other categories: plug | consumer race/expert | all mountain | moving up | cruising
Out for Fun
‘Cheap’ and ‘good’ go together like ‘Red Sox’ and ‘World Series Champions:’ it’s a combination that simply doesn’t occur very often. When it comes to buying ski boots, even enthusiastic beginners should consider upgrading a category to our Cruisers. They will serve you better and longer than a pure entry-level model. Nevertheless, we found a few good bargains here for casual skiers who consider the sport just one of their recreational activities, if not something that’s always on the front burner. If you slide 5-8 days a year, feel comfortable on the buffed blues but harbor few hopes of ever skiing difficult terrain, these boots will be reliable transportation. They will reward good technique when you’re at the top of your game but forgive momentary lapses.
Atomic B5 $299
Uses cheaper TPO plastic shell and liner, plastic buckles
and thinner Velcro strap.
Dalbello Visio 7.5 $350
Uses only two buckles for ease. Lower buckle controls band that
also snugs forefoot.Key Features
V-wrap forefoot retentions.
Soft cuff insert cushions.
Two-position flex.
Walk-ski mechanism.
Ramp angle inclinator with allen key adjuster under heel.
Auto-extender cuff volume expansion for larger calves
Therm-ic pre-wired heater.
Dolomite Aspect AX 9.4 (Flex index 70) $379
Key Features
Conventional innerboot.
No Twin Tongue or twin power straps.
No micro-adjustable buckles.
Fischer F 6000/W $400
Similar to 7000, but with shell plastic change and softer flex.
Head Edge 10 (Flex index 63/53) $425
This Edge 10 is almost a photocopy of the 10.5 that earned a Best Buy designation in our Cruising category but it’s softer flexing. It retains
much of Head’s cutting-edge technology including double cuff adjusters, a two-position flex adjuster and movable arch and spoiler. Also on-board are spring-loaded Dynamic Response buckles for even load distribution and the fold-out Power Buckle levers that increase closure leverage. These are features learning skiers will really appreciate. Missing is the two-position instep buckle. The innerboot also lacks support features incorporated in the 10.5.On The Hill
One of few entry level boots that puts you in a functional position for skiing. If you make the right movements, it will reward you with carved turns, not skids. It’s easy on and off and has the basic adjustments necessary to customize stance and performance. Solid hardware with metal buckles that close with surety.
Beware
Big and heavy skiers will need the 10.5.
Lange Epsylon 95/W $425
Epsilon replaces SFT (Soft) line that has been discontinued and 95 is top of new collection. Uses essentially same shell construction and last as last year’s SFT but substitutes funky instep criss-cross web closure with wishbone buckle that pulls from two mounts on medial side.
Key Features
Wide opening shell with lots of overlapping flanges.
Wishbone double traction buckle said to do double duty and secure instep and forefoot with one clasp.
Soft Touch rubber covers on buckle ends.
Flex adjuster
Easy Step toe and heel for improved traction in slippery situations.
Nordica Easymove 12/W (Flex index 55 men, 45 women) $425
Comfort and convenience oriented with wide 105mm forefoot last.
Key Features
Ski/walk switch
No-tool multi-macro adjust cuff buckles
Rossignol Open X 1/W (Flex index 60 men’s, 55 women) $399
Soft franchise extends with new women’s models and textile-inspired
Open series which borrows lower from Salto/Saphir.
Key Features
Four buckles, not much else.
Salomon Performa 8.0/W (Flex index 75 men’s, 80 women’s) $425
Key Features
New shell geometry
New liner with “Shin Pillow” air cushioned pads absorb shock and mold to tibia.
E 2 (Easy Enduro) corrugated traction heel and toe lugs make for super easy walking.
New buckles that macro adjust without tools.
Slick fit slippery “shoehorn” liner for easy entry/exit. 3D buckle.Review
Salomon has revamped its Performa collection, improving what is the world’s best-selling boot line. The easy-in shell (which spawned the current generation of ‘no-hands’ entry designs) has been graced with new geometry for more precise fit. This 8.0’s liner has honeycombed, air-cushioned pads to better absorb shock and mold to the tibia. A slippery ‘shoehorn’ panel further eases entry and exit. Its new buckles macro-adjust without tools, most notably the spring-loaded 3D buckle that changes draw angle over the instep. The clever E 2 (Easy Enduro) traction soles that debuted in Salomon’s rental boot last season have been added to all Performas for super grip on the slippery stuff.
On The Hill
An ideal blend of forgiveness and resistance. It flexes easily but doesn’t fold like a taco or hit a wall. It moves laterally like a malamute on a hot day but responds when gently lashed. Perfect friend to move up the ladder with. It is so comfortable one tester wrote, “I could ski all day and then go grocery shopping before taking them off.”
Beware
Pearlized buckle insets are a bit fem for guys. They nicely compliment any Bogner one-piece, though.
Tecnica Tecnica Entryx 9/L $425
Key Features
Rapid Access cuff (longer arm for better wrapping.)
Vibration absorption in heel.
Flex adjuster (2 positions)
Cuff alignment (3 positions only)
Hinged Instep, Enlarged toe box, Lycra on liner spine.Review
While everyone else was attempting to better squeeze feet into ski boots through a tube, Tecnica engineers stepped back and mused, “Isn’t it easier to walk through a door?” Enter Entryx, named for its signature feature, the swinging gate upper cuff called Rapid Access that works so well it has been added to other Tecnica boots. Besides offering convenience, Rapid Access also improves performance as the two cuff pieces better taper to the lower leg for more effective wrapping. The Entryx 9 has all the techy features you could want: A soft/hard flex adjuster, smooth macro/micro-setting buckles of rugged aluminum and vibration absorption pads in the sole. It has been tuned up for this season.
On The Hill
Dr. Jekyll meet Mr. Hyde. This is two very different boots depending on where you set the flex adjuster. It can befriend the most cautious skier when set soft and ratchet up nicely in the hard setting for those putting energy into their turns. Best of all, no tools are required to change personality (but the selector works better when the buckles are unclamped). It does not penalize for mistakes and inspires confidence on groomed terrain.
Beware
Tecnicas run big for marked size and this one is for a high volume foot.
