Salomon X Access 80

Model Year
2017-18
Category
All-Mountain Traditional
Last Width
104
Flex Index
80
Price (MSRP)
$300.00USD

The Gist

Surprising sleeper, said testers about the 2018 Salomon X Access 80 who were shocked at the 300 dollar price tag (one tester was guessing 500 by the way it skied). They said it showed more backbone than expected at a mere 80-flex and maintained just enough hold of the heel and ankle to provide adequate tracking while the rest of the foot and leg enjoyed the spacious 104 mm last.

The Fit

Evenly wide everywhere with a hint of connection at the ankles and in the heel pocket—this is a comfy boat for high volume feet, or those who would rather ski in Crocs or flip-flops if they could. The flex feel was appropriately cushioned by the liner's plush tongue, and while soft, the X Access 80's flex didn't collapse and managed an eventual stopping point.

Performance

This is the high-volume intermediate skier's ideal ride said testers who thought the neutral stance angles, anatomical (if huge) fit, and functional flex feel would add up to instant improvement of both technique and comfort—for a street price (MAP) of 250 clams. Damn!

Cool Features

The coolest feature here is really the leftover dough a skier will have to upgrade skis and maybe outerwear, but this is a legit four-buckle with a Velcro powerstrap.

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
25.5-31.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Wide
Also in this Collection 
X Access 70, $200
Cantology Compatible 
No
Total Avg Score 
17.50
  • 2017-18 Salomon X Access 80 at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test
  • 2017-18 Salomon X Access 80 at America's Best Bootfitters Boot Test

Kudos

  • “This boot was way surprising for $300! Stiffer than a lot of the 100-flex boots out there.” --
  • “Worked well, both in quick turns off-piste and long haul-ass carves on the corduroy!” -- Mike Evans
  • “For an 80-flex it did just fine.” --
  • “Fun boot—the flex is dead-on!” -- Kevin Anderson

Caveats

  • “A little dull in the transitions.” --
  • “Cave-like.” -- Mike Evans

This boot available at...

Seattle, WA
Columbia, SC
Stowe, VT
Avon, CO
Schweitzer, ID

Special thanks to all of our sponsors!

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