Trail Skiing
These boots are for skiers who are working at getting better or those happy spending most of their time on blue trails. If you peek over the edge at the top of black runs and dive in when conditions look sweet, you’re here too. You’ll find these boots have the guts to stay on-target during a ramble around the lift-served in all but the most difficult snow conditions. They offer a wide range of adjustability with ‘relaxed fit’ comfort that won’t leave your feet screaming for relief by 3 p.m. Our testers were perplexed by lack of backbone in many boots aimed at trail skiers. “Why do manufacturers think there should be rearward flex?” said one. “Good turns come from being upright or forward, not slinging your rear around.” We agree. All the boots reviewed here will propel you forward with the encouragement of a pushy mother.
With its three-piece external tongue design, Dalbello’s ZX series laid the foundation for the new Krypton. The ZX Cabrio design (the lower shell is open down to the toe of the shell) makes for easy in and out. Usually these kind of frames make do with three buckles but the Supersport’s four micro-adjustable clips give it surety of closure. The Supersport can be programmed for stance with its ramp angle inclinator and forward lean control. It also has a micro-adjustable flex adjustment. The Trufit custom liner has ceramic particle-impregnated EVA foam that stores radiant heat longer than conventional foams and can be pre-heated before use for greater on-hill warmth.
On the Hill
Lightweight and steady, the Supersport has a generous volume fit. Skiers with high-volume feet will like this one. The stance angles provide for positive carving and quick edge switches. All the plastic interfaces over the instep, though, tend to rob it of some smoothness. There are lots of adjustments and, with a time investment, they pay off handsomely. Definitely set flex on stiff; it’s a bit spongy when set soft.
Beware
Rearward cuff movement reduces control at end of turns.
Fischer’s new MX line continued to surprise our testers all the way down the line. All models utilize a unique, slightly duck-foot stance that puts the body in a relaxed powerful stance. The 9 is similar to the MX Pro (AME/Freeride) but with a touch softer flex, slightly thinner power strap and more interior room. It has twin cuff adjusters and a shock absorbing insert in the shell sole to reduce landing shocks. The hinged cuff trim device allows the spoiler to spill rearward to accommodate a variety of calf shapes.
On the Hill
A quick, stable, easy-turner at a variety of speeds. It fits a very wide range of feet right out of the box and was noted “most comfortable” by many testers. The rear support was the substantially stronger than competing boots and helped provided a balanced stance. Its laterally stability was a class or two ahead and while its flex was moderately soft and forgiving, it never folded to the point where it hindered steering capabilities.
Beware
Custom footbed users need to remove arch support built in to shellbed.
Head freshened up its popular Edge line this year with new, lightweight buckles, slick aerodynamic cosmetics and an optional, scaled down version of the Full Custom System frame used in its S line. That’s the good news. The bad news is that the flagship 10.7 (formerly 10.5) has inexplicably lost the spring-loaded buckle feature that helped even load distribution in closing and its effective adjustable throw instep buckle. The Edge masquerades as a traditional four-buckle boot. In reality, it’s an open-throat cabrio design with a pair of soft plastic flaps riveted over the instep to create an overlapping effect. That makes it easy in and out but with good hold-down power when latched. Still on-board is the fold-out Double Power Buckle (a former Bootie Award winner) that turbo boosts closure leverage.
On the Hill
Loaded with lots of Inspector Gadget stuff but all of it works. You get in easy, clamp down easy and get out easy. Like an extended wear contact lens, it provides comfort from early morning till the night skiing lights are doused. A nicely balanced and low-to-the-snow cruising boot, it flexes easily but still digests whatever is dished out. The Full Custom System frame offers good fit for normal to wide feet. Even in its stiff flexing mode, the boot has easy-going personality.
Beware
Remove adjustable arch wedges if you are using a custom insole.
With the storied brand being acquired by surf/snowboard clothing giant Quicksilver this past spring, Rossignol’s boot division is seeking to right itself after last year’s disappointing introduction of its premier level Elite platform boots. Although much improved from last year’s models, none of the Elite’s have been polished enough to earn Best Buy status from our test crew this season. The Intense 1 was a different matter. This flagship of Rossignol’s recreational line promises exceptional warmth thanks to it one-of-a-kind insulating blanket bonded to the interior of the shell during injection. The Therm-ic Skin design has won a 2005 Bootie Award for Technical Achievement. The shell is crafted from four different types of plastic to maximize performance and fit characteristics. An elastomer cylinder mounted on the spine and twin inserts at the ankle hinges facilitate rebound and smooth flex. A grippy ribbed sole provides sure footing on slippery surfaces. The Custom Air Fit liner molds exceptionally well to the foot and has a neoprene toe box to accommodate a wide range of toe lies.
On the Hill
Built with a comfort bent, the Intense delivers more than adequate performance, providing a solid connection from turn to turn. Its upright stance makes for efficient cruising. The tool-free macro/micro-adjust top buckles make it easy to tailor closure. Its Therm-ic Skin is cutting edge. Anyone who suffers from chronic cold feet should consider this boot.
Beware
Soft plastic instep flanges make for super easy entry and exit but are stitched to lower shell, an iffy attachment method.
The 8.0 continues to earn standing Os from our test team. It’s another boot without a lot of external do-dads that is packed with plenty of performance and fit attributes. It has a clever bi-material liner cuff with lateral supports that do wonders to facilitate power transfer. This year Salomon’s has added its Spaceframe matrix to the 8.0 for better uphill ski control. The adjustable 3-D instep buckle (a former Bootie Award winner) does an excellent job of personalizing fit. Vibration absorbing soles, a single cuff adjuster and thermo-moldable liner complete the package.
On the Hill
This boot sets the bar that all others in category seek to hurdle. “Salomon engineers must have been really good with Erector Sets as children,” said one tester. “The 8.0’s fit is incomprehensibly universal and all the features are effective and well-designed.” It has a high cuff that stands upright and promotes a natural range of motion. There’s more than enough horsepower to get the job done anywhere in-bounds. Its slipper-like feel makes it great for an all-day, all-mountain experience—from the lodge to the summit.
Beware
Those with athletic calves may get bit on the shin.
Replacing Tecnica’s go-to high volume Rival line, the Vento series will fit similar large-footed skiers. It takes advantage of new molding techniques to marry a soft plastic inner spat with a rigid outer in the lower shell. This yields easier entry and better wrapping around the foot. The last is based on the Diablo shape but with more room at the forefoot, ankle, instep and cuff top. It’s stocked with worthwhile features like Rapid Access Cuff, two-position flex and dual cuff alignment (a conventional design, not Tecnica’s highly effective Dual Pivot). The rear spoiler is removable for even greater personalization at the calf. The instep buckle catch is uniquely hinged for better pressure distribution over the instep. The lowest buckle sits high on the shell for improved wrap and to eliminate snow snag when the ski is deeply trenched. Banana-shaped inserts slip into pockets flanking the Achilles to increase heel hold if needed.
On the Hill
Lacks the super cush feel of Rival but the lower cuff height keeps comfort a paramount characteristic. The lower cuff makes Vento 10 more of a foot steering boot since less power emanates from cuff. While not rapid-fire quick laterally, it targets turns with the precision of single-bolt action rifle and provides a good, balanced stance. The flex is smooth and progressive but relatively soft; heavyweight may fly over the handlebars when rocked forward. With its high volume cabin, available HVL (High Volume Last) liner and size range up to 31 MP, this will be a popular boat for skiers with meaty hooves. For even more accommodation, the boot board is full-width and grindable.
Beware
Built-in arch support must be shaved down for custom footbed users.
