Light boots
Lightness and walkability, but also downhill performance.
- Author: Claudio Primavesi
- Photographer: Nicola Damonte
Boots are the element in a setup that have resulted in the greatest expansion of this class. Because, thanks to the enhanced walkability of the latest generation of products—and in particular concerning freedom of movement at the ankle—setups can include a slightly heavier but much more universal and playful ski.
Because ultimately, most of us go skiing because it’s really great fun... right? If you can reduce the exertion of every step and use a lower heel riser because the ROM is so much better than in the past, then you’ll be willing to ride skis that weigh a few grams. An example pairing? The Scarpa F1 XT or Tecnica Zero G Peak are among the most supportive models even when used with burlier skis such as the Black Crows Orb. Yep, that's right: we’ve shifted this model from the Tour to the Light class in keeping with this principle. Light used to be synonymous with boots that were difficult to get on and off, and which featured a more technical fit
. For a few years now, we’ve been seeing improvements in these aspects— which incidentally are the ones that most concern people when trying boots on in the store—without too many compromises in downhill performance. The Zero G Peak paved the way in this regard; it has a more comfortable fit than its peers in this class and doesn’t feel intimidating when you ramp up the speed. Now, we’re seeing La Sportiva’s Kilo raise the bar again, especially regarding foot entry and exit, which are outstandingly swift and simple.
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Materials are evolving, which is increasing the opportunities for pushing the boundaries of mountaineering splitboarding. It’s no longer just about easy tours, a few jumps and a beer. Thanks to innovative new setups and growing knowledge within the community, long ascents and steep terrain no longer intimidate.
Weighing from less than 100 grams to nearly a kilo, the common denominator are the pins into which you stick your boots and that enable you to climb. From the revolution of the pin binding to the latest hybrids for freeriding, here are all the best bindings the skimo market has to offer.
Probably The most accurate ski test out there.
