The Salomon S/LAB MTN SUMMIT is produced in sizes from 22.5 to 30.5 so at this year's test we decided to try-out the unisex gender bender with both our women's and men's test teams. Results were similar for both camps, with a resounding and unanimous thumbs up for the boot's light weight and massively smooth hiking range of motion that made our testers want to trek just a little bit further for another untracked lap.
The boot's closure system is unique and required a little extra time to sort out for testers brand new to the S/LAB MTN SUMMIT's entry protocols. The lower BOA reel rides on a gliding plastic carriage that sits over the midfoot and connects into the instep area "ankle strap," which provides for a lightweight and positive clamp down over the top of the foot. Testers found that pulling a little extra slack out of the BOA reel helped them navigate the snug boot throat and load into the minimalist lower boot. The upper cuff is closed-up via a wide pulley-style Velcro power strap plus a narrower velcro mini power strap above it. Testers were split about all that Velcro, with some liking the infinite micro adjustments found with the Velcro-set pulley tension and others wondering when the hook and loop might give up its gription.
Our men's test team found the fit map similar to the women's take: open toebox and forefoot, tight over the midfoot and instep, low in cuff height. Guys with lower than average instep heights enjoyed the S/LAB MTN SUMMIT's fit the best, and they had an easier time getting it on as well. Shorter and lighter testers preferred the cuff feel and fore-aft balance offered by the boot, whereas the heavier and taller guys felt a little under-supported by the cuff.
All our male testers loved the MTN SUMMIT's hike mode range of motion and quality of stride and universally praised the ease of hike mode switch operation. Testers thought that skiers looking for a minimalist, untracked-pow-seeking conveyance they'd be pleased with this one's offerings.
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