Also located on the top buckle is a metal loop hanger to catch the wire latch when you are in climbing mode. With its powerful and heavy build, the design caters more to the resort crowd that mixes in the occasional half-day tour. Category: All-aroundWeight per pair: 6 lbs. In a perfect world, an alpine touring boot would be both lightweight and flexible on the uphill, and stiff and supportive when bombing down steep terrain. Im not luke but you should try on the zero G. It may not be tight enough around your ankle out of the box but it sounds like it hits a lot of your points without much to lose. Choosing the right ski jacket is all about managing the conditions that you might encounter on the mountain. Further, you get the benefit of compatibility with both alpine and tech bindingsa great setup for those who want to try out backcountry skiing but aren't ready to fully commit. For sidecountry skiers or those who want one boot that can transition between the resort and backcountry, the Lange XT3 is a strong option. A lot has changed since 2010, but the Cochise remarkably hadntuntil this season. As a result, we've put backcountry ski boots into three general categories: "all-around" for boots that try to achieve that elusive all-in-one solution for backcountry demands, "ultralight" for those that prioritize climbing efficiency and low weight above all else, and "crossover" for those that want alpine-worthy downhill performance. It walks amazingly well uphill. Each boot has a way of locking into ski mode or releasing into walk mode, usually by way of a lever on the back that engages and disengages with a flip. The Transalp design uses a pretty traditional overlap cuff, but then pairs it with a lower shell thats a single piece, with a fabric gaiter covering the gap over the middle of the foot and shin. 13 oz.Flex: 130Other flexes: 110What we like: Seriously good all-around performance with the Hoji Lock System.What we dont: Not a weight leader. - Original V-Position. And to complete your alpine touring setup, see our articles on the best backcountry skis and backcountry ski bindings. In other words, boot sole is another determining factor of what bindings will fit your boot. While the flex was soft I did find it very progressive which I also prefer as its prudent insurance against shin bang. There is no rubric for this, but generally boots with a higher flex rating (115+) should be paired with stiffer skis, and vice versa for boots with a lower flex rating. 8 oz.Flex: 100Other flexes: 90W, 110W, 120, 130What we like: Solid entry-level backcountry boot at a great price.What we dont: Not for hard chargers and inefficient on longer tours. Let's start simply. The latest model also includes an upgraded liner, and its roomy 102.5-millimeter last means that it matches up really nicely with those with wider feet and/or a preference for a spacious toe box. Body Glove Performer SUP Fits similar to the venerable Zzero4 in the lower shell. Still curious about the tweener category of touring boots. Dometic Powered Cooler Crossover The Transalp Pro features a 55mm-wide strap made of a thin material thats closed via a cam-style closure. Add it all up, and at $500, the K2 Mindbender 100 ticks all the boxes for beginner skiers on a budget. I also havent had any issues with icing during my time in this boot. Most ski boots technically are unisex, but some manufacturers have chosen to broaden their audience by making touring models specifically designed for female skiers. They addressed those shortcomings, however, with the follow-up Hoji Free. At just under 6 pounds for the pair, the Transalp Tour is a bit lighter than our chart-topping Scarpa Maestrale RS, and it also comes with the added benefit of an 80-degree cuff rotation (the Pro drops even more weight at 5 lbs. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation. The Scott Cosmos III is the only boot Ive used that felt similarly short in my standard size of 26.5, with the Lange XT3 Tour Pro being close in that regard as well. First, backcountry skiers are more likely to seek out powder than hard snow, and a boot with more give will perform better in these conditions. So I think the Transalp Pro is ideal for those who want a bit better downhill performance than the lighter alternatives, but a noticeably better walking experience than the heavier options. Below are some general recommendations for ski boot flex based on ability level: Beginner: 70-90Intermediate: 90-110Advanced: 100-120Expert: 120+. When you creep above that point, uphill travel can become an uncomfortable and overly exhausting activity. Where it does stand out is in its ability to be customized: both the Cochises shell and liner are ready to be punched and molded, and you also get features like optional lacing and a removable stiffener at the top of the calf. Short for Tour Lite Tech, Dynafits TLT collection has helped to define modern ski touring as we know it. Weight 2/2 In general, ski mountaineers and the majority of alpine touring enthusiasts opt for tech bindings, while beginners or those who prize downhill performance choose frame bindings. Thus, these boots are perfect for long days in the mountains when uphill travel or long mileage is the goal, and certainly not for frequent use in bounds. The S/Lab MTN is designed to go head-to-head with a do-everything model like the Scarpa Maestrale RS above, but we've found that it falls short in most areas that matter. For this healthy mix of downhill and uphill, you need a boot that can excel at boththat proverbial perfect world. Ive never found myself wishing for more range of motion in the Transalp Pro, and it still feels noticeably light when Im switching from some 1500+ g freeride boots. Perhaps Scott will release a low-volume variation of the Cosmos/Celeste in the future, but until then, it remains a somewhat polarizing design.See the Men's Scott Cosmos Tour See the Women's Scott Celeste Tour. Category: All-aroundWeight per pair: 5 lbs. Why does this well-designed ski boot end up with a mid-pack ranking? More than any other style of touring boot, ultralight designs for ski mountaineering or deep backcountry exploration prioritize uphill travel. Overall, you get a ton of flexibility whether you choose to shred the resort on your alpine setup or explore the backcountry with your touring kit. Compared to the Atomic Hawx 130 XTD, it walks much better. Colour: Black/Black/Green And it doesnt hurt that the boot is now made with GripWalk soles for even better compatibility with alpine bindings. For some, this is a saving grace: the generous shape can be a huge relief for squished toes and pinched feet. Those with wider or higher volume feet should look for boots with lasts 100 millimeters and up, and those with narrower feet will be happy with a last between 95 and 98 millimeters. On the other hand, frame bindings accommodate a wider range of boots, including some with tech fittings and also those specifically designed for downhill skiing in the resort. But for the most part, we've found the flex rating to be a helpful tool (and we call out any boots that don't seem to match their given rating in the write-ups above). But Ive found when Im skiing harder in the backcountry, it is sometimes not enough boot on the downhill. Because of this, a backcountry ski boot's flex rating won't always translate perfectly to the flex rating of an alpine ski boot (for example, a backcountry boot with a stated flex of 110 might feel slightly softer than an alpine ski boot with the same given flex number). Because the sidecountry necessitates far less uphill travel than other forms of backcountry skiing, an ideal crossover boot will prioritize stiffness and stability on the downhill (similar to a typical alpine boot) over uphill comfort and weight savings. Fischer also includes an optional spoiler for more tweaking of the forward lean. If your ski boots come with an open-cell foam liner, we have found it to be worth the price (especially for those who run cold) to buy a closed-cell foam liner separately. The gaiter has velcro at the top, which is great for keeping it stuck high on the liner and keeping out water. There are important considerations when making a purchase: What is your skill level? What's more, they dry very quickly and tend to keep your feet warmer, even during the coldest days. This boot is fine-tuned for classic ski touring, with a high volume (the 103.5mm last should fit most feet), 60-degree cuff rotation in walk mode, and relatively light weight that will satisfy most recreational skiers. Featuring a strong 130 flex, snug and performance fit from the four-buckle design, and a shell construction thats shared with their impressive RX downhill boot, the XT3 is as confidence-inspiring as it gets when skiing big lines and through variable conditions. The Transalp Pros liner is neither super minimal nor super substantial, with soft foam used throughout most of it, though it does feature a bit of reinforcement around the upper cuff and at the front of the tongue. It was still lots of fun doing that in this boot, but I noticed a lack of precision and power transfer when really trying to lay down high-edge-angle carves (which I realize isnt what many people are concerned about with their lightweight touring boots). Second, the included liner isn't as warm or protective as the picks above (although Dynafit did boost the insulation and comfort with this latest model). Good amount of cuff lean to bring skis flat on snow for bow-legged skiers. In addition, your ski bindings play a key role in performance. Look for an increase in weight, bulkier designs, less cuff rotation, four buckles, a slightly more forward lean, and compatibility with alpine bindings. Even if Im not taking the liner fully out, it can be a bit frustrating to try to remove my foot, especially when my feet / the liner are sweaty (which is pretty much every time I skin). When applicable, weve made mention of the various flex options available for each boot in the individual write-ups above. Recently, there has been a push by many ski gear manufacturers to offer a range of flex options for individual boot models, allowing the user to choose the perfect stiffness for his or her ability level. While the fit may not be as adaptable as the Vacuum version the Transalp Thermoshape boots do have a thermoformable Ultralon boot liner so theyre customize to your foot similar to most other alpine touring boots. If you enjoy this website and value the content we create for you, thenplease supportBackcountry Skiing Canada by donating todayor by clicking on those sponsor ads and 'Buy Now' links at the bottom of the reviews. Many backcountry boots favor either uphill or downhill performance, but the Scarpa Maestrale RS's impressive balance of both earns it our top billing for 2022. Im super curious about the above boot. Second, speed is harder to generate and of less priority in the backcountry. Added up, the Transalp is another solid contender for backcountry-goers looking for a boot thats as fun on the skin track as it is in the powder stashes. In general, the type of liner you choose comes down to how secure and adjustable you like your boot to feel. With that in mind, I absolutely love how the Transalp Pro goes uphill. - Hike Lock Mode The fit system includes just two buckles and a thin power strap to trim weight, and the integrated design means you only need to adjust the top buckle when transitioning between walk and ski modes. Do you disagree? A boot like the Scarpa Maestrale RS (and women's Scarpa Gea RS) is able to pull off all of these features. Its not the stiffest boot, but its still beefy enough to drive it as hard as I want to in any conditions. Scarpa has a women's version of the Maestrale RS called the Gea RS boot. In the end, the Vegas climbing skills earn it a spot on our list, but its caught a little too much between the ultralight and all-rounder categories to secure one of our top rankings.See the Men's La Sportiva Vega See the Women's La Sportiva Vega. The added bonus, however, is that they have small indicators silk screened over the top of the fittings to show you where to line up the tech pins. What do you give up by going with such a downhill-focused boot? Weight also goes down a little bit thanks in part to the simplified, single buckle over the foot, which utilizes a cable system thats similar to Scarpas Maestrale. In skiing, the word crossover refers to a piece of gear that bridges the gap between the resort and the backcountry. Its called the Fischer Transalp Thermoshape. For those on either end of the spectrum, Scarpa also makes a standard Maestrale (110 flex rating and $100 less) and Maestrale XT (130+ flex rating and $100 more) Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Scarpa Maestrale RSSee the Women's Scarpa Gea RS. That aside, its ideal demographic is a bit more nuanced than most boots. A pair of soft skis can feel overpowered by a stiff boot like the Maestrale RS, which can lead to a disconnected and insecure feeling while descending. Ive skied the Travers CS as my only touring boot for two seasons now (with a Tour Wrap and Pulse Labs strap added). Category: All-aroundWeight per pair: 6 lbs. But with Lange's performance on the descent and the added ability to choose between flexes and last widths (low volume, or "LV," versions are also available), the Lange XT3 is a great match for aggressive riders embarking on the occasional uphill forayRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Lange XT3 130See the Women's Lange XT3 110. Category: All-around/crossoverWeight per pair: 6 lbs. I can however comment on the out of box fit of the Transalp Thermoshape Boots. Tech toes and hike/walk mode are standard issue on the trtansalp Boots. The Transalp comes stock with what Fischer calls 16-17 of forward lean, though you can flip the piece where the walk mechanism attaches to the cuff to drop that to 13-14. The Transalp Pros buckle layout, walk mechanism, and power strap have all been easy to use, too. With the Transalp Pro, I skied skis ranging from 178188 cm long and 92110 mm underfoot and bindings ranging from pretty light options like the Marker Alpinist and ATK Raider 12 to burly hybrid bindings like the Salomon Shift and Marker Duke PT. A plastic boot horn (like the one that comes with ZipFit liners) helps a lot when getting the liners into the boot, but it cant really help when trying to yank them out. Its a really useful design for heli/cat-accessed terrain and resort skiers who frequent the sidecountry, especially if youre looking for a really aggressive ride. Insoles very thin, put in your own when trying or add the volume reducers, otherwise heel may be sloppy. In order to get the full benefit you do have to undo the top buckle and the power strap and of course switch them into Hike mode. Crested Butte and carving groomers. With 53 range of motion (18 back and 35 front) these are one easy walking boot. Category: CrossoverWeight per pair: 8 lbs. For example, Scott created the Celeste as the women's counterpart to their revered Cosmos. This is especially jarring when Im coming from my stiff, heavy alpine boots, making for a big adjustment period each time Im out touring. All-Around The TLT8 Expedition CR here is the latest boot design, targeting ski mountaineers and those wanting to cover significant ground with a focused, ultralight build. The ski boot sole discussion actually is a continuation of the binding compatibility dialogue above. The bonus here is that there are indicators over the toe fittings to help you guide the tech pins into position - a really nice feature that makes transitions so much easierespecially for beginners. With a flex of 100, its softer and a bit more accommodating for lighter and less experienced skiers, especially compared to the more rigid TLT8. Rossis hike mode and more traditional buckle system simply cant match the ease of use and freedom of movement that you get with Scarpas Maestrale or Dynafits Hoji Free above. For more information, including our top picks, be sure to see our article on the best backcountry ski bindings.Back to Our Backcountry Ski Boot Picks Back to Our Backcountry Boot Comparison Table. 6 oz.Flex: 100Other flexes: 100WWhat we like: A lightweight and capable boot for high-mileage days.What we dont: Thin construction impacts warmth and durability. The middle buckle is located across the top arch of the foot where its most effective and there is really no need for a fourth buckle. - Ultralon Padding The only boot that walks as well that feels as stiff or stiffer is the new Salomon S/Lab MTN Summit, though its not a big difference. For reference, both my feet measure just about exactly 265 mm long at my big toe, but Ive almost never had an issue with a 26.5 toe box feeling too short or cramped (my toes taper a lot from my second toe to my pinky). For one, the Mindbender is far from light at 7.5 pounds when you factor in its modest 100-flex rating. Dynafits Hoji Pro Tour was an attention-grabber when it was released a few seasons ago, but its speed toe design came with limitations in binding and crampon compatibility. Starting with alpine touring skis, you'll want to make sure to match the flex of your boots with the stiffness of your skis. Alpine touring boots are characterized by this balance, with lightweight builds, a high range of motion in walk mode, a stiff ski mode, crampon and tech binding compatibility, and grippy soles. A backcountry ski boot is designed with both an outer shell and an inner liner. In terms of rearward support, the Transalp Pro feels quite good for its weight, though not quite as solid as burlier overlap boots like the Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro or Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 130. Cuff Rotation 1.5/2 Additionally, its 50-degree range of motion is only average, and it lacks the friction-free performance of higher-end alternatives. This is partly because of its soft, flexible liner, and because of the shells gaiter. While Intuition liners and Vibram soles are always on my wish list for any boots the thermoformable Ultralon boot liners that come with the Fischer Transalp Boots kept me happy as did the grippy soles. This makes things much easier and efficient on transitions and for those new to the tech world. The popular Head Kore line (which includes both skis and boots) is designed for advanced skiers that prioritize trimming weight without compromising stability while charging steeps. An all-around boot from La Sportiva, the Vega is among the best climbers in the business. Category: CrossoverWeight: 7 lbs. Finally, some liners do not have a tongue at all. To start with its a few hundred dollars cheaper than both the Vacuum versions, always a plus! Overall the Fischer Transalp Thermoshape Boots are a solid choice at a reasonable price. While this is not a game ender for the Transalp it is something to take note of if you prefer a stiffer ride or more support in the cuff. - Loop Tongue For example, the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD is available in 100, 120, and 130 flex ratings for men, and the womens version has 95 and 115 variations. This leads to expensive price tags that often exceed $600, but a quality design that fits your feet well can be an amazing partner for exploring the backcountry. The initial modification prior to heat moulding the liners was to take out the stock foot beds and replace them with my SIDA custom foot beds. Did we miss something? One of the main downsides of the Transalp Pros design is that it can be pretty frustrating to get in and out of. Backcountry ski boots tend to be less stiff than alpine boots for a number of reasons. puts quite some pressure on read lower leg bewteen achilles and calf muscle. One of the more innovative parts of the design is the Hoji Lock System, which locks the spine and cuff together in a stiff forward lean for a closer-fitting, more alpine-centric feel on the descent. However, even the amazingly light (for how well it skis) Zero G Tour Pro offers notably less usable range of motion and (in my experience) a notably less pleasant walking experience than the Transalp Pro. Skiers more interested in uphill travel can get away with a boot with fewer buckles, while skiers more interested in making solid downhill turns will feel more confident with three or four buckles.