The Formula 130 was a hit last year and it doubles down this time around with a revised liner that strikes an ideal balance between control and comfort for our testers. They say that if the concept was to produce a roomier, all-mountain version of the Raptor WCR then mission accomplished--testers say the power and quickness mimics that of the 96 mm Frontsider with some minimal loss of transmission in trade for a more comfortable, padded liner construction, GripWalk soles and 4 mm of extra breathing room at the forefoot.
Technical all-mountain weapon of trench warfare was how one tester described it, citing a slightly stronger-than-average set-up to the inside edge. Testers agreed that the cuff angles are ever so slightly tipped out in a bowlegged fashion, which loaded a lot of grip to the big toe edge, but the dual cuff adjustment offered more than enough range to zero out that edginess for those looking for flatter, looser alignment angles. The forward angles were on the money for testers and the firm 130 flex feel remained true under pressure and testers had no complaints of any shin discomfort.
Last year's test revealed an aggressive heel pocket fit which this year's liner revision has almost entirely eradicated. The shell fits snugly there, so testers with fat heels have had to do some light shell grinding to get comfy, but this is easily accomplished on the Formula. Our bootfitter testers appreciated the Formula's straightforward, monoinjected polyurethane build-out which makes stretches and grinds easy and predictable.
Formula features are functional: dual upper cuff adjustment (lateral), forward lean spoiler (removable), boot top calf adjustment, Form Fit oven-cook moldable shell and Liquid Fit injectable liner. Note that testers mention that the heel pocket is snug right out of the box, so for the chronically loose-of-heel but otherwise mediumish-of-fit, this is a good start with the additional insurance of a Liquid Fit squirt mission. GripWalk soles continue to gain traction with our team. For those looking for a stiffer flex feel, the additional rear spine anchor can be installed to bump it to 140.
Kudos
Caveats