Tecnica Mach1 MV 115 W

The perennial favorite Mach1 MV W has returned but in a burlier, badder build--the 115 flex model!

Category 
All-Mountain Traditional
Last Width 
100
Flex Index 
115
Price (MSRP) 
$750.00USD

Head Vector RS 110 W

Gender 
Women's
Sizes (MP) 
23.0-27.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Narrow
Also in this Collection 
Vector RS 90 W, $600
Cantology Compatible 
No
The 2018/2019 Head Vector RS 110 W was tested in the women's All-Mountain narrow category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.

The Gist

The 2019 Vector RS 110 W returns slimmed down to a 98 mm last (from a 100) and includes the new Liquid Fit injectable liner. Testers loved the "luxury snug" fit nature of this in-between narrow and medium width ski driver. They said it offered the most room for a bigger calf in the narrow class, while gripping the heel and ankle in a comfy performance cage. A vector may be a straight line but testers said this one changes direction on a dime and said its edge power was money.

The Fit

Testers liked the noticeably firm fit in the heel and ankle, but said ample room remained at the forefoot for warm toes and good balance. They said the cuff fit flares to a wider boot top than commonly found in the narrow category, which is a boon for good skiing women with skinny heels and muscular calves, though our slender legged testers said it caused some fore-aft balance searching. Some testers mentioned the cuff felt slightly lower than average (again, often a bonus for the large of calf).

Performance

A good blend of on-snow skills, testers said, mentioning that the Vector RS 110 W could vary radius and edge angle at all speeds and handled a variety of terrain without hesitating. Some testers loved it for its long, stable cruising ability while others praised its speedy lateral transitions turn to turn. All agreed there was plenty of power to the edge on tap, so long as the leg was firmly held in the cuff.

Cool Features

While few testers felt an immediate need to snug up the heel and ankle pocket, the Liquid Fit liner allows the injection of a syrup-like fluid (yellow) into pockets at the ankle and heel area on both the medial and lateral side of the. We tested this liner customization extensively at the boot test this year and testers like the simple and intuitive nature of it—you wear the boot while it's injected and choose when to say, "When!" We found it easy to decide when enough was enough for a better fit in the ankles and heel, but just in case you overdid it, it can be easily removed. We did some long-term testing on the injected liners and found that the material did not sag or ooze out of place over time—pretty cool stuff. The Vector RS 110 W plastic is Form Fit ready, so broad-sword shell expansions are easily done after an oven cook job. The Perfect Fit 3D liner on the Vector RS 110 W can also be cooked for an even better match from foot to liner and from liner to shell interior. Yes, the buckles are Spineflex, and the top two are the double-power lever style for maximum crankage.

Total Avg Score 
4.00
Shell/Cuff/Tongue 
polyurethane/Superlight (polypropylene)/n.a.
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
3.40
Dynamic Balance 
4.00
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
4.20
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
4.60
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
3.80

Head Nexo Lyt 130 G

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
25.0-30.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Medium
Also in this Collection 
Nexo Lyt 120, $700; Nexo Lyt 110, $600; Nexo Lyt 100, $475
Cantology Compatible 
No
The 2018/2019 Head Nexo Lyt 130 G was tested in the men's All-Mountain medium width category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.

The Gist

The all new 2019 Head Nexo Lyt 130 G packs so many cool and functional design elements into a single boot that testers were amazed it could remain so light! The medium-width newcomer to the Head family pleased testers with its synapse-quick reaction time underfoot (not surprising to testers given its light weight and snugly contoured fit around the foot and instep) but it shocked testers with its deep edge power and top-end stability at speed.

The Fit

The thin shell walled lower boot and Perfect Fit 3D Evo Custom liner combine to place a close-to-skin grip on the foot, testers said, who cited a snuggest side of medium width fit around the foot, throwing scores of 2's and 3's out of 5 toward the lower boot. Testers made particular comments about the well-shaped, snug fit of the ankle and hell pockets, as well as a toebox that they said was "perfect" for a modern medium width. The upper cuff flares from a snug wrap just above the throat of the boot to a more open boot top where testers with thicker calves appreciated the extra room. Several testers commented about an inconsistent fit against the shin, noting either an edgy feel down low or a gappy feel up high—most said that this improved with skiing and with the various custom fitting processes available.

Performance

Testers liked the direct connection to the ski that came from a snug fit in the lower boot and the thin feeling, stiff Grilflex plastic in the lower shell. They said turns were easily tuned into the snow and were quickly connected from arc to arc through a variety of snow and terrain. Testers with slender legs found that the open cuff fit put them in a bit of a search for the fore-aft sweet spot, but once there could tip and rip laterally, laying deep, gouging trenches with confidence. Testers with thicker legs felt placed right where they wanted to be, front to back. Testers who went through Liquid Fit liner injection process noticed performance gains in terms of improved steering and edge feathering movements as the result of a more snug heel and ankle area.

Cool Features

The use of Grilflex (a polyamide plastic like Grilamid) with Graphene powder additive in the injection process of the lower shell and Grilflex in the upper cuff makes the Nexo Lyt the only All-Mountain boot we tested with all polyamide construction. Most other brands are steering their lightest materials toward hike-mode models. Testers would agree with the Head hype that the Graphene additive seems to give the boot a more damp feel—similar to polyurethane but with the benefit of lighter weight. Testers universally approved of the Liquid Fit injection process, finding it an immediately discernable fit enhancement. The process involves injecting the ankle and heel area on both the medial and lateral side of the liner with a syrup-like material that fills thin, hollow packets there. We tested this liner customization extensively at the boot test this year and testers like the simple and intuitive nature of it—you wear the boot while it's injected and choose when to say, "When!" We found it easy to decide when enough was enough for a better fit in the ankles and heel, but just in case you overdid it, it can be easily removed. We did some long-term testing on the injected liners and found that the material did not sag or ooze out of place over time—pretty cool stuff.

GripWalk soles are available as an accessory purchase. Lightweight Superleggera buckles are cool, we think, and there's two liner pull loops, a Velcro power strap and a single side cuff adjustment. For the stance-challenged skier needing help beyond the cuff adjustment, Head's canted soles are available as an additional purchase.

Total Avg Score 
4.03
Shell/Cuff/Tongue 
Grilflex with Graphene/Grilflex/n.a.
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
3.86
Dynamic Balance 
4.07
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
3.93
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
4.47
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
3.81

Head Nexo Lyt 110 W G

Gender 
Women's
Sizes (MP) 
23.0-27.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Medium
Also in this Collection 
Nexo Lyt 100 W, $600
Cantology Compatible 
No
The 2018/2019 Head Nexo Lyt 110 W G was tested in the women's All-Mountain medium width category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit

The Gist

Testers loved the all new Nexo Lyt 110 W G for its borderline narrow fit in the heel and ankle pocket with a slightly more relaxed and contoured medium width wrap on the forward part of the foot that combined to hold it all in a firm but well-padded grip. They gave it highest scores for both quickness and edge power, but they also dug the Liquid Fit liner injection technology for how it further customized the fit of the rearfoot in minutes.

The Fit

Testers said that the upper cuff tapered from an open and well sculpted boot top that would accommodate a thicker calf, down to a super slender boot throat just above the ankles. Some testers found this fit uncomfortably snug and suggested that a Form Fit shell molding session would be in order for them. The well-matched shape of the lower boot around the foot was testers' favorite Nexo Lyt fit element, which they said was pretty well set out of the box, but those who went through the Liquid Fit injection process all agreed that it got even better.

Performance

Testers found the Nexo Lyt to be, well, light! But they also said the edge power was top tier and had a damp, stable feel on hard snow and higher speeds that may be attributed to the Graphene powder additive that is mixed into the polyurethane injection. Testers mentioned the snug, performance medium fit around their feet equated into high quickness scores, but the thinner shell construction gave the Nexo Lyt 110 W G a closely connected feel, from foot to ski, they said. Some testers found the flex feel against the shin incongruous to start, but mentioned that Form Fit shell molding and Perfect Fit liner molding made improvements there.

Cool Features

So, new this year for some Head boots (Nexo Lyt, Kore, Vector) is the Liquid Fit liner. The ankle and heel area on both the medial and lateral side of the liner has thin, hollow packets into which the yellow syrup-like stuff can be injected to better fill the natural void spaces there. We tested this liner customization extensively at the boot test this year and testers like the simple and intuitive nature of it—you wear the boot while it's injected and choose when to say, "When!" We found it easy to decide when enough was enough for a better fit in the ankles and heel, but just in case you overdid it, it can be easily removed. We did some long-term testing on the injected liners and found that the material did not sag or ooze out of place over time—pretty cool stuff. GripWalk soles are available as an accessory purchase.

Total Avg Score 
3.97
Shell/Cuff/Tongue 
polyurethane with Graphene/polyurethane/n.a.
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
3.80
Dynamic Balance 
3.80
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
4.20
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
4.50
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
3.60

Head Advant Edge 85 W

Gender 
Women's
Sizes (MP) 
22.0-27.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Wide
Also in this Collection 
Advant Edge 95 W, $600; Advant Edge 75 W, $375
Cantology Compatible 
No
The 2018/2019 Head Advant Edge 85 W was tested in the women's All-Mountain wide category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.

The Gist

For the money, the 2019 Head Advant Edge 85 W packs surprising punch and hits the bullseye on the wide-group target for a warm and comfy lower boot, our testers said. They unanimously praised the balanced stance for promoting good skiing movements.

The Fit

Testers thought that the lower shell fit the way a 102 mm boot should—wide enough and nicely padded everywhere, with a hint of snug control at the heel and ankle area. A few testers had issues with the liner's lower calf (soleus muscle, aka "cankle") area where thick pads felt a bit jabby and made entry past that area difficult. They hoped that liner molding would remedy that (Form Fit shell molding is an option on the slightly stiffer 95, but not on this model).

Performance

The Advant Edge 85 W handled itself masterfully on and off the groomed, surprising testers with its snappy, responsive feel. Testers said the fore-aft stance is set-up a bit on the upright side, but with a soft enough flex to move forward with and find home base for linking aggressive arcs. They liked the soft flex and mentioned that it didn't collapse, but they also pointed out that the stiffer 95-flex version is available.

Cool Features

First, you've got color options here—either go-with-everything black, or the white and grey with yellow highlights, so lovely! And there's two Double Power lever buckles on the cuff—great for cranking the heck outta that cuff fit with gloves on! If walking in super strolling style is a goal, GripWalk soles are available this year for use with GripWalk bindings, and on the boot sole front there are also Advant Edge specific (and Vector) canted soles available in 0.5-, 1.0-, 1.5- and 2.0-degree increments.

Total Avg Score 
3.70
Shell/Cuff/Tongue 
Superlight (polypropylene)/Superlight (polypropylene)/n.a.
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
4.00
Dynamic Balance 
3.50
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
3.50
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
3.50
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
4.00

Full Tilt Soul Sister

Gender 
Women's
Sizes (MP) 
23.5-27.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Cabrio/3-PC
Boot width profile 
Medium
Also in this Collection 
n.a.
Cantology Compatible 
No
The 2018/2019 Full Tilt Soul Sister was tested in the women's All-Mountain medium width category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.

The Gist

For slender-footed, lightweight skiers looking for warm, soft boots, the 2019 Full Tilt Soul Sister may be hard to beat! The long-travel flexion that makes Full Tilt's classic three-piece designs popular with mogul skiers and park-and-pipe athletes was favored by testers who used a light touch on the tongue.

The Fit

It's a snug 99 mm lower boot when you stick with your normal size (because it runs short), testers say, with a cushioned grip all along the foot, especially side to side. But the women-specific Intuition Pro liner is highly moldable, opening up the fit at the wider and bony parts of the foot for more average width feet, too. Prior to molding, some testers felt the lateral edge of the spiral-wrapped liner as a hotspot, but after liner molding this blended in more evenly. The luxurious shin fit is a Full Tilt hallmark and the long-travel flex is a dream for skiers who suffer chronic shin-bang.

Performance

Just standing in the boot inside testers could tell its forward lean was extreme by modern standards and its flex was very soft (still softer than the 90 rating they cite for the #6 tongue this year). This forward angle was often made more so by either a large calf or a skier's tendency to press into the front of a boot (which pretty much all our women testers do). So, too forward and collapsing in flex was a common complaint on test forms. However, slender-legged, lightweight testers who focused on agile lateral moves loved the spry, airy feel of the Soul Sister.

Cool Features

Testers appreciated the revised Widetrack buckles on the FTS (Full Tilt Soul) shell for their lower profile and more easily adjusted release tab and ratchet system—however, testers new to the three-piece layering and wire bale closure struggled a bit initially with the Full Tilt rite of passage (into the boot). There are lots of options on aftermarket pieces and parts through Full Tilt dealers—say, a stiffer tongue perhaps? And testers thought removing the forward lean wedge at the base of the cuff might also help the stance.

Total Avg Score 
2.20
Shell/Cuff/Tongue 
polyurethane/polyurethane/Grilamid
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
3.00
Dynamic Balance 
2.00
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
2.00
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
2.00
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
2.00

Full Tilt First Chair 10

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
24.5-30.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Cabrio/3-PC
Boot width profile 
Medium
Also in this Collection 
First Chair 8, $750; First Chair 6, $650
Cantology Compatible 
No
The 2018/2019 Full Tilt First Chair 10 was tested in the men's All-Mountain medium width category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.

The Gist

Testers liked the 2019 Full Tilt First Chair for its snug (when tested in their regular size) and thickly padded and comfortable grip on the foot and its very lively feel underfoot. Testers still feel overly forward leaning but appreciated the cam-lock Cinch power strap for restraining some forward travel. Due to the short sizing in Full Tilt's line-up, some testers went up a size and found more typical medium-width fit tension and a slightly taller, more upright cuff feel.

The Fit

Testers felt the lower boot was much more snug than the cuff, which offered some unwanted play for slender legs. They liked the strong connection of foot to ski, though preferred it after full liner molding, which allowed the foot to seat a bit more deeply into the base of the boot, due to the thickness of the liner underfoot. Molding the liner with toe caps opened up some needed toe room as the boot fits shorter than average out of the box. The flex feel is even, cushioned and long in travel, testers agreed. Testers suggest sizing up to gain toe room and a more medium width fit.

Performance

Agility and quickness are the First Chair's forte, according to testers who liked its lateral moves and shock absorbing flex—fun in the bumps and tight spots, they said. They felt the boot was less of a powerhouse than it was a nimble freerider, partly due to the more forward than average cuff angle, which detracted from a more strongly stacked leg position, they said.

Cool Features

Testers like the newer version buckle system with the Widetrack buckles for their improved ease of use.

Total Avg Score 
3.60
Shell/Cuff/Tongue 
polyurethane/polyurethane/Grilamid
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
3.67
Dynamic Balance 
3.67
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
3.00
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
3.67
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
4.00

Fischer RC Pro 130 Vacuum Full Fit

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
24.5-30.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Medium
Also in this Collection 
RC Pro 120 Powered by Vacuum, $550; RC Pro 110 Vacuum Full Fit, $700; RC Pro 100 Powered by Vacuum, $450
Cantology Compatible 
No
The 2018/2019 RC Pro 130 Vacuum Full Fit was tested in the men's All-Mountain medium width category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.

The Gist

Testers said that the 2019 Fischer RC Pro 130 Vacuum Full Fit is a luxury S.U.V. built for big guys with thicker feet and legs looking for the kind of All-Mountain performance that stems from a dialed stance and a solid-enough, progressive flex.

The Fit

Roomy throughout and ultra-comfortable was the tester takeaway on this 100 mm, with most in agreement that it fit borderline wide-ride. They didn't mind this so much, and thought that the fit shape was well matched for a thicker foot and leg, but they placed it well on the wide end of the medium group's fit tension spectrum. The liner feel is well cushioned—more so than most boots at the 130 performance tier—which gave the RC Pro 130 more of a Lexus RX interior feel than, say, Audi R8. Nobody was really complaining about the luxuriant fit, let's put it that way.

Performance

The stance angles of the RC Pro pleased our test team, who felt well-centered in all directions and ready to ski. When compared with other medium-widths, quickness and power scores lagged a bit simply by virtue of the extra space and cushioning  that sapped some transmission of movement, but testers agreed that compared with other wide class rides (or perhaps if tested by thicker footed folk) the response and quickness would be right on target.

Cool Features

While most people assume that customizable shell technology is all about making a fit more open, Fischer's unique Vacuum fitting system can tighten a boot's fit by way of controlling the compression level of the molding bladders during the Vacuum process. The moniker, Vacuum Full Fit, indicates that this boot is Vacuum system customizable in both the lower shell and upper cuff.

Total Avg Score 
3.80
Shell/Cuff/Tongue 
Vacu-Plast/Vacu-Plast/n.a.
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
3.75
Dynamic Balance 
3.75
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
4.00
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
3.25
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
4.25

Fischer My Curv 110 Vacuum Full Fit

Gender 
Women's
Sizes (MP) 
22.5-27.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Narrow
Also in this Collection 
My Curv 90 Vacuum Full Fit, $600; My Curv 90 Powered by Vacuum, $400
Cantology Compatible 
No
The 2018/2019 Fischer My Curv 110 Vacuum Full Fit was tested in the women's All-Mountain narrow category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.

The Gist

The 2019 Fischer My Curv 110 Vacuum Full Fit was one of our test team's favorite All-Mountain boots for its even, customizable fit, its progressive flex feel and dialed stance angles. They liked the way this boot skied through a variety of terrain and in every turn radius.

The Fit

Testers felt that the stock, non-Vacuumed fit was on the roomy side of the narrow fit group, but they suggested it might be snugged up with a high-pressure Vacuum molding session. They liked the new liner's, pre-shaped 3-D ankle pockets, and of the flex-stabilizing inlaid composite panel on the lower shell's medial side, one tester said this boot had the most consistent-feeling flex of the test for her. Testers did mention that the out-of-box calf fit was tighter than the general tension of the lower boot.

Performance

Testers liked the stock stance angles of the My Curve 110—this was a marked improvement over testers' take on Fischer's narrow women's boots of the past. Lively and full of energy with snappy, crisp transitions is how one tester described it. Another commented that turn initiation was effortless. Testers thought it was a fine All-Mountain boot for virtually any skier, from intermediate to expert.

Cool Features

While we didn't custom test Fischer Vacuum Full Fit boots at this year's test using Fischer's complete fit station, our previous tests have shown this to be an effective fitting and stance alignment tool. We did, however, perform Vacuum Zone Fit customization of the lower boot with Fischer's cool, adhesive heating pads, and testers agreed that it was a very effective way to make spot expansions using the skier's own foot in the boot as the press.

 

Total Avg Score 
3.67
Shell/Cuff/Tongue 
Vacu-Plast/Vacu-Plast/n.a.
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
3.33
Dynamic Balance 
4.00
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
3.67
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
3.50
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
3.67

Fischer My Cruzar 80 Powered by Vacuum

Gender 
Women's
Sizes (MP) 
23.5-27.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Wide
Also in this Collection 
My Cruzar 90 Powered by Vacuum, $350
Cantology Compatible 
No
The 2018/2019 Fischer My Cruzar 80 Powered by Vacuum (PBV) was tested in the women's All-Mountain wide category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.

The Gist

Our test team typically tests so-called "vector models" from each brand, meaning the brand's top tier performance model (i.e. stiffest) that may spawn other softer, less-expensive models below it in the range. But we also test Soft-Value entries—softer flexing, less expensive models that often show surprising bang for the buck. Testers said the My Cruzar 80 PBV is one of those sleepers—at only $300 (list!) it punched well above its performance weight class they said.

The Fit

The lower boot is made of Vacu-Plast, Fischer's low-temp heat moldable plastic, so while testers thought the 103 mm shell felt about right (and roomy) for a wide-ride, the Vacuum fitting process could adjust the fit wider (up to 5 mm) if needed. Most testers gave the lower boot and calf fit evenly wide scores, as expected, though a couple testers mentioned that the lower calf (soleus muscle, aka cankle) was a little more snug than expected for the width class.

Performance

Powered by a stronger-than-billed flex feel and a cuff that stood slightly taller on the leg and more upright than the category average, testers said the My Cruzar 80 PBV held its own for edge power and stability with models 20-points stiffer and 200-bucks spendier! They liked the way it rolled laterally from turn to turn, engaging the skis' edges with a predictable, stable feel regardless of radius or surface.

Cool Features

A couple testers mentioned that the stance was set up a little "out," or supinated for the foot and bowlegged for the lower leg, so for skiers who feel the same it may be worth doing a Vacuum molding, which we've shown in previous custom tests can improve stance alignment slightly. There isn't a lateral cuff adjustment on this one. Testers liked the straightforward closure of 4 buckles and a power strap. The liner is a well-cushioned fuzzy one with a tongue pull loop and seamless tongue construction over the top of the foot—testers approved.

Total Avg Score 
4.13
Shell/Cuff/Tongue 
Vacu-Plast/polypropylene/n.a.
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
4.00
Dynamic Balance 
3.50
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
4.00
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
5.00
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
4.50

DaleBoot VFF Pro

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
22-34
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Cabrio/3-PC
Boot width profile 
Medium
Also in this Collection 
VFF, $825
Special Sizes 
XXL (32.0 and larger)
Cantology Compatible 
No
The 2018/2019 DaleBoot VFF Pro was tested in the men's All-Mountain medium width category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit, but the VFF Pro is a fully custom built boot and can be made a narrow, medium or wide.

The Gist

The 2019 DaleBoot VFF Pro's top scores were for its initial fit and feel, its quickness and its ease of entry and exit—and that fairly sums up the best elements of this fully custom-built boot. Its fit is built to a customer's individual specs and a variety of DaleBoot/Intuition custom liners fine tune that personalized shape. The thin shell and all-polyether plastic construction was light and cool way before lightweight was cool. The three-piece design, in concert with a spiral-wrap liner is hands-down the absolute easiest to slide in and out of.

The Fit

There's really no way to go try on a DaleBoot to decide whether or not to buy it—well, you could try on some generic sample at a DaleBoot dealer shop to get a feel for how it goes on and buckles up, but that's about all you'd get. You might even get scared off—the non-customized DaleBoot experience is so different from the full-meal-deal custom program which is their business model. We know because to be fair to other brands at the test we have asked them to submit off-the-rack models in addition to their custom-built-for-tester models. Some testers loved the generic test samples, others not so much, but every tester was stoked on the VFF Pro that was built just for him. The shell and cuff are selected to match the foot and leg, then modified as needed prior to leaving the Salt Lake City factory. The pre-selected Intuition liner is molded to the skier at his local dealer shop to finalize the fit. So, the fit isn't a narrow or a medium or a wide—it's you.

Performance

The VFF Pro now comes with a revised upper cuff design (taller with a stiffer, thicker back area) to create a stronger feel on snow over previous versions we've tested. This did not create any loss of feel in the lower shell, which remains one of the most sensitive and in-tune with the ground of any boot we've tested. The lower boot has two unique design features that give it such touch—a very thin but stiff polyether shell wall and a three-quarter length bootboard that puts the ball of foot directly on the floor of the shell. The flex feel is able to be adjusted by the skier with the rear spring-loaded cable closure from long and soft to progressive and firmer—laterally the power comes from the rigid plastic of the lower boot and the new more powerful cuff design. Testers praised the VFF Pro's unique combination of fit, snow feel and smooth flex.

Cool Features

The best feature of the VFF Pro is that all custom fitting, modifications, and stance alignment is included in one price through DaleBoot partner dealer shops. The stance alignment part of the equation is finalized with the application of snap-on, canted soles if needed—a very effective canting solution found only on DaleBoot.

Total Avg Score 
3.80
Shell/Cuff/Tongue 
polyether/polyether/polyether
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
4.00
Dynamic Balance 
3.60
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
3.40
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
4.00
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
4.00

DaleBoot VFF Pro (women's)

Gender 
Women's
Sizes (MP) 
22-34
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Cabrio/3-PC
Boot width profile 
Medium
Also in this Collection 
VFF women's, $825
Special Sizes 
XXL (32.0 and larger)
Cantology Compatible 
No
The 2018/2019 Daleboot VFF Pro (women's) was tested in the women's All-Mountain medium width category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit, but the VFF Pro (women's) is a fully custom built boot and can be made a narrow, medium or wide.

The Gist

Our women testers (who were measured up ahead of time) had their custom built VFF Pro (women's) delivered to Silver Mountain Resort where they were custom fitted by DaleBoot staff who molded the Intuition spiral wrap liner, set the adjustable ramp angle and checked their need for cant. They gave a thumbs-up to the resulting well-matched fit they achieved and highlighted the boot's easy slide on and off and the lightweight agile feel underfoot as a few of its primary assets.

The Fit

The DaleBoot is a full-custom product, built in their Salt Lake City factory off of a variety of measurements and foot shape tracings taken from the skier then further modified as needed and liner-molded by the skier's local DaleBoot dealer. Trust us when we say that trying on a sample will not do justice to the custom model made for you. Our custom tests came back with many perfect scores for fit. Depending on the skier's foot the last width could vary from a skinny 92 mm to a massive 114 mm (in a 26.5)—that's more range in one model than any other boot on the market can claim.

Performance

Again, the key to the VFF Pro (women's) performance character is the custom process that starts with fit but also ensures that the fore-aft and lateral stance set-up is dialed for each skier individually. Once the alignment was balanced, testers were able to appreciate the close-to-snow feel of the thin-shell-wall lower boot and the improved edge power that comes from stiffer upper cuff construction than in past years. The flex feel is tunable (softer and longer or firmer and shorter) using the spring-loaded Variable Forward Flex cable adjustment on the back of the boot.

Cool Features

A variety of different Intuition liner styles are available, in spiral wrap and traditional tongue styles and in several different thicknesses and densities. The final stance tuning is done via canted snap-on soles unique to DaleBoot.

Total Avg Score 
3.40
Shell/Cuff/Tongue 
polyether/polyether/polyether
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
4.50
Dynamic Balance 
3.00
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
3.00
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
4.00
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
2.50

DaleBoot VFF (women's)

Gender 
Women's
Sizes (MP) 
22-34
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Cabrio/3-PC
Boot width profile 
Medium
Also in this Collection 
VFF Pro women's, $825
Special Sizes 
XXL (32.0 and larger)
Cantology Compatible 
No
The 2018/2019 Daleboot VFF (women's) was tested in the women's All-Mountain wide category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit, but the VFF (women's) is a fully custom built boot and can be made a narrow, medium or wide.

The Gist

The DaleBoot VFF (women's) is DaleBoot's softest model and intended for lighter and less aggressive skiers. Testers rewarded the VFF with a perfect score for convenience, warmth and features and high marks for its custom fit, all largely based on the luxuriant feel and fit of the highly insulative and lightweight DaleBoot/Intuition spiral wrap liner that eases entry and exit into the VFF's three-piece shell like no other boot on the market.

The Fit

The VFF (women's) shell shape was built at DaleBoot's Salt Lake City factory based off of measurements and tracings of the testers' feet and legs. A variety of different cuffs and lower "clogs," or shells, can be combined and pre-molded to suit the skier's shape. At the boot test the Intuition liners were custom fitted—as they would be by a DaleBoot dealer—and their fore-aft and lateral stances were checked prior to testers skiing the boots. Unanimously our test team found the initial fit spot-on after going through the fitting process.

Performance

The VFF's softer flex is able to be adjusted within a 20 point range using the Variable Forward Flex spring-and-cable system which restrains the three-piece shell's forward flexion without fixing the upper cuff to the lower, maintaining a true three-piece shell's flex feel—long in travel and with a progressive resistance against the leg. Testers loved the rangy feel of their flexing movements while skiing, but cautioned bigger, more aggressive gals to consider stepping up to the stiffer VFF Pro. Testers found the same classic, close-to-snow feel on the VFF as with the other DaleBoot models, enabled by a three-quarter length bootboard which puts the forefoot directly on the floor of the boot.

Cool Features

An array of different Intuition liner options can be implemented to achieve an ideal fit, the boot's ramp angle is adjustable with the turn of a screw on the three-quarter length internal bootboard and final stance fine tuning is accomplished with DaleBoot's exclusive, snap-on, canted soles.

Total Avg Score 
4.20
Shell/Cuff/Tongue 
polyether/polyether/polyether
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
4.50
Dynamic Balance 
4.00
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
3.50
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
4.00
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
5.00

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