Boot: 2026-2027 Nordica Promachine 3 130 S GW
Stated Flex: 130
Available Sizes: 22.5 – 30.5
Stated Last Width (size 26.5): 98 mm
Size Tested: 26.5
Stated Boot Sole Length (size 26.5): 305 mm
Blister’s Measured Weight (size 26.5):
- Shells, no Liners: L: 1454 & R: 1454 g
- Liners, no Footbeds: L: 460 g & R: 461 g
- Shells + Liners = 1914 & 1915 g
- Stock Insoles: 24 g each
- Removable Spoilers: 27 g each
Additional Specs
Shell Materials:
- Cuff: “3Force Frame” + bi-material PU
- Lower Shell / Shoe: “3Force Frame” + bi-material PU
Power Strap: 50 mm w/ cam closure
Stated Forward Lean: 13.5°
Stated Ramp Angle: 5°
Soles: replaceable GripWalk
Binding Compatibility: GripWalk bindings; MN bindings
[Editor’s Note: Our “First Looks” are our way of getting you information sooner on some of the products we’re reviewing, including our measured specs and the details from the manufacturer. Once we’ve started testing a given product, we detail our on-snow impressions in our Flash Reviews and our annual Winter Buyer’s Guide. When we’re able to spend extensive time testing a given product, we publish our in-depth Full Reviews and Deep Dive comparisons.]
Intro
The Promachine series has been a staple in Nordica’s alpine ski boot lineup for many years now, serving as a lower-volume alternative to their Speedmachine collection, but with a more accommodating fit and lighter construction than their race-inspired Dobermann 5 series.
Today, Nordica revealed the latest iteration of this low-volume boot collection, dubbed the Promachine 3, and they’re calling this a “ground-up evolution.”
Beginning February 1st, the new Promachine 3 130 S, 120, 115 S W, and 95 W will be available through select Nordica retailers and nordica.com.
We’ve started testing the Promachine 3 130 S, and if you’re a BLISTER+ member or have our Digital Access Pass, you can check out our Flash Review for our initial on-snow impressions.
While we spend more time in these boots and compare them to others on the market, here, we’ll break down the design details of the new Promachine 3 collection.
What Nordica says about the Promachine 3 130 S
“Uncompromising power. Unrivaled precision. The all-new Promachine 3 130 S was built for skiers who demand top-tier performance—and nothing less. Completely reengineered from the snow up, this 98mm boot blends insights from our R&D team with deep feedback from the best bootfitters and pros in the game. A redesigned shell integrates our 3Force Frame technology with a modernized stance and refined shape, creating smoother flex, increased lateral stability, and unmatched energy transmission with every turn. To match that performance, we developed the new 3D Speed Lace Cork Fit Liner. It features an Integrated Speed Lace system and anatomically sculpted cork around the ankle and heel, locking you in for total control—while still allowing easy entry and exit, no liner removal required. This is Promachine at its peak. Built for power. Tuned for precision. Here to charge.”
The Promachine 3 Series
The following Promachine 3 models will be available during the initial release this February:
- Promachine 3 130 S
- Promachine 3 120
- Promachine 3 115 S W
- Promachine 3 95 W
Then, during the full release later this fall, these additional models will be available:
- Promachine 3 110
- Promachine 3 90
- Promachine 3 105 W
- Promachine 3 85 W
Shell Design & Materials
Here’s what Nordica says about the new Promachine 3 shell:
“At the core of Promachine 3 is Nordica’s integrated 3Force Frame, a next-generation construction that strategically blends materials to amplify lateral stiffness while delivering a smooth, progressive flex. The asymmetrical shell design increases energy transmission directly to the ski edge, with heightened precision and responsiveness with every turn. Around back, a fully redesigned spine anchors the boot’s performance. It provides enhanced support against getting backseat while delivering an exceptionally consistent flex pattern—smooth, controlled, and refined.”
Debuted in Nordica’s Speedmachine series, their “3Force” concept essentially consists of a ‘frame’ that extends along the sole of the lower shell up to the spine of the cuff, wrapping the ankle area in between. It serves as a sort of skeleton for the rest of the boot’s bi-material PU plastic, and works together with the Promachine 3’s redesigned spine to reportedly fulfill the performance claims outlined in the above quote.
Interestingly for a new boot in 2026, the Promachine 3 models come standard with traditional buckles throughout — no BOA dials here.
Also worth noting, for the aesthetic / graphics of the Promachine 3 boots, Nordica reportedly used an exclusive process that allows them to add graphic elements via a “variable-intensity, variable-frequency laser-etching process that engraves the shell and cuff itself.” And, at least in my opinion, it does look pretty cool.
Liner
Nordica has integrated cork into their stock liners for quite a while now (many of which we’ve gotten along very well with), and that continues with the Promachine 3 130. Nordica says that they utilize cork because of its “insulative properties, responsiveness, and ability to be customized.” They also added an internal piece of EVA plastic around the ankle and heel to add more structure in those areas with the goal of a more anatomical fit.
The Promachine 3 130 S gets a “3D Custom Cork Speedlace” liner; as the name suggests, it utilizes a speedlace system to quickly get a more locked-down fit.
Power Strap
The flagship Promachine 3 130 comes with a wide (50 mm), non-elastic power strap that secures via a cam-style closure.
Soles & Binding Compatibility
The Promachine 3 boots come stock with GripWalk (ISO 23223) soles installed, and they’re replaceable. As such, they’re compatible with GripWalk bindings, as well as “MN” or “Multi-Norm” bindings.
Cuff Adjustment
The Promachine 3 boots feature fairly standard-looking cuff-alignment adjustability built into the pivot points of the shell.
Weight (and Comparisons)
At a little over 1900 grams per boot for our size 26.5, the Promachine 3 130’s weight is pretty average for its class. It’s notably lighter than race-inspired boots like Nordica’s Dobermann 5 series, but most of its closest competitors fall within ~100 grams of the Promachine 3 130.
For reference, below are our measured weights for some comparable boots. Each number is the average weight per boot for the stock liners and shells. Please pay attention to the size differences to keep things apples-to-apples.
1648 g | K2 Recon 130 LV (size 26.5)
1761 g | K2 Recon Pro (size 26.5)
1787 g | Atomic Hawx Ultra 130 S GW (size 26.5)
1812 g | Salomon S/Pro Alpha (size 26.5)
1843 g | Tecnica Mach1 LV 130 TD2 GW (size 26.5)
1847 g | K2 Recon 130 BOA (size 26.5)
1851 g | Salomon S/Pro Supra Dual BOA 120 GW (size 26.5)
1873 g | Nordica Promachine 130 (size 26.5)
1885 g | Dalbello Cabrio LV Free 130 3DWrap (size 26.5)
1904 g | Atomic Hawx Prime 130 S BOA GW (size 26.5)
1905 g | Salomon S/Pro Alpha C BOA 130 (size 26.5)
1915 g | Nordica Promachine 3 130 S GW (size 26.5)
1933 g | Salomon S/Pro Race 140 (size 26.5)
1955 g | Atomic Hawx Ultra 130 Professional GW (size 26.5)
1961 g | K2 Mindbender 130 BOA (size 26.5)
1967 g | Tecnica Mach1 LV 130 TD (size 26.5)
1977 g | Lange Shadow 130 LV (size 26.5)
1986 g | Lange Shadow 140 Pro LV (size 26.5)
2000 g | Kästle K130P LV (size 26.5)
2025 g | Fischer RC4 Pro LV GW ZF CFC (size 26.5)
2028 g | Head Formula 130 (size 26.5)
2036 g | Tecnica Mach1 MV 130 TD (size 26.5)
2052 g | Rossignol Vizion 4B Elite 130 LV GW (size 26.5)
2053 g | Rossignol Hi-Speed Elite 130 (size 26.5)
2053 g | Head Formula RS 130 (size 26.5)
2055 g | Phaenom FS 01 120 (size 26)
2094 g | Armada AR ONE 130 MV (size 26.5)
2119 g | Lange RS 130 LV (size 26.5)
2137 g | Head Kaliber 130 MV BOA2 (size 26.5)
2170 g | Fischer RC4 Pro MV GW BOA ZF CFC (size 26.5)
2171 g | Fischer RC4 Carbon Pro LV GW BOA ZF (size 26.5)
2210 g | Atomic Redster CS 130 (size 26.5)
2211 g | Nordica Dobermann GP 130 (size 26.5)
2273 g | Atomic Remedy 130 (size 26.5)
2304 g | Nordica Dobermann 5 S (size 26.5)
2360 g | Head Raptor WCR 140S (size 26.5)
2392 g | Head Raptor WCR 140S PV (size 26.5)
2424 g | K2 Cortex 140 Zonal BOA (size 27.5)
Fit
As always, we highly, highly recommend trying on boots in person with an experienced bootfitter. Everyone’s foot is different, and fit should be the deciding factor for the vast majority of people in the market for new ski boots. If you’re looking for a good bootfitter in your area or somewhere you’ll be visiting, check out our list of Blister Recommended Shops.
For reference, the prior-generation Promachine was, overall, one of the lower-volume options in the 98mm-last “LV” category. With the Promachine 3, Nordica says they added “thoughtful space over the instep,” increased “comfort in the sixth-toe zone,” and improved “accommodation around the navicular.”
Fit Notes
Jonathan Ellsworth: As is my typical practice, I put my ages-old custom footbed in the stock liner of the Promachine 3, put the boots on, and went skiing. Here’s what I found after Day 1:
Instep Height: Love it. Nordica says they added “thoughtful space over the instep,” and I can confirm that. Out of the box, I had a very snug fit w/r/t instep height (which is exactly what I want), but it was very snug, not painful. Nice. If you happen to have a very flat foot / low arch, the instep of the Promachine 3 might feel too roomy, and the fit of the Nordica Dobermann 5 or the Kästle K130P LV will likely work better for you.
Heel Pocket: Love it. From a “LV” boot, I want a snug heel pocket, and the Promachine 3 delivers. Without trying to be too specific here, consider the heel pocket of the Promachine 3 to be rather similar to the new Salomon S/Pro Alpha C BOA and the Atomic Remedy 130, while being a bit narrower than the Head Raptor WCR 140S PV and Lange Shadow 130 LV.
Toe Box: Love it. Mercifully, the ski boot industry is trending away from tiny little toe boxes. If a ski boot has a great heel pocket, an instep height that gives you a very snug fit, and mid-foot width that also works for you … you can afford to have a bit more length, height, and width in the toe box. Out of the box, the length of the toe box of the Promachine 3 felt slightly shorter than the Salomon S/Pro Alpha C BOA, but after the liner molds a bit more to my feet, that difference might diminish a bit, and I already don’t believe I’ll need to create more length in the toe box. The height of the toe box also felt nice and generous to me, so I guess if you actually prefer tiny little cramped toe boxes, you might want to look elsewhere (while the rest of us rejoice).
Mid-Foot Width: Like it, might come to love it. For my particular feet, the Promachine felt most intense on the lateral side of my foot. And I’m 100% fine with this, because this is a “LV” boot. I’m also pretty optimistic that after another 4-5 days in the boot (and again, as the liners mold to my feet), this could end up dialing in rather perfectly for me: very snug across the midfoot, but not so snug things are painful.
Bottom Line (For Now)
Nordica’s Promachine series has long been a competitive option for those seeking a notably low-volume fit without going to a race-adjacent model, and who want a strong flex pattern without heaps of weight.
We’re looking forward to logging many more days in the new Promachine 3 130 to figure out where it slots into the current market. In the meantime, you can check out our initial impressions in our Flash Review, linked below.
Related Articles & Reviews:
2025-2026 Blister Digital Winter Buyer’s Guide
350+ skis, 70+ boots, and 280+ pages of honest, accurate product reviews and comparisons. Check it all out here.
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Flash Review: Nordica Promachine 3 130
What’s actually new with Nordica’s revised low-volume alpine boot? Here’s what we’ve found so far in our initial testing.
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