Salomon MTN Explore W

Model Year
2016-17
Category
Backcountry
Last Width
98mm
Flex Index
90
Price (MSRP)
$725.00USD

The Gist

Light and low profile. Testers liked the immediate feedback and quick shuttles in and out of turns. A huge range of motion in touring mode made this a top pick for skiers serious about putting skin to ski, even if they might roll in-bounds too.

Fit

It's a 98mm last and on-target for that volume foot and leg, testers said. The out of box fit was snuggest in the toebox and forefoot, with a few peak pressure points here and there. Post full-molding, tester feedback was evenly distributed between narrow and medium width, right where they wanted to be for comfortable touring and a secure downhill experience.

Testers said the cuff was slightly more upright than category average and sits low on the leg. Great for pow and corn skiing but perhaps a little lacking in torque for on-piste hammering. The flex was dead-on at the rated 90.

Performance

Quick, agile, and responsive with a light feel underfoot in short turns. Testers said this was not a grunty power boot; it exhibits a fine touch for managing varied snow conditions.  It certainly held its own without collapsing under duress.

Cool Features

Testers dug the Surelock sideways-flipping hike mode switch and the dual pull loops on the CF 3D liner. As with all Salomons, Oversized Pivot cuff attachment points are about transmission of energy, not lateral cuff adjustment.

Gender 
Women's
Sizes (MP) 
23.5-27.5
Hike Mode 
Yes
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Narrow

Kudos

  • “Highly recommend molding the liner for a locked-in cockpit.” -- Kristina "Rev" Revello
  • “Feels pretty damned awesome right out of the box!” -- Emily Alleman
  • “Responsive steering—able to make light, quick turns. Efficient moving through the mountains.” -- Emma Christensen

Caveats

This boot available at...

Morris Plains, NJ
Seattle, WA
Warren, VT
Telluride, CO

Special thanks to all of our sponsors!

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