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.
We’ve tested Fischer’s Vacuum technology before and it works great. Unfortunately, this year no Vacuum system was available for our test camp. So we skied the Hybrid W 10+ Vacuum Full Fit stock out of the box. Our testers, many of whom ski regularly in narrow last boots, liked how well it fit and skied with no alterations. Mind you, off the rack it fits like a narrow-medium or a medium-narrow, which it should at a starting width of 98mm. Post-Vacuum, it can grow to a whopping 108mm.
Most testers described a slightly too-tight fit everywhere with just a touch of breathing room in the toebox. That’s when your tech will deploy the Vacuum Full Fit option to open up the fit in the forefoot and instep while maintaining a perfectly snug ankle and heel. The Vacuum 2Zone station provides “two-zone heating.” You can vary the snugness independently between front and rear of a Vacuum boot. Just tell your fit tech tighter or looser until it's just right and it will be so.
Testers liked the lateral pop and energy, especially on smooth surfaces. Quick and tactile, the Hybrid W 10+ is sensitive underfoot and fast to react. Some thought the off-the-rack forward lean angle was a touch too advanced and said they'd Vacuum mold the boot using the 14-degree forward lean setting to straighten up the stance.
They thought the 100 flex mark Fischer claims was false modesty. It’s no push-over, they said, calling the flex smooth and powerful. Testers gave the hike-mode range of motion and cuff rotation a thumbs-up but thought the Hybrid W was a little too heavy and furry for long, sweaty skin-sojourns. They said it was fine for quick outings not far from the chair or a stroll to grab an après ski hot toddy.
Super moldable Ultralon foam liner helps personalize fit and can be molded in concert with the Vacuum process or separately. The new buckles are jazzy.
Sometimes the marketing team gets it so right without a bunch of superfluous platitudes. This is one of those times. So we're just gonna steal what K2 say about this boot: "Designed for women looking for comfort all day, from the morning in the parking lot to the afternoon in the lodge." Testers said “amen” to that, and nicely done hitting the target.
It's big, testers said, with room everywhere and plenty of cushion for the thick of foot or women looking for a relaxed fit. The ankle pockets grab the foot just enough to make turns happen. The cuff is open to accept thicker calves even with the spoiler in. Removing it provides substantially more room there. Putting the B.F.C. W 90 on was super-easy.
The 90 flex held its own, maybe even punched above its weight class a bit when taxed, testers said. It was reasonably quick turn-to-turn, even for our slender footed testers who weren't touching wall-to-wall. The cuff was supportive, capable of making strong, predictable edging moves. Testers all dug the ease of use and range of walking motion provided by the Synchro Interlock cuff release.
The soft, bi-injected material at the instep makes this boot ridiculously easy to get on and off. Pop the cuff release and it virtually crawls onto your foot. There are ease-on double pull loops on the liner but we doubt anyone will ever use both. The soles are grippy for secure walking and K2's standard (and cool) lateral cuff adjustment mechanisms are on board. B.F.C.? Bargain For Certain.
Solid and snugger-than-medium ripper for on-area charging and the occasional jaunt, the Minaret 100 was a tester favorite for its ready skiing game and long range of motion in hike mode.
Testers concur that the fit across the top of the foot and in the toebox is something of a problem until the liner is properly heat molded with toecaps and pre-pads for one's midfoot bump. After that was accomplished, testers loved the snug-all-over fit (even though it remains on the tight side of medium). The flex feel is on target at 100, they said, and they like the flex feel and cushion of the tongue against the tibia.
Testers just put it on and went skiing—no having to figure out how it worked or modify their stance and style. They just went out and ripped around the mountain. A few said the fore-aft stance was a little forward, but nothing that couldn't be improved by modifying the rear spoiler. Solid at speed, solid on hard snow, agile and accurate in tight spots—there wasn't anything holding this boot back on the down. Testers liked the function and range of motion (forward and back, both) of the Synchro Interlock mechanism but said the boot felt too heavy for long sorties beyond the area boundary.
Sole lug-integrated tech fittings provide the option to use a lighter weight, low-tech binding or stick with alpine norm bindings. This year rockered, Vibram soles are available at an additional charge.
Returns unchanged. The Alltrack Pro 110 W is go-anywhere, do-anything luxury SUV with a super plush interior. Remains an On-Off Area category favorite for how well it skis and its high comfort quotient.
Compared to others in the group, testers found it fit long and fairly open in the toebox. Some felt it verged on “boxy”. It tapers nicely towards the rearfoot, gripping the heel and ankles with comfort padding that’s firm enough to get the job done well.
The cuff is upright and open, good for medium to wide calves. The upper portion of the liner is fur-lined which was a-okay with testers. As always, testers liked the progressive flex feel and even fit along the shin, a Rossi trait these days.
Testers liked that they were able to move from the upright starting point to a more forward position through the turn though they felt the boot flexed somewhat softer than its marked 110. A few said they had a hard time maintaining a forward position due the fairly low-ramp-angle bootboard. Easily rectified with a small heel lift, they said.
Testers unanimously applauded how predictable and smooth the Alltrack rolled edge-to-edge and maintained a stable platform for aggressive arc attacks.
The hike mode continues to disappoint testers who say it's not easy to disengage the Posi Block mechanism that offers only limited range of movement. But they unanimously agreed that the positives far outweigh this small inconvenience. The Alltrack Pro 110 W is about comfort and power for in-area skiing with a passing nod to assisting a short skin or hike.
Thinsulate Platinum adds some extra warmth to an already warm liner construction. Single side cuff adjustment should be enough to get most almost-neutral women dialed side-to-side.
Testers liked the extra room in the toebox, forefoot and through the instep, claiming that thicker footed intermediate-ish gals looking at wide last boots should put this on their list for great value, even though it's classed as a medium width.
Testers scored the Kara 95 as a wide… not that this is bad, but it'd be on the roomy side of the 100mm category group tested. The instep fit particularly provides a high ceiling, so a great solution for higher volume feet—but not the best retention there for lower insteps. The cuff is upright with a nice feel against the shin, testers said. Overall, they liked the cushioned feel of the All Mountain LS liner.
Surprisingly strong on edge and able in all-mountain conditions for the money, testers claimed. The flex feel is tougher than 95 and laterally the Kara 95 could drive a ski at speed and especially tore into softer snow surfaces. Quickness scores were muted by the oversized fit, but it managed to go edge-to-edge just fine, they said.
The hike mode is basic and limited in its range of motion but it's a good après chilling accoutrement.
Most testers loved the snug grip of the lower boot across the top of the foot; some found it too firm over the midfoot. Most testers loved the upright and soft flexing cuff, while others pushed it to max and wished for more resistance. All loved the QST Pro 110 W's light weight and easy-to-use, sideways-mounted hike mode switch.
You can tell it'll be a close fit over the top of the foot just by looking at the sleek, low-slung profile of the Endofit construction. It marries a cutaway cabrio lower shell to a structural tongue with a hard outer exoskeleton that the buckles over wrap. Tres avant garde.
Testers with low volume feet and lower insteps loved the snug press along the top of the foot; those with higher volume feet were smashed there and experienced numbness. Testers who underwent Custom Shell molding in the QST Pro 110 W reported improved instep fit.
The cuff wraps snugly; the slender-legged loved it. It’s on the upright side of the spectrum, but testers said it's also quite a bit softer than the 110 rating so many ended up feeling balanced fore and aft as a result.
Testers liked the QST’s transitional quickness. The lightweight feel on the foot translated to rapid fire edging movements. Testers felt the stance wasn’t quite on target, sitting somewhat rearward and said a little heel lift or rear spoiler would help them find the front of the ski easier. The sideways-mounted Surelock hike mode switch was a tester favorite. They said its ease of use and smooth range of motion when released was one of the QST’s top attributes.
In addition to Custom Shell molding and the Surelock cuff release, the shell utilizes polyamide plastic (like nylon) in the lowest part of the lower shell for a super stiff, thin shell wall that shaves weight and increases responsiveness.
The boot world’s version of the woman who goes around lamenting her girth while easily slinking into a size 4. It’s not the medium-width fit Scarpa claims. Testers all agreed that it is one hell of a ripping, narrow-fitting, lightweight hiker.
It will take some work to get it to fit perfectly but it’s worth the effort, testers concluded. They say full molding of the Intuition Speed Ride Women's liner is required if you expect to have a shot at wearing the Freedom SL in comfort. Even after custom molding most of our testers still needed a little more bootfitter-made room in the lower to accommodate bony prominences. How the boot is classified as a 101 was bewildering to them. What was not at all puzzling was their affinity for the snug and lightweight grip on their feet.
The cuff fit drew mixed reviews. Testers felt it was both a little low on the leg and fairly narrow in fit. Our taller women over-powered it and said it felt softer than its billed 120 flex. Large calf testers couldn't get it buckled, so they moved on. The lightweight Pebax construction and lightweight Intuition liner were noticeably featherweight on the foot, testers said.
The power generated by the carbon fiber rail molded into the lower shell base was evident to testers. They said it turned a lightweight Pebax backcountry boot into a race-capable boot that easily put a ski on edge and jammed it through the arc on even the hardest snow.
The performance fit of the Intuition liner and close grip of the shell combine for laser-accurate steering moves and turn transitions. Many testers had issues with the lateral cuff geometry of the Freedom SL, citing its bowlegged set-up which loaded them with a lot of inside edge bias. That made it difficult to engage the little toe edge and rendered their skis a little hooky. A cuff adjustment, at least, will be required for most to achieve a balanced position.
The Ride Power Block hike mode release mechanism is straightforward, bomb-proof and easily switched. It allows for a massive amount of unhindered, smooth travel both fore and aft while hiking or skinning. Best in the category by far, testers said.
The lateral cuff adjuster can negate some of that out-of-the-box grippy inside edge feel. The forward lean angle is also adjustable. Comes stock with rockered, tech-compatible Vibram soles; an alpine sole set is optional ($39.99). Depending on your taste, you may have to ski past the cosmetic scheme. One tester said the raspberry-colored design looked like a skin disease.
Testers liked the completely revised Cochise 105 W. It’s lighter and has a curvier, more anatomical fit. It’s put together well and has plenty of skiing power. An improved hike mode range of motion and cool new cosmetics lift this boot’s star another notch.
Tecnica nailed the fit, testers said. At 99mm, it’s right between narrow and medium. The liner felt cushioned and firm. It won’t pack out nor feel harsh.
Firm hold in key fit zones (like the heel and ankle) belies the soft touch against the foot.
Testers appreciated the new anatomical sculpting of the C.A.S. (Custom Adaptive Shape) shell and liner that combine to provide a welcoming fit at traditional problem areas (big toe, forefoot, navicular bone, ankles and Achilles) while maintaining snugness where needed.
The new Power Light Design shell incorporates a stiffer, thinner plastic along the base of the lower boot and up into the rear spine. That creates a lighter but simultaneously stronger feel on snow. Testers liked how powerful, smooth and connected turns felt; much quicker and livelier than the Cochise of old.
Stance angles and cuff height were on the money. Testers said the stiffness was as advertised and there was no unwanted rearward movement while skiing. The hike mode range of motion was excellent both forward and rearward with an improved, frictionless feel.
The C.A.S. (Custom Adaptive Shape) shell and liner are designed to make bootfitting modifications targeted and effective. The materials and construction makes it easy for techs to get targeted stretches and grinds to improve fit comfort while keeping the overall fit performance snug. Bravo Tecnica.
Dynafit certified tech inserts at the toe and heel provide options on lighter bindings for touring. Testers said the Merino wool liner construction keeps things soft and warm.
Heat molding the Elite 130's liner was key to evening-out the lower boot fit and tapping into the boot's solid edging game. The on-board InTemp heater system is slickest ever created.
Testers said the boot fits short and uncharacteristically tight for a supposedly wide last. The toebox, forefoot and instep all rang the narrow-fit bell initially. There is more room flaring back toward the rearfoot and up into the cuff.
After heat molding the well-padded liner, they found a more even fit. Testers said that due to the short length and tight toebox, up-sizing may be the way to achieve a true wide-last spirit here. Let your bootfitter know if you find the initial try-on size too confining. Testers liked the softer-than-130 flex feel but said it came to abrupt halt at the end of its range.
Side-to-side moves were rewarded in the form of fat trenches. It was stable at speed and offered plenty of edge grip and power on hard and soft snow alike. Testers thought the thick liner robbed the boot of some of its quickness aptitude but on the flip side it made for a shock-absorbing ride through off-piste chop. The hike mode is easily actuated (you can even do it with a ski pole tip) and provides an adequate range of movement. Testers said the boot is on the heavy side for the category.
The InTemp heater system raises not only the temperature but the design bar for heaters. The liner toebox has a thin Mylar wrap-around heating element to provide a surround-heat effect. The slim battery is stowed in the back portion of the liner. The InTemp charger costs $200 extra. The Volume Control Plate (VCP) bootboard can be flipped upside down to create a lower-volume fit.
Tons of useful and well-designed features in a narrow and stiff flexing boot: carbon fiber rear cuff, removable external tongue for insane hike mode range, tech compatible toe and heel lugs with swap-out rockered soles and an Intuition (I.D.) liner. At $1,100, it’s charting stratospheric new price territory for Dalbello but testers say it’s worth every penny, provided you mold the I.D. liner.
First thing (and worst thing) first: entry and exit is demanding. The liner is a race room style lace-up; then you cram foot and liner into the shell. That’s gate-cracker rigmarole. We ain't racers and neither are the guys that are gonna buy this boot. Testers accepted the arduous process because the skiing product was worth the effort.
It’s a real 98mm, which means it's tight, but not yet exactly right, straight out of the box. Prior to liner molding, testers said, “Ow, momma” at the forefoot, navicular bone, styloid process and ankles. After liner molding, testers raved about the snug, painted-on and perfectly cushioned feel. It felt ready to stomp landings they said, and they hadn't even left the test center yet. The upper cuff is tall and narrow; the rearward support from the carbon cuff evident. Big calves won't like the potential Jackie Chan karate chop waiting for them there.
The lateral stance is set just a touch inside, meaning dead flat to slightly outside-edged. That made the boot loose and jibby underfoot but the tall, strong cuff was ready to roll the ski up on edge and put the hammer down when it engages.
Big, deep, gouging hacks and sweeping bottom turns were the Lupo's forte. It slashed the hell out of anything that looked like a wave. It aired comfortably off every hit. The flex was just soft enough (125ish) that testers could move through the flex range and stay balanced, even though the starting point was a little upright. Best Dalbello ever our off-piste specialists said.
The easily removable external tongue comes off to reveal a full-height waterproof gusset. It’s super-handy for skinning, hiking or walking. Make sure you have a pack or somewhere to stash them. With the tongue out of the way and the cuff block disengaged, the cuff range of motion is shockingly wide and smooth. Testers were blown away by how it felt and functioned in hike mode.
A big, strong boot for big, strong skiers with thicker feet and legs, testers said. Agile as a big cat and powerful in a quiet, damp sort way. You won't know you're going fast until you're going way too fast.
The Panterra 120 is roomy in the toebox and forefoot. The initial fit borders on medium width elsewhere in the lower, according to testers. They also noted that the fit tension relaxed during skiing.
The cuff is roomy enough for thick legged skiers and tall on the leg shaft with a firm flex feel. It’s engineered to best suit taller guys, testers said. All testers liked the Dynalink 45-degree buckle and how it retains the foot in a smooth, snug manner across the instep. While a few testers scoffed at the touted ability of the VVF buckle (Variable Volume Fit) to turn a 102mm last into a 100mm—buckles do make boots tighter, right? But the VVF buckle tightens the radius of the lower boot without dropping the top of the boot onto the foot. They did agree that the way it's constructed works to maintain a tall, round fit in the toebox and forefoot in its tighter setting.
Testers liked the Panterra 120’s shock-absorbing feel and broad torque curve. It’s powerful on edge and shines at speed. It’s a little slumberous for lighter guys at slower speeds; it likes to work at terminal velocity and hammer things out, man-to-man. Shorter guys found their legs swallowed-up by the high-rise cuff but taller skiers gave the Panterra good quickness scores. Testers were not particularly impressed with the boot's range of motion with the cuff released, but it’s an easily actuated hike mode and useful for a now-and-again boot pack mission.
The VVF buckle is designed with set it and forget it convenience. Set the fit with the buckle, and then leave it alone, putting on and taking off the boot with it closed. It works. Testers say it's still easy on-and-off even with the VVF buckle closed. There’s an upgrade 120 model that comes with an Intuition I.D. liner for an extra $100, but testers were happy with the fit and value here.
The lightweight, thin shell wall VFF Pro puts skiers in direct contact with the ski and snow. It pumps out seemingly never ending agile, quick transitions thanks to an unhindered, snappy flex. Testers love the personalized, custom fit of the VFF Pro that stems from, well, the fact that it's a personalized, custom fit.
Fully custom-built in every way possible to each owner’s personal foot and leg dimensions. Local dealers take measurements and send them to DaleBoot’s Salt Lake City factory where shell components are tailored in tricky fit areas.
The lower boot can be made as narrow as a World Cup plug boot or wider than the widest stock last boot on the market. The upper boot is matched to the leg's length in one of two different available stiffnesses.
It’s fine-tuned back at the shop where an Intuition liner is full thermo-molded (spiral wrap or traditional tongue in a variety of different thicknesses and densities) and stance alignment fine-tuned.
Our test team liked the close-wrapping, firm feel of the liner against the foot and lower leg, citing "shrink-wrapped" fit tension without hot spots. The flex feel is classic DaleBoot three-piece, long and friendly against the shin. The various overlaps and reverse-throw buckles never cease to initially confuse testers but they all seem to come around with some familiarization time. Long-time owners report no issues.
The high durometer, thin-walled polyether "clog" (or cabrio lower shell), produces a strong, edge-driving machine with an unusually sensitive feel for the ski and snow. The three-quarter length bootboard puts the forefoot directly on the bottom of the shell. That yields a tuned-in feel underfoot that enables lightning quick lateral moves and subtle edge adjustments for precise transitions.
Coupled with the cuff's long travel flex feel (which can be stiffness-tuned by a spring tension cable adjustment) the stiff and light nature of the lower creates a great blend of performance attributes for on- and off-piste skiing alike. It's no wonder that bump skiers love this boot. It’s a shock-absorbing shin fit paradise.
All the final fitting and stance alignment fine-tuning (via DaleBoot's cool snap-on canted soles) is included in the purchase price. A good deal for a truly custom boot.
