Perhaps the single most important aspect of a ski boot is how it fits your foot. 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. Given that theres only three buckles it does an admirable job keeping my foot snug and my heel down where it belongs. Further, on the downhill, the Salomon lacks the Scarpa's smooth and progressive flex: the MTN is stiff and fairly harsh, reminding us of AT boots of the past. Its doesnt match heavier alternatives when it comes to outright stiffness, but its flex pattern is both more progressive and stiffer than many of the lighter options Ive used in the past. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. In short, the Transalp boots are designed to blend the extensive range of motion and low weight of Fischers Travers series with the more substantial downhill performance of their Ranger boots. Light and fast travelers will want a minimalist design like the Dynafit Superlite 150, the Salomon MTN Pure is an excellent all-rounder option, and the Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC has a lot of appeal for those splitting time between the resort and backcountry. If you're transitioning from alpine skiing to alpine touring, keep in mind that you'll want to size your boot a bit looser than you might be accustomed to. 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. 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. To start, the Salomon simply is not as good of a climber. With the impressive combination of a 74-degree cuff rotation and relatively stiff, 110 flex, its on par with the Scarpa F1 LT above in mobility, although it can't quite measure up in terms of weight. As a result of this setup, crossover boots also excel for aggressive freeriders that want a burly and reliable option for big-mountain backcountry adventures. And the headliner for the Pro and Tour models is the Pebax Rnew shell, which is sustainably made from 65-percent castor oil (a natural and degradable alternative to plastic). Their Kore 2 touring boot achieves this balance with a fit thats spacious in the toe boxvital for all-day comfortand snug in the heel for staying locked in both on the climb and descent. 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. In addition, your ski bindings play a key role in performance. This boot is the love child of two of Scarpas classics, the skimo-focused Alien and the all-rounder F1, resulting in a ridiculously capable alpine touring machine. 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). A boot like the Scarpa Maestrale RS (and women's Scarpa Gea RS) is able to pull off all of these features. The low weight and increased motion of these boots can make skiing down feel a little insecure, especially on icy or hard-packed terrain. Like boots, the binding options fall into general categories of ultralight, all-around, and downhill-focused. The Transalp Pros external walk mechanism is very similar to the Fischer Travers (albeit a bit beefier overall) and many other touring boots, consisting of a big bar that connects the cuff to the lower shell. A lower number means the boot is softer, while a higher number means the boot is stiffer, and you'll find numbers ranging from 80 at the low end for a super soft beginner alpine boot up to 130+ for an expert model. Race-oriented downhillers will want a little more stiffness and control (adding a resort-focused liner helps), and dedicated backcountry enthusiasts will prefer the Maestrale RS above with its smoother tour mode and better range of motion. Im super curious about the above boot. As long as they feel snug and comfortable, they'll provide you with the backcountry ski experience you're looking for. 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. - Lace Liner Category: UltralightWeight per pair: 5 lbs.Flex: ModerateWhat we like: Super lightweight; buckle system allows for fast transitions.What we don't: Cant charge like an alpine boot and minimalist liner isnt particularly comfortable or protective. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation. Additionally, the GripWalk sole makes it easy to swap between touring and resort setups (provided you have modern bindings), and the Thinsulate-filled liner offers sufficient warmth for season-long use. 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). 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. please supportBackcountry Skiing Canada by donating today. Thanks all! Its true that weight has gone up a little and the newer variation is certainly less proven than alternatives like the Maestrale above, but the Free delivers as an all-rounder with a true 130 flex (it pushes our 122-millimeter-wide Black Crows Noctas with ease) and a solid 55 degrees of cuff rotation. The Transalp Pros toe box feels, to me, lower volume than the Atomic Hawx Prime XTD and similar to the Tecnica Zero G. Length aside, Ive been pretty happy with the amount of room I have around my fairly wide midfoot (a common issue for me in other boots), while the ankle, heel, and instep all feel pretty a bit roomy around my low-volume ankle and instep. In skiing, the word crossover refers to a piece of gear that bridges the gap between the resort and the backcountry. With a competitive weight of 6 pounds 15 ounces for the pair and a stated flex of 130, the Hawx Ultra XTD toes the line better than most. 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. Since the 2014/15 season has not been bountiful with snow I ran the Fischer Transalp Thermoshape Boots mostly on resort and harder packed backcountry side trips (I am still holding my breath that more snow is coming). 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. You'll likely be dealing with your buckles a lot as you transition from uphill to downhill and vice versa, and you'll want to be efficient when temperatures drop and the wind starts howling. - Original V-Position. What's more, they dry very quickly and tend to keep your feet warmer, even during the coldest days. In other words, boot sole is another determining factor of what bindings will fit your boot. Also located on the top buckle is a metal loop hanger to catch the wire latch when you are in climbing mode. Locked into place, it resembles a standard downhill design with enough stiffness to transfer power to the bindings and skis. As always, our Fit sections will never replace the usefulness of the advice of an experienced bootfitter, nor are they designed to do so. For a more freeride-specific crossover boot from Dynafits lineup, check out the Hoji Free above. Category: Crossover/all-aroundWeight per pair: 6 lbs. It walks amazingly well uphill. While the flex was soft I did find it very progressive which I also prefer as its prudent insurance against shin bang. If you are already a Fischer Boot user its likely an easy choice, if not, give them a try and see what youve been missing. Opened up, the boot should have sufficient range of motion for climbing. We don't live in a perfect world, however, and although some boots come close, the reality is that you'll always be sacrificing a bit of downhill prowess for uphill comfort or vice versa. The Radical Pro gives our top-ranked Scarpa Maestrale RS a run for its money in most departments, but falls short for hard-charging skiers with a less aggressive stance (11 forward lean vs. the RSs 16) and a bit softer build. The bottom line is that each ski brand makes their boots with a unique shape, fit, and features. Additionally, the walk mechanism connects in two spots when locked into ski modeboth at the top of the spine and the bottomkeeping the boot from bowing and deforming under pressure and increasing the flex point. The hybrid design targets downhill-oriented riders with traditional alpine boot features like a four-buckle layout, sturdy shell, and a warm liner. 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. For reference, here are our measured weights (per boot, in grams) of several relevant boots in roughly the same class as the Transalp Pro. And it doesn't stop here: for more on binding compatibility, see the boot soles section below. But it makes getting the liner in and out of the boot trickier. But as with any all-in-one answer, there are some compromises. Skis, bindings, and boots get a lot of attention in the touring world, but dont overlook your humble climbing skins. 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. Fewer buckles means less weight, which certainly is helpful for uphill travel. 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. On the other hand, with an aggressive stance, four-buckle design (many backcountry models use two or three), and a new, more substantial liner, the XTD can hold its own on steep groomers. On the budget end of the spectrum are open-cell foam designs, which are comfortable at first but tend to pack out quickly. And this is where it falls a little short: Atomics Hawx Ultra XTD undercuts it slightly in weight, has better range of motion, and doesnt give up much in terms of power transfer. Fischer doesnt provide a stated flex rating for the Transalp Pro, but compared to other boots Ive used, Id call the Transalp Pro something between 110-120 115 seems like a pretty fair number. If it's too roomy, a boot will not offer the needed support for downhill skiing. I like that Fischer used a sliding buckle for the cuff, which lets me keep that buckle on the notch I use for the descent and just leave the buckle fully loosened / flipped open, rather than needing to back it off or fully undo it. If you are interested in using your backcountry boots with your downhill setup, it's definitely worth double checking whether or not your bindings are WTR or GripWalk certified. All of this assumes, of course, that women prefer different graphics, have smaller feet, and want flexier boots, which is often, but not always, the case. A tech binding only is compatible with boots with tech fittingsother style boots simply will not work. After a few days lapping the resort I was more than comfortable with the flex and cuff height. The Hawx is reasonably nimble and flexible for walking, and reworked, lighter buckles in the most recent update improve touring performance. The fit also is among the most customizable on our list thanks to Salomons Custom Shell HD, which is shared with the brands popular S/Pro resort boot and allows for extensive head molding. 15 oz.Flex: 120What we like: Stiff and strong on the downhill.What we don't: We consistently maxed out its flex while skinning and bootpacking. This was most noticeable when I was skinning laps at Mt. Ski boots size is delineated by the Mondopointaka-Mondo-scalewhich refers to the length of your foot in centimeters. One of the long-standing features of the Cosmos/Celeste boot is its wide 103.5 millimeter last. And to complete your alpine touring setup, see our articles on the best backcountry skis and backcountry ski bindings. 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. - Adjustable Spoiler This rail attaches and releases from the heel, allowing for both uphill and downhill movement. Three buckles are all you need when they are located properly on the shell as is the case here. Short for Tour Lite Tech, Dynafits TLT collection has helped to define modern ski touring as we know it. To start, it's a standout on the skin track with a comfortable fit, lightweight construction, and total flex of 56 degrees, which exceeds our ankle's range of motion. This depends on the specific kinds of skiing you enjoy mostskinning up a sunny ridgeline in the North Cascades is far different than bracing For experienced skiers and snowboarders venturing into avalanche terrain, an airbag pack can provide an extra boost in safety. Crested Butte and carving groomers. Importantly, Dynafit paid plenty of attention to the Hoji's climb-ability with the aforementioned range of motion, plus transitions are lightning fast (we only have to lock down into ski mode and tighten the toe buckle). Shells, no Liners: 1053 g (L) & 1053 g (R), Liners, no Footbeds: 262 g (L) & 263 g (R), Shells + Liners = 1315 g (L) & 1316 g (R). Touring boots are undeniably expensive, but K2s Mindbender 100 is a solid entry-level design for skiers splitting time between the resort and backcountry. Whereas a standard alpine ski boot has four buckles, a backcountry boot can have anywhere from two to four. The Tecnica Cochise was one of the first ski boots to combine downhill performance with uphill capabilities, arguably defining the crossover category over a decade ago. 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. And it doesnt hurt that the boot is now made with GripWalk soles for even better compatibility with alpine bindings. Last but not least is the S/Lab MTN, Salomon's freeride ski boot. But its still the Maestrale we know and love: the RS is compatible with a wide range of binding and crampon styles, sports a generous 101-millimeter last that accommodates most foot types, and its 125 flex rating is plenty sturdy for the vast majority of aggressive skiers. This boot has been designed for advanced backcountry skiers with a sturdy 120 flex rating, reinforced Grilamid shell, and stiff carbon fiber spine. 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. And its easier to transition now too: on the latest Backland, Atomic ditched the removable tongue stiffeneran innovation that proved too cumbersome in useand instead built downhill stiffness into the spine. If you are more interested in full days in the mountains with big ups and long traverses, a greater cuff rotation like what you get with the Scarpa F1 LT (72 degrees total forward/backward) will help preserve energy in your legs and will be more comfortable in general. As I alluded to above, the Transalp design isnt quite as minimal as boots like the Fischer Travers, Scarpa F1 LT, Atomic Backland, etc., but its not as burly as full-overlap designs like the Fischer Ranger, Atomic Hawx XTD, Lange XT3, etc. Fischer also includes an optional spoiler for more tweaking of the forward lean. Best Summer Gear The mountain bike trails are dry and cracking, and monsoonal rains provide only a short relief on most afternoons. Many recent innovations allow for more support without more ounces. Body Glove Performer iSUP, Best Wireless Headphones While its weight of well over 6 pounds puts the boot squarely in the all-around category, it's clearly been built with the uphill in mind. With a flip of a lever along the spine of the boot, you can control the flexibility of the cuff. 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. For the uphill, the Shift checks the right boxes with an easy-to-access hike lever, tech inserts, and GripWalk soles for reliable traction. - Hike Lock Mode We put the XT3 to the test both on- and off-piste in the Best Backcountry (Touring) Ski Boots of 2022, Ski Portillo: Chasing August Turns in Chile, See the Women's Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 115, See the Women's Dynafit TLT8 Expedition CR, See the Women's K2 Mindbender 90 Alliance, See the Women's Tecnica Zero G Tour Scout, See the Women's Tecnica Cochise Pro W DYN, See the Men's Rossignol Alltrack Elite 130, See the Women's Rossignol Alltrack Elite 110, Back to Our Backcountry Boot Comparison Table. Choosing the right ski jacket is all about managing the conditions that you might encounter on the mountain. 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. Category: All-aroundWeight per pair: 5 lbs. Copyright 2021-22BackcountrySkiing Canada. Category: All-aroundWeight per pair: 6 lbs. Did we miss something? Beginners should prioritize comfort more than anything else, and the Mindbenders generous last and heat-moldable liner and shell help to ensure a good fit. - Full Thermofit, SHELL - Comfortable liners with huge toe box 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. Category: All-aroundWeight per pair: 6 lbs. Buckles are yet another place where manufacturers can make decisions regarding the uphill vs. downhill performance debate. If you identify as a female and have found the perfect pair of boots that only come in a men's model, try them on and don't be afraid to go for it (and vice versa). - X-Light 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. An all-around boot from La Sportiva, the Vega is among the best climbers in the business. 3 oz.Flex: 120Other flexes: 110, 110W, 120WWhat we like: A great all-around boot with the ingenious Hoji Lock System.What we dont: Doesnt charge as hard as the Scarpa Maestrale RS. With such impressive specs, why isnt the Backland Carbon ranked any higher? While not perfect I was surprised at how well they fit my (average) foot and the fact that they provided a larger than average toe box meant that my feet and especially my toes stayed warm on those colder ski days. Backcountry ski boots, otherwise known as AT (alpine touring) boots, are designed specifically for use when skiing in areas with no chairlift access. Frame bindings often are less expensive than tech bindings and offer more power on the downhill, but they are bulky and heavy, both on your ski and with each step. In sum: if you want great range of motion, a lower weight than nearly all stiffer alternatives, and a progressive, ~115 flex, go try on the Transalp Pro. If this sounds like you, Tecnica also offers the Zero G Tour Scout and standard Tour, which have 120 and 110 flex ratings, respectively.See the Men's Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro See the Women's Tecnica Zero G Tour Scout. The Transalp boots have two actual buckles: one pretty traditional one about halfway up the cuff, and a less traditional one over the instep that tightens a cable that zig-zags across the top of the foot. I couldnt make a 26.5 Hawx XTD 130 26.5 work for my foot for touring all day. With its powerful and heavy build, the design caters more to the resort crowd that mixes in the occasional half-day tour. Particularly when driving it hard on firm snow, I found myself not feeling totally confident because of how much I could feel the shell on my feet and legs, just outside of the center of my shin (the tongue is substantial, the outer cuff less so). Thank you! But for those with average to narrow foot shapes, its essentially a deal-breaker. First off, the speed nose shape at the front impacts binding and crampon compatibility. I would expect this to get easier as the plastic gets older and the user has more practice but it could be an obstacle to those would already tend to not dry their liners. - Maximum Power Transfer Like every boot, this mostly depends on whether the Transalp Pro fits your feet. But for all the touring Ive done in it, its forward support has been good enough for me. When I used the last position on the top buckle I found that the wire latch was not quite long enough to make the reach without hitting up against the buckle itself. 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. I dont know if it actually offers 80 of usable range of motion, but I do know that this boot offers as much or more range of motion than my ankles (I have slightly lower than average dorsiflexion). Boots such as the Scarpa Maestrale RS (56 degrees) and the Dynafit Hoji Free (55 degrees) offer a good mix of both. Its called the Fischer Transalp Thermoshape. 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. Many traditional alpine ski boots are available in two to three different lasts to accommodate various foot sizes, but backcountry ski boots don't usually offer this option. Emphasis on heel hold and progressive flex over maximum range of motion and/or absolute lightest weight. Still curious about the tweener category of touring boots. Given that they have an unofficial flex rating of 110 (since Fischer does not assign flex ratings) I found the boots on the soft side but that is typically my preference since I am no longer a fast charging, 20 year old. Micro buckles are light and lay flat and out of the way when engaged. If the boot proves to be reliableand all signs are positive thus farwe fully expect the Hoji Free to become a go-to choice for expert-level backcountry skiersRead in-depth reviewSee the Dynafit Hoji Free. The Scott Cosmos III feels roomier just about everywhere. When skiing, its substantial enough where Im never wishing I had the Hawx for more stability. Mountainsmith LumbarPacks Our all-rounder category is home for versatile designs that meet all the needs of a standard day of skiing in the backcountry: you're probably not attempting to set any FKTs (Fastest Known Time), but your ascent is likely completely human powered. Very few boots and bindings are labeled MNC (Salomons Shift MNC binding is one standout), but it is a strong indication of where the market is headed. BOOT LINER Overall, the Transalp feels a bit lower-volume through the ankle than most 100mm-last boots. Look for an increase in weight, bulkier designs, less cuff rotation, four buckles, a slightly more forward lean, and compatibility with alpine bindings. There are two main styles of backcountry ski bindings: tech and frame (you can read more about the pros and cons of each in our article on tech vs. frame bindings). Whereas the typical weight of an alpine ski boot design can hover around a hefty 11 pounds per pair, an average backcountry model weighs around 6 pounds and can drop as low as 3 pounds for a ski mountaineering set. Double that and then some. With the Alltrack's emphasis on downhill performance, you inevitably give up some of the seamless walkability of a dedicated backcountry boot. The main challenge will be finding the ideal balance of a snug yet comfortable fit. On the descent, the Vega lacks the progressive flex and outright rigidity of the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD above (although its liner is arguably better-cushioned). Fischer has been a staple visit on my trade show circuit each winter and this year at SIA they unveiled not just the innovative PROFOIL climbing skin but also a new alpine touring (AT) boot in the Fischer TransALP line up. At almost 7 pounds for the pair, the MTN falls slightly on the heavy end of the all-rounder category, but its powerful build is a great match for a pair of wide powder skis. When applicable, weve made mention of the various flex options available for each boot in the individual write-ups above. It does feel like most of the Transalps range of motion is in the forward direction, though I rarely find myself hitting its limit of rearward range of motion. But these are fairly common concerns for ultralight boots, and the Backlands combination of weight, mobility, and downhill performance make it a very appealing option.See the Atomic Backland Carbon. The Scarpa Maestrale RS, for example, now uses a "wave closure system" at the mid-foot that combines two buckles with one strap for a lightweight setup that spreads pressure out along the entire top of the foot. - Touring Strap 40mm. The F1 LT goes head-to-head with boots like the Dynafit TLT8 Expedition above and Atomic Backland Carbon below. SUUNTO 9 BARO Black Best Summer Accessories Now there is a third option. Well point most backcountry-goers to a more versatile all-rounder, but theres certainly a place for the Cochise in some skiers quivers.See the Men's Tecnica Cochise 130 DYN See the Women's Tecnica Cochise Pro W DYN. Due to the overlap of the Polyurethane (PU) plastic I found it difficult to get the liners back into the shells after drying them. High cuff, reasonably stiff forward, some flex rearward. This strap adds significant support for aggressive downhill skiing, particularly on harder snow. without the pain of swapping out bindings or having incompatible combinations. 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 Transalp Thermoshape Boots also come with tech fittings built it. They also take some time to dry, which can make for an extremely cold day as your sweat starts to freeze. 6 oz.Flex: 115Other flexes: 115WWhat we like: A very capable climber at a competitive price.What we don't: Doesn't ski as well as some lighter options.