Last tested
2024
Status:ongoing
2025

Stratos VI

Boot of the year Race
Minimalism to the nth degree for uncompromising performance: the best in descent
  • Buyer’s Guide reviews
  • In words
  • Technical specifications

    Buyer’s Guide reviews

    Performance by context
    Ascent
    Skiing
    Walking
    Climbing
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    The charts show our impressions from testing
    Product info
    Category average
    Recommended use
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    Recommended level
    Technical Level
    Beginner
    Intermediate
    Advanced
    High level
    Weight
    lightmedianheavy
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    In lab
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    In words

    Intro
    Unchanged from last season, it’s now in its sixth edition, with each iteration receiving minor refinements aimed at improving the overall performance. A few grams have been added with the latest upgrade, but only where needed, while it still remains one of the reference boots when it comes to absolute minimalism (see the hollow heel). The enhancements include the addition of a soft foam layer on the sole on the outside of the forefoot to enhance foot roll, and a higher gaiter.
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    product
    Walking
    The layer of soft foam on the outside of the forefoot around the sole adds a little extra power to your stride, attenuating slightly that jerking motion underfoot that puts it halfway between the Gignoux and the natural gait of the Alien 4.0. There's nothing to say about the cuff rotation, it is as free in its movement as it is from friction. Il tallone non è bloccato in sede come su Alien 4.0 e tende un po’ a scalzare in camminata (ma anche a essere conciliante con piedi meno magri posteriormente).
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    Lab
    The fit is full carbon, but compared to its direct competitors, there’s a tad more space, with some wiggle room for the toes. The cuff foam is thick and one of the best out there, providing a good balance between stability and damping. It takes a bit of time to figure out the best tension for the ski-walk mech and closure system. The well-designed buckle makes sure the cord stays put during races. A modicum of care is needed when donning crampons, as the heel is super minimalist.
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    Skiing
    Several factors contribute to making it the reference boot in terms of skiing performance, starting with the thick foam in the cuff, which improves progressive flex and damping. But it’s really the overall package that contributes to the result: a high and extended flap that closes well allowing for better turn control and fast driving during descents; the perfectly calibrated forward lean; the pivot point placed high and rearward on the shell to deliver the most effective geometry; the overall rigidity of the structure. Skier inputs are directly and precisely transmitted, allowing for corrections to be transferred to the ski-binding system instantly. On the downhill, it’s the best out there.
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    Technical specifications

    LINER MATERIALS
    carbon fiber
    SHELL MATERIALS
    carbon fiber
    INSERT TYPE
    S4 Insert
    Buckle description
    race-ready ski/walk mechanism with Dyneema cable + speed lace
    Sole description
    Vibram Litebase
    Liner description
    Stratos VI
    No. of buckles
    2
    Lean forward
    10°/19°
    Available sizes
    24–29.5 mp, including half sizes
    Released in
    2023
    Made in
    Italy
    Price
    2000 €
    Declared specsMeasured by us
    We measured the measure 28 to get all the details
    530 gr
    Individual weight
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Liner weight
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Shell weight
    XXXXX
    N/A
    External shell length
    XXXXX
    N/A
    External shell width
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Inner shell width
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Pin distance
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Force to 20° back
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Force to 20° forward
    XXXXX
    80 °
    Cuff ROM
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Maximum cuff height
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Maximum tongue height
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Maximum forefoot width
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Maximum ankle width
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Sole thickness at toe
    XXXXX
    100 mm
    Last
    XXXXX
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