Double that and then some. Rossis hike mode and more traditional buckle system simply cant match the ease of use and freedom of movement that you get with Scarpas Maestrale or Dynafits Hoji Free above. 10.3 oz.). Further, you get the benefit of compatibility with both alpine and tech bindingsa great setup for those who want to try out backcountry skiing but aren't ready to fully commit. There are important considerations when making a purchase: What is your skill level? - Lace Liner A backcountry ski boot is designed with both an outer shell and an inner liner. Join the discussion in the forums here, and let us know what you think. Fischer has been a staple visit on my trade show circuit each winter and this year at SIA they unveiled not just the innovative PROFOIL climbing skin but also a new alpine touring (AT) boot in the Fischer TransALP line up. No matter the closure system, it is important to practice buckling, unbuckling, and adjusting your boots before heading into the mountains. While this provides a nice progressive flex it did challenge me when driving a fatter ski in variable conditions. For those on either end of the spectrum, Scarpa also makes a standard Maestrale (110 flex rating and $100 less) and Maestrale XT (130+ flex rating and $100 more) Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Scarpa Maestrale RSSee the Women's Scarpa Gea RS. The closure can come fully apart via a small latch, and overall Ive really liked this stock strap its easy to tighten, easy to loosen, and does a good job of spreading pressure over a large area without being bulky. And while crossover boots are an undeniably heavy breed, you can still go lighter with aggressive models like the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD and Rossignol Alltrack Elite. At a stated last width of 100 mm for a size 26.5, the Transalp has what Id call a fairly middle-of-the-road medium volume fit through the midfoot, with one notable exception (at least on my feet) it feels noticeably shorter than most 26.5 boots Ive used. weight) Scarpa F1, 28.0 (17/1819/20)1309 & 1311 Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro, 26.5 (18/1922/23)1315 & 1316 Fischer Transalp Pro, 26.5 (21/2222/23)1505 & 1510 Scarpa Maestrale XT, 27.0 (19/2022/23)1557 & 1564 Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130, 26.5 (20/2121/22). Emphasis on heel hold and progressive flex over maximum range of motion and/or absolute lightest weight. For more information, including our top picks, be sure to see our article on the best backcountry ski bindings.Back to Our Backcountry Ski Boot Picks Back to Our Backcountry Boot Comparison Table. This boot is fine-tuned for classic ski touring, with a high volume (the 103.5mm last should fit most feet), 60-degree cuff rotation in walk mode, and relatively light weight that will satisfy most recreational skiers. Pelican Antigua 106 SUP And here is where boots come into play. without the pain of swapping out bindings or having incompatible combinations. Furthermore, female skiers or those with lighter builds often prefer boots with lower flex ratings, which is reflected in the offerings on the market. While the flex was soft I did find it very progressive which I also prefer as its prudent insurance against shin bang. Touring boots are undeniably expensive, but K2s Mindbender 100 is a solid entry-level design for skiers splitting time between the resort and backcountry. Compatible with alpine bindings and crossover tour setups like the Salomon Shift, the boot offers serious performance with very few compromises. One of the most important features of a boot liner is the foam that is sandwiched between the shell and inner lining. BUCKLES/VELCRO Walk mode and "cuff rotation" go hand-in-hand: this specification describes the amount of fore/aft motion available in a ski boot while in walk mode. The only boot that walks as well that feels as stiff or stiffer is the new Salomon S/Lab MTN Summit, though its not a big difference. The cuff pivot of the Transalp Pro feels nearly frictionless, and while I wouldnt say its as hiking-boot-like as lighter alternatives, I think that mostly comes down to the Transalp Pros longer sole and heavier weight, at least for my feet. Read more about us. Furthermore, new MNC (Multi Norm Compatible) bindings from Marker and Salomon take away the guessworkthey simply are compatible with pretty much every style of boot. If this sounds like you, Tecnica also offers the Zero G Tour Scout and standard Tour, which have 120 and 110 flex ratings, respectively.See the Men's Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro See the Women's Tecnica Zero G Tour Scout. It walks amazingly well uphill. With that sort of flex pattern, I struggle to feel comfortable or confident since Im either barely flexing the boot or would sometimes find myself blowing all the way through it. Locked into place, it resembles a standard downhill design with enough stiffness to transfer power to the bindings and skis. Switching into tour mode gets you pretty limited freedom of movementits 40 degrees range of motion is the smallest on our list and falls short of other freeride models like the Rossignol Alltrack Elite (50) and Lange XT3 (53). It does feel like most of the Transalps range of motion is in the forward direction, though I rarely find myself hitting its limit of rearward range of motion. If your ski boots come with an open-cell foam liner, we have found it to be worth the price (especially for those who run cold) to buy a closed-cell foam liner separately. The good news is Dynafit is no stranger to the ski boot market, and their Hoji collection offers great all-around performance for backcountry skiers who dont want to sacrifice descending capabilities. Last but not least is the S/Lab MTN, Salomon's freeride ski boot. The Transalp Pro features a Pebax Rnew cuff and shell, the Tour versions use a mix of Pebax Rnew and TPU, and the TS is full TPU. The most obvious alternative for folks in that camp is the Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro, which is about the same weight as the Transalp Pro, but is notably stiffer. Overall, the Transalp feels a bit lower-volume through the ankle than most 100mm-last boots. Importantly, Dynafit paid plenty of attention to the Hoji's climb-ability with the aforementioned range of motion, plus transitions are lightning fast (we only have to lock down into ski mode and tighten the toe buckle). On the budget end of the spectrum are open-cell foam designs, which are comfortable at first but tend to pack out quickly. With a flex of 100, its softer and a bit more accommodating for lighter and less experienced skiers, especially compared to the more rigid TLT8. The Transalp boots have two actual buckles: one pretty traditional one about halfway up the cuff, and a less traditional one over the instep that tightens a cable that zig-zags across the top of the foot. Category: All-around/crossoverWeight per pair: 6 lbs. BOOT LINER This boot has been designed for advanced backcountry skiers with a sturdy 120 flex rating, reinforced Grilamid shell, and stiff carbon fiber spine. With 53 range of motion (18 back and 35 front) these are one easy walking boot. The cuff rotation is defined by a few factors, namely the materials used in the design of the boot and the amount of play these materials are allowed. 6 oz.Flex: 100Other flexes: 100WWhat we like: A lightweight and capable boot for high-mileage days.What we dont: Thin construction impacts warmth and durability. Category: Crossover/all-aroundWeight per pair: 6 lbs. Good amount of cuff lean to bring skis flat on snow for bow-legged skiers. It also features an additional latch that closes the interface for added security. But Ive found when Im skiing harder in the backcountry, it is sometimes not enough boot on the downhill. This was problematic until I simply moved the buckle closer to the wire latch so that I no longer had to use the last position and the problem was solved. Many backcountry boots favor either uphill or downhill performance, but the Scarpa Maestrale RS's impressive balance of both earns it our top billing for 2022. But as with any all-in-one answer, there are some compromises. With a flip of a lever along the spine of the boot, you can control the flexibility of the cuff. Buckles are yet another place where manufacturers can make decisions regarding the uphill vs. downhill performance debate. While the Fischer Transalp Boots dont set any weight records they do come pretty close in the cuff rotation department. please supportBackcountry Skiing Canada by donating today. Now there is a third option. The Transalp Pros liner is neither super minimal nor super substantial, with soft foam used throughout most of it, though it does feature a bit of reinforcement around the upper cuff and at the front of the tongue. Crested Butte and carving groomers. This is partly because of its soft, flexible liner, and because of the shells gaiter. One really handy feature of the Transalp boots is that they come with tech toe fittings, a must have for any serious backcountry skier. A top buckle hanger for touring mode, should you choose. On the other hand, with an aggressive stance, four-buckle design (many backcountry models use two or three), and a new, more substantial liner, the XTD can hold its own on steep groomers. Backcountry ski boots tend to be less stiff than alpine boots for a number of reasons. Most importantly, you want to match the design and materials Backcountry skiers often sacrifice downhill performance for the ability to tour uphill, but Langes XT3 130 is designed with the descent in mind. Micro buckles are light and lay flat and out of the way when engaged. Dynafits Hoji Pro Tour was an attention-grabber when it was released a few seasons ago, but its speed toe design came with limitations in binding and crampon compatibility. I like that Fischer used a sliding buckle for the cuff, which lets me keep that buckle on the notch I use for the descent and just leave the buckle fully loosened / flipped open, rather than needing to back it off or fully undo it. And most importantly, as we covered in detail above, you'll want to make sure your boots and bindings are compatible with one another. Further, the boot does a fine impression of an alpine model with a progressive flex that can be driven hard. The bottom line is that each ski brand makes their boots with a unique shape, fit, and features. In order to get the full benefit you do have to undo the top buckle and the power strap and of course switch them into Hike mode. You can use a conversion chart to determine your Mondo size but we still highly recommend getting fitted by a ski boot professional. On the other hand, its a nice bump up from an ultralight model like the T1 LT or TLT8 above. Category: CrossoverWeight: 7 lbs. That said, the TLT8 increased durability and fit customization by swapping the old wire system for a more precise ladder buckle setup. Overall, you get a ton of flexibility whether you choose to shred the resort on your alpine setup or explore the backcountry with your touring kit. Tack on a minimalist liner and Grilamid shell, and the TLT8 Expedition is among the lightest boots on our list at an all-in weight of 5 pounds. When you creep above that point, uphill travel can become an uncomfortable and overly exhausting activity. You can measure your own Mondo size quite easily, by putting your foot against the wall, marking where your toes end, and measuring the distance in centimeters. The question is: what are the differences between a women's ski boot and a men's ski boot? The Salomon S/Lab MTN Summit is really the only boot Ive used that feels similar, and both are really cool options for people in this group. That aside, its ideal demographic is a bit more nuanced than most boots. Weight also goes down a little bit thanks in part to the simplified, single buckle over the foot, which utilizes a cable system thats similar to Scarpas Maestrale. Relatively new to the ultralight scene, the Scarpa F1 LT is worth talking about. Fischer also includes an optional spoiler for more tweaking of the forward lean. Well point most backcountry-goers to a more versatile all-rounder, but theres certainly a place for the Cochise in some skiers quivers.See the Men's Tecnica Cochise 130 DYN See the Women's Tecnica Cochise Pro W DYN. Its doesnt match heavier alternatives when it comes to outright stiffness, but its flex pattern is both more progressive and stiffer than many of the lighter options Ive used in the past. Fits a tad short for the mondo size. Perhaps Scott will release a low-volume variation of the Cosmos/Celeste in the future, but until then, it remains a somewhat polarizing design.See the Men's Scott Cosmos Tour See the Women's Scott Celeste Tour. Due to the overlap of the Polyurethane (PU) plastic I found it difficult to get the liners back into the shells after drying them. If your ski gear is even a few years old, theres new technology out there that will help make good days on the snow even better. An all-around boot from La Sportiva, the Vega is among the best climbers in the business. At only 4 pounds 14 ounces for the pair, the Atomic Backland Carbon is one of the lightest boots on our list, and a solid choice for uphill-focused skiers with high demands from their boot on the downhill. And whether they're made of open or closed-cell foam, most boot liners are heat moldable, a process that fits them precisely to your feet and eliminates hot spots and potential for loss of circulation. In terms of rearward support, the Transalp Pro feels quite good for its weight, though not quite as solid as burlier overlap boots like the Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro or Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 130. The good news is that this growing category has seen some impressive advancements in recent years, with a plethora of models that excel both on the climb and descent. In short, the Transalp boots are designed to blend the extensive range of motion and low weight of Fischers Travers series with the more substantial downhill performance of their Ranger boots. - Comfortable liners with huge toe box 15 oz.Flex: 130Other flexes: 95W, 100, 115W, 120What we like: Lightweight with a confident feel on the downhill.What we don't: Falls short of the Maestrale for touring. This is especially jarring when Im coming from my stiff, heavy alpine boots, making for a big adjustment period each time Im out touring. Category: All-aroundWeight per pair: 6 lbs. Comfort aside, the Fischer Transalp Thermoshape Boots offered a lightweight AT experience on the uptrack coming in at just 3440g which is on the lower end of the scales for AT boots. The shell provides strength for the downhill, while the liner is built to conform to the foot and provide both comfort and warmth. Best Rain Shells The Transalp Pro also walks very well without skis on again, not quite at the same level of <1200-g boots, but notably better than the 1500+ g ones, especially those with bulky, plastic-laden GripWalk soles. Added up, the Transalp is another solid contender for backcountry-goers looking for a boot thats as fun on the skin track as it is in the powder stashes. - Ultralon Padding Additionally, its 50-degree range of motion is only average, and it lacks the friction-free performance of higher-end alternatives. Starting with alpine touring skis, you'll want to make sure to match the flex of your boots with the stiffness of your skis. Most notably, the Lange XT3 is one of the heaviest designs on our list at almost 8 pounds for the pair, which is a significant downside for those spending extended time on the skin track. However you choose to say it, backcountry skiing is just as much (if not more) about the uphill as it is about the downhill. This lack of refinement and uphill capability pushes the S/Lab MTN down our list, but it's still a viable option for serious downhillers Read in-depth reviewSee the Salomon S/Lab MTN. That said, if your climbs arent especially steep or you dont mind sacrificing some efficiency, the Salomons resort-inspired construction has a lot of appeal among skiers who like to charge both on- and off-trail.See the Men's Salomon Shift Pro 120 See the Women's Salomon Shift Pro 110. For more background information, see our detailed buying advice and comparison table below the picks. If you are interested in using your backcountry boots with your downhill setup, it's definitely worth double checking whether or not your bindings are WTR or GripWalk certified. Category: All-aroundWeight per pair: 5 lbs. But most importantly, many women's-specific boots have lower flex ratings that make them softer. Stated Forward Lean: 13-14, adjustable to 16-17, Soles: fixed, full-rubber, non-replaceable (ISO 9523), Binding Compatibility: tech / pin bindings, MNC bindings, [Note: Our review was conducted on the 21/22 Transalp Pro, which returns unchanged for 22/23.]. Backcountry skiers are always walking that fine line between uphill and downhill performance, and the new Transalp Tour is another high-quality and well-balanced option.See the Men's Fischer Transalp Tour See the Women's Fischer Transalp Tour. The hybrid design targets downhill-oriented riders with traditional alpine boot features like a four-buckle layout, sturdy shell, and a warm liner. While many of the models in this article are made with Grilamid or carbon, the K2s more affordable TPU shell adds significant heft. For the uphill, the Shift checks the right boxes with an easy-to-access hike lever, tech inserts, and GripWalk soles for reliable traction. For those wanting an uphill rocket, the F1 LT is definitely worth having on your short list.See the Men's Scarpa F1 LT See the Women's Scarpa F1 LT. Category: CrossoverWeight per pair: 7 lbs. Fischer doesnt provide a stated flex rating for the Transalp Pro, but compared to other boots Ive used, Id call the Transalp Pro something between 110-120 115 seems like a pretty fair number. postponed decision because of that. The competing demands of weight and flexibility on the climb, with stiffness and control on the descent, means alpine touring boots are complex and incorporate high-end materials like Grilamid, Pebex Rnew, and carbon fiber. The Transalp comes stock with what Fischer calls 16-17 of forward lean, though you can flip the piece where the walk mechanism attaches to the cuff to drop that to 13-14. Significantly updated for 2022, the collection features a new buckle layout, revamped shell, and a moderate bump in price from the outgoing Cosmos III (from $630 to $700). But for all the touring Ive done in it, its forward support has been good enough for me. Recently, there has been a push by many ski gear manufacturers to offer a range of flex options for individual boot models, allowing the user to choose the perfect stiffness for his or her ability level. Further, you inevitably lose some warmth and durability with the noticeably thin materials (were happy to see metal used for the top buckle, however). Do you disagree? Body Glove Performer iSUP, Best Wireless Headphones And most companies have followed suit, leading to popular boots such as the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD, which can be used with tech bindings, tech toe/alpine heel bindings, GripWalk frame bindings, and MNC bindings (see below). And the headliner for the Pro and Tour models is the Pebax Rnew shell, which is sustainably made from 65-percent castor oil (a natural and degradable alternative to plastic). If finding a comfortable ski boot has been a challenge for you, we recommend working with your local ski shop professional. Alpine touring boots are characterized by this balance, with lightweight builds, a high range of motion in walk mode, a stiff ski mode, crampon and tech binding compatibility, and grippy soles. The fit of any boot is the deciding factor and everyones feet are different, so we highly, highly recommend visiting a bootfitter before settling on a boot. 2 oz.Flex: 120Other flexes: 100W, 110, 110W, 125What we like: Very competitive weight, downhill performance, and range of motion.What we don't: Wide fit can be make-or-break depending on your foot shape. And among sturdy freeride-oriented models, the Lange XT3 has a little better range of motion and climbing comfort. Tecnicas Zero G boots are some of the most sought-after designs among committed backcountry riders. Still, the nicest boot I have tried in a while and probably a great choice for people who are in between sizes. Weight: 3440g / 7.6 lb - Hike/Lock lever on spine is not that easy to grasp with gloves on Ski boots size is delineated by the Mondopointaka-Mondo-scalewhich refers to the length of your foot in centimeters. I would expect this to get easier as the plastic gets older and the user has more practice but it could be an obstacle to those would already tend to not dry their liners. In the end, the Vegas climbing skills earn it a spot on our list, but its caught a little too much between the ultralight and all-rounder categories to secure one of our top rankings.See the Men's La Sportiva Vega See the Women's La Sportiva Vega. In the last few years, Salomon and Marker have created new technologiesWalk-to-Ride (WTR) and GripWalk, respectivelythat allow a boot to be compatible with both frame bindings and tech bindings. It's important to pay attention here, because the style of boot you choose will influence which binding you'll pair it with, and vice versa. The fit also is among the most customizable on our list thanks to Salomons Custom Shell HD, which is shared with the brands popular S/Pro resort boot and allows for extensive head molding. Boots with WTR or GripWalk technology are not quite as rockered as tech-only boots, yet not totally flat like an alpine boot. Our all-rounder category is home for versatile designs that meet all the needs of a standard day of skiing in the backcountry: you're probably not attempting to set any FKTs (Fastest Known Time), but your ascent is likely completely human powered. Colour: Black/Black/Green The weight of a ski boot makes a huge difference for comfort and maintaining energy throughout a day in the mountains. Category: CrossoverWeight per pair: 7 lbs. Women's boots have graphics that may (or may not) have more marketing power for the female ski community. In skiing, the word crossover refers to a piece of gear that bridges the gap between the resort and the backcountry. Boa closures arent anything new in the outdoor world, but it does give us pause about potential issues with loosening and failing over time. After a few days lapping the resort I was more than comfortable with the flex and cuff height. I also havent had any issues with icing during my time in this boot. Tech bindings, otherwise known as pin bindings (such as the G3 Ion) have metal prongs at the toe that insert into small holes in the front of the boot. While the fit may not be as adaptable as the Vacuum version the Transalp Thermoshape boots do have a thermoformable Ultralon boot liner so theyre customize to your foot similar to most other alpine touring boots. I couldnt make a 26.5 Hawx XTD 130 26.5 work for my foot for touring all day. When choosing a pair of boots, it's important to think through the style and performance level of your entire ski kit, including your skis and bindings. Alternatively, it is never fun to feel as if you can't turn your skis while using a pair of boots that flex too much. Even if Im not taking the liner fully out, it can be a bit frustrating to try to remove my foot, especially when my feet / the liner are sweaty (which is pretty much every time I skin). Whereas a standard alpine ski boot has four buckles, a backcountry boot can have anywhere from two to four. The huge toe box as mentioned before also had a positive impact on keeping my toes warm and the freedom to wiggle when they wanted to. The Transalp Thermoshape Boots also come with tech fittings built it. Taken together, this means that the Fischer offers slightly better performance on the uphill. Priced at $679, the Vega is a good value overall, undercutting most of its competition by $100 or more. Its a really interesting boot that blurs the lines of previously established categories, so lets dive in. Light and fast travelers will want a minimalist design like the Dynafit Superlite 150, the Salomon MTN Pure is an excellent all-rounder option, and the Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC has a lot of appeal for those splitting time between the resort and backcountry. Category: All-aroundWeight per pair: 6 lbs. On the other hand, the Kore 2 is the better value at $699 (the 130-flex Kore 1 also undercuts the XTD 130 at $749) and its more accommodating fit should work better with wider feet.See the Head Kore 2. First off, the speed nose shape at the front impacts binding and crampon compatibility. Further, the Atomics sole has better traction and durability for scrambling over rock. The cuff rotation specification is a good number to pay attention to when thinking about how much of your ski day will be uphill focused. But these are fairly common concerns for ultralight boots, and the Backlands combination of weight, mobility, and downhill performance make it a very appealing option.See the Atomic Backland Carbon. If you go for the Vacuum TS Boots youll save 200 grams and upgrading to the Transalp Vacuum TS Lite Boots youll save an additional 140 grams. The added bonus, however, is that they have small indicators silk screened over the top of the fittings to show you where to line up the tech pins. The Transalp feels a bit roomier to me through the midfoot than the Atomic Hawx Prime XTD, and its got a notably lower-volume toe box than the Salomon S/LAB MTN Summit. If the goal is long, potentially steep descents, opt for a boot that sacrifices cuff rotation for a higher flex rating. This strap adds significant support for aggressive downhill skiing, particularly on harder snow. Dynafit also makes the standard Radical, which features a 110 flex and more basic PU cuff (rather than the Pros fiber-reinforced Grilamid), and drops the Hoji Speed Lock system for a more traditional boot design.See the Men's Dynafit Radical Pro See the Women's Dynafit Radical Pro. The design is user-friendly and functions just like a typical backcountry model by flipping a lever along the back of the boot. Scott flies a little under the radar in the backcountry ski world, but there's a lot to like with their men's Cosmos and women's Celeste boot line. TransAlp Pro sounds like an intriguing upgrade for me. 6 oz.Flex: 125Other flexes: 100W, 110, 120W, 130+What we like: Excellent performance on both the uphill and descent.What we don't: Not burly enough to be a top crossover resort choice. The Transalp design uses a pretty traditional overlap cuff, but then pairs it with a lower shell thats a single piece, with a fabric gaiter covering the gap over the middle of the foot and shin. While in ski mode, the Alltrack Elite feels like a true alpine boot: it has an aggressive stance, four sturdy buckles, and the shell is stiff but precise. With a competitive weight of 6 pounds 15 ounces for the pair and a stated flex of 130, the Hawx Ultra XTD toes the line better than most. Im not luke but you should try on the zero G. It may not be tight enough around your ankle out of the box but it sounds like it hits a lot of your points without much to lose. Category: All-aroundWeight per pair: 5 lbs. Its been free from day one but that doesnt mean its not a valuable resource. But the Radical Pro hits a really nice middle ground for the majority of backcountry-goers, and particularly those with wide feet. Unfortunately, many companies have not gotten around to producing women's specific-models of some fantastic boots. As a result of this setup, crossover boots also excel for aggressive freeriders that want a burly and reliable option for big-mountain backcountry adventures. Below we break the styles down in greater detail. As I just mentioned, the Transalp Pro features a Pebax Rnew shell and cuff, which is a bio-based version of the lightweight Pebax polyamide plastic, made using castor bean oil. This makes things much easier and efficient on transitions and for those new to the tech world. Shells, no Liners: 1053 g (L) & 1053 g (R), Liners, no Footbeds: 262 g (L) & 263 g (R), Shells + Liners = 1315 g (L) & 1316 g (R). But the tradeoff comes in flexwhile the Maestrale RS clocks in at 125, the Tour receives a stiff rating that is decidedly not as progressive as the Scarpas. 15 oz.Flex: 110Other flexes: 110WWhat we like: Sustainably made Pebex Rnew shell and 80 degrees of cuff rotation.What we dont: Not as stiff as the Maestrale RS above. What's more, they dry very quickly and tend to keep your feet warmer, even during the coldest days. The Cochise might have the ability to walk and skin uphill, but at over 4 pounds per boot it's important to recognize its limitations. Weight 2/2 In addition, women's boots usually come in smaller sizes (for instance, the Scarpa Gea RS starts at a size 22.5, while the Maestrale RS starts at 24.5). Theres a sizeable flex bellows behind the Achilles. And to complete your alpine touring setup, see our articles on the best backcountry skis and backcountry ski bindings. Choosing the right ski jacket is all about managing the conditions that you might encounter on the mountain. - Progressive flex so no shin bang Im super curious about the above boot. It's worth mentioning that there isn't a standardized test to establish these ratingsit's up to the manufacturer to list them. There are two main styles of backcountry ski bindings: tech and frame (you can read more about the pros and cons of each in our article on tech vs. frame bindings). Most boot liners are a classic slip-on with a forward tongue, while some have a lace closure for added support. Most of these boots are made with tech fittings as well. On the other hand, some premium offerings include a more expensive closed-cell foam linerfor example, the Intuition Pro Flex Performance in the Scarpa Maestrale RS. Pelican Antigua 106 SUP The initial modification prior to heat moulding the liners was to take out the stock foot beds and replace them with my SIDA custom foot beds.