The Scarpa 4-Quattro GT WMN still stands out for our test team as a great value in an under-rated package for all-mountain and out-the-gate adventuring.
Sometimes the feature-fest that characterizes the freeride category boot can clutter the skiing experience. Often, in the quest for better touring range of motion the closure systems can become overly complicated and well, fiddly. Testers breathed a sigh of relief when donning the new Salomon Shift Supra BOA 130 because it maintains a simplicity that keeps the focus on the activity rather than hassles with equipment. They loved its straightforward ease-of-entry and said that every aspect of its use going forward from that point was both effective and convenient. In fact, its convenience, warmth and features score is its highest out of six parameters.
The 100mm medium-width Shift Supra follows along the design update path ushered in previously by the narrower Shift Alpha, and with its shape-expanding, heat-moldable Custom Shell feature Salomon now offers a broad spectrum of fit options for skiers looking for a capable resort-skiing boot that can pull off targeted tours with a tech binding and off-area trudge-to missions equally well. Testers felt that the Shift Supra BOA 130 maintained Salomon’s well established medium fit mapping, with appropriate room at wide and bony points but enough grip on the heel and ankle for average feet during aggressive skiing.
The lower shell BOA was unanimously praised for not getting in the way of entry and providing a cleanly-tightening wrap on the foot, as needed. Testers liked the way the top ExoBelt pulley for the BOA cable could migrate its positioning slightly, depending on the volume of the instep it was clamping down on (in a comfortable way, they said). The upper cuff offers two traditional buckles for a common closure around the calf and the sideways-flipping Twin Lock cuff release mechanism that’s unique to the Shift boots and one of the easiest to manage in the freeride category, according to our test team.
Some testers commented that the liner tongue had a somewhat bulky feel that seemed to lack anatomical shape to match the shin, initially, but found that it improved with time. They suggested that a liner heat molding from go, with a firm buckle-up, would help to properly imprint the tongue on its new owner. They liked the broad power strap with its crank-locking cam buckle for snugging the cuff around the lower leg, locking it in for accurate fore-aft positioning as well as precise edging moves.
Skiing down and hiking up were similarly characterized as trouble-free, just like the other features that got them there. No distractions from the act of skiing, in either direction, they said—which is kind of the point, we think.
The Roxa R3W 115 TI I.R. is a perennial favorite of our women's test team and this year was no different. It's a stand-out in the All-Mountain Freeride category for its snappy, lightweight Grilamid construction throughout (shell, cuff and tongue), a full-thermo Intuition-Roxa I.R. liner and top-of-class quickness and lateral responsiveness (it received the category's only perfect score in the Quickness and Steering criterion).
Testers were blown away (several of them used those exact words) by the R3W's side-to-side reaction time--instantaneous edging response and ultra-precise steering was the consensus. The combination of snug fit in the lower boot, rigid Grilamid plastic and a firm liner feel put testers in direct connection with the skis' edges. They said the transitions between turns were lightning quick and the stability while on high edge angles at speed was commendable (and surprising for sometimes bouncy-feeling Grilamid plastic). They did like the high levels of rebound energy that the boot generated but they said it remained easily managed and not nervous or twitchy.
The snugness of the lower boot was either boon or bane, depending on the tester. The most slender footed folks loved it and the more medium-ish volume testers thought it was too tight for a 99mm boot. This is the nature of the 99mm last--right in between narrow and medium--but most of the test team agreed that it fit more closely with the narrow group, out of the box. That out-of-box fit, while pre-molded and acceptable for skiing straight-away, will change substantially with a full-thermo custom liner molding session, which we did not perform as part of our testing procedures. Testers attributed some of the boot's notable shock absorption to the I.R. liner, which they said had a dense but padded feel that worked in tandem with the liveliness of the shell.
Where testers were 100-percent in agreement about the boot's elevated edging game and lateral move skills, they were less unanimous in their appraisal of the fore-aft balance and flex feel of the R3W 115. Each had their own unique take on the cuff's fit and feel, and while there were no deal-breaker issues there, there was a lack of consensus, which means it will be up to each skier to assess how the boot shaft accommodates their leg, front-to-back.
A point of agreement, though, to finish, was that the light weight and ease of uphill use was a highlight of the R3W resume. Testers said the cuff's release function was straightforward and simple and the resultant range of touring or hiking movement was both substantial and natural-feeling.
A truly versatile and fun hybrid boot for good skiers was their unanimous takeaway.
What makes the Alltrack Elite 110 W the best LV boot we tested? One of the things might be that it’s not a restrictive fit—rather, it’s what testers might call an inclusive narrow. The Alltrack Elite’s Step-In technology’s ease of entry sets the tone for its welcoming ways, and testers agreed that the overall friendliness of initial interaction with the boot won them over completely.
The peach and khaki cosmetic was described as attractive, literally, and testers flocked to get their hands on the Alltrack, again literally, to feel the new micro corduroy liner material. One tester called it fun and then another explained it was ribbed for her pleasure. This playful approach to the color palette and fabrics has become a Rossignol women's boot tradition in recent years and testers remain fully on board with their experimentation, with all of them applauding this year’s presentation.
Another Rossi-esque element that testers have come to expect is the relaxed fit of the women’s narrow boot. The Rossignol is rarely the snuggest of the narrows and more often resides on the border between narrow and medium width territories. Our team doesn’t find fault with this, but rather appreciates the well-sculpted shape of the boot for the casually low-volume and simply accepts that a more constrictive fit will either have to be a bootfitting project or found elsewhere. And with so many other things to appreciate, they seem not to care. One tester wraps it up like this: Big for a narrow but that’s the usual for Rossi. Entry is unreal! It’s so f’n cute! So comfy! Love, love, love!
All the fun and cuteness is fine, but it wouldn’t carry the day for the Alltrack Elite 110 W with our team if it didn’t ski well—they’re tough that way—and they say it does. Agile and active with a precise, lively feel for the snow surface underfoot was how one tester described it. Another said that it could keep up with the chargers on the frontside when needed. Neither spritely nor sledgehammer, testers said the Alltrack Elite struck the right chords for a harmonious balance between power and quickness, with a particularly nice feeling flex (if a bit softer than 110) against the shin.
And yes, let’s not forget that this is a cross-application model—those low tech (did you know that our common use of “tech,” as in tech binding is an abbreviation for “low tech?” It’s true.) inserts aren’t just metallic bling, they enable a serious uphill approach with appropriate binders. Testers say that the new Step-In tech (adapted from the Vizion range) that makes entry so easy has also unlocked newfound cuff range of motion in touring mode that Alltrack boots have previously lacked.
Testers thought the La Sportiva Sender W was a stout and rigidly transmissive freerider for crushing demanding descents, so long as the level of cushion (or lack thereof) would work for skiers.
The women's Sender is essentially the same build as the men's, which is labeled a 130-flex but feels a bit less-than (the men estimated it at 110-115 stiffness). This will appeal to experts and women looking for a substantially supportive feel in the cuff, testers said. The women (and the men) said that the lower boot fits short compared to the norm, per size, and also narrower-than-expected for a 102.5mm last. Testers called it a medium width with a generous amount of room along the lateral side of the forefoot--which was a favorite Sender W fit shape element for testers. As a way to gain toe room and a bit more typical wide last fit forgiveness (if that's what they seek), testers suggested that prospective buyers try on the next size up before deciding on a purchase.
Testers thought that the liner was a fairly firm and thin one, which was nice for reduced weight and transmission of movement to the shell, but a little edgy and uncomfortable out of the box. They recommended a full-thermo molding job as a place to start to bump up the creature comfort level internally.
The lateral and torsional rigidity of the shell was noticed by testers who said the edging power of the Sender was commendable--it powered up big skis through variable snow with a commanding level of control and was rated as one of the best freeride category choices for high power-to-weight ratio.
The Sender's uphill capacity was one of its strongest elements, according to the test team who liked the light weight, long touring stride range of motion and quality of movement. They thought it would appeal to serious skiers looking for performance, both up and down, over and above fit luxuries possibly meant for less-committed athletes.
Our test team was interested to invite La Sportiva back to our boot test and they were subsequently impressed with the Sender's balanced distribution of freeride skills. More than one tester proclaimed that the Sender was the best La Sportiva boot they've ever skied.
What testers thought the Sender did quite well was ski strongly and accurately side-to-side in crisply engaged arcs and accurately placed moves through a variety of dicey terrain and snow surfaces. The Grilamid Bio cuff and Pebax Rnew shell paired well to produce a stable and reactive structure for lateral moves--a pleasant surprise given those lightweight plastics often don't invite descriptors like stable.
Testers also liked the fit of the Sender, especially its shape along the lateral side of the forefoot--testers commented that this zone's shape curved to match the natural arc of the foot, providing enough room to spread out and find a neutral balance point against the floor of the boot but without feeling bulky or disconnected from the ski. Testers who remembered the inside ankle bone agony of La Sportiva Spectre days flat-out rejoiced over the well-shaped and padded ankle pockets of the Sender--well done, they said.
Testers absolutely loved the uphill game of the Sender--from the easy-to-use cuff release actuation, to the range of motion and quality of the cuff's rotation in touring mode, testers had nothing but good things to say. They liked the weight on the foot. The liked the molded GripWalk outsole for its full grip contact patch and its broad compatibility with a variety of bindings.
What were testers' gripes? There were a few but nothing drastic and certainly no deal-breakers there.
First, testers say the boot runs short and fits more like a medium than the advertised wide 102.5mm last. Consider trying on the next size up, they suggested.
Second (and finally), testers said the 130-flex was a boast that wasn't backed-up in aggressive skiing when the cuff collapsed a bit. Testers put it in the 110- to 115-flex range, but they reminded that the lateral and torsional strength of the boot was impressive. So, lighter or shorter skiers or guys with a lighter touch to the front of the boot will do well here.
The overall takeaway on the Sender was, bravo La Sportiva!
Testers say that the ZipFit liner makes the case that the RC4 Free Pro MV BOA ZF is the perfect boot for all-mountain experts looking for race boot level ski control with a comfy forward cabin and options on targeted skin-to-score missions. This multi-purpose player ticked a lot of boxes for our test team--especially guys with slender lower leg shafts and narrow heels but with big, wide forefoot shapes.
The tightness of the rearfoot fit combined with the openness of the forefoot and toebox had some of our testers trying to beg, borrow or steal this one straight out of the test. But that same fit map turned off testers who thought that the rear portion fit like a narrow and the front portion fit like a wide. Maybe that broke the category target "rules" for them, but our other non-conformists loved it.
For those uninitiated to the ZipFit liner cult, the lace-up liner is donned first, then stuffed into the shell, race-boot-style. Some testers love this, some hate it. The ankle area and heel pocket (as well as the liner tongue) are filled with a ground-up cork and dense resin solution, which is heat and pressure moldable over time, and additional fill material can be injected into those three areas with the help of a technician or at home, DIY-style. This fill material is what ZF proponents love for its firm hold on the foot and lower leg and direct conduction of movement through the shell to the ski. Those more skeptical of the use of the ZipFit as Fischer's substitute for their own traditional liner is the fact that the initial out-of-box fit is often less-than-ideal--the dense cork-and-resin material is slow to morph to match a skier's foot. Some added heat from a liner cooker is helpful in this regard, as is time (days and weeks), but neither of those fit aids are options during a fast-moving boot test.
Testers think the plastic environment of the RC4FPMVBOAZF is dead-on the money. Many testers commented about the convenience of the lower shell BOA and the traditional top two buckles, capped off by a cool, quick-releasing cam buckle power strap. Stance angles were reportedly neutral in all directions and testers approved of the firm but progressive and adequately cushioned flex feel--that was a collaboration between shell and liner, of course.
Testers are also fans of toe-only tech-fittings and no walk mode for the fact that most of them are chairlift-centric skiers who do a little bit of skin-based travel. They'd rather sacrifice some weight and stride length for the upside of real alpine power and stability on the descent, which is what testers could all agreed on here--the RC4 Free Pro MV BOA ZF skis as well as any in the class.
The Fischer RC4 Free 120 LV BOA has a ton of techie, functional features, like a lower BOA reel, a Vacuum-formable shell, Soma-Tec toed-out stance positioning, Dynafit tech inserts, a releasable kung-fu-grip-style power strap, and the list goes on…. What doesn’t the RC4 Free 120 LV BOA have? No walk mode. And yes, it’s in the freeride category.
But, wait, isn’t a walk mode a requirement for touring? Nope. Just ask some old ski bum what boot he clamped into his Securafixes, or later, his Alpine Trekkers—betcha it didn’t have a walk mode. A tour for the freeride skier is simply a means to an end—a way to get to a sick line or untracked pocket, and with any luck, with nobody else around. If the tour was to be the end in and of itself, then there are vastly different and more appropriate boots than the RC4 Free 120 LV BOA for that.
No walk mode means no fore-aft free play. No walk mode means no break in the chain of command that is the transmission of accurate messaging to the ski. It’s got tech fittings, though, and they can go snap snap into that tech toepiece of lots of bindings, and then a skier is off and running. Well, this skier will be off and schlogging up the skin track at a slightly more sluggish pace than some—but that’s to save energy for that gnar line up ahead, somewhere (somewhere close, hopefully).
Okay, so there’s a bit of mixing and matching these days with boot categories—some all-mountain boots have a walk mode, some freeride boots don’t. Does it matter? Maybe it’s important to the marketing department, or perhaps to the magazine editor trying to make sense of boot test entries. But ultimately, it’s about application, and sometimes aspiration. This boot is about charging a descent off the beaten path, maybe. Or it could just be a ski boot, at home at the resort. Don’t put it in a box. Take it out of the box, put it on your foot and go skiing, somewhere.
There’s an LV in its name for a reason, and it’s right on the money, testers said. It’s a low volume fit all day long, testers said. It’s also one of the Fischer boots that doesn’t employ a ZipFit liner, which, in this case, testers loved for its evenly snug, narrow and consistently padded fit from toebox to heel, up through the instep and into the shin. Where a ZipFit liner’s fit is very open at the front and very tight at the heel and ankle, the RC4 Free 120 LV was traditionally, straightforwardly tight throughout—and testers liked that quite a bit.
Testers said that the 120-flex wasn’t necessarily mis-labled, but they said it could be called a 120-plus. It didn’t fold or fail under firm fore-aft inputs, they said, and its range of flexion came to a firm, progressive stop. Testers thought it was a great match for most experts looking for a comfortable shin fit and well-executed flex without the added bucks that a few more flex-index points would tack onto the price tag.
The BOA was no hindrance or inconvenience but just the opposite—testers unanimously approved of how it wrapped up the foot in a smoothly closing grip and they had no gripe about entry or exit. They liked the quick-releasing power strap, standard cuff buckles and double liner pull loops. They even approved of the aqua, purple and yellow highlights that gave its stealthy black body some pop. One tester said this was a niche freeride product, and we figure that’s fancy talk for one-of-a-kind, which in fact it is for Fischer…there’s only one like it in their whole range.
The Cabrio MV Free 95 W brings a lot of useful elements to the table for a reasonable price, and testers say the fact that it feels stiffer than a 95-flex and skis stronger than expected only adds to the value here. A walk-mode, tech fittings at the toe and heel, GripWalk soles and a Velcro power strap offered everything an all-mountain explorer with average to thicker feet would need, testers said.
They said that the ideal body shape would also include a more slender lower leg, as the calf fit was the only spot that was more snug than the relaxed medium fit elsewhere. The consensus was that the 101mm last designation was accurate, with testers placing the Cabrio MV Free 95's lower boot fit on the wide side of the medium width group, noting a particularly roomy toebox and forefoot area.
Testers liked the boot's response to edging movements and said that it controlled the ski throughout the turn with a stable, predictable roll on and off the edge. They thought the side-to-side stance positioning was neutral, though some testers felt the forward lean angle was a little aggressive. Taller, more slender legged testers didn't have the same issue of the shorter, thicker calf folks being driven a little too-forward by the cuff.
The three-piece construction enabled a smooth cuff rotation in its released walk-mode and testers thought the total range of motion was pretty good considering both the freeride audience and price point. For a do-everything, fit-most-everybody model that stays on a realistic budget, testers thought the Cabrio MV Free 95 W fit the bill darned well.
The Scarpa 4-Quattro Pro's dark green foreshadowed its inner Hulk edge power but neither its color nor its skiing skills made our testers angry--far from it, they were pleasantly surprised by its top shelf descent character that smashed every terrain or snow surface test that our team put in front of it.
Aside from its green and generally muscular look, testers could see how this boot felt on the foot from it's low-waisted profile. You can see it also in its featured image here, it's a lower-ceiling-height ride that controls the foot firmly from above, all along the instep, and well, from pretty much everywhere else too. This 100mm medium-width fit more like a narrow for the majority of our testers, and while that might have diminished its fit score for missing the designated fit tension target, it didn't stop our team from liking how it fit--for the most part.
Some testers thought it ran a little short, out of the box, and mused that for skiers caught in-between sizes a move up one size would gain some more mediumish volume. Others noted that the minimally padded, firm liner didn't give way around bony prominences, making the fit feel deceptively tight. They suggested that a full-thermo molding session with toecaps would resolve the short fit and the bony-point bite, perhaps achieving a more even 100mm fit and feel with some easy fit work. So, prospective buyers shouldn't let the first try-on dissuade them as there are some easy fitting options to pursue there.
The snug fit and low-riding instep pairs with a very close-to-ski foot feel created, in part, by the full-length, molded GripWalk outsole. Yes, it walks with a long and rolling stride when the 4-Quattro's Secure Speedlock 4 hike mode connection is released, and it's convenient to be able to click into some alpine GripWalk bindings and rip around in area, but it's the feel of that ripping around that really did it for our testers.
One tester called it a BCWC love child--BC for backcountry, WC for World Cup race boot. This is a tuned-in, rigidly suspended, descent-attacking machine, they said. It wasn't easy to put on and it wasn't an easy-peasy first fit, but it skied like a weapon regardless of terrain, snow or ski selection. This was a true Pro-model boot, they assured, with one tester suggesting studs-only apply for ownership.
The new Salomon Shift Alpha BOA 115 W lived up to its alpha-female billing for a snug lower boot fit (that's one part of being Alpha in Salomon lingo) and apex-predator-level skiing performance. Testers were equally impressed with the bold "ultra violet" purple cosmetics paired with the speckled flecks of recycled plastic in the lightweight, polyolefin upper cuff.
Alpha is the model line badge that indicates narrow, and this one is, at least in the clog portion (that's the lower, shoe part, not the cuff). We score fit tension on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is World Cup race boot tight and a 5 is as wide as a packed-out rental boot. A 2 on our scale would be the typical fit target for a consumer narrow, like this one, in the 96-98mm last range. Our test team gave the Shift Alpha Boa 115 W's lower boot fit an average of 1.73 for all fit zones from the toebox back to the heel pocket. Its tightest scores were logged in the heel at 1.5. Just for some perspective, the tightest boot of the entire women's test was also a Salomon--the all-mountain S/Pro Alpha 110 W--that had a slightly tighter heel at a 1.44, so that says pretty clearly that this freerider is a perfect match for the skier with even the most slender feet. We probably could've told you that without all the numbers, huh?
The upper cuff offered a more relaxed fit and a fair bit of boot top flare for a larger calf. To hear testers say it, the cuff fit was huge by comparison to the foot grip, but in looking at the calf fit scores they were only slightly roomier than the narrow target, coming in at an average of 2.5. Testers noticed this differential, though, and made a point to highlight this fit map as one that's often hard to find for skiers with narrow feet and thicker legs--a lower-to-upper shape combination that's actually pretty common among skiing human female types.
Testers say this boot skis like a top-of-the-food-chain kind of beast with more on-edge stability than expected from a lightweight Freeride model. It was also quick to pounce, to milk the predator comparison a bit more, and it pleased testers with its accuracy of steering and quick pressure control movements. Testers were unanimous in their appraisal of the boot's lateral responsiveness and rigidity--the Shift Alpha put a big ski on edge and held it there without fail and was quick to transition between powerful arcs.
Testers were less enthusiastic about the fore-aft positioning and flex feel. Most felt that the boot was on the upright side of neutral, which they were fine with for a comfortable all-day skiing position, but several also mentioned an uncomfortable and inconsistent fit along the shin which made it hard for them to push through the upright stance to a position they wanted to attack from. Testers mentioned that a full-temp liner molding session would be on their to-do list if they took this boot home with them. Salomon also issued an update after our test concluded that they made some changes to the cuff release's internal design to further reduce a very small amount of play in the cuff, so there's a chance that this will indirectly improve the general flex feel for prospective buyers trying on the Shift Alpha BOA 115 W this Fall.
Testers liked the BOA's incremental closure on the already snug lower shell and a few mentioned that they appreciated the graphic rule for better quantifying the tightness of the fit (for those folks who have to know what catch each buckle should be on, we suppose). The gliding ExoBelt BOA cable anchor at the boot's "45," or throat, was commended by testers who liked how it moved to a stable position as the cable tension was increased.
The Shift Alpha's molded GripWalk outsole was nice for a secure, rolling stride, if not replaceable, and testers said that the sideways Twinlock cuff release mechanism remains a favorite for its ease of use and a solid connection in ski mode--with an even more-solid linkage to come with the mechanism update we didn't get to test.
The new and narrow Salomon Shift Alpha BOA 130 is a feature-rich powerhouse according to our test team who were split on the purple, but of a single mind on how strong on edge and quick in transition these performed on the downhill. The fit favored low volume feet and average to muscular calves, according to our testers who couldn't find a weak link in its performance chain mail.
The lower shell's polyurethane construction and close wrapping fit (secured by a BOA cable and reel system) helped power accurate steering moves and quick direction changes, yet maintained a damp and stable feel underfoot that testers liked. They said it's tight the way a narrow should be from toes to heel, with a little extra emphasis on the tightness over the top of the foot--which testers said moderated after some wear time. They liked the BOA closure, especially given that the foot was already held closely, and a few commended the graphic tightness meter at the shell overlap for identifying the boot's level of reel crankage. Testers were intrigued by the floating ExoBelt cable attachment at the throat of the boot, which allowed the cable anchor point to travel slightly and seat where maximum pull into the boot's 45-degree (throat) was achieved.
The upper cuff is an interesting mix of polyolefin plastic and recycled flecks of Pex plumbing pipe (those bits are responsible for the speckled appearance of the cuff). Testers liked the response it offered to lateral movements, tipping the skis on edge without delay or give and held them there without fail through a variety of terrain and snow surfaces. The rigid but lightweight FreeSpine bar links upper to lower and is released for walking or touring by flipping the sideways SureLock lever--testers liked the solid connection offered by this paired technology, and that was before they learned that Salomon revised it further after our test concluded to eradicate some persistent free play in the cuff at the top of its flex range. Testers also liked the easy release of the SureLock switch and said the walking and skinning range of motion is more than adequate for the hard charger looking for a tour-capable boot that won't disappoint on the descent.
The skiing part was where the Shift Alpha shined for our test team, especially in clean, lateral edging movements where the cuff and lower shell worked together to drive the ski edge with power and precision. Several testers were bothered by the boot's flex feel, which some characterized as abrupt on the lower shin and also disconnected from the shin at boot top, allowing for a "spilling out of the top" sensation. Testers tried to crank the 50mm Energyzer up-hooking cam-locking power strap to gain a better connection between tongue and shin while others suggested a full-temp liner cook might solve the issue for them.
The solidly lugged, permanently bonded GripWalk outsole offered a more-direct linkage of foot to ski, by minimizing extra bulk and potential movement in a trade-off for replaceability, and testers were mostly fine with that. They were mostly fine with the purple, as well, especially when they heard it was actually ultra violet--which is way cooler.
The Lange XT3 Free 115 W LV was one of the two highest-scoring boots in the entire women's boot test at 4.85--and the other boot was from sister brand Rossignol. There was only one men's model that scored higher. So, the XT3 Free 115 W LV is on the mega-podium this year, and for good reason, say testers who loved the boot for doing exactly what it's supposed to do--everything!
The Freeride category is really defined by the presence of tech fittings for compatibility with light weight touring bindings, but in addition to a releasable cuff and GripWalk soles the other expectation from the Freeride group is the boot's downhill skiing ability. There are lighter weight boots with better touring features in the Backcountry category but those uphill amenities come at a cost--skiing down can suffer there. Not so in the Freeride category, where the premium is placed on fit and descent performance. Testers say that the XT3 Free 115 W LV crushes those two essential elements--it fits and skis like the best alpine boots on the market. And, it has an improved range of motion in touring mode this year they said. And it looks amazing! Another win, win, win for the brand, one tester said.
The XT family tree has always been known for its alpine roots--however, the current XT3 is the strongest skiing of the bunch, testers agreed. They love the tall-feeling cuff that doesn't collapse under load and its strong rearward backbone for setting a good fore-aft balancing backstop. Laterally, testers said the boot was snappy in transitions and solid on edge with big skis on hard snow at high speeds--keep in mind these are alpine-level ratings from testers who don't sugar-coat it if a Freeride category boot has phoned-it-in with regard to its skiing performance. Testers were surprised that the XT3 Free 115 W LV both skied better than in the past and also toured better--usually those two things are mutually exclusive, but testers said that the range of motion and quality of cuff rotation were both improved in this better-skiing version.
Testers were very impressed with how well the XT3 Free 115 W LV did everything--there didn't seem to be a blindspot on its all-around resume, they said. It received a perfect score for its Dynamic Balance, which always sets the foundation for successful movements, whether up or down. One tester called it a utility player and another called it a workhorse. All of them made some complimentary comment on its cosmetics, generally agreeing that it won for unofficial best-looking-boot of the test.
