Our women's test team is an open-minded bunch--they've given lots of different types of boots a fair shake over the years, whether they were overlap designs or cabrio-style three-piece constructions, or even removable soft boot exoskeleton affairs. They're an inclusive crew, and now it's clear that they are also, absolutely not, flexist. The Rossignol Pure 80 was far-and-away the softest model tested this year, but testers said that for its intended target it delivered on all criteria: fit, performance, stance, features and convenience. They gave it a near-perfect 4.80 (out of 5.00) which put it in the company of the test's best perennial performers.
With only two caveats (they hated the grey color and said it was a little more snug than expected for a 102-mm) lobbed in the Pure 80's direction, testers overwhelmingly loved this boot for how it over-delivered in every way, but with particular regard to it's flex-index rating and price tag.
They said that the shape was well-mapped for the wider foot and thicker leg, though a couple testers said it trended to the snug side of the wide ride group. They thought the heel and ankle pockets were appropriately snug for the target and liked the flare at the boot top for a thicker calf and the room at the forefoot for a broad spread there. They thought the liner's fur accents were a nice touch but not quite enough to compensate for the dull grey exterior--though, they did say the color-way played into its stealthy price-point sleeper persona.
Testers loved how well this boot skied, with virtually all testers registering some level of surprise over how strongly the supposed 80-flex drove skis through a variety of terrain choices and snow surfaces. They said the stance was balanced, the steering response was near-immediate and the stability was confidence-inspiring. They said the Pure 80 is a no-brainer for any thick-footed intermediate or cost-conscious advanced skier looking for a comfy-warm slam dunk boot buy.
Kudos
Caveats