The Trinity 95 surprised testers with how much fun it was to ski once they tuned into its unique flexion mojo and they pushed it into gold medal status in the All-Mountain Walk category.
The new Roxa Element 120 I.R. impressed our test team with its solid-as-a-rock fore-aft stability and lightning quick transitions from turn to turn. They said that it over-performed in stiffness, based on expectations for a 120-level flex feel (it's stiffer, they say) and it trended toward the narrow fit side of the 99mm fence.
For the right skier these are bonuses--like the long legged, more aggressive testers on our team who liked how well the Element 120's cuff held up to hard flexing, and the testers who always lament the modern medium width boot's too comfy approach to heel hold. These testers thought the Element 120 was right up their alley. Testers with shorter legs and those looking for a little more give for the shin recommended that the cuff be put into its soft flexing mode (a nice feature, they agreed) and consider a full liner molding session to allow the top of the spiral liner to flare and relax as a way to get a less tall, less rigid feel against the leg.
Every tester that spent time in the Element in its stock form, then took the time to heat mold the liner either in a convection oven or on a hot stacks for subsequent re-tests came back with improved results, both for anatomical fit (duh, right?) but also for skiing performance. Testers thought that the resulting better shape match for the foot and the leg, post molding, did a good job of connecting the feel of the upper and lower boot for more dynamic, supple movements which bumped up the Element 120's all-mountain versatility.
Testers liked the walk mode's function, and could see how this was a useful features for skiers who might be sessioning a jump or schlogging back up for another half-pipe run. And there's always a variety of parking lot parties that need attending. There is a 130-flex version of the Element, which would be a stout beast, our test team reckoned. They also surmised that the 100-flex Element in the stiff mode might be a great sleeper, big-bang-for-the-buck option for those seeking a smoking deal.
With a smattering of predictable garage and airplane hangar commentary, our test team put the BFC at the widest end of the wide boot group, which they loved for the MV crowd, meaning those with Massive Volume in the foot, leg and everything in between. The BFC has always been a test team favorite for a huge fitting boot that still manages to ski quite well, and this year's 130 flex newcomer was no different. A huge boot that skis well, was literally a comment made multiple times about the BFC 130.
The instep fit is prodigious, testers agree, which would allow some of the meatiest feet to get in comfortably (i.e. not going numb immediately) without having to size up beyond their seated heel to toe measurement. The liner is soft and accommodating, but with some anatomical shaping for outsized feet. Multiple testers mentioned how nicely formed and located the ankle pockets were, and while the boot can handle a thick heel, the more average of girth felt like the BFC responded to their fine foot balance movements without complete loss of transmission.
The thin wall polyurethane shell and highly cushioned liner tongue combined for a softer-than-130 flex feel, testers said, but they didn't find that the boot collapsed under heavy load, just traveled a bit farther and more easily than they'd expected. For the skier with a gargantuan calf there's a boot top cuff adjustment that spills the rear of the cuff further back. The shell itself is heat moldable via convection oven cooking, but our bootfitter testers weren't sure they'd come across many humans who would need the additional room made available by the process.
Testers dig the combination of GripWalk soles and the aptly named Apres Walk mechanism for trekking to the bar deck or a long distance trudge to the far reaches of the parking lot, and while the earthy pumpkin color way raised a few eyebrows, testers agreed it would go well with Carharts.
Our test team likes truth in advertising, and they said that's what you get with the Head Edge 105 W HV GW. Fitwise, it's a wide boot that fits like a wide boot, testers said (which isn't always the case), especially where it counts for the high volume skier leg and foot. Testers said the calf fit was open and properly flared, with enough adjustment in buckles and power strap and enough height on the leg to support a bigger skier without folding over. The instep was adequate to avoid cutting off circulation over the top of a thick foot, and while the ankle and heel pockets had anatomical shape and provide a control center for skiing movements they did so while avoiding any pinching or overly snug zones.
Performance-wise, testers loved the way this 105 flex delivered the goods in predictable, no-nonsense fashion. It's a good, honest ski boot that opens up the mountain to good skiers with the added benefit of comfort, warmth and convenience. They liked the fore-aft stance, which was upright and comfortable but flexed enough for dynamic movements without making those with thick calves suffer quad-burning wall sit exercises on every turn. Testers universally mentioned the boot's surprising quickness and responsiveness to skier inputs--something of a rarity in the truly high-volume boot world.
There's a walk-mode on this model, which put it into our All-Mountain Walk category that features the releasable cuff as a convenience feature rather than any sort of adventure touring function--though hauling kids through parking lots can qualify as some sort of adventure. The walk mode did not create any performance detriment, testers assured, and the Edge 105 W HV's were in line with the best non-releaseable cuff models we tested, so this is a value-added feature that shouldn't necessarily scare off solid skiers who might bear some old grudge against walk mode features.
Easy fit, easy but strong skiing, convenient features. Testers didn't have anything bad to say about this one, which one tester summed up by saying simply, no impediments.
Over the years our test team has been a fan of many different Edge models, but the new Edge 130 HV GW was by far our crew's favorite wide ride Head they've ever tested. Skinny-footed testers were impressed right alongside our fat-footed folks by how the Edge 130 HV both fit and performed, and a common refrain was hard to tell it has a walk mode. They weren't criticizing its range of travel--they were complimenting its power and transmission of movement to the ski. Where some hinge-cuff models sacrifice some skiing performance for bar-crawling, lodge-lizard convenience, testers said the Edge 130 HV did no such thing, meaning it skied just as well as other fixed-cuff all-mountain boots, regardless of one's apres bar crawling tendencies.
Testers said this baby fits wide in the lower boot and through the instep, and yet testers who shouldn't have had enough meat on their bones to make much contact with the boot's perimeter claimed it managed to control their kangaroo feet and chicken legs well enough to charge through a variety of terrain and snow surfaces. The thicker-of-body had nothing but praise for the Edge's command of the ski and quickness of messaging to it but likewise said there was ample room for all parts of the foot to spread out and relax. Testers noted that the calf fit was a touch more snug than expected given the massive cargo space down below and the fit impressions data supported that, showing the calf as the boot's most snug fit zone, while the toebox and forefoot areas were the roomiest.
Most testers characterized the more snug boot top as a point for fine tuning given a very thick legged skier, as they did any need for stance modifications (which they thought were dialed-in). Both of these tweaks could be best accomplished by employing the oven-cook shell molding Form Fit feature, which like most typical cook-wear-chill shell morphing features will allow for body shape and alignment driven changes to the plastic outer boot. Testers didn't cite any need to additionally snug up the heel and ankle pocket, which they thought was just right for the target athlete here, however the Liquid Fit liner injection feature is available on the 130 flex version (not on the others) and can be utilized to make modest improvements to the already well-shaped heel and ankle zones.
Testers were surprised by this walk mode 95 flex that did everything they asked of it in all sorts of tricky spots around the hill. They were also pleased with how nicely this medium width sat the fit fence between medium and wide, offering ample space in the toebox, forefoot and instep but maintaining enough control over the heel and ankles to allow for driving big skis at high speeds as needed. For the money, our test team said the higher volume skier may not find a more versatile ride.
No, it's not a tech compatible model, but the step up to the same boot in a 115 flex will gain a skier that feature. The 95 flex Ranger One Vac GW WS is more about the all-day, all-mountain ski experience but as an All-Mountain Walk category entry it does have a releasable cuff feature, and testers report that the Fischer Ranger release switch remains one of the coolest on the market and that the range of motion that it enables is similarly top shelf, with a smooth gliding feel that's not found in every walk mode boot.
The 95 flex should not worry good skiers, our test team said, calling out its tall and upright stance position as one reason that it punched a bit above its weight class. They said it maintained a stable command over the ski at a variety of speeds and over dicey surfaces, performing more strongly than expected for as soft as it felt against all parts of the lower leg and foot. For the skier who places a premium on comfort, warmth and convenience but who doesn't want to give up on expert level performance skiing testers said this one should be on her short list.
Our testers who have experience with Vacuum molding noted that the feature found here offers some good fit options for folks looking for additional room and subtle stance alignment improvements--though none of them mentioned feeling the need to go there as they liked the fit and balance right out of the box just fine.
So, don't be fooled by Fischer's 101 mm last label in the Ranger One 120, its a wide-fitting boot like anything in the 102 mm group and in fact it's labeled HV in the Fischer catalog for high volume. Those seeking medium width fit need to scoot over to the Ranger, sans One, to get that. Here, though, is a special creature. Dare we call the Ranger One 120 a unicorn? It's a lightish weight wide ride with a substantial amount of walk mode range of motion that fits like a slipper and skis as well as most narrower and stiffer boots. In fact, most of our test team preferred the fit, feel and performance of the One over the 99 mm Ranger at this year's test and elevated this roomy 101 to gold medal status and to one of the highest scoring boots of our test (only two other men's models scored higher).
Testers liked the Ranger One from the moment the slid into it--so easy, and even better with the walk mode activated, they said. This feature alone should attract a certain number of skiers, especially those who are, shall we say, flexibility-challenged and might have a hard time reaching behind a boot to access most hike mode switches, because the Ranger's release mechanism is stashed just under the top cuff buckle and requires barely a flip of a fingertip to actuate. The anatomical fit is ideal for the higher volume foot and leg, testers said, noting plenty of room throughout the lower boot and instep and flaring progressively up through the cuff--the only areas not to receive 5's and 4's (widest) were the ankle and heel that received mediumish 3's. Testers liked the well-appointed liner feel that hedged a bit toward the silky and cushioned end of the comfort versus performance spectrum, and they were fine with that because the soft, plushy interior did not hamper the boot's on-snow character.
The Ranger One's stance is dialed, testers said, and they called the cuff height and flex feel "ideal." One tester commented that the boot collapsed under full load, but he is one large dude. The boot's performance scores were very high 4.75's across the board for Balance, Edge Power and Quickness and only bested by a perfect 5.0 for Features & Convenience. A wide boot that's quick? A soft boot that's strong on edge? Testers said yes, a unicorn.
Speaking of the Features, Warmth & Convenience test parameter, testers like GripWalk just fine and the 35 mm power strap was adequate. They note that the boot lacks an upper cuff lateral adjustment as is the fashion with most freeridey boots for the sake of maximizing cuff rotation while in walk mode. However, the Ranger One is a Vacuum boot, which means it can undergo a variety of different oven cook and manipulate machinations, some of which will improve stance alignment, so that's a nice ace up its sleeve. Did our testers find reason to consider a Vacuum session for fit or stance reasons? No, they did not, but one could.
Dalbello's Panterra line continues to impress our women's test team who awarded it a gold medal this year for its well-balanced blend of anatomical fit for the higher volume foot and leg with a matching high level of performance on snow. The women's Panterra has been a perennial favorite at our boot test for its wide comfort and convenience appeal that comes without wholly sacrificing reliable fun on descent.
The 95 flex that we tested with the IF liner put smiles on our testers' faces for its supremely cushioned, comfortable fit and soft, rangy flex feel. The 95 flex marked the comfort-conscious pick in the women's Panterra line-up, testers said, having tested the 105 flex in the past. They said that for the extra 100 bucks to be worth it a skier would need to prioritize a stiffer flex feel and more aggressive skiing over the sheer luxury and convenience of the softer (and white) 95.
The tongue-style IF liner combined with the typical Dalbello three-piece shell's architecture had our testers wrestling with a few more layers and overlaps than they might like, but so long as layer one is followed by layer two, and so on, the containment system works to grip the high volume foot and leg in a relaxed and smoothly contoured grip. Testers note that the ceiling height is high over the top of the foot from the toes to the instep and that the calf flare is noticeably voluminous. While Dalbello rates this as a 101 mm medium, testers assure that it fits as wide as most 102's in the test.
The stance is on the upright side of the spectrum, which suited the thick-calf testers best, as their muscle mass pushed the leg shaft forward and put them right where they wanted to be. Our slender-legged testers felt a bit challenged in getting forward but noted that a little additional spoiler behind the liner would have worked just fine. Turns were predictable and stable, though due to the ample room in the the system quickness scores were a bit muted for our testers who said that thicker feet and legs would connect better with the sides of the boot and in turn with the edges. Some testers mentioned that the 95 flex collapsed on hard flexion, and suggested that lighter and less aggressive skiers would be fine here but that bigger, taller, stronger skiers should pony up for the 105.
The hike mode is definitely one of the "convenience" variety that aid the stroll around the base area or standing in lines, as testers commented that the range of motion is limited to some degree, especially in forward movement. They did like how convenient its actuation was and they liked the combined roll of stroll enabled by GripWalk soles. Warm, comfy and cushioned were the primary words repeated often on test forms, but they said it skied just fine too.
While the Panterra line received its big updates last season, the Panterra 120 returns as a silver medal alumnus to this year's test where it received the Dreamiest Liner Feel and Cushioned Caress award. Well, not really, but it could have as that was a common refrain among testers--the IF comp tongue style liner impressed the team with how well it draped against the foot and leg along an anatomically contoured map, yes a roomy map, but well-shaped all the same. Testers had particular praise for the fit over the midfoot, through the instep and up against the shin--specifically, it's roomy throughout those zones, which is a boon to thick footed skiers who struggle with the blood flow constriction and nerve impingement that stems from an overly tight fit across the top of the foot and into the boot's throat where it transitions into the shin.
The Panterra 120 remains one of our test team's favorite Dalbellos and certainly one of the very best, wide, three-piece models we've tested over the years. Not only does it offer the high volume foot and leg a suitable fit match, it skis with the best of them. The stance is neutral (if a bit upright for skinny legs) and the flex pattern is natural and progressive. Testers give the Panterra its highest scores in the Edge Power category--it's a damp and stable ride that puts any ski on edge and holds it there throughout the turn without fail. Quickness is rated similarly high, and would have scored higher with enough foot and leg mass stuffed into the roomy boot. The Panterra is a do-everything, go-everywhere workhorse that probably never gets enough credit where credit's due.
There is a walk mode on-board and it's pretty handy for short ridgeline sorties, as are the GripWalk soles that come mounted on the boot. No tech fittings in the All-Mountain Walk category where the Panterra lives, but let's be honest, the Panterra generally appeals to the anaerobic mountain athlete and apres connoisseur who eschews all forms of tights and headbands. So, crack another cold one, finish your burger and get back on that chair! The Panterra 120 is an all-day area skier's wingman and one of our tried-and-true favorites.
Take the successful R/Fit W four buckle overlap traditionalist, shave a buckle off the top for weight and convenience, add a cuff release for easier walking and hiking and put a $450 price tag on it and our test team says you’ve got a bang-for-buck winner. The R/Fit Hike W 85 shares the same wide lower shell fit that testers love in the R/Fit boots and the single buckle cuff with a calf adjustment opens up the fit for average and thicker legs. Testers say the R/Fit flex is stronger than advertised so good skiers shouldn’t let the 85 flex dissuade them.
Wide in the front (toebox and forefoot) and tapering to a more snug rearfoot (but not too tight in ankle and heel) and then a bit closer up through the cuff, testers said the average legged with wide feet will find a perfect fit match here. The flex feel is stronger than the 85 rating would suggest, testers agreed, and they appreciated the calf adjustment feature for an easy option for higher volume legs.
Our test team was able to ski the fixed cuff 95 flex R/Fit W but still waiting for a chance to get this bargain out on the snow.
For the money the R/Fit Hike W 85 is packed with useful stuff: double pull loop on the Ultralon foam liner, thick Velcro power strap, an easy to actuate cuff release and additionally walkable GripWalk soles (with DIN alpine soles in the box) and an adjustable calf spoiler. Serious value for the wide footed all-mountain skier.
The Gist
Last time around testers didn’t see this one coming! The sleeker and lighter R/Fit Hike 110 was a sleeper-contender for best walk-mode boot. Testers said its shape was surprisingly well-matched to the foot and leg, with a firm enough grip to light up quick turns on demand but without negatively affecting comfort. Testers called it a vacation home for your feet and the best newcomer to the boot test. Its lowest scores were for fore-aft support but testers said aggressive skiing average and smaller guys with thicker feet will be just fine, and intermediate to advanced skiers of all sizes will find a great all-mountain option here.
The Fit
At first try-on testers were a bit hesitant about the fit's distribution of fit tension along the foot and leg, but as the liner warmed up the feel evened out and testers became fans. Most of the room in this wide ride is found in the toebox and instep--a good combination for blood flow to the toes for the high volume foot. Initial lower leg and calf fit felt more snug than average for a 102mm boot but testers said it relaxed with some wear time. Flex feel is strong for a 110 they said and also, initially firm against the top of the shin but quickly relaxed.
Performance
Testers were surprised by how well this spritely boot skied in all sorts of challenging conditions. Polyurethane plastic in shell and cuff provides some dampening and stability through bumpy mank as well as helped drive the ski on hard snow at higher speeds. Testers admit that the 110 flex is a little under-gunned for big, fat skis (and big, fat guys), but for most all-mountain ski and pilot combinations it held up well.
Cool Features
Testers like the handy walk mode actuation--simple and functional, which when released and in combination with GripWalk soles made for great apres cruising and parking lot schlepping, and a set of alpine DIN soles come in the box. Just a single upper buckle makes closure pretty easy and testers appreciated the double liner pull loops and straightforward Velcro power strap.
The 2021/2022 Rossignol Track 130 GW was tested in the men’s All-Mountain Walk wide category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Track 130 belongs in the 104mm last width group—it’s big! For guys with super wide and thick feet you’ve found a garage for your wide load, and you can still open your door to get out! This year the Track steps up from a 120 flex to a legit 130, and that’s good news for the large humans rising up above such large feet. Testers loved how the outsized proportions remained in balance for great skiing movements and applauded the combination of easy things—easy to get on, easy to ski anywhere on the mountain and easy to go all day without unbuckling if you want.
Well, it wasn’t the absolute widest boot we tested, but it was the second widest. That was nice—nobody likes to be the widest. But it’s damn roomy, testers assured, with a cavernous lower boot that tapered just enough to hug the ankles and heel in a sort of open, awkward hug. Thick feet will love this, and so might chronically cold or numb folks—testers who didn’t have a foot or leg thick enough to fill this void still loved how it skied. Testers mention that the cuff runs slightly low--good for short, thick legs and guys with very muscular calves who would rather they just stay above it all. They also said the cuff circumference was not hula hoop large but rather only basketball hoop large, so guys with average to slender legs and big wide paddles at the bottom are in luck!
Testers with wide feet and thick legs gave this boot high quickness scores, while average width testers had a hard time feeling the rapid fire cadence since they weren’t really touching wall to wall. Quickness was the Track’s lowest score but it wasn’t bad at all. Its highest score was for comfort and convenience—is that a performance element? It might be for this boot, as uncomfortable boots that start the day with a miserable struggle to put on usually don’t end up paving the way toward any skier’s personal best. The Track 130 GW scored solids across all other categories. Solid, dependable, comfortable, big.
Testers dig the straightforward program here: single side cuff adjustment, single pull loop liner, GripWalk soles and a Velcro power strap. Go skiing.
Rossignol hits the narrowish, walkable performance boot market this season with a one-shot solution in the Alltrack Elite 110 W GW. Instead of a 100 flex (too soft) and a 120 flex (sold too few), Rossi offers the GripWalk rolling 98mm in a 110 flex to serve the most good skiers they can with one option. Our test team liked the simplicity, and they said they’d anticipate few complaints about the 110’s horsepower or stability. Testers love the combination of resort luxury (so much fur) with expert skiing grit that’s become a hallmark of Rossignol’s top-of-the-line women’s boots, and they say the Alltrack Elite 110 W GW is a sterling example of that.
Per usual with the Rossi narrows, the toebox and forefoot fits almost medium width in its ample approach, but testers all agreed that the fit narrows as it moves back to the rearfoot and grips the ankle heel and lower leg as a narrow boot should. They didn’t mind the extra room up front, especially for any hiking or touring that might be done. Testers loved the silky fur liner material for a smooth slide on and off but had no issues with shearing internally while skiing, nor issues with wadding up or pilling—the Rossi fur’s a fave with testers now. The cuff fits slightly taller than average, they said, and all testers liked the feel against the shin and the boot’s progressive flex pattern that moved readily on ankle flexion without stopping points or shelfy feelings. As with most Rossignol women’s narrows the boot top flares enough for a muscular calf to live there happily.
While its highest scores were awarded for edge power, testers called the Alltrack Elite 110 W GW smooth and quick before they did powerful. That said, every tester claimed that it was an all-mountain performer at the top of the group—it did have the highest edge power and quickness scores in its category. While few skiers would seek out the Alltrack Elite for its massive range of motion in hike mode, it does what many hike mode boots do not—it skis like a real boot. One of the questions posed to testers about a hike mode boot is whether it “skis worse than”, “same as” or “better than” other similar flex non-hike-mode boots. The answer for the Alltrack Elite was a mix of same as and better than—'nuff said.
One tester said: “Soft tones, fluffy liners. Rossi keeps their game strong for women’s boots and humans looking for a comforting color scheme and feel.” Year after year, the Rossignol women’s boot line continues to impress for its ability to combine creature comfort and luxury with serious skiing performance attributes. They have led the way, almost single-handedly, toward a fur-lined performance ethos--testers obviously approved considering the perfect 5.0 in convenience and warmth. Testers like the grip of GripWalk soles but many question if they actually walk any better with them—but it is the feature du jour, and it’s right here along with a nice single loop tongue pull, Velcro power strap, single side cuff adjustment and four lightly pinked buckles.
