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 t
With high scores last year for its dialed stance and its convenience, warmth and features kit, testers affirmed that the Mindbender 110 Alliance is a multi-playground master with more throttle response and quick handling than expected for its high level of fit luxury. This season it returns unchanged--its thin shell polyurethane and Pebax keep it light, and testers still love the slick two-position forward lean adjustment on the metal-to-metal hike mode apparatus. This is the roomiest of all women’s narrows, regardless of category, so testers said average feet should not fear this untracked pow reaper that has solid game on firm inbounds surfaces as well.
Testers agreed that the Mindbender 110 Alliance is essentially a medium volume boot, though it tapers enough at the base of the lower leg and around the ankles and heel to keep hold of the lower volume foot and leg in those locations. The toebox and forefoot feel is quite roomy, but testers didn't mind the extra space for warm and comfortable touring and all-day no buckle fussing for on-area days. While the lower leg is held firmly, testers mention that there's still plenty of room over the top of the foot.
For a comfortable combination of solid descending skills and a light-enough capable tourer, there aren't many boots that can match the Mindbender. The touring range of motion is legit both forward and backward, with a long and friction-free stride that testers dug. The boot skis as close to a fixed cuff all-mountain ripper as you can get with a hinge feature. Testers drove big skis all over the mountain with this one and all approved.
Using Pebax bio-resin in the cuff shaves weight and takes a little burden off landfills by avoiding typical petroleum based plastic. It's a straightforward four-buckle overlap affair otherwise, with GripWalk soles and a slick cam-buckle release on the power strap (stolen from Dynafit, but still cool).
The 2021/2022 Tecnica Cochise Pro W DYN GW was tested in the women’s All-Mountain Freeride medium category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
When a woman says she wants to take you home, you’re ecstatic, but when she’s talking to a ski boot, it means you’re steal-worthy, the highest of all boot tester compliments. That happened multiple times for the Cochise Pro W on the first day of our boot test. Testers put this boot at the top of class for its ability to mate real downhill performance with legitimate touring acumen and a set of handy features that actually work to make skiing more functional and fun—again. It’s done it before, but it’s done it once over in this latest, completely revised build.
Testers unanimously like the snug medium fit (or is it a relaxed narrow?) of the benchmark 99mm last shape—they cite perfect curves that match the anatomy of the foot and enough grip in areas of control to ensure that the skis go where intended. Testers also widely agreed that the cuff is ideal in height as well as stance angles in every direction, though a few testers felt the firm liner and flex feel stood them a little taller than they’d like and mentioned wanting a little rear spoiler or slight amount of heel lift. Testers like the flex feel, firm or not, and they really like the ability to cook the liner and auto-mold the Celiant tongue material to customize the shin fit.
How well did the Cochise Pro W perform? Well, it was the best of its entire category! Okay, it was the only entry in its category. But if you took the Cochise’s total score and put it up against the entire field of narrow and medium fixed cuff women’s boots it would be in the upper 30th percentile of that rippingest of groups—so, it skis like a real boot, no ifs ands or buts. Testers love how it pairs downhill performance with a touring skill set and offers a complement of features that are all functional, no fluff. Its edge power score was a 4.80 and its comfort, convenience and features score was a perfect 5.00, so we’re not making this stuff up.
The bootfitter driven C.A.S. fit features remain on board the Cochise, with nice adaptations to both the shell and liner for enhanced fit tweaking. The new articulated liner is a nice blend of performancey firmness and comfy soft stuff, and it does move better fore and aft while the cuff is released. The integrated lock system on the cuff release arm is small but testers said they were able to deal with it no problem with gloves on—if you can’t figure it out at the end of the day, don’t drive down from the hill, maybe? The power lock hook grabber thing on the power strap is generally approved by testers—just hard to sling em over your shoulder at the end of the day. Get a Transpack.
The 2021/2022 Tecnica Cochise 130 DYN GW was tested in the men’s All-Mountain Freeride medium category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
Tecnica was in a position with the Cochise 130 where they had very little to gain by changing it—it was already one of the very best freeride boots on the market. So what did they do? Changed the whole damn thing… shell, liner, cuff release mechanism, all of it. They must have puffed out a big ol’ sigh of relief when everybody absolutely loved it. Our testers sure did. Better fit. Better skiing. Better hike range-of-motion. Better gizmos. Better price. Well, no, the price is still the same. But it didn’t go up!
Testers said this is a benchmark example of how a 99mm lasted boot should fit—with the exception of the ankles, which were freakin’ snug until things got warmed up and broken in (or cooked, or CAS liner grinded—yes, grinded. Ground?). The in-between narrow and medium width realm has been defined by the Cochise for years and still is. It’s tight enough in control zones but relaxed a bit in all the right places for improved blood flow and zero hot spots . Testers said the cuff angles, height and flex feel were on the money for a 130 and just cushioned enough for all day shin love without feeling spongy. The fit over the top of the foot is firm, but not aggressive.
The Cochise 130 averaged 4.67’s in all of its performance categories, except for edge power where it received a 4.83. The medial side of the shell is thickened to provide more power to the inside edge and the new T-Drive style cuff release mechanism is more rigidly designed and also locks out to avoid a premature release, which everybody hates. This year’s Cochise skied stronger, so we’ll give it to those two new elements—nicely done for a boot with a hinge. It stomped the majority of the boots in the narrow and medium width fixed cuff category too.
The bootfitter driven C.A.S. fit features remain on board the Cochise, with nice adaptations to both the shell and liner for enhanced fit tweaking. The new articulated liner is a nice blend of performancey firmness and comfy soft stuff, and it does move better fore and aft while the cuff is released. The integrated lock system on the cuff release arm is small but testers said they were able to deal with it no problem with gloves on—if you can’t figure it out at the end of the day, don’t drive down from the hill, maybe? The power lock hook grabber thing on the power strap is generally approved by testers—just hard to sling em over your shoulder at the end of the day. Get a Transpack. Also, hard charging women skiers or guys with small feet should take note—it’s available down to a 22.5.
The 2021/2022 Roxa R3 Freetour TI I.R. was tested in the men’s All-Mountain Freeride medium category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The all-new Roxa R3 Freetour Ti I.R. impressed testers with its light weight and massive touring range of motion wrapped in a capable all-mountain explorer. It’s a snug 99mm, testers said, with a close to body grip through all key fit zones and an upright stance that made for all day striding and sliding.
Testers say this is a narrow fit labeled as a 99mm but with full thermo liner molding it was a comfortably snug match to the foot and leg. Several testers commented that the instep fit was particularly snug while the heel and ankle pockets offered a little extra relief. The R3 Freetour’s cuff height is ideal, said testers, who liked the fore-aft balance for its slightly upright positioning. Testers agreed the tongue feel was firm in cushioning but under duress the shell gave way to a longer flex feel than they expected for a 120.
Testers found the R3 Freetour’s sweet spot in smooth medium radius arcs that rolled from one set to the next in ready fashion. Predictable and untracked surfaces were the R3’s playground and testers liked the slightly loosened lateral feel for drifty edge engagement and slashy moves on wind-loaded rolls.
The all Grilamid construction makes for a lightweight and crisp-feeling ride, and the dual pull loop Intuition I.R. tongue liner further enhanced the light feel on the foot. Testers appreciated the simplicity of the hike mode switch and said that the touring mode range of motion was some of the best of the test.
The 2021/2022 Dalbello Lupo AX HD was tested in the men’s All-Mountain Freeride medium category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
Testers liked the array of features on this medium width lightweight freerider and also the traditional polyurethane plastic used in the lower shell to maintain a damp connection with the ski. The three-piece construction enables a wide range of touring range of motion, which the tools-free, removable external tongue amplifies for long-stride ascending.
Testers suggest that a full liner cook on the Lupo Air HD liner is a good place to start for smoothing out the transitions between fit zones. Testers thought the lightweight cuff was slightly shorter than average, and with its lightweight polyamide plastic construction combined for a softer-than-expected flex feel which worked well for our shorter and lighter testers. Testers felt the length fit was shorter than average and a few of the bigger guys suggested going up a size for in-betweeners as a way to gain both toe room for touring and a slightly taller cuff as well.
Light and lively from arc to arc in lateral transitions, testers felt that the Lupo AX HD was a fine all-mountain access point for skiers looking to maximize terrain and touring potential with only one boot. The uphill capability alone made this a good option for the lift-centric skier who wants a little further range afield than most in the category can offer.
Testers are most impressed with the fully removable tongue for maximized touring range of motion, but yes, you have to stow it in your pack—for shorter tours it does just fine leaving it in place. The 40mm Velcro power strap is simple and trouble free.
The Gist
The R3W 105 TI I.R. enters the fray for next year with an updated graphic and a tongue-style Intuition-Roxa full thermo liner to remain our test team’s favorite three-piece freeride boot. It's a svelte 99 mm three-piece (cabrio), contouring closely along the curves of the foot and lower leg and minimally padded by the custom liner to maintain a direct, connected feel with the ski. The Grilamid shell and Polyurethane cuff combine for a unique blend of light weight and strong flex feel. The hike mode's range of travel is impressive and GripWalk soles add to its easy rolling stride, testers said.
The Fit
Testers say this 99 mm rides the fit fence between the medium width and narrow groups. The toebox is snug, and the shell feels very close to the navicular and ankle bones—most testers had a full liner molding on their to-do lists. The heel pocket is a bit tight, they say, but right. The calf offers a bit of relief from the squeeze, so average legs attached to slender feet will do well here. Testers noted a sharp feeling tongue against the shin, and again were hopeful that cooking and molding the tongue-style I.R. liner would put that to bed.
Performance
Uncharacteristic of most three-piece boots, testers said the flex feel is stout (stiffer than the 105 labeling) and because it starts from an upright position it required some push to find a fore-aft sweet spot. Testers liked the power that the solid cuff generated in lateral moves and said it tipped all manner of skis onto edge and held them there well. The boot's performance sweet spot is in the lateral moves, testers agreed, allowing the stiff, thin-shell-walled lower boot to feel the snow surface and sink its teeth in. Transitions between turns were lively and quick and edging response was immediate, testers said.
Cool Features
Testers like the collection of gadgetry here. The power strap buckle is wide and easily dialed in for tension. The 45-degree second buckle retains the foot at the instep effectively. The ski-hike cuff lock is simple to actuate, and in conjunction with a long and friction-free range of travel in hike mode, they liked the easy roll of the GripWalk soles when walking. Note that the R3W 105 TI I.R. is tech compatible, and that if a skier plans to use them with alpine bindings, be sure those are GripWalk compatible--a set of alpine DIN soles does come in the box.
The R3 130 TI I.R. has taken the classic three-piece shell's flex feel to a newer, more solid level, testers have said, and this year it returns with updated buckles a new look and an option on either a tongue or spiral-wrap style Intuition liner at the same price. The 99 mm BioFit last of the R3 design puts it on the snug side of the medium width group, and the all-Grilamid construction of the lower shell, upper cuff and tongue adds up to a noticeably light feel on the foot, though testers say the tall and stiff cuff commands serious leverage over the edge.
Painted-on close for a medium width with a particularly snug fit over the midfoot—our lowest volume guys loved it but quite a few of the others were a bit tingly and looking for the heating stacks for a custom Intuition liner molding session. The ankles, heel and lower leg shaft were encased in a well-padded cast, they said. Testers mentioned that the tongue was a bit on the firm side against the shin, at boot top, and the solidly upright cuff didn't budge much.
The test team agreed that the boot's forte was in strong lateral moves where the rigid lower boot and tactile feel underfoot really shined for rolling edge to edge in smooth and tuned-in transitions. Testers said there was a nice fore-aft sweet spot to make these liquid lateral moves from. Testers also agreed that the fore-aft stance started from a slightly too-upright position and offered so little flexing movement that it was hard to do much other than roll laterally from burly arc to burly arc and try to stay in the driver's seat as the speeds increased.
Testers liked the R3 130 TI I.R.'s uphill action—lightweight, easy to actuate mechanism, friction free travel in both directions (terrific rearward, adequate forward) and tech-compatible with GripWalk soles (and alpine DIN soles in the box). Testers remain split on whether they love or hate the 3-buckle system with Velcro pulley top buckle, but either way it gets the job done for closing up shop around the foot and leg, they report.
Packed full of all-terrain and hiking features, the Dalbello Lupo AX 105 W continues to impress our test team with its dialed fit, stronger than expected flex feel, light weight and touring goodies. It is also one of only a few tech-binding compatible boots on the market that come in a size 21.5. Testers dig the ease on and off here, after learning how to navigate the weatherproof gusset and cabrio-centric wraps. The fit is evenly medium-width, with a little extra room for the higher instep, and testers love the extended touring range of motion when the external tongue is removed.
Testers agreed that the fit is very evenly distributed—essentially how a medium width should fit—a little extra room in the toebox, a good snug heel pocket and a comfortably uniform grip everywhere else. They said the upper cuff's stance is a little upright and the 105 flex rating is for real, so plenty of fore-aft support on tap for charging, and slightly easier on the shin than with its predecessor 110-flex from two seasons ago.
The downhill power-to-weight ratio here was commendable, according to testers who said it tipped and ripped as well as it drove to the front of the shovel, handling all speeds, all terrain and all turn sizes equally well, with no surprises. The hike mode is unique in that to access the boot's full range of touring motion, the tongue must be removed completely using a simple switch at its connection point. With the tongue out of the way, the comfy fabric gusset keeps moisture out and the boot rolls through a massive range. Yeah, you gotta stow the tongue in your pack, but you probably have one if you're slapping on skins, right?
The Lupo AX utilizes a polyolefin plastic called DB Hyperlite in the lower shell and the tongue but a polyamide composite in the cuff to shave substantial weight without a noticeable reduction of stability. This tech-compatible boot comes with rockered, lugged GripWalk soles for use with compatible bindings.
The Gist
Last year testers liked the then-new Lupo Pro HD for its polyurethane shell’s more damp feel on the snow than the stiffer carbon cuffed Lupo Factory, but appreciated that it didn’t lose any of its quickness or power when it lost $150 off the Factory’s price tag! This year it's no different--except now it's 200-bucks cheaper! They found it easy on and off and loved the touring range of motion when the removable tongue was off, allowing unhindered forward cuff movement, matching its long rearward travel. One tester said it got better with every run and the faster he went.
The Fit
Testers agree that the Lupo Pro HD (and Lupo Factory and Lupo 130 C) fit like a 130-flex narrow boot should, with a firm, performance-minded grip along the foot, especially in the heel and ankles, which this does. It fits slightly long in the toebox--not a bad thing for touring, with a touch of extra room in the forefoot for a 98 mm., testers said. The stance feels on the upright side of ideal, but not by much, but the flex feel and tongue cushioning is firm against the leg, so taller and more aggressive skiers liked the upper cuff fit the most.
Performance
Testers call the stance "very neutral," meaning on the verge of loose, rather than inside edge biased. This worked well with its tall stance for a deep-gouging, slashing style in softer snow. The power reserves were not completely tapped, testers said, but mentioned that for a carvier piste-oriented set-up a simple cuff adjustment is on board and would do the trick.
Cool Features
The touring acumen of the Lupo Pro HD (as with other Lupo's) is not appreciated unless a skier completely removes the exterior plastic tongue using the simple release at its attachment point. The tongue must be stowed in a pack (or carried between one's teeth), but the absence of the tongue makes huge range of hiking and touring range of motion available. The tall waterproof gusset (though a hindrance to entry and exit) keeps you dry while you tour, sans tongue. This boot isn't Grilamid and Carbon, but it skis as well as the Factory for 200-bucks less...that's a cool feature we think.
The Gist
Testers love Salomon's shift to a four buckle overlap design in the new Shift Pro 110 W AT freerider. They liked the new, easy slide on and off and particularly got on board the newfound room over the instep and along the lateral side of the forefoot, a la the S/Pro lower mold that it's based off. Testers approve of the stability and snap of the polyurethane and fiberglass Coreframe lower paired with a light and reactive polyolefin cuff which fits closely along the lower leg and is still rigidly connected to the lower with the tried and true Surelock cuff release mechanism.
The Fit
Testers say that the list of fit improvements over its predecessor QST is long--now a more true medium width fit overall, testers say, with a broad fit along the lateral side of the foot and a taller fit through the instep, which along with more compliant material there made for much better entry and exit. The Shift Pro Ws are light on the foot, thanks to thin shell wall construction with polyurethane and polyolefin plastics. The flex feel is firm against the shin but progressive, testers report, and they liked the overall fit when the cuff was released as well. The fit over the top of the foot is even and open enough for good circulation by way of the My Custom Fit 3D seamless liner.
Performance
The testers who were able to get the Shift Pro 110 W on snow this year said that the lower boot feel is damp and stable, by way of the S/Pro medium width alpine boot it's modeled after and that the cuff's snappy flex feel made for agile transitions turn to turn without feeling jittery.
Cool Features
The Surelock cuff release mechanism remains a tester favorite and the touring range of motion it enables in addition to the rolling stride of GripWalk soles and light weight make this a real contender for more extended off-area missions. Testers like the simple 45mm Velcro power strap on the 110 W.
The Gist
Our test team's long wait for a successor to the QST line has come to a welcome end with the arrival of the new Shift Pro family--with a bootified take on the exceedingly popular Shift binding, the Shift Pro 130 AT sits at the top of the heap as a legit Freeride assault vehicle. Built off the tester-favored S/Pro medium width lower shell, the Shift Pro returns to a lightweight four-buckle overlap platform and combines a polyamide lower shell and Xecarb (carbon and glass hybrid) composite Coreframe insert with a polyolefin cuff to create a crisp, transmissive boot. Testers said it's just padded enough by its pre-shaped and seamless liner to be comfy without bulk.
The Fit
Testers say that the list of fit improvements over the QST is long--a more true medium width fit overall is the takeaway, with a broader fit along the lateral side of the foot and a taller fit through the instep, which along with more compliant material there made for much better entry and exit. The Shift Pro is light on the foot, thanks to thin shell wall construction with polyamide and polyolefin plastics. The flex feel is firm against the shin but progressive, testers report, and they liked the overall fit when the cuff was released as well. The fit over the top of the foot is even and open enough for good circulation by way of the My Custom Fit 3D seamless liner.
Performance
The testers who were able to get the Shift Pro 130 on snow this year said that the lower boot feel is damp and stable, a la the S/Pro medium width alpine boot it's modeled after and the cuff's snappy flex feel made for agile transitions turn to turn without feeling jittery.
Cool Features
The Surelock cuff release mechanism remains a tester favorite and the touring range of motion it enables in addition to the rolling stride of GripWalk soles and light weight make this a real contender for more extended off-area missions. Testers like the 45mm Sense Claw cam buckle power strap on the 130--Velcro power straps are found on the other Shift Pro boots in the line.
The Gist
Testers agreed that for an all-day-skiing crossover boot that’s at home in-bounds or on short forays into the backcountry skiers will be hard-pressed to do better than the Alltrack Elite 120 W. It forgoes lightweight polyamide plastics, sticking with a tried and true Dual Core polyether shell for damp but snappy control of the ski and shaves a bit of weight with a Dual Core polyolefin cuff. Testers like that it offers tech binding compatibility and mounted GripWalk soles for off-campus missions. A touch softer than 120 and on the roomy edge of narrow, testers gave it the second highest score of the entire test last year, men’s included.
The Fit
Testers agreed that, like many of the Rossis, the Alltrack Elite 120 W runs on the wide side of its width category, but that was more of an observation than a critique. The toebox fit is longer than the category average and roomy in both width and height, which testers liked for comfortable hiking and skinning. There's also more of a "domed" fit over the top of the foot and more room in the instep than average for a narrow, so they mention that this is a good match for high-arched but narrow to average feet. As with other Rossis, the ankle pockets are particularly well contoured and comfortable, yet snug enough for a performance fit, they said. Some of the testers thought the heel pocket was a bit roomier than it should be for a narrow.
Performance
Testers love that it skis like a true to form alpine boot. Some testers thought the polyolefin cuff was a little softer feeling than the 120 billing, but they cited an even and progressive flex feel with a cushioned-enough fit against the shin. Lateral moves were solidly locked onto the edge, they said, and the balance of quickness to power and stability was spot on. Testers all agreed that the cuff release enabled fairly limited range of motion, mainly backward, and suggested that the boot was more geared toward serious descenders spending most of their time in-bounds.
Cool Features
This year the Alltrack Elite 120 W comes mounted with GripWalk soles, which testers liked for amplifying the boot's hikability. It's tech compatible and cosmetically compatible for most testers who liked the Blackberry color and patterned liner cuff.
