Bootsfocus: newtechiscoming

LeeHardy was in La Clusazand hasthe lowdown on the latestboots...

y bags were packed and I was off again, like an excited kid, to the SIGBSki Test in La Clusaz, France. This winter sport tradeshow gives me the opportunity to not only try the latest skis that will be hitting the slopes next winter, but also get some real-world experience of what new boot tech is coming and, more importantly, get them on my feet and try them.

You'll be glad to hear that sustainability is still a big story for most manufacturers. Scott is bringing out a new touring boot that uses over 50% recycled material, and Salomon are already developing processes that can take a running shoe and turn these into materials that can be used in ski boot production -clever thinking!

One thing that we can't get away from is rising costs with boots. Investment in recycling solutions and the general quality of boots these days means that most higher end models are now in the £600 to £700 bracket.

Thankfully, this does mean there is some great tech coming along to improve everything from fit to reducing weight and, in the touring segment, improving the fluidity of motion in the upper cuff when in tour mode.

Big news is from BOA.These micro-adjustable fit solutions we are used to seeing on cycling shoes and snowboard boots have now made it to the ski boot world. We are used to seeing them on liners from the likes of the Scott boots, but Salomon, Atomic, K2 and Fischer are all utilising BOA'sexpertise to produce better fit solutions on the front of some of their boot models, doing away with the first and second clip. This gives a radically improved fit over the forefoot, wrapping the foot securely for a more precise feel. I love the fact that adjustment on these new models is not only precise, but can be tweaked on the move with a quick twist of the BOAdial, which is easily grabbed with a glove on. Keep an eye out as other manufacturers adopt this technology in the future.

Then, from Lange, we have the launch of the Shadow boot. Inspired by mountain bike suspension, this combines a suspension blade in the rear cuff and a dual pivot, which extends the axes of the cuff. This extra leverage gives more power with less effort and increases the rebound by 26% giving a more dynamic drive from the boot. Less effort for more reward and bigger smiles. Dalbello are still charging with their all-mountain range, and while these have had incremental changes this year, sales from this allow them to develop their other more niche boot lines. The Cabrio has an all-new full-wrap liner with more progressive flexes in the Cabrio Free.

The Rossignol Hi-Speed range is offering a huge range of customisation options from 98/100/102/104 last widths. Plus their dual-core shells with different hardness zones within the same mould gives great drive where needed and more rebound in other areas of the boot. The rear of the shell has three screws so you can alter the flex of the boot -this is a model that can truly grow with you as you progress.

In the touring arena hybrid is the big news. Scarpa joined last year with their fantastic 4-Quattro range, and the race is now on for the best performing boot, with great touring ability and dynamic downhill performance. Atomic have joined the party with their Backland XTD range. Think all-mountain/piste boot meets lightweight touring -this boot is a game changer. With its frictionless mirror pivots, the walk mode is genuinely epic and should come with a health warning when switching between ski/walk. Beware and hold onto something before you engage its 74 degrees of cuff movement! But what goes up must come down and these can drive the biggest skis out there with ease. Choose a model with a GripWalk sole and you have a genuine one-boot quiver.

Finally, Dynafit, who have always been market leaders with their fast and light ranges for years, have jumped into the freetouring arena with their all-new Tigard 130 with GripWalk sole.

Check back in the autumn for a full rundown of 2024's best ski boots.

.a.