The 2021/2022 Fischer Transalp Tour W was tested in the women’s Backcountry category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Gist
Testers welcomed this newcomer with open arms—once they got it on! This pared-down running shoe of a ski boot won Best-of-Show for its feather weight and huge touring stride but it really made an impression on our test team once they pointed skis downhill—where was all the power coming from in this tiny package, our testers wanted to know. They also put it on the podium as one of the best-looking boots of the test.
The Fit
The testers agreed that the Transalp Tour W runs a little short, lengthwise, and suggested that skiers in-between sizes plan on stepping up for more warm and comfy touring. The fit was a unanimous “snug-medium,” they said, with a slightly tighter feel over the top of the foot, so high insteps beware. Testers felt the heel and ankle hold was superb and they liked the flex feel and adequate amount of cushioning and cuff height against the leg. Getting this boot on and off takes a little figuring initially, they said, but most found the entry and exit system acceptable after that learning curve flattened out.
Performance
The boot’s light weight and humungous touring range of motion released by its Double Lock Ski Walk release mechanism made this a BC-application gold medal winner for our testers, but more shocking was how well this micro unit skied. Testers put their fatties and carvers alike onto rail with the Transalp and were rewarded with deep, stable carves and quick reaction times arc to arc. They didn’t know whether to credit the boot’s angles or Pebax Rnew shell or polyurethane cuff for the unexpected power, but they weren’t complaining about it one bit.
Cool Features
Testers agreed that the Quick Fix power strap was cool for its Kung-Fu gripping clasp, but also said that the circumference didn’t shrink enough to get properly tight on average to slender legs in the size 24.5 they tested. The slider buckle offers nifty mechanical advantage for cranking the cuff buckle, which testers liked, and while the weatherproof shell gusset makes entry into the boot difficult, testers liked the way it functioned for a warm and dry seal while touring with everything loosened up.
