The Trinity 95 surprised testers with how much fun it was to ski once they tuned into its unique flexion mojo and they pushed it into gold medal status in the All-Mountain Walk category.
While a Dual Core Grilamid shell and cuff is an exciting development in the Rossignol line, our test team was most impressed with how the Alltrack Elite 100 LT W looked! Far and away the top pick for best new cosmetics, it luckily also proved itself in fit and performance both downhill and up. It also got unanimous votes for ease of entry and exit and clean, convenient closure.
Testers praised the evenly cushioned and cozy interior of the Alltrack Elite 100 LT W but also criticized this narrow for hedging too far into medium fit territory. That said, they did like the extra room in the toebox (width, height and length) for warm toes and trouble free touring, and said that the fit tension tapered back well enough into the ankle, heel and up through the lower leg shaft for adequate control. The loved the straightforward and easy on, off and buckle-up and they liked the fact that the even fit did not change when in hike mode.
For a 100 flexing, featherweight with an ultra-comfy liner, testers were impressed with how well the Alltrack Elite skied, though testers said it's a quick-witted, fleet-of-foot boot, not a hammer looking for a nail—our bigger, taller testers said they could over-flex it. But testers also said that the boot's energy more than made up for its lack of grunt-level power—the word effervescence actually came up more than once. The test team liked the simplicity of the hike mode switch and commended the big improvements made in touring range of motion and weight over previous Alltrack models, but a few testers mentioned that its hike mode range and quality of movement still lags behind others in the category.
This is the first use of both Dual Core plastic injection and Grilamid for Rossignol, along with a first for low-tech fittings (Dynafit certified) and another first for GripWalk soles (sold separately)—and they did all of that without losing the simplicity of four buckles, a power strap and a functional cuff adjustment. We say, well done Rossignol.
The 2019 Nordica Strider Pro 130 Dyn takes the award-winning Speedmachine lower boot, makes some slick touring modifications to it and builds it with lightweight Grilamid plastic, then bolts on a light, stiff carbon-reinforced Triax cuff to reclaim its position with testers as one of their favorite medium-width hike mode enabled All-Mountain do-everything boots. For classic Nordica fit and feel paired with real Alpine-level downhill performance, you'll find few better than the Strider, testers said again this year.
This year testers agreed that the Strider Pro 130 Dyn sat just on the snug side of the medium-fit centerline, with a quite snug initial fit on the lateral side of the foot, heel and ankle. Testers noted that after skiing a few runs the liner relaxed just enough to even-up the fit throughout, though it didn't blow out—it's a performance medium fit, they said. The flex-feel is firm but on target for a 130, they said, with just enough cushion for the shin. The 3D Cork Fit LIte liner is articulated for touring and is light weight, but still manages to both cushion and control the foot. The Tri-Force design Grilamid lower shell can be custom fitted with Nordica's Infrared molding system, but there weren't many testers calling for it, as liner molding took care of most of their fit needs easily.
One tester said, form has high-fived function here, and the rest of the crew agreed. Testers were surprised by the Strider Pro 130's power-to-weight ratio as the thin-shell-wall Grilamid lower boot and carbon reinforced Triax cuff teamed up to produce a noticeably lightweight boot that pumped out remarkably strong and quick turns. It didn't take many of those turns for a tester to forget it wasn't his own daily driver and go start looking for fresh lines. The hike mode got pretty decent marks for mobility range and quality of movement—one of the best of the alpine-strong tourers for sure, testers agreed. The wire-bale cuff release actuation was simple and effective, they said, though took a little practice to get latched initially.
lightweight, Spartan Velcro power strap was a favorite—no silly pulley-buckle B.S. here, thank you Nordica. The wire-loop-hooky buckles were disdained by some and loved by others, but they got the boot buckled just fine with a little fiddling about along the learning curve. The combination of Dynafit certified tech inserts and GripWalk soles made this boot viable in a variety of different bindings: low-tech, alpine GripWalk, or A.T. frame, and testers appreciated that versatility (as will retailers). Testers were divided on the boot name's coolness, since it sounds an awful lot like an elliptical trainer found on the Home Shopping Network—but hey, you can get exercise with this one too, and with way better views.
After last year's highly successful launch of the men's Strider 130, our women's test team was like, WTF Nordica--hash tag me too some Strider boots, huh? And they got their wish this year with the new 2019 Nordica Strider 115 W Dyn, which debuted at our test to unanimous approval and a silver medal. Beyond its ridiculously good looks, testers said the Strider 115 W was a flawless solution for those looking for that quiver-killing-one-boot-solution for anywhere up, down or around the mountain.
The women might not know it, but their fit impressions of the Strider mirror that of the men—an ultra contoured match to the foot and the leg, just on the snug side of the medium width middle-ground. The cork-clad exterior of the Precision Fit W Primaloft liner provides a bulwark of solid, yet moldable material that cradles the curves of the rearfoot with a firm pushback that says, performance, testers report. They loved the initial, cushioned, comfy feel on first entry, but they more appreciated the fact that the liner had guts and held the foot well after some serious test runs and a bit of sweat. Lots of comments like: snug, ideal grip, conforming, curvy.
The Strider 115 W Dyn's edge power score was its highest (and one of the highest edge power scores of all On-Off Area women's boots, regardless of width), which backs up what testers were saying—full on Alpine boot power to the edge on any terrain, at any speed. Testers mentioned that the Strider was no slouch for quickness turn to turn, citing its light weight on the foot as a source of fast movements, but they gave the stability and power of the Strider 115 W Dyn the nod as its best characteristic, especially when paired with a highly functional touring range of motion and an easy to use, intuitive cuff release switch.
The Primaloft insulated liner might appeal to the creature-comfort focused, but most of our testers were eyeing the rockered and Michelin rubber soled GripWalk plates that come on the boot and the Dynafit tech fittings for use with lightweight low tech bindings. The Grilamid plastic lower shell is moldable via simply wearing the boot after Infrared heating, though few testers mentioned a need to change the boot's shape beyond basic liner molding. They liked the ease of buckling and most liked the buckle catches—and all adored the pale blue hue with white and orange highlights.
Testers said that if you're looking for a lighter weight hike mode boot with tech binding compatibility that skis as well as an alpine boot, the 2019 Lange XT Free 130 LV should be on your (very) short list. Returning this year unchanged it garnered praise for its true-to-narrow fit character, true Alpine level ski skills and the ability to swap on Max Grip alpine (ISO 5355) soles for your on-area set up or roll with the sticky, rockered GripWalk soles on an A.T. or low tech binding.
Testers were aligned on the fact that the LV moniker is a little exaggerated—they say it's sort of the opposite of a mullet, in that this one is all business in the back and a party in the front! Tight and right rearfoot with a relaxed fit forefoot and toebox—testers said, nice! At any rate, average feet shouldn't be scared away by the 97 mm labeling. Testers like the lightweight, cushioned Ultralon liner (full thermo-moldable) and said that the fit was firm enough in control areas without feeling harsh. Testers liked the fairly tall instep fit—good for blood flow and maintaining warm feet while touring, they said. Entry to the XT Free 130 LV was no problem for testers this year who mentioned considering using the liner as a lace-up (laces come in the box) for slick entry and for further customizing the fit.
For the weight and the mobility features here you won't do much better for a solid descender. Testers liked the Lange-family stance angles—slightly upright but with enough travel of flex to move through the downhill power band and find dynamic balance turn to turn. The Dual Core Grilamid lower boot proved surprisingly strong on edge, testers agreed, who easily found a stable platform in the midst of deep carves at speed. A few testers mentioned the boot's previous jittery, overly springy feel seemed tamed this year and highly ready to dominate in off-piste sorties. Testers were still a bit unimpressed with the touring range of motion—not great to the rear and fairly limited in forward travel, but most were willing to trade that for real-boot fit and performance in a lightweight package.
In addition to a full-thermo Ultralon liner, removable rear spoiler, easy to actuate Power V-Lock cuff release, rockered GripWalk soles and Dynafit-certified tech fittings, the XT Free 130 LV also sports grippy mid-arch cladding for secure scrambling and boot-packing.
Testers again put the 2019 K2 Pinnacle Pro in the group of best-skiing freeride boots for its ability to drive a big, fat ski at speed and for its lightweight Pebax construction. Is it a lightweight All-Mountain boot with a hike mode or a Backcountry boot that skis like an alpine ride? Go either way, testers say—it does it well in both realms.
Testers say this year's revised PrecisionFit Tour Light liner has nicely opened up some room in the toebox and forefoot, and while it improved the previously tight fit on the navicular somewhat, that area remains more snug than expected for testers. Testers with large calf muscles liked the amount of available space (with the spoiler in) and said that this is a great option for that cyclist-calf guy looking for a comfortable freeride boot. Similar to last year, testers again found the heel pocket to be quite snug.
The Pebax lower shell and cuff construction makes for a lightweight ride and a snappy one. The resilience of Pebax created a lot of rebound energy and quick returns to center, testers said—sometimes to a fault, with a couple testers mentioning they had to work to keep a bridle on the horsepower. Lateral moves were solid and strong, they agreed, claiming that the Pinnacle Pro generated progenitor-Pinnacle-level power to the edge at a fraction of the weight. This fact, combined with the Syncro Interlock's long-travel touring range of motion makes the Pro the go-to for good skiers who are serious about going up, too.
Testers say it's nice to find a functional upper cuff adjustment on a backcountry boot (often lacking) and they said that the new liner's articulated area seemed to improve the quality of movement when the cuff was released. As always, testers dig the ease of the Syncro Interlock's release toggle. The Pinnacle Pro (like the other Pinnacles) is tech binding compatible and rockered Vibram soles are available as an extra.
Testers said again at this year's boot test (where it was the highest ranked boot in the men's wide hike mode group) that the 2019 K2 B.F.C. 120 isn't just Built For Comfort, it's built to house the most massive meat-dogs ever to maraud the slopes (and tailgate parties, base lodge apres, ski school kid hauls, etc)! Mega volume in both the lower boot and upper cuff and a solid 120 flex provides the sort of room and support the highest of volume human has been waiting for plus the convenience of an easy to use and functional walk mode.
One tester summed up the B.F.C.'s overall fit this way: Soooo huge! However, he went on to say that the fit seemed congruent and well-shaped for the thickest of feet and legs (a sentiment echoed by other testers as well). And then he then pondered whether there are actually feet this big. We know there are, and we know that some folks simply don't like tight fitting footwear of any sort—and as such, this boot will appeal to fans of Uggs, Crocs and flip-flops.
The stance is upright for those with average calf volume—a larger calf will push the lower leg more forward and be just right, our testers guessed. The 120 flex is a bit overstated, testers reported, and they wondered if it would be enough support for the XXXL dude attached to such a foot. However, those who had tested the 90-flex two tests prior said this was still a big improvement, performance-wise. Generally, testers all agreed that the B.F.C. 120 was strong enough and quick enough for just about any decent skier with as balanced a lateral stance as one could want. Performance scores exceeded testers' expectations on this one.
The Apres Mode (that's what K2 calls it) walk feature is adopted from the other more serious hikers in the K2 boot line, but if nothing else, K2 knows its target customer. This cuff release mechanism is all about strolling parking lots, tailgating, beers at lunch (maybe breakfast too), and its ease of use and range of motion is fantastic, testers said. GripWalk soles can be purchased to make the strolling even more sublime (if you have an appropriate GripWalk binding). The B.F.C. 120's Convenience, Warmth & Features score was a perfect 5.0.
Of the 2019 K2 B.F.C. W 90, one tester circled all 5's (the widest) and wrote, Huge! Another circled all 5's and wrote, Big! Big! Big! So this is a wide one, get it? And testers loved it—it was their favorite in the On-Off Area wide group.
The fit is so oversized that testers wrote warnings on their test forms that only truly wide, high-volume feet need apply, but they also had no hotspot complaints or shape concerns—it was foot-like in its shape, as best they could tell. The entry and exit is worth mentioning here—as easy as it gets (and pop the walk mode and it gets even easier). One tester claimed she could put it on with no hands and with all the buckles still done up. Flex feel was even and comfortable they said, and they agreed that the calf is comfortable here—even a grown-up cow's worth of leg shaft would be at home, they figured.
Testers were shocked at how well the B.F.C. W 90 wide load rode—the stiffness was on-target, the stance angles were neutral and enabled athletic movements, the edge power was solid and the quickness was there (if you could fill up the space with foot). Testers got aggro' with the Built For Comfort and found that, apparently, it was built for crushing it too.
The Apres Mode (that's what K2 calls it) walk feature is adopted from the other more serious hikers in the K2 boot line, but if nothing else, K2 knows its target customer. This cuff release mechanism is all about strolling parking lots, tailgating, beers at lunch (maybe breakfast too), and its ease of use and range of motion is fantastic, testers said. GripWalk soles can be purchased to make the strolling even more sublime (if you have an appropriate GripWalk binding). The B.F.C. W 90's Convenience, Warmth & Features score was a perfect 5.0.
Head's first true foray into lightweight Freeride boots in the Kore 1 G was met with broad tester approval. They liked the fact that the light weight of the Grilflex and Graphene shell and cuff didn't reduce the kind of "real boot" fit or performance they've come to expect from Head. They liked that the simplicity and tradition of the Head four-buckle overlap has been modernized with space age plastics, tech binding compatibility and an intuitive, functional hike mode.
Testers found the fit evenly snug and well adapted to bony points and wide spots, but they said it ran on the narrow end of the medium-width fit spectrum. That was not a criticism, but an observation—testers had zero complaints of hot spots or other fit issues. Testers that underwent the Liquid Fit liner injection process reported an improved rearfoot (heel and ankle) fit that they were able to control during the process, which they liked for its simplicity and immediately perceptible result.
The Kore 1 G displayed accurate steering and a quick move to the edge (a perfect score there) then easily found a stable sweet spot through a variety of snow conditions during our test period, testers reported. Some testers thought the boot felt a little edgy at first but discovered that Form Fit shell molding created a more balanced and neutral feeling position. All testers who got Liquid Fit injected noted an uptick in steering, quickness and edging performance.
The Smart Frame shell construction maintains thicker, ribbed and rigid Grilflex plastic in areas where stability and power are critical and keeps the thinner, better wrapping Grilflex where it suits foot-shape matching and easing entry and exit. Graphene is a powder additive to the plastic that increases stability and provide a damp feel like polyurethane without adding substantial weight. GripWalk soles come mounted on the Kore.
The 2019 Full Tilt Descendant 8 sprouted a hike mode switch in the off-season, so this year we tested it in the On-Off Area group, though this walk feature will probably see more use in parking lot apres ski sessions or hiking the pipe than in the skin track. Otherwise unchanged from last year, testers again gave it high marks for its warm and highly customizable liner, a category best entry and exit score and a lightweight feel on the foot. However, they cautioned strong, technical skiers that the cuff's overly forward stance and very soft flex combined to collapse under load.
To enjoy the 102 mm width available here, skiers should be sure to heat mold the Intuition Pro liner. Prior to molding it fits uncharacteristically snug in width behind the forefoot and over the instep—after customization the liner more evenly addresses the foot and its wide last feel is revealed. Testers report that the length fits short, so this may be a model in which to upsize to gain even more wide-load room. Testers say the cuff is low on the leg, set more forward leaning than the norm, and softer flexing than advertised.
Cruisey, schmeary turns made off the heels worked well, testers said. Lateral power may have been there, but testers said it was difficult to access due to the over-flexed leg position that the forward lean and soft flex left them with.
There are many available options for the Descendant 8, which falls under the Full Tilt Evolution style shell. There is a stiffer, #10 tongue available.
The all-new 2019 Full Tilt Ascendant is an assemblage of interesting, modern boot design elements packaged for the uphill-oriented, big-mountain jib kid, testers said. This boot marks the biggest departure ever from previous Full Tilt designs and packs more than a few nifty surprises, starting with Full Tilt's first use of tech fittings and Grilamid plastic in the lower shell.
Testers say don't buy this boot without trying on a couple sizes. It fits even shorter than other Full Tilts, they said, and they already fit shorter than the norm. Going up a size from testers' usual and heat molding the Tour Pro Intuition spiral wrap liner got them the advertised 102 mm fit. They liked the way the full thermo liner evened out the few hot spots and provided a more contoured pocket for the ankle bones. They mentioned that skiers might want to pull the rear spoiler before molding the liner to promote a more upright stance and comfortable calf.
Testers liked the ease of the hike mode actuation, but didn't get excited about the touring range of motion until they pulled off the removable tongue (a la Dalbello Lupo boots) and stashed it away in a pack—then the cuff really glides, and with the option of GripWalk rockered soles and the boot's light weight testers thought this would be a good solution for longer uphill missions to build a big kicker somewhere that patrol wouldn't see. The skiing performance of the Ascendant depended much on the size of the boot tested—testers who sized up got enough room that their feet could spread and find balance, and the cuff felt a little taller and stronger to them. Other testers felt the cuff overly low and forward, which negatively affected their control and stability.
The Ascendant is truly packed full of cool stuff. Yes, a Grilamid shell and tongue lightens the load, and tech binding compatibility further reduces the weight of the uphill kit. Once the tongue is removed, a waterproof snow gaiter maintains a weather break for the lower leg and foot. GripWalk soles and alpine DIN soles come with the Ascendant (that's cool, we think), and the Tour Pro liner has the neatest internal lacing system we've seen for keeping a spiral wrap liner snug around the leg while the cuff is loosened for touring.
Testers applauded the arrival of the all-new 2019 Fischer Ranger Free 130, calling it the Fischer boot range's pièce de résistance and the best boot to come out of the Fischer factory in years! The Ranger Free 130 executes on all the elements that must combine to make a great On-Off Area (AKA Freeride) boot: it's gotta fit well, it's gotta ski great, it's gotta be lightweight, it's gotta have an easy hike mode switch and superior touring range of motion and it's gotta be tech compatible. Check da boxes six times!
It fits the way you'd expect a 99 mm last should—snug side of the medium group. This is a close-to-anatomy shell design with a thin, fully moldable liner for some minimally cushioned separation between foot and shell, leg and cuff. Testers say it fits with an anatomically contoured python-like grip, especially though the lower leg shaft and into the heel and ankle pockets where the fit tension was fairly aggressive. Testers who had the liner molded found the fit relaxed there, but this is no wide side of medium last bucket—it's more like a Recaro bucket seat for the feet.
Where to start? When you first pick up the boot you realize it's out of the ordinary. The sleek look, smooth finish and featherweight feel in hand (1540 grams) set it apart from others in the hike mode category. The first buckle-up provides a performance fit feel, and then the search for the hike mode switch leads to the discovery of the stealthiest touring flip switch on the market. Barely the size of a beetle wing, a smooth flip of the lever engages a thin interior cable which releases the cuff (will it stand the test of time, a few tester wondered). And then the easy stroll to the skis begins, with long and unhindered strides enabled by friction-free and wide-ranging cuff rotation, both rearward and forward in equal measure. When veteran testers prepare to test an on-off area boot that weighs so little and walks so well, we naturally ready ourselves for a worthless downhill experience. So, imagine our collective surprise when we find that the Ranger Free 130 absolutely rips! Stable through high speed crud laps, sensitive in untracked pow, commanding to the edge when arcing trenches on piste. Testers couldn't find its performance Achilles heel—though it maintained one hell of a grip on theirs.
While we tested On-Off Area category boots with alpine soles, the Ranger Free 130 comes with GripWalk soles installed, which only adds to its easy walking game. Tech compatible with Dynafit tech fittings, this sidecountry/Freeride boot might easily compete with true Backcountry boots—which we tested out by entering it in our Backcountry category test as well. Two liner pull loops and a simple Velcro power strap are the extent of the features menu, and we are a little disappointed that there isn't a lateral cuff adjustment, but often those are sacrificed in the name of better cuff rotation in hike mode.
Testers loved the snug-side-of-medium-width lock down in this hyper light Freeride newcomer from Fischer. The 2019 My Ranger Free 110 impressed our test team with its slim look and very close fit in the lower boot that held every contour of the foot and leg with few hot spot complaints. The hike mode switch, hiding in plain sight under the top buckle on the lateral side of the cuff, was a favorite for how stealthy it was but also for how well it functioned.
Our test team placed this right between a medium and narrow—so pretty much what you'd expect from a 99 mm last. They gave it very even fit scores throughout the lower boot and upper cuff, meaning that it grabbed the foot and leg with a firm grip but in a contoured way that didn't offend bony bits or wide spots. They liked how easy it went on and off and that it buckled up in a straightforward, alpine sorta way without goofy overlaps and ladder straps. Not only did the My Ranger Free 110 get the highest score of the On-Off Area medium width group for Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel, it also outscored every On-Off Area boot in that criterion, regardless of its width group.
Bankable, regular, reliable from turn to turn, on every kind of terrain and snow surface is how testers described the My Ranger Free 110. They said it was more a steady-Eddie than it was lightning quick, but they praised the way they could count on this one for a powerful, smooth descent regardless of how they might have gotten to the top, whether by chairlift or sweat equity. The option to earn ones turns with this boot were the real deal, they said, citing its light weight (1580 grams in a 26/26.5) and a long-ranging, friction-free stride while in hike mode.
The My Ranger Free 110 ticks all the boxes for a modern, high performance On-Off Area (aka Freeride) boot: Grilamid shell and cuff, tech binding compatibility (Dynafit fittings), full-thermo liner, rockered soles (GripWalk), minimalist buckles and a superior cuff release and cuff rotation range of motion. And it does all of that with top shelf fit and performance. Well done, Fischer!
