Boots 2003: The Times Are Changing—Finally!

  This may be the year you really and truly should get new boots. Boot sales have consistently declined in North America over the past half decade but now there's something—lots of things—that should get you into a ski shop this fall. Across the spectrum, our testers found more super hero boots—game improvement technology that matches what ski manufacturers have accomplished with shaped skis. And not just the big buzz soft boots that we call by a more inclusive term, New Technology.click for related story
While plenty of new boots do make extensive use of the textiles that earned them the generic soft tag (a trademark that Rossignol owns), many more utilize unique technology in both avant garde architectures and traditional overlap shells.
  Tecnica's twist is a hinged cuff for its overlap Entryx series that makes sliding feet in and out of liners a snap. Nordica has a crafty one-tug cable snugging system on its radical open throat SmartTech boots. Kneissl's Rail is a most bizarre machine: a spaceman-like boot that integrates a flexble external metal rail to transfer energy directly from the ankle to the forefoot.
  Salomon and Head are leading the way in buckle technology. Both have clasps that adjust for crucial cut angle at the instep, a perennial fit problem in boots. Head also has cuff buckles that close with fingertip pressure.
Rossignol expands to three models on the trademarked Soft concept that exploded the new tech craze last year. Its cabriolet design rips much of the plastic away from the shin, instep and ankle areas and exposing a leather-look underchassis. This year the Soft is the biggest fashion story in the history of ski boots. A wild and wide cosmetic palate includes ladies models available in a faux snake skin orange and lime green, and a faux cow skin with an embossed flower pattern.
  While the glitzy developments catch the most light, a host of clever little inventions have crept into boots making them work better and fit more comfortably.
There's much in today's boots that is more standard equipment than surprise option including full compliments of easy-twist micro-adjustable buckles that have macro-set at the top and dual cuff cant. Hidden inside are highly tapered liner pads, many heat moldable, that eliminate hot spots while providing a snugger fit for better energy transfer.
  New shell plastics are more reactive to skier movements and resist temperature fluctuations better. Bi-injection technology securely marries plastics of different characterisitcs, enabling engineers to separate fit from performance. Softer, more pliable plastics are used in sensitive fit zones to better cradle the foot while stiffer reinforcing ribs and struts direct turning forces more efficiently to the ski. The biggest bonus? Boots are way easier to get on and off.

Boot Fit Chart by model

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HIGH PERFORMANCE

Atomic | Dalbello | Head | Lange | Nordica | Rossignol | Salomon | Tecnica

 If you cherish speed, power and quickness but know that running a Formula One car on a neighborhood errand isn't much fun, look no further. These are boots that can tame a set of rapid gates but are more likely to do so in a corporate league than a master's race. You can ski all over the mountain in everything from mashed potatoes to bumps and they'll shine shine in hard snow steeps or cruising at high speed with your buddies.

Atomic SL:9 [ $550 ]

  Their jelly-look instep, front cuff, toe and heel make Atomics among the most distinctive boots on the market. It's lemon drop accents aside, the SL9 is a sweet performer that's easy to get in and out of. An updated version of last year's 9.50 Hyper Carbon, the SL9 uses Atomic's Tritech (three piece) sole construction that upended conventional boot design logic when it first appeared on the market three seasons ago. Instead of typical unitbody construction, the shell is linked to separate toe and heel lugs via a floating carbon stabilizer that permits the boot to flex lengthwise and eliminates the performance dimming flat spot. Separating the sole structure from the shell also improves snow feel and permits skiers to change boot and toe lug height for stance or event needs (45, 50 and 58mm heights are available). Forward lean is also variable. The SL9 has a new liner, tweaked with a rounder toe box, smoother seams and a floating tongue. The liner has a layer of thermo-moldable padding wrapping the ankle and heel to personalize fit.

ON THE HILL

Most testers felt it dynamic in short arcs and beefy enough to open it up when laying down big rounders calling it an energetic and precise carving tool. It's stout spine provided strong support, among the highest in the category, regaining center with speed. Our stronger testers felt it nimble but also said the liner doesn't quite keep pace with the shell when pushed hard.

EASE OF ENTRY/EXIT: Translucent patches on instep are supple for easy on-off.
EASE/QUALITY OF ADJUSTMENTS: Buckles adjust easily enough but take great effort to latch when used at the far end of range. Teeth and catch are clumsy with tendency to not engage fully.
EFFECT OF ADJUSTMENTS: Buckles provide good range of closure volume.
LINER: Thin, simply built with quality stitching, asymmetrical tongue and rear for good contouring.
CLOSURE SYSTEM: Not a favorite. Buckles tend to wander from latch.
LATERAL QUICKNESS: Smooth but not as powerful as others in class. Feels vague when pushed hard.
REAR SUPPORT: Strong. Regains neutral position easily.
FORWARD FLEX: Most felt range was long enough for solid balancing when you hang onto a long turn yet firm enough for quick response. Our most aggressive skiers felt it maxed out when pushed hard.
STEERING POWER: Adequate for most turns and terrain but our most aggressive skiers again felt a lag in energy transfer when ridden hard.
DYNAMIC COMFORT: Solid and even foot containment.

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Dalbello Avanti V-Pro [ $399 ]

  We designate our tester's top choices with a Best Buy emblem. That means their superior, if not always affordable, products. At $399 sug. retail, more than $200 less than the next closest competitor in this grouping, the new Avanti V-Pro is both. Dalbello has long been a lower-price alternative, running a lean operation which churns out functional, reliable products. With the Avanti V-Pro they have raised their bar. The transparent blood red shell lets you see all that's going on inside. It is full-featured with a set of bulletproof adjustments-micro-variable flex, lean and dual cuff cant-- that all churn with the same key. A couple of new ergonomic tricks make getting in and out a snap. Twin flaps attached to the lower flip forward to swallow the foot and a panel of slick Lycra is sewn to the rear of the liner for smooth heel entry. A "donut" pull tab on the tongue top keeps it up and out of the way.

ON THE HILL

Good looking, fun-to-be-with, a cheap date; that make this one a good partner. All the pieces fit and turns came quick and clean. The cuff rides nice and high on the calf with a smooth flex that lets you command the turn with confidence. Here's a stupid bonus: It's cool to wiggle your toes on the chairlift and see them move.

EASE OF ENTRY/EXIT: A snap. Ring on tongue is helpful.
EASE/QUALITY OF ADJUSTMENTS: All buckles are screw riveted for easy replacement. Macro-set buckles require tool to set. Comes with simple fit kit: heel cuff snugger, heel lifts and rear spoiler.
EFFECT OF ADJUSTMENTS: Cuff cant has big travel range.
LINER: Firm, of quality materials but super-stitched toe box makes it tight up front.
CLOSURE SYSTEM: Buckles are smooth and refined without being fancy. Stout Velcro strap.
LATERAL QUICKNESS: Answers the bell every time. Good on hard snow in both short turns and big carvers.
REAR SUPPORT: Tall and stout without being pushy.
FORWARD FLEX: Smooth and gradually resistant.
STEERING POWER: Strong. Didn't get pushed around on ice or loose junk.
DYNAMIC COMFORT: Comfortable all over but a bit tight in the toe box.

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Head World Cup Ti M103/N97 [ $675 ]

  Head remains committed to covering the width bases, offering it World Cup Ti in M(edium) and N(arrow) versions, the only factory to pursue this admirable fit strategy. The boots are virtually identical, the numerals representing the width at the ball of the foot in millimeters. (The M103 also has more relaxed fit at the heel and ankle. The 97 can be set to flex a bit stiffer.) We tested only the 103 and our testers felt it a bit snug making the 97 a must-consider boot for skiers with narrow feet. Head loads this boot with features that flat-out work, providing outstanding comfort, ease of use and performance. The liners are heat-moldable and use a stretch material at the toe box accommodating a variety of toe lies. Our testers were universal in their praise for the advanced Dynamic Response buckle system which is spring-loaded on the cuff buckles for super-easy closure and constant wrapping of the shin. The buckles also feature the Double Power fold-out extension arm for greater leverage, requiring about half the power to close compared with a conventional design. The instep buckle can be screwed in either of two positions to accommodate different instep shapes. Both World Cup Ti boots are available in custom foam versions for $825.

ON THE HILL

Snappy, balanced and full of energy, it flat-out inspires confidence. The superior buckle system-it got top marks in the group-helps the boot hug the foot with reassurance and remain solid throughout turns of all shapes and sizes. Our strongest male testers felt the boot might be a bit soft for regular gate-crashing but all agreed it's ideal for high performance skiing anywhere on the mountain.

EASE OF ENTRY/EXIT: Some testers felt it took a bit of extra effort to get in, noting that the tongue tends to slide down as the foot enters.
EASE/QUALITY OF ADJUSTMENTS: A superb suite of features for aggressive skiers. Allen key varies flex, cuff cant and front/rear spoiler settings, a Phillips driver sets the macro buckles. Adjustments are elegantly effective and easy to use.
EFFECT OF ADJUSTMENTS: All worked as advertised. Buckles offer security of a well-muscled older brother at schoolyard recess.
LINER: Solid without being harsh. Stretch material in toe box easily conforms to variety of toe lies and is particularly adept at housing prominent second toes (Morton Toe). Heat-moldable liner provide superior fit in key fit zones.
CLOSURE SYSTEM: Second to none. Every manufacturer should try to copy what's not patented here. Beware of clamping down too hard; spring-loading and extra-leverage arm make it easy to do so.
LATERAL QUICKNESS: Split decision. The majority of our testers found it quite zesty and trustworthy but our most aggressive skiers felt it broke curfew when ridden hard.
REAR SUPPORT: Upright and solid, promotes a tall stance.
FORWARD FLEX: Easy going. Ability to absorb hard troughs in the zipper lines make it a good boot for bumpers. Again, strongest skiers wished for a little more resistance.
STEERING POWER: Very predictable. Easy to keep 'em coming around and around and around.
DYNAMIC COMFORT: Cradles the foot with precise containment.

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Lange World Cup 130 [ $775/$850 Custom Foam ]
Lange Comp120/W [ $675/$625 - women ]

  We held our collective breath as Lange sketched on a fresh sheet of paper for its top end boot design. It was the first time since the legendary XLR debuted more than two decades ago. Everything since has been derivative, including the L series this collection replaces. The expectations were high. Lange has won so many races-and a cult following among many expert skiers. With that legacy to live up to, Lange appears to have produced a booming triple-excellent, but a base short of a homerun. That may come if the company introduces its promised cantable soles(see below). The company took advantage of new molding techniques to craft its signature anatomic shell with better wrapping capabilities. It provided great customization possibilities by adding removable heel and toe lugs to provide boot techs with an easy way to adjust stance. Right now there are just two different heights but the company says it is committed to providing cantable soles The liner is also all-new, better padded but still a relatively thin affair which means it takes a "Lange foot" to fit this one well. The shell hardware has been beefed up-particularly the buckles, The shell exterior and hardware were designed with the help of no less than Pininfarina, the Italian firm that also crafted looks for brands like Ferrari and Porsche. Due to limited size availability, our guys skied the 130, our women the 120, They boots are constructed on a similar platform but the 130 is stiffer and has a thinner performance liner. It also available with an optional second cuff of greater stiffness (a $75 upcharge). The 120 has a bi-material lower for easier entry/exit. The women's 120 uses a softer plastic hence the lower price.

ON THE HILL

The more you give, the more you get; it's definitely a driver's boot. You can't just go along for a ride. Very strong support side-to-side and stout rearward. Don't plan on hanging out on the back too long because it won't let you. Some of our women felt the spine rose too high for comfort.

EASE OF ENTRY/EXIT: 120 much easier to get on than 130. Testers slipped in and out of the 120 with no problems. 130 posed a challenge, nipping on the way in and out. Said one tester, "Easier for a 16-year-old to get into a bar with fake ID than to get in the 130."
EASE/QUALITY OF ADJUSTMENTS: New Aero buckles turned smoothly and look great. Changing heel and toe lugs is six-screw easy.
EFFECT OF ADJUSTMENTS: Single cuff cant offers limited adjustment. Removable soles reduced underfoot sensitivity.
LINER: Jeep Wrangler-like in simplicity in 130. Not as comfortable and cushy as others in this class but oh-so-firm in its power transfer. 120 liner more substantial with thermo-molding capabilities. Gives up some "touch" for greater comfort.
CLOSURE SYSTEM: Awesome looking buckles, well-placed for closure. Strong power strap.
LATERAL QUICKNESS: The more you give the more you get. Very strong support side to side.
REAR SUPPORT: Solid. Don't plan on hanging out back there too long. It won't let you. Some of our women felt the spine rose too high for comfort.
FORWARD FLEX: Resistance builds as you flex forward. Good for aggressive skiing.
STEERING POWER: Definitely a driver's boot. You can't just go along for a ride.
DYNAMIC COMFORT: Takes a Lange foot (wide forefoot, narrower heel). Those who have it turned thumbs up, those that didn't had some discomfort. Walking is a challenge.

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Nordica Dobermann

  Nice doggie. Really. After establishing its rep as a bite-'em-in-the-ass podium-dominating World Cup boot, Nordica has bred a tamer version for everyday experts. With it's two-position variable flex, the Dobermann ranges from 18-25% softer than the jaws-don't-release WC version. It's also softer than confusingly named Dobermann Soft. In basic gloss black with a bold red Nordica "N" it's only adornment and four old-school bail buckles, you can tell it's got plenty of bite to go with its bark. It creatively wrings power and performance from a rough-and-ready chassis. There are a couple of suprises hiding under the hood; the tongue is reinforced with a hard cap for better power transmission and pressure distribution. The shell spreads wide to ease entry and the inner contains a layer of Outlast for greater warmth. The strong spine had a Velcro-attached optional spoiler to tailor fit and provide additional reinforcement.

ON THE HILL

You'll find no lack of horsepower here. Indeed, it consistently scored 9+ in all our performance criteria. This one will stay with you all day long. It has a raw responsiveness that big, strong, muscle-your-turns skiers will appreciate and makes you want to punch the throttle hard. It provides great edge control in all terrain, all snow conditions, releasing energetically from all turns with uncanny surefootedness.

EASE OF ENTRY/EXIT: Bi-injected shell spreads open fairly well but entry is eased if you pull tongue up and to side while sliding foot in.
EASE/QUALITY OF ADJUSTMENTS: One-tool Allen wrench is key to dial 'o ride perfection for flex and cuff angle. Spoiler attachment infinitely variable with Velcro patch. How come nobody did this before?
EFFECT OF ADJUSTMENTS: Hard/soft flex adjuster makes it versatile for wider range of experiences.
LINER: Snug fit but comfortable. Very defined heel pocket sucks like a vacuum. Hard shell cap on tongue helps spread pressure.
CLOSURE SYSTEM: Retro wire bail buckles offer solid range of adjustment but durability is a concern. Points off for having to drill small hole in plastic to re-slot the ladder for macro setting. Hard cap on cuff makes contouring more difficult for thin calved skiers.
LATERAL QUICKNESS: Predictable edge to edge, better in long turns where it's power really shines.
REAR SUPPORT: Super spine. Re-centers quickly and instills cockiness.
FORWARD FLEX: Great and gradual. Arcs with the big boys and cruises the groomers equally well.
STEERING POWER: Encourages you to press the throttle. Be quick or be gone.
DYNAMIC COMFORT: Snug, seamless envelope will be welcomed by the narrow footed. Others may need a push or a poke here and there. Outlast in liner should provide greater warmth.

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Rossignol Power Race 9.1 [ $669 ]

  Like a Dodge Intrepid prepped for a grueling 500 miles at Talladega, Rossi's now defunct bumblebee Race series was built to hunt for checkered flags; dang the good time feelings. The all-new Power Race series still has the same ferocious appetite for peed but moves more smoothly thanks to deep V-slots skived from the lower shell and a slightly higher cuff profile. The new boot has also been graced with a generous dollop of style and comfort. It features a more "relaxed fit" last-particularly at the once-crammed toe box and instep-thanks in part to a clever three-position adjustable tongue. Still, the its pod closes down firmly around the foot. The furnished Velcro pads stick to the liner to customize fit for the slight-footed.

ON THE HILL

Our testers called the Race 9.1 "the most improved boot of the year" and " Rossi's best ever performance boot." Not surprising, therefore, that it had the overall top scores in the performance suite of criteria. It is powerful and gets up on edge quickly thanks to the proprietary inverted overlap shell (inner flap closes over outer). It tracks like a French TGV, sticking to the rails like a tongue on a frozen flagpole no matter how tight the turn radius.

EASE OF ENTRY/EXIT: Easy in but with tendency to nip at the instep on the way out if you don't pull the lower shell flaps apart.
EASE/QUALITY OF ADJUSTMENTS: Buckles no longer flap around like basset hound ears, a big improvement. Lower buckles are double-hinged for easier opening with gloves. Cuff adjuster lacks range and is tough to adjust with tiny Allen key. Adjustable tongue opens fit to wider range of foot types.
EFFECT OF ADJUSTMENTS: Velcro shims make it easy to reduce volume for skinny feet. Adjustable spoiler easily slides up and down for personal fit.
LINER: Well-made without excessive padding. Pliable and conforms to foot irregularities. Adjustable tongue is a unique asset.
CLOSURE SYSTEM: Buckles easy to open-close and micro adjust. Macro adjust requires removing ladder with screw rivet and reinstalling. Not the easiest set-up but it's a one-time affair.
LATERAL QUICKNESS: Impressively fast. Inverted overlap put inside of foot close to the shell for high-speed energy transfers at light speed.
REAR SUPPORT: Go wherever you heart desires. The spine will support you like an ultra-rich sugar daddy.
FORWARD FLEX: All good here. Cuff wraps securely for firm and energetic flex.
STEERING POWER: Superior energy transfer from leg to ski. No problems entering a turn hot and exiting smoking.
DYNAMIC COMFORT: In perfect equilibrium. No discomfort but not excessively cushy.

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Salomon Crossmax 10/X-Wave 10.0 [ $625 ]
X Wave 9.0W [ $595 ]

  Back in its rear-entry salad days, Salomon was known for hanging bushels of adjustment bangles from its boots. Today, the company's design philosophy is decidedly "less is more." With the exception of the smooth and precisely adjusting twin cants and the ingenious "3D" buckle, which adjusts for instep shape, its star power is all tucked inside these boots, where finely crafted liners incorporate heat-personalizing contour foam. The Crossmax 10 and X-Wave 10.0 have identical underpinnings but are dressed in different costumes-the Crossmax loud and bold in translucent red, the X Wave more demur in a saffron cloak. The X Wave 9.0W is the top women's model so we tested it alongside the unisex pair. Our testers found the 9.0 a bit softer flexing but with enough guts to keep pace and the same goodies as the others like the 3D buckle. It also has a couple of niceties like a cuff and liner tailored for a woman's morphology (and polarfleece forefoot for better warmth).

ON THE HILL

Our testers consistently rated the trio as their top two favorites in the category. They liked, well, everything saying it raises the bar for all-mountain performance. It was the top scoring boot in the category. They lauded its performance on steeps and at speed noting that the flex keeps you poised over the sweet spot; you never get thrown backwards. It's exceptionally comfortable, light energetic feel makes skiing fun. While it's cat-like quickness demands you pay attention, it doesn't need to be muscled around the hill.

EASE OF ENTRY/EXIT: Surprisingly easy for this level boot. The bi-injected plastic crown on the lower shell allows the foot to flow smoothly in and out.
EASE/QUALITY OF ADJUSTMENTS: Quality hardware. Sturdy shell and bomber buckles.
LINER: Not too thick, not too thin, a ready-to-rock fit. Tongue cradles shin and wraps evenly.
EFFECT OF ADJUSTMENTS: Simple, refined, efficient. 3D buckle accommodates variety of instep volumes with ease. Twin cuff cants adapt to big range easily with Allen wrench.
CLOSURE SYSTEM: "Whale bale" macro-adjust on top buckle is easy to use and provides good range.
LATERAL QUICKNESS: Spot-on quick for rapid-fire turns.
REAR SUPPORT: Stout as a Guinness draught! Contours nicely to leg.
FORWARD FLEX: Smooth, yet bold, with a nice progressive finish.
STEERING POWER: Switches direction on a dime. Adaptable stance allows for easy lateral movement. Carbon Link makes for a sensitive but subtle ride.
DYNAMIC COMFORT: Two thumbs up. Extremely comfortable without sacrificing any performance.

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Tecnica Icon Alu [ $675/$775 with Hotform liner ]

  Tecnica has a reputation as the Lexus of the slopes, loading its boots with extraordinarily refined features that make them a pleasure to pilot while packing enough power and quickness to make their mark anywhere you go. The Icon Alu continues the tradition, this time with a twist as Tecnica sticks its new swinging gate Rapid Access cuff on this high performance boot without damaging reputation or performance. The boot also features the elegantly effective Dual Pivot system, which anchors the cuff to the lower with offset hinges. That lets the boot precisely match the flex arc of the cuff to the skier's lower leg shape for more accurate steering and provide a broad range of cuff canting.

ON THE HILL

It's always been easy to get in and out of but the Rapid Access cuff is barn door big. The boot's fit and finish is up to Tecnica's usual high standards. The buckles shutter buttery smooth and the burly power strap cinches tight. The Icon Alu also shines in the command categories showing lots of versatility. It snaps off short turns like a string of firecrackers on Chinese New Year when pushed but cruises comfortably at lower rpms. Our stronger testers felt the flex could be a bit stouter but most felt it absorbed terrain fluidly with enough reserve in the tank.

EASE OF ENTRY/EXIT: Tecnica has always been easy in-out relative to other high-end boots but this one is even easier thanks to barn door-like Rapid Access.
EASE/QUALITY OF ADJUSTMENTS: Well-finished, durable, smooth-operating buckles but keep your tools handy-this one's got a lot of gizmos to fiddle with.
EFFECT OF ADJUSTMENTS: They all work. Sick amounts of adjustability to customize fit and performance.
CLOSURE SYSTEM: Simple, easy, intuitive. Rapid Access should be standard equipment on every boot.
LATERAL QUICKNESS: Smoking fast. Snaps off shorties like a string of firecrackers on Chinese New Year.
REAR SUPPORT: Plenty for tail-bending maneuvers yet easy snap back to center. Spoiler adjustment adds integrity.
FORWARD FLEX: Smooth, powerful, absorbs terrain fluidly with plenty in reserve for driving tip hard.
STEERING POWER: Plenty of torque yet it cruises smoothly at lower RPMs. Still, no bobbles are permitted. This boot goes where you point it.
DYNAMIC COMFORT: Excellent. Set it and forget it.

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ALL MOUNTAIN EXPERT