, snug, attentive and energetic. The epitome of what a boot in this category should be.
Beware: Low cuff may not provide enough support for taller skiers.
Tecnica Race Pro 110 — $795
[ view image ]
Sheriff Magma captured the female heart and but our guys felt this narrower-fitting boot gave 110%. The Pro 110 is virtually indistinguishable from the Pro 130 (see Race), the only difference being the slightly softer flexing plastic. It can soften further (with removal of two spine rivets), something two of our hard skiing testers wouldn’t suggest. “It already sacrifices a bit of the 130s exactitude,” said one. The highly-adjustable, efficiently-located buckles wrap the shell exceptionally well. Combined with the liner’s multi-layered thermo-moldable capabilities—including a unique outer sheet that contours to the shell shape—the 110 yields a constantly uniform and precise fit that promotes uncanny synergy with the ski. From the initial roll to the edge through the end of the turn, the boot is naturally balanced. The architecture is structurally solid. The 110 is precise yet easily workable. Turns are powerful, energetic and resilient.
Beware: Like the 130, the 110 has a similar stance set-up, with aggressive forward lean and shallow ramp angle.
CRUISER
If you’re working at getting better or happy spending lots of time on blue trails, these boots are for you. If you peek over the edge at the top of black runs and dive in when conditions look sweet, you’re here too. You’ll find these boots have the goods to stay on-target during a ramble around the lift-served in all but the most difficult snow conditions. They offer a wide range of adjustability with ‘relaxed fit’ comfort that won’t leave your feet screaming for relief by 3 p.m. All these boots will propel you forward with the encouragement of a stage pushy mother.
all reviews: Dolomite | Fischer | Head | Nordica | Salomon | Tecnica
Dolomite Rage XC 10/ Perfecta Rage XC 10
[ view image ] [ view image
Don’t be confused. In Doloworld, XC has nothing to do with cross-country skiing and everything to do with cross-mountain skiing. The Rage is as dressed up as Dolomite’s Pro is down home straight. It has every conceivable adjustment—flex, macro-set buckle ladders, dual cant—and some proprietary fit twists like a Twin Tongue liner for better envelopment and a rear spoiler that pivots to better follow the leg during flexion. If you can get past the transparent lime and ice white color combo (the women have a more demur slate and white palette, albeit with a butterfly logo) you’ll find a solid performer. For cruisers, this offers great comfort with surprising horsepower and control. Arc, carve, slide, jump; just tilt the column over and you won’t be disappointed. These boots will not fire back at you and neither will they dampen your spirits. A number of testers experienced a delightfully snug wrapping of the cuff and instep. The geometry and hardware affect volume substantially. It’s hard not to get good contact to the edge and crisp control.
Beware: Slim feet will swim.
Fischer MX Pro — $525
[ view image ]
Your basic blue blazer design. Fischer spent its formative years in the boot biz trying to build a better mousetrap racer. The racer still hasn’t caught the eye of our testers but this back-to-basics cruiser has. There nothing fancy about the MX Pro but with double cuff canting, a well-crafted thermo-moldable liner and a buckle system our testers called “very effective” it has the stance and fit bases covered nicely. The heel is particularly anatomic and gives the boot surprisingly strong steering capabilities. It plowed through the moist piles of snow off the beaten piste with unusual command for this class. The MX Pro provides firm leg contact with the medial cuff wall. Just lean into the turn and you will be arcing. Feedback, however, is somewhat damp. The overly padded cuff muffles response. We had just one size of this boot so only our men tested this boot.
Beware: Judged hardest boot to put on in class.
Head S 9/ Dream Thang 10
[ view image ] [ view image
Our guys liked the S9, in a take your pretty cousin to the prom kind of way. The women acted like they found their, well, dream thing. No shock there; the women definitely get more for their money here as Head has gone out of its way to court the ladies. The S9 is a nice, moderately appointed boot that skis like honey in a chamomile tea. It’s a smooth blend and delivers the goods when asked. The DT 10, designed with considerable input from Head’s international women’s ski team, is ladies room lush. The cozy, faux-fur liner and lightweight shell are specifically tailored for a female fit. The cuff buckles have Double Power extenders (the S9 doesn’t). The liner cuff has a hinged rear tongue that splays back to accommodate a wide range of calf shapes. The cuff is snug but not uncomfortable. The flex is soft and springy but supportive. The Thang hits a bull’s-eye. Aggressive skiing women can set the flex on hard and throw away the key. It has lots of va-va-voom and could step up a category.
Beware: Don’t lean back. Rear support not all there.
Nordica Beast 12/Olympia Beast 12
[ view image ] [ view image
The Beast, returning unchanged, is graying a bit in its fifth season but its fangs remain razor sharp. The 12 is loaded with goodies such as two-position flex adjuster, elasticized Booster Velcro strap, twin cuff alignment and adjustable rear spoiler. Slickly-designed buckles have a “lift up” feature to prevent inadvertent re-closure and sliding hinge to reduce latching effort. The women’s model has a lower cuff and more insulation in liner. As time slips by, Nordica has dropped it target skier level but this boot could easily step up a notch. This boot is great for cruising but it is capable of o much more. It plows through unintended forays into glop with alacrity. If you’re cruising now but have grander dreams, you won’t go wrong shacking up with this animal. If you live outside ski country and can’t be picky about conditions, this is a good boot. It’s easy on the feet and powerful enough when putting the pedal down. There’s a noticeable difference between the hard and soft flex settings. The boot goes from rigid to spongy which can be useful.
Beware: Built-in arch support needs to be shaved down if you wear custom insoles.
Salomon X Wave 8/Rush 8
[ view image ] [ view image
Salomon’s designers seem to work diligently and creatively and consistently turn out superior products. Like the X Wave/Rush 8. Always top performers, the brother-sister duo have been freshened with a more conforming innerboot this year. The Spaceframe softening pattern on outside of the boot yields excellent snow contact and the Carbon Link provides exoskeletal power to the ski edges. The boot uncannily fits virtually every foot type well. It’s secure, supple, dynamic and user-friendly. Once you buckle in for the day, you’ll never touch the clasps again.” Our women were particularly effusive about the Rush. “It does it all from speed to bumps,” said one. “The stance is sweet and strong.” Both the liner and shell in the Rush versions are specific to the female anatomy with warmer insulation.
Beware: A nitpick, but the women found it a bit wide.
Tecnica Diablo Flame/ Attiva Flame
[ view image ] [ view image
Super easy in and out and delightfully comfortable in motion, this couple executed moves that would have the Dancing with the Stars judges nodding approval. The Flame pair was at the head of the cruiser class and scored superlatively in the performance categories. The Flames retains virtually all of the AME Magma’s well-conceived features but in a softer flexing package. Rapid Access Cuff, Dual Pivot cuff adjusters, flex adjustment, vibration absorbing sole and an exceptionally well-engineered liner thoughtful tweak fit and performance. The liner in the woman’s Flame is highly tailored for female feet with a clever collar volume adapter. An optional heel cradle snaps onto the boot board to reduce width and provide heel lift if desired. Both men’s and women’s boots are available with a Hot Form liner that tapers to foot and shell for $65 more. “Versatile” is a description that kept popping up on lots of test forms. The boot is fun in different environments and will bolster improvement. It rolls smoothly onto edge and the flex is forgiving yet not at all spongy. It’s an ideal transition boot to get serious about skiing with or just reign as King or Queen of the Blues.
Beware: Runs big and long. Downsizing is a must for all but wide footed.
ASPIRING CARVER
We’re pretty demanding when it comes to our top choice boots, even those for casual skiers. We don’t test — nor do we recommend — boots that are at the very bottom of the performance chart. Most of those lack basic must-have features like a single side-cuff adjuster. The boots we chose for this pool are a couple of steps up from the most basic models. They sacrifice some features and use cheaper, less durable components than step-up Cruiser models, but will still provide you with game improvement opportunities if you seize them. If you ski just a few days a year and your aspirations are set firmly on the groomed with an occasional dip into powder and muck, these boots will do you fine. One caveat: we found many of these boots to fit very wide. If you have a narrow, low volume foot, consider looking up a notch where the lasts are generally tighter.
all reviews: Dalbello | Dolomite | Fischer | Head | Nordica | Rossignol | Salomon | Tecnica
Dalbello Reflex 9/Raya 9
[ view image ] [ view image
This boot is a unique melding of four-buckle, three-piece shell technology—the only one on the market. It has a bunch of gizmos that actually do what they are supposed to do and don’t seem to bollix the flex. It is smooth and snappy with good snowfeel on its hard setting, supple and smooth on soft. It’s the no-tool variety which means you’ll actually use it. If you’re willing to work with it, the heel inclinator is easy to experiment with and lets you dial in an optimal ramp position. That’s a good thing for lower level skiers who are still discovering the concept of balance points. On the hill, it’s surprisingly strong with minimal chatter. The Trufit thermo liner holds the foot nicely without that common puffy disconnected feeling.
Dolomite UltraDrive 10/Perfecta UltraDrive 8
[ view image ] [ view image
Dolomite loaded so many features into the U-Drive that it takes a while to complete the study guide and get behind the wheel. It is the only one in this group to have a walk feature—and a clever one at that. A separate lever is integrated into the lower cuff buckle that releases the back shelf support when popped open. Moreover, it works even with the top buckle latched, providing the most natural walk mode we’ve ever experienced. That and the rubber insets on the soles make the trek from the parking lot less arduous The top cuff buckle skirts Head’s Double Power patent and provides a built-in leverage extension. The rear cuff top also tilts backward to provide buckets of room for big calves. And that’s not the only spot with elbow room. Skiers with skinny and low volume feet will feel like stars in the TV show “Lost” as they wander around the shell without ever bumping into the walls. But for those with Hulk-like feet, this is a beacon. Part-time skiers with high volume feet will love this boot. It steers well from the foot and if you fill the upper section, it has enough lateral gumption to execute good turns.
Beware: Can we say it again? Exceptionally large lasted.
Fischer MX 9/MXS Vision
[ view image ] [ view image
There’s nothing here that you haven’t seen before. This “vanilla” boot uses a bunch of proven systems and shows why they’re proven. They work. The standard issue buckles, twin cuff adjusters and softer plastic instep flaps aren’t flashy but they are reliable and effective. The boot fits and functions well, if a bit narrow lasted compared to the rest of the AE boots. One twist is a hinged cuff-trim device that allows the spoiler to spill rearward to accommodate a variety of calf shapes. The MX9 is identical to Fischer’s Pro (see AME/Freeride) but with softer flex and less extensive custom-moldability in the liner. The women’s boot uses a softer plastic and a female specific liner but otherwise they are similar. It doesn’t overpower the ski and you can turn it up or dial it down. It’s not hyper quick but it’s stable in longer turns. The boot was declared “most comfortable” by many testers. The rear support was stronger than competing boots and helped provided a balanced stance. Its laterally stability was a class or two ahead, and while its flex was moderately soft and forgiving, it never folded to the point where it hindered steering capabilities.
Beware: Custom footbed users need to remove arch support built into the shellbed. Toughest by far in this group for ease of entry and exit.
Head Edge 10.8/Dream Thang 9
[ view image ] [ view image
Like computer software engineers, Head keeps making small revisions to the Edge and nudging up the numerical designation (last year’s 10.7 is now the 10.8). Not much has changed, however, and that’s a good thing. The stance and flex are spot on. The fit, finish and hardware are first-rate. The foldout Double Power buckles close with alacrity and ease while the moveable catches give the cuff a wide fit range. A scaled-down version of Head’s Full Custom insert is available to reduce volume from the generous 104mm forefoot width and readily adapt to many foot shapes. The Dream Thang 9 is a step-down version of the DT10 that drew applause from our female testers in the AME/Freeride category. It sacrifices little from the top line model, using a softer, less vibrant plastic and a liner with fewer thermomoldable spots. The Edge is very predictable. It drives the ski through crusted, set-up snow with assurance.
Beware: Lots of padding in 10.8 liner. Downsize if possible; it will pack out.
Nordica GTS 12/Olympia GTS 12
[ view image ] [ view image
The GTS manages to execute a rare combination: it swaddles the foot in a cloud-like pillow while still providing a reactive ski experience. The boot is exceptionally wide in the forefoot but our testers felt it maintained crisp steering as long as it wasn’t redlined. It’s great for exploring new challenges on the hill. Polished and slick, the GTS is laden with useful features and top-quality hardware. The Servolock cuff buckles turbo-boost closure leverage and the Booster Velcro strap ratchets the boot top tight to the leg and gives a lively ride. The double cuff adjuster provides a wide accommodation range for bowlegs and knock-kneed skiers. It was also judged easiest in and out in the category. Our female testers gave a big thumbs up to the ultra-soft, insulating faux-fur liner on the innerboot. “This is a cushy ride with substance,” said one.
Beware: Flex adjuster of negligible value. Boot performs best when set on hard; use soft only for walking or traversing.
Rossignol Intense I 14/Instinct I 14
[ view image ] [ view image
After a couple of years off the podium, Rossi worked hard to build its new comfort and convenience flagship model with the right stuff. The shell is molded from four different types of plastic to maximize energy transmission while making it easy to open and conform to foot shape. An aluminized thermo insulation is bonded to the entire inner surface of the shell providing excellent warmth and wind resistance. Flex rebound is enhanced by an elastomer cylinder on the boot’s rear and rubber wedges between the upper and lower cuff. Despite the name, our testers felt the boot best for those who aren’t too intense. It is comfortable and easy on the foot with a relaxed fit. The flex, however, is a tad floaty and the support structure is spongy rearward. The other facets of the boot, however, are pretty good for the category. It’s laterally stable and steers accurately when you stay out of the back seat. The Instinct uses a bunch of female friendly add-ons including a variety of softer plastics in the cuff to enhance comfort a softer instep plastic and a lower top buckle position for better shin and calf contact.
Beware: Too much room for all but high volume feet.
Salomon Performa 8/Irony 8
[ view image ] [ view image
Like the New York Yankees, these venerable boots have finished near the top every season of the last decade and often took the crown. This year is no different. Salomon continually makes improvements to the 8 but its core personality remains intact: a balanced combination of comfort and performance that will please weekend warriors from Portland, Me. to Portland, Ore. The easy-in shell (which spawned the current generation of ‘no-hands’ entry designs) is graced with a solid geometry that promotes a neutral stance. Pads in the liner are anatomically placed to fit lots of different shaped feet with surety and comfort. Buckles macro-adjust without tools, most notably the spring-loaded 3D buckle that changes draw angle over the instep. Clever traction soles provide super grip on the slippery stuff. It’s obvious that Salomon sweats the small stuff and it pays off. This boot will mature your skiing. It’s laterally strong and solid to the rear yet nimble and easy to maneuver. It’s more at home on the hill than in the bar.
Beware: Easy forward flex tends to give way when steered hard or by a heavyweight.
Tecnica Vento 8/Attiva V8
[ view image ] [ view image
Vento in Italian means “wind.” Attiva means “enable.” Whether you want to fly like the wind or be empowered to reach your potential, these boots will let you do it. They took top honors in this bracket but a word of caution: Our testers liked these models because they are performance-oriented. They thought the boots might be too dynamic for someone who really tamps down their terrain exploration and speed. The V8s are sharply responsive laterally and provide sturdy rear support—something our testers repeatedly tell us is vital for performance skiing. The V8s are very versatile and easily slide or carve turns depending on your needs or desires. They’re ideal for intermediate skiers who spend most of their time on groomers but aren’t adverse to wandering into chopped powder fields. The V8s dip into Tecnica’s parts bin for several useful features including the hinged Rapid Access cuff, two-position flex and adjustable/removable rear spoiler. The women’s liner is tapered for female fit and an optional heel cradle snugs rearfoot hold-down.
Beware: This is Tecnica’s high-volume series and you need a healthy foot and leg to fill it up.
how we test | tester bios | ski tests | f.a.q. | size conversion chart | archives: 03 | 04 | 05 | 06
