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
The Dual Core Grilamid shell Alltrack Elite 130 LT was the highest scoring narrow hike mode boot and the third-highest scoring hike mode boot, regardless of width, the last time we tested it. So, it's good. And it's back again unchanged except for a new, sandy cosmetic. How was it so good? Testers liked that it shaved the weight without losing its boot-ness. It still fits and skis like a Rossi (meaning anatomically contoured, strong and quick) just a lightweight one, they said. The Dual Core polyolefin HD cuff is light but snappy, testers said, claiming it remains tall and strong against the leg for solid charging through variable, manky piles on big, fat skis to punch well above its weight class.
Testers said the fit was best described as a roomy narrow in the toebox and forefoot and a narrow the way they expect a narrow to fit from there on back, with a little extra shape at the top of the cuff to contour around the calf muscle. The Alltrack Elite 130 LT's score for Anatomical Fit & Initial Feel was the highest in the entire On-Off Area group. Testers noticed a rapid break-in of the liner to the foot upon skiing and the tightest spots relaxed just enough to forego immediate calls for a bootfitter. Easy on and off with neutral stance angles was the call, with some testers noting a slightly more upright fore-aft position without the spoiler installed (it comes loose, in the box) and others citing a slightly more forward position with it in—so we guess that's about where it should be, then. As with other Rossignol boots, testers found the length fit generous--which isn't a bad thing for a boot with hiking and touring intentions.
Testers issued zero demerits for the use of Grilamid in the shell and cuff—there were no comments about a lack of power, stability or dampness. There were, however, comments about quickness edge to edge and rapid reaction to foot steering movements. The lighter weight of the boot (1660 grams) was very apparent to testers, who approved once they got confirmation that it could ski. A couple testers thought the lateral stance angles were a touch under-edged making for a steery schmeary ride until the skis were rolled up a little steeper, where the power became evident, but the majority felt the edge power was on tap from the get-go. Testers agreed that the LT cuff's touring range of motion is much improved over the other Alltracks, but still not as good as a few others in the category.
Dual Core plastic injection is a shared technology with Lange. Testers appreciated the performance and fit enhancements that derive from this new process at last year's test when the Dual Core Lange's blew their own predecessors out of the water. We don't have the benefit of non Dual Core Grilamid Alltracks to try in head-to-head tests, but our test team is confident that Dual Core is for real, and now it's available in light, stiff Grilamid as well. Bravo Rossignol. Testers like the simple and straightforward features kit: power strap, upper cuff adjustment, Velcro spoiler, Grip Walk soles (separately), Dynafit certified tech fittings, four light weight buckles.
The Gist
Coming from a group of serious skiers, when they said this was a serious performer, well, we took them seriously! Last year it got nearly perfect scores for its edge power and stability and also for its quickness and feel for the snow, the Strider 115 W Dyn will not disappoint rippers looking to dominate demanding pitches on big skis--it was testers' favorite medium width freerider. This year it has a new graphic but still sits on the narrow side of the medium group, the liner’s aggressive heel and ankle fit relaxed with wear time but testers recommend a liner cook.
The Fit
The women might not know it, but their fit impressions of the Strider mirrored that of the men—an ultra contoured match to the foot and the leg, just on the snug side of the medium width middle-ground. The cork-clad exterior of the Precision Fit W Primaloft liner provides a bulwark of solid, yet moldable material that cradles the curves of the rearfoot with a firm pushback that says, performance, testers report. They loved the initial, cushioned, comfy feel on first entry, but they more appreciated the fact that the liner had guts and held the foot well after some serious test runs and a bit of sweat. Lots of comments like: snug, ideal grip, conforming, curvy.
Performance
The Strider 115 W Dyn's edge power score was its highest (and one of the highest edge power scores of all women's Freeride boots, regardless of width), which backs up what testers were saying—full on Alpine boot power to the edge on any terrain, at any speed. Testers mentioned that the Strider was no slouch for quickness turn to turn, citing its light weight on the foot as a source of fast movements, but they gave the stability and power of the Strider 115 W Dyn the nod as its best characteristic, especially when paired with a highly functional touring range of motion and an easy to use, intuitive cuff release switch.
Cool Features
The Primaloft insulated liner might appeal to the creature-comfort focused, but most of our testers were eyeing the rockered and Michelin rubber soled GripWalk plates that come on the boot and the Dynafit tech fittings for use with lightweight low tech bindings. The Grilamid plastic lower shell is moldable via simply wearing the boot after Infrared heating, though few testers mentioned a need to change the boot's shape beyond basic liner molding. They liked the ease of closure and most testers liked the unique buckle bales and catches—and this year it's white and black with some blue pops, tres trail chic.
The Gist
The all-new Strider Elite 130 Dyn takes the tester-favored Strider Pro 130 and squeezes it into a lighter weight package via a new liner and buckle (thank you!) design this year. Unchanged is its snug-medium fit character and cork-clad liner heel and ankle pockets that grip the rearfoot fit for hard-charging lines. Testers again put the Strider in the “real-boot” sub-category among Freeride boots, meaning it won’t disappoint serious skiers on the descent and it offers an adequate and user-friendly set of uphill skills. Testers are impressed with the rare combination of light weight and a damp, stable feel engineered by the Grilamid shell and carbon-Triax cuff.
The Fit
Testers agree that the Strider Elite 130 Dyn sits just on the snug side of the medium-fit center line, with a much-improved fit this year in the ankle pockets and heel by way of the revised liner. The aggressive ankle fit is now relaxed and while it still remains snug it's better shaped and more cushioned. The flex-feel is firm but on target for a 130, they said, with just enough cushion for the shin. The Laced 3D Cork Fit Primaloft Lite liner is articulated for touring and is light weight, but still manages to both cushion and control the foot. The Tri-Force design Grilamid lower shell can be custom fitted with Nordica's Infrared molding system, but there weren't many testers calling for it, as liner molding took care of most of their fit needs easily. Testers have always loved the closure of the Strider, but they are ecstatic this year for the revised buckle design (it's a regular buckle, sweet!).
Performance
One tester said last year of the Strider Pro, form has high-fived function here, and the rest of the crew agreed--things haven't changed there. Testers were surprised by the Strider Elite 130's power-to-weight ratio as the thin-shell-wall Grilamid lower boot and carbon reinforced Triax cuff teamed up to produce a noticeably lightweight boot that pumped out remarkably strong and quick turns. It didn't take many of those turns for a tester to forget it wasn't his own daily driver and go start looking for fresh lines. The hike mode got pretty decent marks for mobility range and quality of movement—one of the best of the alpine-strong tourers for sure, testers agreed. The wire-bale cuff release actuation was simple and effective, they said, though took a little practice to get latched initially.
Cool Features
The lightweight, Spartan 45 mm Velcro power strap was a favorite—no silly pulley-buckle B.S. here, thank you Nordica. The Strider Pro's wire-loop-hooky-bale buckles that were disdained by some and loved by others are gone, gone, gone here, and nobody's gonna complain about that. The combination of Dynafit certified tech inserts and GripWalk soles made this boot viable in a variety of different bindings: low-tech, alpine GripWalk, or A.T. frame, and testers appreciated that versatility (as will retailers). Testers are still divided on the boot name's coolness, since it sounds an awful lot like an elliptical trainer found on the Home Shopping Network—but hey, you can get exercise with this one too, and with way better views.
The Gist
Our team calls the new XT3 110 W LV the best freeride boot they've ever tested from Lange for it's larger-than-life downhill power (well, it's more robust than the stated 110, they said) combined with newly minted touring range of motion and lighter weight than in the past. It's a roomy forefoot fit for an LV, they said, with a tall fit over the top of the foot but they liked that for some extra warmth and circulation while touring. The classic Lange V-Shaped last remains intact as the rearfoot fit grips the ankles and heel in a more typical low-volume fashion. Testers like the strong flex feel of the 110 but mention that the initial fit is firm against the shin. The XT3's cuff release mechanism works better than previous models and it finally enables real touring range of motion, both forward and back, which testers applauded.
The Fit
Classic low-volume Lange fit for the ankles and heel, as well as up through the cuff, combined with a more relaxed fit in the toebox, forefoot and over the midfoot--testers said this was a great fit map for comfortable ascending and in-control skiing down. Entry and exit wasn't aided by the Dual 3D liner, which has some tacky-feeling fabric that tended to glom onto the sock and crumple-down or even pull out of the shell on exit. Testers hoped that after liner molding it would stay better seated in place. Testers say the shin fit is firm and the flex is solid, feeling stronger than the 110 listing.
Performance
This is where this latest spawn of XT lineage continues to outshine other freeriders--it skis well! Testers say the Dual Core Light polyurethane shell remains damp and stable and the Lyfran polypropylene cuff felt snappy and energetic. Downhill performance did not disappoint, but testers weren't surprised about that--they were fairly surprised that the touring mechanism worked as well as it did (no hang-ups) and they loved that the boot toured more like a BC boot than ever before. Best up-down performance yet for Lange.
Cool Features
In addition to its full-thermo Ultralon liner with double pull loops (good), easy to actuate Active Power V-Lock cuff release, rockered GripWalk soles and Dynafit-certified tech fittings, the XT3 110 W LV also sports grippy mid-arch cladding for secure scrambling and boot-packing.
The Gist
With every new version of Lange's XT freeride boot, our test team has affirmed that it has always been the most real boot like of the category. That remains the same with the newest iteration, the XT3, along with a few improvements. The all-new shell and cuff mold brings a cleaner, more anatomical fit match that's properly padded with a Dual 3D full-thermo Ultralon liner. Testers loved the close-wrapping fit of the XT3 130 LV--tight like a narrow should be, with an open toebox for comfy, warm touring. Testers also said, finally, to the fact that the XT3 actually tours more like a BC boot, now with much-improved cuff range of motion, especially in forward rotation which has never been the XT's strong suit in the past.
The Fit
Testers were pleasantly surprised to find the LV meant what it said--low volume! The fit is evenly close but avoids feeling constrictive and maintains enough height over the midfoot and into the instep to keep blood flowing to the toes. The XT3 130's shell is thin shelled Dual Core polyurethane, making bootfitters' mods super easy and permanent. The cuff is made of Lyftran polypropylene, so not as easily modified but testers didn't find the inside ankle pockets abusive at all, so punches won't be needed there so often. The flex feel is a firm 130, testers agreed, and a few thought the shin fit a bit flat, or bulky against the tibia, though after some wear time this improved and most felt a good liner molding job would eradicate that gripe. Testers had a few complaints about the way the Dual 3D Full Ultralon liner tended to crumple-down upon entry and hang on the heel when exiting--they planned to retest after liner molding and a few considered using the laces and going plug-boot-style for entry and exit as a work around.
Performance
For the weight and the mobility features here you won't do any better for a solid descender. Testers continue to praise the Lange-family stance angles found in the XT3 130 LV—slightly upright but with enough travel of flex to move through the downhill power band and find dynamic balance turn to turn. Some of our team had the chance to also test the XT3 140 Pro Model and were left scratching their heads as to why that model comes with an extra fat rear spoiler, dumping all who tried it into an over-flexed stance. The Dual Core Light Lyftran polypropylene cuff proved surprisingly strong on edge, testers agreed, who easily found a stable platform through funky snow during a few early Spring tours. Testers unanimously gave the new cuff release mechanism and newfound touring range of motion enthusiastic thumbs up--finally, they said.
Cool Features
In addition to a full-thermo Ultralon liner, new and easy to actuate Active Power V-Lock cuff release, rockered GripWalk soles and Dynafit-certified tech fittings, the XT3 130 LV also sports grippy mid-arch cladding for secure scrambling and boot-packing, along with a 40mm Velcro power strap (the 140 Pro Model has a cam lock strap). The new Snow Seal weatherproof gasket works well for keeping the boot dry inside, but testers noticed it had a tendency to jam with the shell overlap while initially buckling up, so suggested users take care to ensure the overlap is properly gliding shut before cranking buckles.
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 Gist
Last season, the Mindbender 130 got testers thinking about how comfortable this category has become—its silky, luscious liner had them salivating on the first slide in, and while it received the roomiest fit scores within the narrow group, testers loved the ample room for warm and compression-free touring. The toebox and forefoot offers lots of space in width and height but the fit tapers to a snug grip for the ankles and heel. Great power-to-weight ratio with a trick set of features, testers said. This year it returns with a bold new paint job but otherwise unchanged.
The Fit
While testers agreed that it is not a narrow fit, they liked the way it felt! The room in the toebox and forefoot, both in width and in height, flew a bit in the face of the quite snug heel pocket. Some testers liked this combination and others felt the height over the toes allowed them to shift a bit into the backseat too easily. That said, toes were warm and comfy on the chair or touring! The clamp on the lower leg shaft felt more in line with typical narrow boot grippage, and testers liked the flex feel against the shin. The ease of entry, exit and closure were a hit across the board.
Performance
If testers lacked a little fore-aft security at times, they loved the lateral edge work of the Mindbender 130--crisp and reactive for such a light and comfortable boot, they agreed. Most were surprised at its edge power and simultaneous sensitivity for the snow (due the thin shell well and close feeling connection to the ski). In touring mode the Mindbender has few peers in this category, it's a long-traveling, friction-free affair with decent range both forward and back. The metal to metal Powerlock spine functions as billed for a rigid connection between cuff and lower.
Cool Features
With a full-thermo moldable liner and an oven-cookable shell, the Mindbender offers some pretty easy tools for creating more room, but testers say start with liner molding only as the shell really moves and is easily over-done for added room. The boot comes mounted with GripWalk soles and testers dig the easy releasing Ripcord Power Cinch strap at boot top.
The Gist
After a couple seasons of waiting, women get the high performance KORE 2 W freeride boot from Head. It comes with all of the top tier goodies that the men’s KORE 1 has integrated recently, like a reinforced Grilflex shell construction, a reinforced liner cuff and a new, beefier Power Plate power strap. Our women testers love how this snug medium-width grabs the foot, with a particularly performance-minded feel around the heel, and they love the on-target 110 flex feel that says ready to rock. The Liquid Fit liner provides an option on an even tighter heel pocket, but most didn’t think they’d need it! The boot is light on the foot and comes with an option to upgrade to GripWalk soles. Testers thought the rearward range of motion was adequate for touring but mention forward rotation is limited.
The Fit
Definitely on the snug side of the medium group, testers agreed, but not full-blown narrow territory. They like the slightly longer toebox feel for comfy touring and cited an evenly distributed fit everywhere in the lower and upper boot. Some testers note some aggressive liner padding above the achilles and below the calf, which some hoped would mellow out with a liner cook. Testers liked the even flex feel and said it was right where it needed to be for its performance tier.
Performance
The KORE 1 has always displayed accurate steering and a quick move to the edge (a perfect score there in last year's on snow test) and easily found a stable sweet spot through a variety of snow conditions. We expect similar results for the new women's version. Some of our male testers thought the boot felt a little edgy at first but discovered that Form Fit shell molding created a more balanced and neutral feeling position--our female test team felt the boot stood neutral in indoor fit tests. All testers who've gotten Liquid Fit injected have noted an uptick in steering, quickness and edging performance.
Cool Features
The Smart Frame shell construction maintains thicker, ribbed and rigid Grilflex plastic in areas where stability and power are critical and keeps the thinner, better wrapping Grilflex where it suits foot-shape matching and easing entry and exit. Graphene is a powder additive to the plastic that increases stability and provide a damp feel like polyurethane without adding substantial weight. GripWalk soles come mounted on the men's KORE but are an optional purchase on the women's KORE 2 W. The updated liner cuff material, 45mm Velcro power strap and integrated plastic Power Plate are key to the KORE's improved flex feel. Testers like the buckle lock keeper-bales that hold position while touring with buckles undone but that can be buckled over the top of for more convenient on-area buckling.
The Gist
The KORE 1 got a shell revision last season in the form of thickened shell walls in critical zones to stiffen the flex and provide more stability on edge. Testers could feel the difference and liked it, citing a stronger feel on edge than the previous year’s version. This year the KORE 1 returns with additional updates of an updated liner cuff and a 50mm power strap with an integrated plastic Power Plate to more evenly spread shin pressure during flexion, which testers agree performs as billed. The hike-articulated 3D Perfect Fit liner’s Liquid Fit injection feature remains a tester favorite for anatomically snugging the heel and ankle pocket, and testers who have undergone the Form Fit shell-cook customization process said both fit and flex feel improved dramatically. Testers appreciated the fact that the light weight of the Grilflex and Graphene shell and cuff didn't reduce the kind of "real boot" fit or performance they've come to expect from Head. They also liked that the simplicity and tradition of the Head four-buckle overlap has been modernized here with space age plastics, tech binding compatibility and an intuitive, functional hike mode.
The Fit
Testers found the fit evenly snug and well adapted to bony points and wide spots, but they said it ran on the narrow end of the medium-width fit spectrum. That was not a criticism, but an observation—testers had zero complaints of hot spots or other fit issues, and say the updated Power Plate and wider power strap has served to solidify the KORE's stiffness (legit 130 they said) as well as better distribute pressure along the shin. Testers who underwent the Liquid Fit liner injection process reported an improved rearfoot (heel and ankle) fit that they were able to control during the process, which they liked for its simplicity and immediately perceptible result.
Performance
The KORE 1 has always displayed accurate steering and a quick move to the edge (a perfect score there in last year's on snow test) and easily found a stable sweet spot through a variety of snow conditions. Some testers thought the boot felt a little edgy at first but discovered that Form Fit shell molding created a more balanced and neutral feeling position. All testers who got Liquid Fit injected noted an uptick in steering, quickness and edging performance. The new liner cuff material and power strap assembly worked miracles for the KORE's flex feel--strong and even, testers report. The hike modality is super easy to actuate and with the top two buckles open the rearward rotation was acceptable, though testers still say the forward range of motion is a bit limited.
Cool Features
The Smart Frame shell construction maintains thicker, ribbed and rigid Grilflex plastic in areas where stability and power are critical and keeps the thinner, better wrapping Grilflex where it suits foot-shape matching and easing entry and exit. Graphene is a powder additive to the plastic that increases stability and provide a damp feel like polyurethane without adding substantial weight. GripWalk soles come mounted on the KORE. The buckle lock keeper-bales are handy for keeping things adjusted properly while unbuckled for touring but can also be buckled over the top of, which is a convenience for on-area ski days.
The Gist
This boot checks a lot of boxes, one tester said. Another just said, I want this boot! For two years in a row, the women's Ranger has been on the podium for its gold medal pairing of stunning range of motion in hike mode (best in test) with true Alpine descent qualifications, all wrapped in a noticeably lightweight package. This year the Ranger 115 W returns with an updated cam buckle power strap, a stronger lower shell and slightly stiffer build, making it even more appealing to those demanding a dominant descent--and it manages to simultaneously increase the smoothness of an already friction free touring mode. Fitwise it remains one of those tight-mediums, testers say, right on target for a 99mm last and ideal for average to slender calves. Its sneaky hike mode switch location remains a tester fave.
The Fit
Our test team continues to place this right between a medium and narrow—so pretty much what you'd expect from a 99 mm last. They repeatedly give it very even fit scores throughout the lower boot and upper cuff, meaning that it grabbed the foot and leg with a firm grip but in a contoured way that didn't offend bony bits or wide spots. They liked how easy it went on and off and that it buckled up in a straightforward, alpine sorta way without goofy overlaps and ladder straps. Not only has the women's Ranger gotten the highest scores of the Freeride medium width group for Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel, it has also outscored every Freeride boot in that criterion, regardless of its width group.
Performance
Bankable, regular and reliable from turn to turn, on every kind of terrain and snow surface is how testers described the lady Ranger. They said it was more a steady-Eddie than it was lightning quick, but they praised the way they could count on this one for a powerful, smooth descent regardless of how they might have gotten to the top, whether by chairlift or sweat equity. The option to earn ones turns with this boot are the real deal, they said, citing its (still) light weight (1650 grams in a 26/26.5) and a long-ranging, friction-free stride while in hike mode.
Cool Features
The Ranger 115 W ticks all the boxes for a modern, high performance All-Mountain Freeride boot: Grilamid shell and cuff, tech binding compatibility (Dynafit fittings), full-thermo liner, rockered soles (GripWalk), minimalist buckles and a superior cuff release and cuff rotation range of motion. And it does all of that with top shelf fit and performance. Well done, Fischer!
The Gist
Two years ago we thought the first generation Ranger was Fischer’s best boot ever and one of the best boots in our test. Last year, with the arrival of its wider brother Ranger One, we thought Fischer had two of its best boots ever and two of the best in our test. This year the Ranger 130 returns with a fortified lower shell to increase its power and stability without substantially affecting weight and simultaneously improve its already smooth range of motion in walk mode. This year's update also comes with a stronger cam-buckle power strap and a revised liner. Testers have always loved how well it cradles the foot and leg—if a little like that uncle’s too-hard handshake on the lower leg and ankles…a bit too tight but you kind of like it too.
The Fit
It still fits the way you'd expect a 99 mm last should—snug side of the medium group. This remains a close-to-anatomy shell design with a thin, fully moldable liner for some minimally cushioned separation between foot and shell, leg and cuff. Testers say it fits with an anatomically contoured python-like grip, especially though the lower leg shaft and into the heel and ankle pockets where the fit tension was fairly aggressive. Testers who had the liner molded found the fit relaxed there, but this is no wide side of medium last bucket—it's more like a Recaro bucket seat for the feet.
Performance
Where to start? When you first pick up the boot you realize it's out of the ordinary. The sleek look, smooth finish and featherweight feel in hand (1600 grams) set it apart from others in the hike mode category. The first buckle-up provides a performance fit feel, and then the search for the hike mode switch leads to the discovery of the stealthiest touring flip switch on the market. Barely the size of a beetle wing, a smooth flip of the lever engages a thin interior cable which releases the cuff seamlessly (will it stand the test of time, a few tester wondered initially, and so far it has). And then the easy stroll to the skis begins, with long and unhindered strides enabled by friction-free and wide-ranging cuff rotation, both rearward and forward in equal measure. When veteran testers prepare to test an on-off area boot that weighs so little and walks so well, we naturally ready ourselves for a worthless downhill experience. So, imagine our collective surprise when we find that the Ranger 130 has absolutely ripped in test after test! Stable through high speed crud laps, sensitive in untracked pow, commanding to the edge when arcing trenches on piste. Testers couldn't find its performance Achilles heel—though it maintained one hell of a grip on theirs.
Cool Features
The Ranger 130 comes with GripWalk soles installed, which adds to its easy walking game. Tech compatible with Dynafit tech fittings, this sidecountry/Freeride boot might easily compete with true Backcountry boots—which we have tested-out in the past by entering it in our Backcountry category test as well, where it won. Two liner pull loops and a new bomb-proof cam-buckle power strap are the extent of the features menu, and we are a little disappointed that there isn't a lateral cuff adjustment, but often those are sacrificed in the name of better cuff rotation in hike mode, which is available here in spades.
The Gist
Finally, an women's XTD for the masses! Not that the already popular Hawx Ultra XTD 115 W didn't appeal to a lot of skiers, but it's tight--both in the lower and in the cuff. The new Hawx Prime XTD 115 W opens up the fit of both to, well, levels similar to the Hawx prime all-mountain boot, which is one of the best selling women's boots in the country. Classic Prime ease of fit in the forefoot and toebox, coupled with performance-snug heel and ankle pockets make for an ideal uphill and downhill fit combination. The upper cuff still runs a bit narrrow and tall, along the lines of the Ultra XTD, but with more flare at the boot top for the average calf. Increased shell wall thickness on both the medial and lateral sides of the lower shell adds power to the previous XTD chassis, and an all-new Mimic liner provides a close but comfy fit that works on both the up and the down.
The Fit
With a lower shell fit more similar to the all-mountain Hawx Prime W line up, the Prime XTD will accommodate an average to slightly wider forefoot and the cuff is more medium in volume than the narrow Ultra XTD. Testers like the contoured fit around the ankles and said that the fit over the top of the foot is snug but even. Memory Fit oven-cook, then mold customization works well for making minor shape changes, especially over the top of the foot and calf, our tests have shown.
Performance
We like Grilamid. We also like polyurethane. Here you'll find the polyamide plastic known as Grilamid in the lower shell and polyurethane in the upper cuff. Grilamid is heat-stretchable like polyurethane, and when it's done right it skis pretty damn similarly—meaning, strong and stable, predictable. Sometimes it can be twitchy, but in the new women's XTD Prime 115 we'll just call it quick. It has a resiliant, energetic flex feel (testers said). It has a snappy return to center in between turns (testers said).
Cool Features
Unlike the narrow Hawx Ultra XTD's the Hawx Prime XTD comes with GripWalk soles rather than a backcountry boot style built-in rockered sole and like the rest of the freeride category is tech-compatible. It forgoes lateral cuff adjustments for the sake of solid, touring pivot points, which sometimes is an alignment demerit, but the Memory Fit oven-cook customization feature can help the knock-kneed and bowlegged while addressing general fit improvements—win, win!
