The Gist
The 2018 Scott Superguide Carbon GTX remains one of our test team's favorite backcountry boots, returning this year with a revised cuff release mechanism that's stronger, easier to operate and that offers a more friction-free touring range-of-motion. Testers approved! They also said that the Superguide is one of few backcountry boots to fit the foot and lower leg the way a ski boot should—snug but comfortable, hugging the anatomical topography of the body. Well done.
The Fit
Scott calls the Superguide a 103.5 mm last—because they measure the 27 rather than the standard 26. So don't be fooled, this ain't wide, it's a medium with a nice anatomical fit that matches the curves of the foot. Given the category (in which the fit isn't held to as high a standard as alpine boots, apparently) this boot's fit is legendary! Testers like the plush but not too squishy liner feel and especially remark on the tall-enough, cushioned tongue and a progressive flex feel—just like a real boot!
Performance
For a blend of creature comfort, downhill performance and uphill functionality, look no further. The ease of use for touring was superior before Scott renovated the Superguide's release mode—now it's even better, stronger and smoother. Dynafit-certified tech inserts have rectified the Garmont tech debacles of old, and the cuff's range of travel in hike mode matches any of the slimmed-down rando-race buckets out there. But this one skis, thanks to a Grilamid lower with carbon fiber inlays and a carbon upper cuff—pimp daddy plastics!
Cool Features
Testers thought the PWR Lite Ultralon liner was pretty sweet—ventilated mesh areas keep the dogs from sweating profusely, and four-axis flex areas afford maximum mobility while touring but the grippy outsole keeps the liner from sliding around on the shell floor. The Velcro buckle strap system is good for setting and then forgetting and buckle catch keepers on the cuff are slick for hassle free touring, then locking back down.
Kudos
Caveats