other categories: plug | consumer race/expert | all mountain | moving up | out for fun
Cruising
The family sedans of the ski hill. In these boots, comfort and convenience are decidedly more important parts of the design equation than precision. Still, they need to reward good technique and not harshly penalize mistakes. If you’re reaching the Grecian Formula years and dialing down your ambitions, or simply comfortable with the challenge you find on the blue squares, these boots will serve you well.
Atomic Bi-Tech B7 $339
Has no cuff alignment (uses shock absorbing elastomer in cuff hinge).
Note if you feel any impact absorption from it.
Dalbello Zeon ZX-8 $450
Key differences from Supersport
Softer flex. Softer setting on Supersport said to be same as harder setting on ZX-8.
Three vs. four buckles (no screw rivets, no hinged ends). Liner change from Supersport.
Dolomite Aspect AX 11.4 (Flex index 90) $475
Key Features
Has Twin Tongue liner and power straps similar to Rage.
Buckle catches stay lifted when opened to prevent inadvertent re-engagement.
Total Form Fit liner. Has custom moldable materials in lower from FF to FF and new this year in tongue. Please heat one and leave one stock. Walk device based off lower cuff engages automatically when buckle opened. Cuff cant.
Fischer F 7000/W $450
Similar to above but with declines in innerboot, softer flex, single cuff alignment, no FL adjuster or double hinge buckles.
Head Edge 10.5 (Flex index 74/64) $500
Essentially a traditional four-buckle boot graced with a bunch of clever features. The
lower is an open-throat design with a couple of soft plastic flaps bolted over the instep to create an overlapping effect. Uses all of Head’s novel buckle tricks with 104mm FF width last.
Key Features
Spring-loaded Dynamic Response buckle for even load distribution in closing
Ad-Apt instep buckle (sets in two positions)
Fold-out Power Buckle
Stretch neoprene toe box
Double cuff alignment
Adjustable arch wedge (remove if using custom footbeds!!)
Height-adjustable rear spoiler
Adjustable two-position flexReview
The Edge 10.5 masquerades as a traditional four-buckle boot. In reality, it’s an open-throat 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. All of Head’s novel buckle tricks are here: the spring-loaded Dynamic Response buckle for even load distribution in closing; the Ad-Apt which sets in two positions for instep fit customization; and the fold-out Power Buckle 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. Best for high volume feet and legs.
Beware
Remove adjustable arch wedges if you are using a custom insole.
Lange CRL 90/W $495
No-nonsense Lange performance orientation in a detuned overlap that uses bi-material construction over instep. Uses CAC (but not in tongue). Women’s version uses a quilted down liner for greater warmth.
Key Features
Ease of entry.
Women’s Custom Natural Comfort down liner.
Only single cuff adjuster.Review
Lange teams with legendary automobile style house Pininfarina to create a bold, sporty look for its CRL collection. The attractively-styled buckles open and close with the silky smoothness of a Ferrari door lock. The CRL 90 uses a bi-injected lower with flexible plastic over the instep for easy in-out and a secure fit without discomfort. The attractively styled buckles open and close with the silky smoothness of a Porsche door lock. The toe buckle is spring-loaded making it easy to get a finger below it to pop open. The CRL provides great stance customization possibilities by adding removable heel and toe lugs available in differing heights and cant angles for pinpoint stance adjustment. The liner has been updated with Lange’s new Custom Air Concept padding for a better fit. The women’s version uses a quilted down liner for greater warmth.
On The Hill
“Like putting on a lubricated surgical glove,” said one tester. Even with a wider (for Lange!) last, the fit is excellent with full-contact along the entire foot. It is pleasantly flexible, moving softly and smoothly with solid support from the rear. It shines in mid-radius turns providing intermediates and improving skiers with solid resources to get better.
Beware
Big or strong skiers will overpower and should do better in Comp 100. Women with big calves may experience fit problems.
Rossignol Elite EXP 3 (Flex index 70/60) $399
Key Features
Uses cheaper plastic than above (PU).
No easy-close high leverage buckles.
Single cant. Rear spoiler doesn’t adjust.
Thermofit foam instead of Custom Air Fit in liner.
Salomon Ellipse 9.0 (Flex index 90 men’s, 80 women’s) $525
Key Features
Custom fit liner
Speed lace liner
E 2 (Easy Enduro) corrugated traction heel and toe lugs make for super easy walking.
Review
Salomon tries to blend Lexus convenience and comfort with sporty handling performance in this ‘doctor-lawyer’ boot. The open throat shell (Coupe Chassis in Salomon-speak) yawns wide for easy entry-exit. The second-generation 3D instep buckle adjusts without tools. Unique speedlace closure on the heat-moldable liner helps it suck down on the foot like the palm of a hand against a vacuum cleaner nozzle. High traction, ribbed toe and heel pads make for sure grip on slippery surfaces.
On The Hill
This may be the ultimate boot for the casual skier interested in easy ops. Uniquely, it has a ‘walk-away’ liner that comes out of the boot with the foot still inside. The speedlacing closes the liners independently so you can actually drive to the ski hill with them on meaning they’re warm, toasty and broken in when you arrive. You can walk around in the liners during lunch break. The 9.0 responds crisply but with a relaxed feel, like a solider at ease. The toe box is huge making them good for skiers with wide dogs but a bit sloppy for those of normal volume.
Beware
Don’t pull too hard on speedlacing. Knot binding them together can come undone.
Tecnica Rival X 10 $525
Key Features
Rapid Access for easy entry/exit.
New self-locking plate design on Dual Pivot cuff.
FL adjuster with inserts.
Custom arch (disable if using custom insoles!)
Three-position buckle catches. Hinged instep catch. Lycra insert on liner spineReview
The Rival has long been Tecnica’s ‘welcome mat’ for skiers with meaty feet. This year the collection gets a make-over to further ease entry and exit (which was already pretty good). Improvements include a longer hinged Rapid Access Cuff, a softer second injection of plastic in the shell, tapered liner padding, a flip-up instep buckle and enlarged cutthroat. Like all else Tecnica produces, every detail on the X 10 is flawless including major components like the clever Dual Pivot System that aligns the cuff in two dimensions, accommodating for leg shape discrepancies while also tailoring axis alignment to improve edge pressure efficiency. This boot is also available with an even more cavernous HVL (High Volume Last) liner for elephant feet.
On The Hill
Very comfortable, extremely fun to ski but more demanding of its pilot than others in this category. It will help you learn to turn but you’ve got to be willing to put forth the necessary effort. It’s a great choice for gung-ho intermediates and cost-conscious experts.
Beware
Ex-high school football players with big calves will do well with this one. It’s big all over, especially in the cuff.
