The biggest thing I look for in a boot is that it allow me to ski as aggressively as I want without feeling unsupported. So one of the main reasons I fell in love with this boot was its flex. The 110 flex is just stiff enough to drive an aggressive ski, but still allows for playfulness. Though I must add that I switched out the power strap for a Booster strap, an elastic strap that firmly tightens the gap between your shin and the tongue of the boot for added control and stiffness.
The first day I tested the 110s stiffness, I charged down a perfectly groomed race trail, boots buckled tight and Booster strap pulled back. The high performance of the RS 110 S.C. didn’t disappoint: every movement in my ankles, knees, and legs was transferred to the tip of my ski, giving me complete control throughout the turn, and the stiffness of the boot gave me the confidence and stability to go even faster.
The S.C. in the Lange RS 110’s name stands for “short cuff,” which is the only difference between the men’s and women’s boot. (Though, strangely, the boot is found among junior boots on Lange’s website.) I am taller than the average woman at 5’10” and find the cuff to be a little bit short on my shins. Though I must say the shorter cuff gives the boot a more playful feel and is perfect for shorter, lighter women as it gives more leverage over the boot and ski.
While stiffness and stability are two aspects an alpine boot must have, it is also important for all-mountain skiers that a boot be playful and forgiving. Though these boots are primarily for on-trail skiing, I’ve found the 110s to be comfortable and versatile enough for skiing moguls, powder, and trees. With a simple adjustment of the buckles to loosen the stiffness, I can make the transition from corduroy to powder with hardly any effort. I will say, however, that these boots are not ideal for hiking. They are stiff, heavy and leave my feet sore and my legs tired by the end of the trek. (Your experience may vary.)
With a 97mm last, the RS 110 S.C. is definitely fit for a narrow foot, so if you have wide feet, I would suggest trying the RS 110 wide. My feet are right between narrow and wide, so there were definitely some hotspots when I first wore the 110s, and I decided to have some extra work done on the shell. Specifically, I had the pinky toe and anklebone ground out for a better fit. This isn’t necessary for everyone; I prefer an extra-snug fit to give myself more control over my skis (specifically at high speeds), so naturally there is less wiggle-room for comfort.
Also, I can’t vouch for the factory foot beds that come with the boots, as I had custom foot beds inserted in my boots. For anyone with high arches like me, I would suggest custom foot beds, which gave the Lange RS 110 S.C. a tighter, snugger fit around the sole of my foot and allowed for a better transfer of movement from my legs to my skis.
As a hard-charging, all-mountain skier, I couldn’t be happier with the Lange RS 110 S.C. This high-performance boot provides great stability for fast turns on corduroy, but is also very versatile and can be adjusted easily to ski in powder and crud. And its high-performance liner provides a snug and comfortable fit that will keep your feet happy and secure throughout the day.
If you’re an aggressive skier who is looking for an alpine boot that gives you the comfort and confidence to rip turns on and off the trail, then I would recommend trying on the Lange RS 110 S.C. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the comfort and flexibility of this high-performance boot.