Salomon X-ALP Explore Alpine Touring Ski Boot for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides

10
out of 10
1 Positive, 0 Mixed & 0 Negative
from 1 Review
Retail Price:
$400.00
Used Value:
$240.00
Sale Value:
$360.00

Developed in conjunction with Arc'teryx's revolutionary Procline, the Salomon X-Alp Explore Ski Boot is breaking trail in the backcountry world. The most forgiving boot in the X-Alp series, these ultralight kicks aren't just for the uber-extreme skimo racers—they make a serious argument for aggressive recreationalists looking to push their limits in the alpine.

It's hard to compete with the X-Alp's 3D cuff rotation—75 degrees fore and aft and 35 degrees laterally give you the natural and efficient feel of a hiking boot while you're powering through arduous approaches or maneuvering tricky kick turns. The waterproof gaiter keeps snow out of your boots while you're breaking trail after a storm, and the Contragrip rubber soles give you traction and security while you're traversing icy, wind-blasted ridges.

These boots shine on techy climbs and ominous traverses, but that's not to say they don't retain Salomon-worthy downhill performance when it's time to rip skins. With a carbon-reinforced Grilamid shell, the X-Alp offers solid power transmission on the descent, so you can confidently rip the hell out of that massive line you put your blood, sweat, and tears into.

Specifications

Brand:
Binding Compatibility:
tech
Buckles:
2
Claimed Weight:
[single, 27.5] 2lb 8.6oz
Last Width:
98mm
Liner:
My CustomFit
Manufacturer Warranty:
2 years
Recommended Use:
backcountry skiing, randonee, ski mountaineering
Shell Material:
[shell] Grilamid, [cuff and spine] carbon
Sole:
Contragrip
Thermo-moldable Liner:
yes
Walk Mode:
yes (75-degree fore/aft, 35-degree lateral)

Full Reviews

10
At just over a Kilo per boot, these boots are one of my favorite "go farther" boots. They are extremely mobile - with roughly 70 degrees of mobility forward and back - which is honestly more than the human ankle can handle. They also have lateral mobility in walk mode from side to side that makes side hilling and climbing feel amazing. They fit pretty comfortable out of the box - are a slightly narrower 98mm last - so aren't great for big fat wide feet. But i would consider my feet a medium and found these to work just fine. Paired up with a 99 underfoot or less ski and some light bindings - Salomon MTN is a great binding - these are powder hunting machines.
Alex Quitiquit, backcountry.com
September 10, 2020