The Skis: Surface Walk Free

With 100mm underfoot and an early-rise tip, the 176cm Surface Walk Free’s are shorter and narrower than the Live Life’s I’ve been touring on for the past two seasons, but I’m anxious to have a little more liveliness and versatility in all conditions. MSRP: $574 – buy now

The Bindings: Dynafit TLT Radical ST

My first go at Tech bindings is the all-new Dynafit TLT Radical ST. This year, the heel lifters don’t require the pole-breaking twist process and they also feature new Side Towers in the toepiece for easier entry (with Dynafit boots — thank goodness I have my Titans). MSRP: $489 – buy now

The Skins: G3 Alpinist

G3 has been quietly making great backcountry products for a long time out of North Vancouver, BC. And, their Alpinist Skins feature a unique double-clip system that works with today’s super-wide tips (something that gives my BD skins fits). MSRP: $154-169 – buy now

The Boots (1): Garmont Delirium

Burly inbounds and solid in the backcountry, the new Garmont Delirium has interchangeable soles for alpine binders and are also Tech-compatible for touring. Though swappable soles seem like a great idea on paper, I’ve yet to find a pair that executes it flawlessly. Perhaps the new Delirium will break that curse. MSRP: $799 – buy now

The Boots (2): Scarpa Mobe

The Mobe is Scarpa’s answer to “total mountain domination” backcountry. The Mobe (say it Mo Bay) is on par with the Hurricane Pro in stiffness, but yet remains lightweight and capable for both inbounds and out. This is a backcountry boot with enough burls to tackle the fattest skis and gnarliest terrain you can dish out. MSRP: $749 – buy now

Alas, now all I need is some actual snow in the Wasatch. Stay tuned for updates. In the meantime, I’m out trail running, road biking and mountain biking.

Salomon Quest AT Ski Boots

Tucked in the back corner of the Salomon booth was a little-known product release for the backcountry skiing crowd–Salomon’s first backcountry ski boots. The new Quest boot line features all the downhill goodness Salomon is known for, all wrapped in a touring-friendly design.

While these aren’t for long-range backcountry ski tours, they are for hard-charging inbounds and out in all conditions. For my type of skiing, these may just be the single boot to rule them all. Yeah, they are going to be a little heavier than dedicated touring boots, but if you ski both front side and backside and only have the funds for a single boot, these will likely be a safe choice for overall performance.

A few key features of the Salomon Quest ski boot line:

• 3 buckle design
• Burly powerstrap
• Interchangeable Contagrip soles (DIN or AT/Dynafit Blocks)
• Thermo formable liner
• 3.86 lbs each (Quest Pro Pebax)
• Magnesium Backbone for improved power
• Tour/ski mode

I slipped into the Quest Pebax Pro (shown below) for a walkabout and I must say I’m impressed with the fit and power of these boots. The walk mode is surprisingly capable and the overall fit is nice and comfy (101mm last). These compete directly with the Black Diamond Factor boot and will find homes in mountain towns all across the Rockies. With Salomon’s solid ski boot reputation and distribution, they will be a force to be reckoned with, for sure.

Prices are TBA and availability will be Fall 2010 at a ski shop near you.

Scarpa Mobe AT Ski Boots

Coming in at a respectable 7 lbs 14 oz, the new Scarpa Mobe (mo-bay) freeride AT ski boot builds on the popular and solid Skookum boot with the new Powerblock Tour mechanism. What this does is mimic the performance of a fixed-cuff boot design as closely as possible yet still offers excellent walking capability. Another cool feature are the spring-like metal bands holding the buckles on the lowers. When open, they are kept away from the tongue so they don’t interfere with entry/exit and closure of the tongue.

This is a burly 4-buckle boot for hard-charging inbounds or in the backcountry. I like that they don’t offer DIN blocks here (to go full alpine, you can select the Hurricane, which gets a walk mode for Fall 2010) because the reality is that you will likely never swap them out–in spite of what the marketing hype says. As usual, the Intuition liner is standard for a glove-like fit.

The Scarpa Mobe will be for those who either want a single boot and ski Marker Duke or Fritschi Freeride bindings or for those who charge hard in the backcountry and want no-compromise kicks.

Look for these boots this Fall. They will cost you $759.

None of these boots are intended to be crossover alpine/backcountry boots–they are dedicated backcountry ski boots for soft snow and fast ascents.

Dynafit TLT 5 Mountain & Carbon

Available in two versions (Mountain or Carbon), this new platform is amazingly-light and comfortable. These were the only ones of the bunch that I was able to try on and I can’t tell you how impressed I am. They are minimalistic in design with a form-fitting shell, two buckles, a removable tongue and the best walkability of any backcountry ski boot I’ve ever worn.

Honestly, these boots are like a good-fitting pair of hiking boots as the fore-aft flex in walk mode is truly uninhibited (a full 60-degrees). Lifting my foot up in the air, I could flex the boot through its range of motion simply by pushing and pulling with my toes–try that with other touring boots!

The walk mode is engaged and disengaged by the dual-purpose upper buckle. There is a notch on the buckle that slips into the back of the shell to lock into ski mode. This dual-purpose buckle reduces weight and all-but eliminates the likelihood of skiing in walk mode (we’ve all done that).

Lateral stiffness is ample for pushing today’s lightweight fat skis and forward flex is sufficient, but make no mistake… these aren’t made to bomb groomers. They are made to take you to the goods. That being said, the Carbon version will provide more stiffness at a lighter weight (and an increased cost).

Liners are thermo-fit for customized foot-snugging comfort and the soles are Dynafit-only (the only bummer) for use with Dynafit’s full line of bindings.

Weight is just over 4 lbs per pair and MSRP will be $720 for the Mountain and $989 for the Carbon version. Availability will be Fall 2010.

The Dynafit TLT5 Mountain

Dynafit TLT5 Carbon

Black Diamond Quadrant

The Quadrant headlines the new Efficient Series from Black Diamond. These boots are still pretty substantial, but compared to the BD Factor, they are decidedly backcountry-specific. While the color scheme might put off some, the technology built into these boots for the price ($649) is astounding.

Sporting a full 40-degrees range of motion, the Quadrant’s will be walkable and with a 120 flex rating, they will also be skiable in powder, hardpack and everything in between. Liners are cinched with a quieter and more efficient BOA system. Binding compatibility out-of-the-box will be with all backcountry ski bindings on the market–no DIN blocks here.

This is a really great new boot from BD and will compete with the likes of the Garmont Radium–meaning its’ definitely the burliest of this bunch. Tipping the scales at 7 lbs 10 oz, they are light, but not uber-light like the other boots you see here.

Black Diamond Quadrant

Garmont Masterlite

With a design that took its cues from Spiderman, the web-like shell design (Pebax Webframe) has been strategically-designed for support and stiffness while reducing overall weight (4.8 lbs per pair). Developed by Garmont engineers over the past two seasons, the Masterlite is intended for those seeking efficient uphill and dependable downhill travel.

I find it odd that the powerstrap is optional, but it is, so I’ll get over it. The new Light Thermo Liner should provide solid comfort for your foot with ample room for your digits. Forward lean is an aggressive 24 degrees and walkability should be superb. Speaking of that, the walk/ski mode toggle is a little different than most boots as it utilizes a little pulltab to engage the walk mode instead of the typical lever of sorts.

I didn’t have a ton of time to look these over, but they appear to be along similar lines as the Dynafit TLT5 series above. MSRP is $819.

Garmont Masterlite - Spiderman-Approved

Scarpa Maestrale

Scarpa is completely switching things up for 2010/2011 by ditching the Spirit 3/4 in favor of an entirely-new boot platform called the Maestrale (GEA for Women). Tipping the scales at a respectable 6.75 lbs per pair, the Maestrale splits the difference between the Garmont Masterlite and the BD Quadrant while promising adequate power to drive today’s fatty fat touring skis.

A unique feature of these boots is the asymmetrical hinged tongue that flips out of the way for easy entry and exit. It also simplifies the buckling process by reducing overlapping plastic. This boot looks to be the everyman boot with enough power to drive any ski on the market, but with excellent walkability. Another great change is the new Active Power Strap that provides the same function as the previous ones, but in a simplified design.

As is typical with Scarpa’s boots, these come with the killer Intuition Pro Flex G liner and the price is unbelievably only $599–definitely the best value in the bunch!

Scarpa Maestrale AT Ski Boots - The Ones to Beat

May I present the 2009 FeedTheHabit.com Gear of the Year:

DaKine Blockade Gloves

Super-versatile, comfortable and warm enough for most high-output winter activities (backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, trail running, etc.), the DaKine Blockade gloves feature Gore Windstopper and softshell fabrics to ensure long-term durability. Read full review…

Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover

This jacket quickly won me over with its ultralight insulation and flexibility. Use it as a mid-layer or outer layer–either way, the Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover is a winner. Read full review…

Mountain Hardwear Hooded Compressor PL Jacket

Lightweight and even more versatile than the Patagonia Nano Puff, the Mountain Hardwear Hooded Compressor Jacket utilizes Primaloft Eco insulation and has all the bells-and-whistles you’d expect from Mountain Hardwear. I love the warmth of this jacket and found it to be an excellent outer layer for backcountry touring when things got chilly. Read full review…

Scarpa Skookum Alpine Touring Ski Boots

With the versatility to go Dynafit or Fritschi, the Scarpa Skookum’s are a solid choice for burly backcountry tours. The extra weight is well worth it on the Skookum as these boots absolutely shine on the down while maintaining supreme walkability on the up. The Intuition liner and proven design make the these winners. Read full review…

Arc’teryx Fury AR Windstopper Pants

It’s usually hard to find fault with Arc’teryx gear and the Fury AR pants are great backcountry skiing pants. The trim fit of the Windstopper softshell fabric screams efficiency, but the brushed lining also helps them breathe while adding a titch of warmth when needed. Read full review…

La Sportiva Crosslite Trail Runners

Tenacious grip… race-car handling… nope, not an Audi S4, but the now-beloved La Sportiva Crosslite trail running shoes. These kicks were fast and fun on the trails. While not cushiony enough for long-distance training (at least for a flat-footer like me), these shoes simply nailed it on 4-5 mile runs and would be an excellent choice for race-day. Read full review…

Chaco Paradox Sandals

Not the most technical footwear but fun and extremely-comfortable shoes/sandals for cruising around. These are the sandals that should have gone viral instead of Crocs, but that’s another story. Super-comfortable Bio-centric footbeds, excellent traction and super breathability. Read full review…

Jetboil Flash Cooking System

Welcomed improvements to the already-stellar Jetboil Personal Cooking System make this an easy choice. Boiling water has never been so easy and cooking meals in the backcountry for yourself has never been so quick. I’m really digging the new Flash PCS. Read full review…

SRAM XX Components

SRAM has really come up with a killer component spec in the new XX grouppo. While the full meal deal doesn’t come cheap (it costs more than XTR), it is without a doubt the smoothest shifting drivetrain I’ve ever pedaled. Add on top of that the weight savings and simplification of a 2×10 design and there’s no way I could overlook the new SRAM XX this year. Read full review…

Fox TALAS 32 RLC 15QR Suspension Fork

As the pioneer of long-travel single-crown suspension forks, the 2010 Fox TALAS 32 RLC is for real. With the new FIT dampening system and the solid 15QR axle, this lightweight wonder offers smooth travel that’s fully adjustable in every way shape and form to be both XC efficient and AM durable. Read full review…

Ibis Mojo SLX Mountain Bike

Full-carbon goodness wrapped in the much-lauded DW-Link suspension design in a complete bike for under $3000! Are you kidding me?!? To think that you can get into a complete Ibis Mojo for that price is really unthinkable, in my opinion. The parts spec is rather pedestrian with a full Shimano SLX grouppo, RockShox Revelation fork and Ibis house-brand wheels and cockpit–still nothing to shake a stick at. While my review of the Ibis Mojo was a custom build, there’s no way you will find an equally-impressive all-mountain bike for $3000 on the market today. Read full review…

Santa Cruz Tallboy 29er

I’ve got a serious love affair with 29ers and the all-new Santa Cruz Tallboy simply blew me away with its quiet smoothness and versatility. I was not expecting such a refined steed from a 29er newbie, but Santa Cruz definitely did their homework with this one. Read full review…

There you have it… my picks for the 2009 Gear of the Year. What’s on your 2009 best gear list?

About the Scarpa Raptor Trail Running Shoes

Built as a multi-discipline trail shoe for both running and light hiking, the Raptor is new for 2009. Built with a highly-breathable upper, snug-fitting ribcage design and supportive TPU Crossbow system in the heel to combine for a great-fitting shoe. Outsole lugs are medium profile for just the right balance between traction and versatility.

More Raptor Details:

• Synthetic and nylon mesh upper
• Compression molded EVA midsole
• Lightweight Trail Plate foot protection
• Trail Speed outsole
• Colors: Pewter/Curry (tested) or Ash/Chili
• Weight: 13 oz. each
• MSRP: $90

Scarpa Raptor Review

Thrown into the mix with Montrail, Merrell, La Sportiva, Vasque, New Balance, Salomon and LaFuma, the Scarpa Raptor trail shoes are an interesting blend of trail running shoe, casual shoe and approach shoe. Slipping them on, they feel super-comfortable with a flexible midsole and ample mesh in the forefoot for extreme breathability (something some trail shoes lack). The snug fit is great right out of the box and the low-profile design keeps you in tune with the terrain and adds to the stability of these shoes.

All of that combined to provide a decent shoe in a variety of conditions. These are really like an outdoorsy cross-trainer that can go from gym to trail with reasonable efficiency. I really like the cushioning of the shoes… again, they aren’t the most cushioned of trail shoes, but they aren’t like racing flats either.

As with all shoes, I have to replace the insole with an aftermarket one. With the snug fit of the Raptor, I opted for the Superfeet Black insoles for their low-profile and lightweight design. It turned out to be a perfect combo for my flat, normal-volume feet.

I found the low-profile traction to be well-suited for both loose and rocky terrain and soft, tacky trails. As the majority of people who will purchase these shoes will use them for multi-discipline activities, I ran in them and then hiked in them while carrying my 2-yr-old daughter in a Deuter Kangakid. In very rocky terrain, the forefoot protection became a bit under-matched, but on smooth terrain, comfort was superb. Also, under the weight of a 30-lb pack, the forefoot seemed to compress a bit too quickly as I felt every variance in the terrain.

In their sweet spot of a multi-discipline shoe, these offer a great value in a lightweight and versatile mountain shoe. They are highly-breathable and comfortable in everything but extremely rocky terrain or carrying heavier loads.

Good Raptor

• Feels lightweight on the trail (despite 13 oz. each on paper)
• Very breathable
• Excellent traction
• Low profile design improves trail feel
• Gusseted tongue to keep out trail grit
• Comfortable uppers require zero break-in

Bad Raptor

• Forefoot protection is lacking on rocky terrain
• Forefoot cushioning insufficient for heavy loads (a 30 lb. pack maxed these out)
• No DWR finish… they absorb water quickly, but also dry quickly

Bottom Line: Scarpa Raptor

Not a specialist, but more of an outdoors generalist that can also tackle the urban jungle. I love the comfortable fit, but there are better dedicated trail runners if that’s what you’re looking for. The price is right and there are few outdoor cross trainers on the market today with enough crossover appeal as these. Another tip… order 1/2 size larger as these run a titch small.

Buy Now: Buy the Scarpa Raptor at REI (on sale for $49–a STEAL)

With the less-than-perfect experience I had last season on the Scarpa Tornado boots, the folks at Scarpa were anxious to get me into the new Skookum touring boot this season–determined to make a believer out of me. My experience last season seemed odd to me, so I was up to the challenge and ready to try out these new boots. I realize going into this that each person’s feet varies and there’s no absolute “right” boot for every foot out of the box. To get the right fit always requires a visit to your local ski boot fitter. Surefoot is always my choice, but there are plenty of reputable ski boot fitters all across the country.

About the Scarpa Skookum Alpine Touring Ski Boots

Officially introduced for the 2008/2009 season, the Scarpa Skookum alpine touring ski boots are built to both ascend and descend with power and authority. The lower shell is derived from the popular Spirit 3/4 boot, but modified to meet the needs of an agressive skier who wants one boot to ski both at the resort and in the backcountry.  Built with dual-density Pebax® materials, the Skookum keeps weight at a minimum yet still provides powerful performance.

Features of the Scarpa Skookum Boots:

• Liner: Intuition Speed Pro
• Weight: 8 lbs. 4 oz (pair)
• Bindings: A/T (Fritschi, Naxo) or Dynafit
• Sole: Skywalk lugged
• Forward Lean: 19-23 degrees
• MSRP: $770

Scarpa Skookum Alpine Touring Ski Boots Review

I’ve really been looking forward to skiing the Scarpa Skookum boots since their introduction a year ago. With the Skookum, you get a proven lower shell design that provides excellent comfort, binding compatibility and walkability. As one of the most popular backcountry ski boots, Scarpa knows their stuff and the Skookum has been heralded by many as one of the most versatile boots on the market. After a month of backcountry abuse, these boots are solid.

Fit out of the box is perfect with the 27.0 shell size accommodating my pancake-flat and normal width size 10 feet without any issues. Instead of swapping out my Surefoot orthotics, I simply trimmed down a stock SOLE footbed and have been extremely pleased with the overall fit and comfort–even with my super-flat feet. Though I’d highly recommend getting the Intuition liners custom molded, I didn’t have time to do so and have found them to adapt to my feet after 2-3 days on the hill. These are now a very comfortable boot.

For those who are stepping into alpine touring from a strong alpine background, or those who want to have one boot for inbounds and out, the Skookum can easily do the trick.  Though I only made a few token inbounds turns with the Skookum’s, I’m pretty confident they can push just about any ski inbounds. Though they do have a swappable tongue for dedicated alpine use, do keep in mind that these boots are not DIN rated, so your binding options are limited to A/T only. They may fit in your alpine bindings, but that is definitely NOT recommended.

From a pure touring perspective, these boots are comfortable. The range of motion provided by the ski/tour mode was just enough to take the edge off on the climbs. There are better boots for touring with more range of motion (Garmont Radium), but the Skookums have been quiet performers for over a month now.

If you’re a weight weenie, you may scoff at the weight of the Skookum’s at first blush. But, if you compare them to the venerable Scarpa Spirit 3, they are only 1/2 lb. heavier–not really a big deal in my book.  I’d say opting for the Dynafit bindings in place of Fritschis or Naxos is a better way to shave a few pounds.  But, if a 1/4 lb. per boot is a big deal to you, then the Spirit 3′s should be money, but you’ll sacrifice sheer stiffness.

I’ve liked the traditional 4-buckles in place of what I affectionately call the “Rollerblade strap” that’s found on many other models in the line. The micro-adjustments are nice to have and I just feel like the fit and performance is more alpine-like with 4 buckles.  The burly powerstrap is a bit of a hassle to adjust on-the-fly and it does sometimes get in the way of entry, but it does provide a solid feel that I’ve not had with other AT boots.

I did not use the boots with Dynafit bindings, so I can’t speak to how well they work with that binding platform. I can say that with Fritschi Freeride bindings, everything worked flawlessly. A quick adjustment for toe height and I was golden.

After completing the review and slipping back into my Garmont Endorphins (which I love), I felt a little off balance and missed the overall feel of the Skookums–that says a lot about how well these boots perform.

NOTE: If you’re interested in a more sidecountry boot, the Scarpa Typhoon is the same as the Skookum except it has a walkable DIN sole for use in Alpine or A/T bindings.

Good Skookum

• Capable and versatile enough for inbounds or backcountry use
• Smooth flex and confidence-inspiring downhill performance
• Traditional 4-buckle design
• Intuition liner is one of the best on the market
• Flat footboard for instant power transfer
• Dynafit or A/T compatibility in a single boot
• Skywalk sole is grippy and durable
• Reversed lower buckles for sreamlined bushwhacking

Bad Skookum

• Tour mode could provide a tad more walkability
• Power strap got in the way of entry and was difficult to adjust on-the-fly

The Bottom Line on the Skookum Backcountry Ski Boots

A solid performer for people looking for a burly backcountry boot that will still tour well. At a slight weight disadvantage, the Skookum still shines in its versatility and overall comfort. Walk up, crank ‘em down and start making turns with these performance touring ski boots.

Buy Now: Search for Scarpa Ski Boots

It’s nice to see that these boots will employ a straight-up and simple 4-buckle design (like the Garmont Endorphin). The Pebax dual-density shell and build looks to be entirely top-shelf to offer both bombproof performance combined with as light of weight as possible. The Typhoon weighs exactly the same as the current Tornado Pro boots (8 lbs. 6 oz / pair). And as with the Tornado’s, the Typhoon and Domina come with the only DIN-standard rubber soles on the market. This ensures consistent and safe releases in either standard alpine or alpine touring bindings.

As mentioned above, the Skookum (read Scarpa Skookum Review) looks to be similar to the Scarpa Typhoon, but with Dynafit compatibility.

To cap them off, all three boots will use the awesome Intuition Speed Pro liners, which, once heat-molded, offer the best fit and performance of any liner on the market. I like to call them burritos for your feet.

Scarpa Typhoon Prototype

Scarpa Domina Women’s Prototype

We’ll see if we can get some actual photos and more information on these boots at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market at the end of the month. For now, all I can say is they look super promising and the address some of the issues I had with the Tornado Pro’s. We’ll do our best to get on these boots for a full review soon.

More Info on the Scarpa Typhoon, Domina and Skookum Boots

Read the following press release for more info on these three upcoming boots from Scarpa:

Unleashing the most sophisticated combination yet of downhill performance in a touring- and mountaineering-friendly package, SCARPA North America will release two new hard-charging freeride boots for Fall 2008, the Typhoon and the women’s-specific Domina. In addition, SCARPA will also unveil the Skookum, a boot for big skis and big lines that’s also Dynafit compatible.

For sidecountry adventures or ski touring and mountaineering with the ultimate in control, these three boots set the bar in the freeride/alpine-touring category. They’re ideal for the skier that needs a super rigid boot for aggressive terrain yet wants the versatility to put it in walk mode for that quick boot up the ridge or the tour to reach a steep descent.

SHELLS: Built with 100 percent Pebax, the best material available for building lightweight ski boots that can retain their stiffness over the widest range of temperatures, the Typhoon, Domina and Skookum employ dual-injected V-Frame power-ribs on the cuffs for extraordinary rigidity. A walk/tour mode keeps things comfy when not in downhill mode. Four buckles and a power strap lock things down for the ride. These boots come with hinged tongues for touring as well as ski tongues that easily swap out for a 20 percent increase in boot stiffness. The Skookum adds tech fittings in the lower shell for Dynafit compatibility. It also comes with SCARPA’s booster power strap.

LINER: Intuition liners are the best thermo-moldable liners in the business, renowned for resistance to pack-out and warmth, which is why SCARPA boots come stock with them. The new SCARPA Intuition Speed Pro liners, used in the Typhoon, Domina and Skookum, are built with an alpine-style tongue, which allows SCARPA to increase their rigidity, translating to a stiffer overall boot design. Yet the way they are stiffened on the back of the cuff means they still have excellent range of motion when in walk mode. Liners come lasted for men’s and women’s feet respectively, and the thermo-molding process fine-tunes the fit.

SOLES: Notable because it’s the only DIN-standard rubberized sole on the market that can be skied in alpine or alpine-touring bindings without changing out any parts, the SCARPA/Vibram Ride sole comes standard on the Typhoon and Domina. This offers the maximum security in the widest range of binding interfaces with excellent traction for icy conditions. For those who prefer a burlier lugged mountaineering sole, the SCARPA Rally lugged sole can easily be added to either boot. The Skookum employs a touring friendly lugged sole.

SPECS: Typhoon and Domina: 4 pounds, 3 ounces per boot (size 27); forward lean 19 – 23 degrees; Retail $699. Skookum: Retail $769.

More Info: Visit Scarpa.com

No longer will slightly-modified mountaineering boots hack it for alpine touring. Backcountry skiers want it all… burly and stiff for the down and light and flexible for the up. Several manufacturers are stepping up to the plate and Scarpa is a natural leader in this growing market segment.

About the Scarpa Tornado Pro

The Tornado Pro is the top-of-the-line A/T boot–built to drive any ski on the market. It is essentially a 4-buckle design with the latest in dual-density materials (soft/hard plastic combo), a top-shelf liner and all the features you’d expect from an alpine touring boot. MSRP is a reasonable $669.00 and total weight is 8.6 lbs.

The sole is both DIN and UNI compatible, so stepping into alpine bindings won’t require any toe height adjustments. Also of note… they are the only A/T boots to date that have passed the tough TUV standards for releaseability. The Vibram Ride sole isn’t a burly mountaineering-type sole, but it gives enough grip for hiking on rocks or walking down slippery resort stairs, and still ensures consistent releases in either alpine or A/T binders. An aftermarket lugged sole is also available.

The Intuition Speed liner is like a burrito for your foot. This liner is akin to the old Raichle Thermo-wrap in design with two overlapping thermo foam layers wrapping around your lower leg. After a quick 45-minute visit with a bootfitter, the Scrapa Tornado Pro should fit your foot better than your favorite pair of sneakers.

The ski/walk mode allows you to switch the boot into a more walkable, upright stance and the ski mode can be set at either 19 or 23-degrees forward lean. Three of the buckles are of the lightweight, micro-adjustable aluminum variety, while the third, instep buckle is like an old-school Rollerblade ratchet buckle. You get two tongues… one for ski touring (softer) and one for a more straight-up alpine flex.

Scarpa Tornado Pro Review

I had the Scarpa Tornado Pro’s at the same time I had a pair of Garmont Endorphin’s, which made for a great side-by-side comparison. If I was going on looks alone, the Scarpa’s wouldn’t stand a chance next to the much-sexier Garmont’s. However, I’m the kid of guy that can look beyond the skin to make a decision based on actual functionality on the snow. So, a quick trip to Surefoot to get the Intuition Speed liners heat-molded to my lower extremities proved to be well worth my time. With my custom Surefoot orthotics in place, the Tornado’s were ready to rumble.

The ski/walk mode on the Tornado’s is great. The sole doesn’t provide any rocker, but an upright stance and loose buckles makes walking/hiking a breeze. The ski/walk switch is easy to move in or out of either mode. However, to get it into what I’ll call “real ski mode”, you’ll have to flex forward pretty hard. There are two forward lean settings (19 and 23-degrees) and believe me, you don’t want anything to do with the lower of the two. I couldn’t even force myself to stay on the balls of my feet in the 19-degree setting. Once I got it into the 23-degree setting and was much happier.

The flex of the Tornado Pro with the stiffer, alpine-esque tongue was great. They felt a little soft in the comfort of the living room, but in the real-world, they stiffen up nicely. The lateral stiffness was on par with the best alpine boots out there and overall comfort is as good as they come–thanks to the Intuition Speed thermo-fit liner.

My biggest gripe with the Scarpa Tornado Pro is the wimpy forward lean options. As stated above, I absolutely could not pressure the tips of my skis or even force my weight on the balls of my feet in the 19-degree setting. I was skiing scared actually as I felt completely in the backseat. After switching to 23-degrees, things greatly improved, but I was still not centered on the balls of my feet as I would like. I was still forced in the backseat, no matter how conscious of an effort I made to stay centered on the balls of my feet.

I could still make decent enough turns in tight trees and pow, but when I tried to arc turns on groomers, I was still unable to pressure my tips to initiate a proper turn. This was a bit disappointing.

I had issues with the buckles and the overall design of the overlapping cuffs. With so many “this before that” and “this under that” type of things, it took me a few tries to get the boots buckled properly. I think some simplicity could be in order here, but maybe just a few more tries to get the hang of it would do the trick. Also, with gloves on, it was nearly impossible to release the instep buckle and equally difficult to thread it into the ratchet.

Even though I had some issues with the Tornado’s, I do have to add one caveat: ski boot fit and function is a highly-personal thing. So, find somewhere to demo a pair of Tornado’s and see how you like them yourself. You may not have the same forward lean gripes that I did. The overall function of the boot is spot-on… it just appears to need some refinements for me to recommend them for myself.

NOTE: Just for reference, my feet are flat and medium volume. I wear 103mm last width alpine boots. The Scarpa’s were a 1.5 finger fit in shell sizing for me, thus putting me in a size 27.0.

The Bottom Line on the Scarpa Tornado Pro Boots

The Tornado Pro is a burly alpine touring boot that will handle the skintrack and cliff hucks with equal skill. However, I feel they could use another 2-3 degrees of forward lean combined with a few tweaks to the buckles before I can whole-heartedly recommend them. Try them on at your local shop and see if you can demo a pair for a day before plunking down for them. You might be OK with the forward lean settings and decide you can live with the difficult-to-open instep buckle. Hopefully Scarpa improves on both of those items for next season.

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