The Gist
For skiers who expect a ski boot to fit the human foot and leg regardless of its backcountry acumen. Testers said the Superguide Carbon GTX had the best off-the-rack fit of all our backcountry boots.
Fit
The typical backcountry boot fit profile is low cuff height, edgy against the shin, boxy lower full of hot-spots, especially over the top of the foot. There’s none of that here. This boot hugs the foot with an anatomically contoured wrap that mirrors the curves of the foot with just enough padding to protect the bony bits from hard plastic contact.
The heel and ankle are snug, the toebox and forefoot just relaxed enough for warmth and tingle-free touring. Testers say the wide box mark of 103.5mm is way off; it fits more like a typical 100mm medium. The upper is luxurious with a cushioned and well-shaped shin fit. It supports the leg higher up than most backcountry boots with an alpine-like cuff feel. The flex is progressive but slightly softer than advertised, testers said.
Performance
For all the creature comfort and fit favors bestowed by the Superguide, you'd expect a trade-off of increased weight but it mixes with the best of the lightweights. The weight-shaving Grilamid lower has carbon fiber inlaid side panels. It teams with a Grilamid upper cuff to create a stiff and snappy feel for the snow and allow for powerful edge work. Testers called it smooth, predictable and clean. It scribed round, solid arcs on all terrain. Lightning quick it was not, testers said. The cushioned comfort muted a fire-wire connection to the skis.
Cool Features
The top Buckle Power Strap is a bit of a fiddle, but functions fine once properly adjusted. Testers liked the closure at boot top it provided. The hike mode range of motion is vast and effortless, both backward and forward. It’s easily activated using the simple up/down toggle. The tech inserts are Dynafit-certified and the fully thermo-moldable liner utilizes Gore-Tex for additional water resistance and breathability. It needs that kind of goody booty at $1000 but testers said you indeed get a premium product.
Kudos
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