Testers thought that the BOA on top, buckles on the bottom configuration on the new Salomon S/Pro Supra C BOA 130 offered a higher level of precision, in both fit and performance, than their past buckle and BOA arrangements. Salomon is positioning this closure combination as a performance-oriented build, as it’s only offered in a flagship 130 stiffness (and for the women’s version only in the top-tier 115-flex).
The wrap of the upper cuff around testers legs was without flaw, they said, and a variety of leg shapes were part of that consensus. They liked the initial fit but liked even more how the cabling snugged-up void spaces first, without overly constricting tighter spots, like the calf. This close-but-comfy fit on the leg translated into strongly leveraged edging moves that ripped through crud and left deeply carved trenches on the groomed.
There’s something about buckles on the lower shell that still appeals to good, technical skiers. Perhaps it’s a matter of habit, how the flip-up to release chair riding tension and the flip-down to signify getting down to business is so deeply ingrained in the core skier’s DNA. Or it could be the fact that two buckles offer more ability to vary fit tension over the top of the foot and toebox. Regardless of the reason, our test team dug this layout, and several guys commented that the closer-to-boot-throat buckle did a great job of retaining the instep and holding the heel back in its pocket.
The performance level here is among the highest in the medium width group we tested, but some testers cautioned that it’s a warm, luxurious and comfortable performance experience. It is not a rough riding race boot that lacks suspension. Cadillac and Lexus were brought up in comparison to the S/Pro Supra’s plush all-mountain character—strong, stable and quick-enough but without any fit hardships to speak of. The liner fit is well-appointed for all-day adventuring, and testers said it was welcoming and easy going from the first slide-on.
