Sole
The Arc’teryx Procline Carbon has a rubberized toe and a soft, sticky tread that’s optimized — more than any other ski boot we’ve used — for climbing and scrambling on rocks and ice. The S/Lab X-Alp has a more traditional rubber sole. It’s a touch thinner and harder, and doesn’t wrap over the toe. This is another area that is probably influential in the X-Alp’s weight savings.
Shell
Salomon used Grilamid for the lower shell in an effort to make it easier to punch and modify. They also beefed up the shell compared to the Procline, especially around the ankle area. This is a weak point in the flex of a lot of ultralight boots, so it will be interesting to see how that affects downhill performance.
Weight (and Comparisons)
As technology allows boots to get lighter and more capable, this category of ultralight touring boots continues to grow. So here are Blister’s measured weights for a few similar boots to help situate the S/Lab X-Alp (all boots are a size 27.5).
Arc’teryx Procline Carbon Support
• Shells, no Liners: 1021 & 1021 g
• Liners, no Footbeds: 267 & 265 g
• Shells + Liners: 1288 & 1286 g
• Shells, no Liners: 890 & 896 g
• Liners, no Footbeds: 174 & 174 g
• Shells + Liners: 1064 & 1070 g
• Shells, no Liners: 907 & 915 g
• Liners: 260 & 255 g
• Shells + Liners: 1167 & 1170 g
The S/Lab X-Alp sits towards the heavier end of that group, but it is still a very light boot.
Bottom Line (For Now)
While they weren’t the first major brand to jump into the ultralight touring boot category, it looks like Salomon’s patience may have paid off. By the numbers, the S/Lab X-Alp is an impressive boot, and its walk mode mirrors one of the smoothest and most natural designs we’ve ever used. So we’re excited to compare it to burlier boots like the Salomon MTN Lab and MTN Explore, and lighter options like the Atomic Backland Carbon and Arc’teryx Procline Carbon, and see where this boot is ultimately best located.
Flash Review
As noted above, Jonathan Ellsworth just finished his first day in the boot, and things are off to a remarkably good start. To read his initial impressions become a Blister member, and get access to his Flash Review of the S/Lab X-Alp.
Great review! I guess it is time to upgrade my skimo boots soon since these look promising :). Boots have come a long way in the last few years.
Do you have any guess as to why we aren’t seeing vacuum-fit plastics in lightweight skimo boots? It would be nice to have a custom fit shell & an 80 degree range of motion for long approaches. Perhaps the heat moldable shells are heavier?
Zach, the Backland boot does have Memory Fit heat moldable shell technology, similar to Salomon Custom Shell tech. I used it and wow, what a difference in the fit! Not vacuum fit like a Fischer, but still a great feature.
Please, include also the dynafit tlt6p in the A/B testing comparo you’ll be doing! ;-)
what is the flex?
Will the Marker heel adapter work to get these boots into the kingpin binding?