Boot: 2021-2022 Lange XT3 130 LV
Stated Flex: 130
Available Sizes: 24.5–29.5
Stated Last (size 26.5): 97 mm
Stated Range of Motion: 53°
Stated Forward Lean: 12°
Stated Ramp Angle: 4°
Size Tested: 26.5
Stated Boot Sole Length: 303 mm
Blister’s Measured Weight (size 26.5):
- Shells, no Liners: 1407 & 1410 g
- Liners, no Footbeds: 368 & 368 g
- Shells + Liners = 1775 & 1778 g
- Stock Insoles: 19 & 19 g
Buckles: 4 micro-adjustable
Powerstrap: 40 mm velcro
Shell Material:
- Cuff: Lyftran Polypropelene
- Shoe / Clog: Polyurethane
Soles: GripWalk w/ rubberized arch pad (Alpine Soles available for purchase)
Binding Compatibility: GripWalk-compatible bindings; tech / pin bindings
Tech Fittings: Dynafit Certified
[Note: our review was conducted on the 20/21 XT3 130, which was not changed for 21/22, apart from colors.]
Intro
Since the first Lange XT alpine-touring boot was released back in 2012, they’ve been a reference point in the category of “freeride” boots designed to provide alpine-boot-like performance with added range of motion for walking and skinning uphill.
Since then, Lange’s XT lineup has undergone many changes, and to get the whole story, you should definitely listen to our Blister Podcast conversation with Lange’s Global Brand Director, Thor Verdonk. Thor goes over everything from the birth of the original XT, the various iterations since then, and the boot we’re talking about today: the new 20/21 Lange XT3.
But the quick gist is that the XT3 range of boots is supposed to not only walk better than the previous XT Free boots, but also ski better while weighing less. It’s rare that we see a boot both walk and ski better than its predecessor, so let’s take a closer look at the XT3 130 to see how Lange is aiming to accomplish all of that.
2020-2021 Lange XT3 Lineup
The XT3 lineup will consist of 8 boots in total, covering a wide range of flex ratings and last widths. Many models (such as the XT3 130) are available in both a 97 mm and 100 mm last, but apart from the last width, the different-lasted versions of each boot are identical. Here’s a quick breakdown of the line:
Men’s (size 24.5–29.5)
- XT3 140 Pro Model (97 mm last; PU Shell; Lyftran PP Cuff)
- XT3 130 (97 & 100 mm last; PU Shell; Lyftran PP Cuff)
- XT3 120 (97 & 100 mm last; PU Shell; Lyftran PP Cuff)
- XT3 100 (100 mm last; Lyftran PP Shell; Polyolefin Cuff)
Women’s (size 23.5–27.5):
- XT3 110 W (97 & 100 mm last; PU Shell; Lyftran PP Cuff)
- XT3 90 W (97 & 100 mm last; PU Shell; Lyftran PP Cuff)
- XT3 80 W (97 & 100 mm last; Lyftran PP Shell; Polyolefin Cuff)
Youth (size 23.5–27.5):
- XT3 80 SC (100 mm last; Polyolefin Shell; Polyolefin Cuff)
Weight
At an average weight of ~1776 grams per boot for a size 26.5, the XT3 130 falls around the middle of the pack when compared to other “freeride touring” boots. On one end, there are very lightweight boots like the Scarpa Maestrale RS & Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro, and on the other end, there are much heavier “50/50” or “crossover” boots like the Dalbello Lupo Pro HD and Tecnica Cochise 130.
The XT3 130 falls between the two, whereas the slightly heavier Lange XT Free 130 was a bit closer to the heavier end of the spectrum. So the XT3 130 isn’t some super light boot, but it does now look more competitive in terms of weight vs. options like the Atomic Hawx Ultra / Prime XTD 130, Scarpa Maestrale XT, etc.
And it’s worth noting that, while the plastics used in the XT3 are different vs. the XT Free (see below), Lange says one of the biggest areas where they saved weight was actually in the XT3’s boot board, which is now reportedly 60% lighter — and also warmer and more shock absorbing.
Weight Comparisons
For reference, below are a number of our measured weights for some other notable boots (keep in mind the size differences). Our measured weights show the size of boot, then the weight of each boot + the weight of each liner, then the total weight for shells + liners, listed in grams:
Scarpa Maestrale RS (24.5 / 25.0): 1053 & 1057 + 244 & 245 = 1297 & 1302 g
Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro (26.5): 1099 & 1100 + 210 & 211 = 1309 & 1311 g
Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130, 19/20 (26.5): 1130 & 1132 + 276 & 282 = 1406 & 1414
Salomon MTN Explore (26.5): 1126 & 1135 + 281 & 281 = 1407 & 1416 g
Scarpa Maestrale XT (26.5 / 27.0): 1258 & 1258 + 247 & 252 = 1505 & 1510 g
Head Kore 1 (26.5): 1132 & 1136 + 392 & 393 = 1524 & 1527 g
Salomon S/Lab MTN (26.5): 1257 & 1246 + 288 & 303 = 1545 & 1549 g
Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130, 20/21 (26.5): 1147 & 1150 + 403 & 404 = 1550 & 1554
Fischer Ranger Free 130 (26.5): 1204 & 1204 + 348 & 351 = 1552 & 1555 g
Roxa R3 130 T.I. (27.5): 1319 & 1320 + 263 & 263 = 1582 & 1583 g
Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 130 (26.5): 1242 & 1249 + 408 & 410 = 1650 & 1659 g
Salomon QST Pro TR 130 (26.5): 1389 & 1391 + 273 & 274 = 1662 & 1665 g
K2 Mindbender 130 (26.5): 1428 & 1427 + 346 & 348 = 1774 & 1775 g
Lange XT3 130 LV (26.5): 1407 & 1410 + 368 & 368 = 1775 & 1778 g
Nordica Strider Pro 130 DYN (27.5): 1445 & 1440 + 363 & 373 = 1808 & 1813
Lange XT Free 130 LV (27.5): 1472 & 1473 + 376 & 376 = 1848 & 1849 g
Dalbello Lupo Pro HD w/o Tongues (26.5): 1589 & 1596 + 266 & 267 = 1855 & 1863 g
Full Tilt Ascendant (27.5): 1613 & 1615 & + 3018 & 311 = 1921 & 1962 g
Tecnica Cochise 130 DYN (25.5): 1493 & 1496 + 440 & 441 = 1933 & 1937 g
Dalbello Lupo Pro HD w/ Tongues (26.5): 1747 & 1754 + 266 & 267 = 2013 & 2021 g
Shell
The XT3 boots still use Lange’s “Dual Core Light” construction, which essentially means that the boots feature plastics of different durometers. The softer plastic is sandwiched between harder plastics in an effort to make the boots easier to get on, while also increasing rebound when the boots are flexed.
One of the big differences between the new XT3 130 and the previous XT Free 130 is that Lange says the XT3 130 uses a polyurethane (PU) shell and a polypropylene (PP) cuff, whereas Lange says the XT Free 130 used a Grilamid shell and a “polyolefin” cuff.
For more on boot plastics, we highly recommend listening to our GEAR:30 podcast on boot plastics and reading the accompanying show notes.
Liner
The XT3 130 features Lange’s “Dual 3D Liner Full – Ultralon” liner, which is 100% heat-moldable and reportedly uses 3 different types of high-density foams throughout the liner. This liner is very similar to the liner in the XT Free 130.
The liner in the XT3 130 is thicker, heavier, and overall more substantial than the liners in the Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro and the 18/19–19/20 Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130, and seems fairly similar to the Mimic liner in the 20/21 Atomic Hawx XTD boots.
Walk Mechanism
The XT3 features what Lange calls their “Active Power V-Lock 3.0” walk mechanism. This is very similar to the walk mechanism in the previous XT and XT Free boots, but Lange has tweaked it to open up 2° more of rearward range of motion (aka, “ROM”) and 11° in the front, creating a total stated range of motion of 53° (vs. the XT Free’s 40°).
As we’ve noted in the past, we don’t pay too much attention to small differences in stated ROM since the usable ROM can feel different between boots with identical stated ROM. But looking at the XT3 vs. XT Free, a 13° difference in ROM is definitely worth noting.
Other than stated ROM numbers, it’s worth reiterating that the XT3’s walk mechanism is mostly internal, consisting of a plastic slider that locks / releases the connection between the cuff and shell, and also a small metal latch on the exterior. The walk mechanism is actuated by pulling up or down on a small toggle on the exterior of the cuff of the boot. In terms of how it works, the walk mechanism in the XT3 is extremely similar to the walk mechanisms in the previous XT boots.
Forward Lean / Ramp Angle
The XT3 boots have a stated forward lean of 12° and a stated ramp angle of 4°. The XT3’s forward lean is not adjustable via the walk mechanism like some other touring boots (e.g., the Atomic Hawx XTD, K2 Mindbender, & Tecnica Zero G series).
Buckles
The XT3 boots use a pretty standard buckle layout for an overlap boot, with two buckles on the lower shell and two buckles on the cuff. All are micro-adjustable and there’s nothing really out of the ordinary with the buckles. They’re nice. Simple. Nothing weird here.
Power Strap
The XT3 130 features a 40mm-wide velcro power strap. This is pretty par for the course, though Lange has decided not to go with a cam-style power strap that we’ve seen on more and more boots (both alpine & touring) over the past couple of years.
Soles
All of the XT3 boots come standard with GripWalk soles, and Lange says that alpine soles will be available for purchase. The XT3’s GripWalk soles are very similar to the soles on the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130, Roxa R3 130 T.I., Tecnica Cochise 130, Dalbello Lupo Pro HD, and the old XT Free 130.
The XT3 boots do not have full-rubber, rockered soles like the Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro and Scarpa Maestrale series, but the XT3 does have some added rubber under the arch of the boot which should help a bit when clambering over rocks, snowmobile running boards, etc.
Fit
I’ve talked a lot about how my feet tend to get along pretty well with many companies’ “LV” ski boots (i.e., around 97-98 mm last). So I can stick my foot into a size 26.5 Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro or Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130, and go tour without pain. (The same is true for “LV” dedicated alpine boots like the Lange RX 130 LV, Atomic Hawx Ultra 130, and HEAD Raptor 140 RS.) The Tecnica Mach 1 LV is a bit tighter / more intense on top of my “medial” tarsals (medial and intermediate cuneiform).
Point is — and I’ll do a more detailed fit comparison in the future — nothing jumps out at me about the XT3 130 LV being significantly wider or narrower than these other boots. This is not to say that there are no differences, it’s only to say that the differences — for my feet, at least — are relatively subtle.
Bottom Line (For Now)
While the Lange XT3 carries over several design features from the XT Free boots, the XT3 130 is a bit lighter, offers more range of motion, and according to Lange, still doesn’t give up any skiing performance. We’ve been spending time in the XT3 130 LV and Blister Members can now check out our Flash Review for our initial on-snow impressions. We’ll be logging many more days in this boot, so stay tuned for our full review.
What is the stance of the boot like?
30 years of being told to lean forward (and skis with fat, stiff tails) doesn’t seem to play well with the flatter ramp angle, let alone straighter cuff.
Modern Lange freeride boots are pretty upright. I have the second generation XT Free and it’s 12 degrees, but it comes with a pretty beefy liner-attached spoiler that’s advertised as bringing it to 16. The lean with spoiler feels similar to my “16 deg” Head Raptors or my old Nordica Doberman plugs (which were set up at 16-17) in that configuration, so I think that’s about right.
The first time I rode the XT Free 140 without the spoiler I was on Fischer 107Tis (a ski with a “stiff, fat tail”) and my mechanics were definitely off. I could drive the shovels just fine, but things like “low transitions” (ones where you keep your center close to the snow instead of rising between turns) were all messed up. An upright boot makes it harder to keep your under your center when your knees are deeply flexed like that. The same goes for presses (the racing kind that you execute before a roller or jump, not the freestyle kind).
w.r.t. plastics, polypropylene is a polyolefin, and as far as I can tell the existing 2nd gen XT Free does in fact have a polypropylene cuff (it’s listed as “polyolefin”). I don’t think that actually changed.
The move from grilamid to PU in the lower is surprising, though.
5 days in this boot, and I can say with no hesitation whatsoever, it skis like a RX or RS boot, no compromises on performance.
Stance seems to be the same as RX/RS, if anything I might add 1-2 degree wedge for added forward lean on steep slopes. 10/10
Have you skied the xt free (gen 2) to draw any comparisons. My guess is use of PU makes the suspension more like the RX but maybe less stiff for bigger skiers.
I ski a promachine 130 and on warm days it’s not stiff enough for me so like the idea of grilamid in the second generation compared to PU.
You know that they make a 140 version of this boot right?
A shame it is only made up to a 29.5!
As someone who needs a cuff alignment adjustment it looks like I will be going back to a dalbello lupo or trying the rossi alltrack elite instead of the xt3 when my xt free 130s need to be replaced
They removed the shaft canting adjustment?
Any thoughts on grilamid that is in the XT3 140? Wasn’t the move to PU done to make the boot have a better feel? Why does the top model still have grilamid?
Probably because Grilamid has higher stiffness/weight ratio than even the highest grades of polyurethane, and because the 130 is already at the limit of what can be done with PU alone? I suspect that the only way they could go higher without increasing weight (and going to a thicker mold) was to change materials. What’s interesting is that the lower is apparently PU/Grilamid, which implies that they were able to co-inject or overmold the two plastics. That would be impressive IMO, as Nylon-12 (a.k.a. Grilamid) is pretty tricky stuff even on its own.
The existing 2nd-gen 140 (all-grilamid lower, polyolefin cuff) isn’t a bad-feeling boot. It doesn’t have suspension like my Raptor 140s or the Nordica WC plugs I rode before that, but it’s nicer than any other touring boot I’ve tried.
I notice on the Lange website they show an orange cam style power strap on the xt3 pro model. Any word on that being available as a separate part?
Hi Jonathan,
1.
What about ROM going up. Is there noticeable difference when you compare with current generation XT2? There is no forward angle and 11deg will be nice.
2.
Walk / Ski is it more easy to switch from ski to walk ?
Thanks Ivan
The cheapest version seem to come stock with Alpine sole blocks.
Really cool to see that they offer the LV version at all price points/ flexes.
What did I miss w.r.t. plastics? The bullets in the review above state “XT3 140 Pro Model (97 mm last; PU Shell; Lyftran PP Cuff)”. I’m interested in these boots specifically because they DON’T use Grilamid, which to me skis like a dead stick. I’d prefer the 1240, but if I have to go with a 130 to avoid Grilamid then so be it, but someone please confirm!!
When we first posted this First Look, Lange said the XT3 140 was going to use a dual-core lower shell with a mix of PU and Grilamid, hence the comments above. But then this summer, Lange told us that they had decided to just do a PU lower shell for the 140 because they wouldn’t be able to recycle a mixed-plastic shell of PU / Grilamid and the improved skiing performance of full-PU offset any weight savings of Grilamid, so we updated the specs here.
So, for the production versions available this season, Neither the XT3 140 nor the XT3 130 use Grilamid — both of them feature Lange’s “dual-core” Polyurethane lower shell and a Polypropylene upper cuff.
Thank you! I was checking out the Lange website and they still state the Grilamid/PU mix, but I’m going to believe your answer because I like it a lot better :)
Bummer – Lange corp confirms the 140 uses Grilamid.
Strange… I’ll double check with our contact there, but he had specifically told us that the production version of the 140 was not going to use Grilamid. I would bet that their customer service staff just wan’t updated on the change (since the boot was supposed to use some Grilamid when they announced the line), but I’ll double check and get back to you.
Just talked to Lange’s NA Marketing Director and he re-confirmed that the 140 does not use Grilamid. While I obviously don’t have a way to test that, I trust him, and I suspect the update just hasn’t been effectively communicated throughout the brand.
Luke – Great info and thanks for the follow-up!
So is the only difference between the 140 and 130 the strap then? If they both use the same plastic there’s really no difference?
140 has the race liner
Hi Severin, As per the Lange website : XT3 140 liner is Dual 3D Liner RACE, and the XT3 130 has Dual 3D Liner FULL. I would think the liner and the cam lock strap explain the $50 price difference?
I’m looking at buying this boot, but I’m a bit worried about durability. I saw a photo and review that made it seem like this boot was made out of play doh. Has anyone noticed anything? This boot costs a fair bit and I need it to last awhile.
Can you step into a pin tech binding and an alpine binding with the rubber sole or do you have to remove the rubber sole to use in an alpine binding? Planning to use as a resort boot but have the ability to switch to my touring skis and do some side country touring at the resort. Wouldn’t want the hassle of having to put the sole on/off. I already have touring only boots.
To make my life easier the last couple of years I have switched all my bindings over to grip walk compatible
Now I have only one set of skis that are not , there race skis used for coaching and ski demonstration and the few days I use them I just change the toe from grip walk over to alpine in order to be safe . I spent about a month in this boot last year lots of walking and skiing the 130 100 last no signs of wear , added a booster strap , heat molded for better fit , stance and Alinement felt real good out of box for me and were surprisingly easy to ski , after years in a three pice shell 10 plus , the difference I noticed was there harder to get on and off , comfort nothing beats a good fit three pice with a wrap liner for long days in your boots , performance was spot on both carving groomers and side country at big sky , have not skinned with them yet but will this season , i would highly recommend this boot !
Walk to Ride: A Walk to Ride Boot has low-tech inserts (i.e. pin bindings such as a Dynafit) to accommodate tech touring bindings and can also fit into specifically certified alpine bindings. Walk to Ride Boots can only fit safely into Walk to Ride (WTR) or Multi-Norm Certified (MNC) bindings. So look for the WTR or MNC Stamp. A few examples are Salomon’s STH2, Tracker, and Warden bindings.: https://www.powder.com/stories/an-explanation-of-boot-and-binding-compatibility/
I can say these are amazing boots. The XT3 140 PRO for my narrow feet. I have had the 1st gen XT and have tried many of the others above including the 2021 Atomic 130 Ultra XTD tech GW. I love the new plastics with the XT3. I had the Grilamid plastics snap and break on a boot like the Rossi All Track 130’s as well so I really like the PU. And @Severin above the XT3 140 only comes in 97 MM last and is the only model one that has the CAM lock strap. Little heavier than some competition for the UP but well worth it as for me it mostly about the DOWN.
@Ben: The supplied sole with the XT3 is GripWalk, not WTR. It is compatible with any binding labeled “GripWalk” or “GW” as well as MNC, WTR, WTR/Dual, SoleID/ID, and “AT” (Tyrolia). This means most alpine bindings less than 2-3 years old, but not all.
If you have older, pre-GripWalk alpine bindings that are not GripWalk compatible, your best bet is to swap the OEM soles for traditional ISO 5355 ones (I did this on my pair) which are available from Lange.
Would anyone happen to know if this boot would function with an older Dynafit Beast 14 binding? Thanks!
After 20 days the boot sucks. Walk mode is a iced out piece of garbage. If Italy wasn’t so far away I’d hand deliver them back to them.
Thanks for your update; it’s what some of us need to hear about real world use. How was the boot until the walk mode failed?
hey, just wondering if the liner is compatable with laces
Have 7 Days on my New xt3 140s. Coming from a Salomon SMAX 130 carbon, the flex feels similar, but the cuff is definitely more upright. I think they should be a good all around boot for Patrol. Hopefully they offer more durability than the Smax Boots
I’ve a couple seasons in the XT3 140. I’m 175cm and 65 kgs – not big by any means. I’m fit though and ski a lot. I would love these boots but they scare the shit out of me – 1 to 2 times a day I blow through the flex. What I mean by this is that they start to ramp up progressively, but occasionally they give out and stop progressing and rather just get soft? Again, it doesn’t happen often. For reference I ski k108 in a 184, Cochise 185, 190 Super 7 RD and 165 Dobermann SL WC. I’ve a pair of Redster 130 WCs that are far superior but of course they don’t tour :) in contrast to the Langes i have a pair of Salomon S/Lab “120” flex and have never experienced this, but the flex does ramp up and hit a wall fairly quickly for me. Would love the fit of the Lange and progressive flex that doesn’t stop quite so fast.
Anyone have any recs?