Ankle Fit
Ankle Fit
Displaying 1 - 10 of 19
September 29, 2010
LF stands for Live Fit, one of this year’s more interesting innovations. Soft, flexible panels on the walls of the shell expand as needed for comfortable fit for the widest of feet without undue compromise in performance integrity. The upright stance reduces leg fatigue, and the two-buckle design is the ultimate in ease, providing just enough wrap for relaxed skiing.
September 29, 2010
The women’s version of the Impact series (see Men’s Freeride) is a study in minimalist design, using only essential material to provide all the foot envelopment and power transmission a relaxed expert could want. It has an uncanny ability to fit a variety of foot shapes, including wider ones that can take advantage of Salomon’s expandable Custom Shell technology.
September 29, 2010
The Poison will please experts looking for a snugger, more responsive fit than the Idol 8 (below). It’s the women’s version of the Ghost (see Men’s Freeride), with a roomier, lower cuff and a heel wedge. The two-buckle construction is more youthful in styling than the Idol, and more upright in stance. It feels at home in the park, but explores the whole mountain eagerly.
September 29, 2010
A slight softening of flex makes the Electra 80 a bit less powerful than the 90 (below), but it’s a better choice for intermediates or lighter experts. Otherwise, it’s a carbon copy of the 90. Both have rubbery Vibram soles that make parking lots and base lodge staircases easier to navigate, and both have quilted fleece-fur liners that ski accurately while keeping the cold out.
September 29, 2010
“Fur” liner, yes. Lipstick, no. Nordica shows women a lot of respect with this model, which will be popular with the most aggressive of them. It’s a toned-down race boot—a Spitfire 120 (see Men’s Speed) with a softer flex, some freeride-appropriate shock absorption, a lower cuff and, yes, a warm fur liner. The snug fit and sturdy construction made it a favorite among testers.
September 29, 2010
Though both are part of the Hot Rod collection, the 100W and the HR Pro (below) are different boots. The main difference: The 100 is 2 mm wider at the forefoot. And where the Pro is quick and precise, the 100 offers quieter, less demanding performance. Shock-absorbing materials deaden vibrations and soften landings, and the stance geometry is well balanced.
September 29, 2010
The RX 100 is a new design: moderately snug, with Lange’s best liner ever. Most testers instantly liked the relatively upright stance and flatter ramp angle—more comfortable, better suited to today’s tip-and-rip style. And for what it’s worth, all of them liked the look of it. A “Pro” version offers a 97-mm fit for the narrow-footed, but most women will prefer the 100-mm fit here.
September 29, 2010
Head gives the more established brands a run for their market share with winners like this. The Vector 100 shines in its combination of comfort and modest performance. The forefoot is cavernous, but where a modicum of snugness is needed for performance—in the ankle/heel area—it’s there. Advanced intermediates and relaxed experts will be set up to succeed.
September 29, 2010
Women who have fit problems but still crave performance shouldn’t give up before trying Head’s cleverly designed Dream series. The 12.5 offers fit tension more like what you’d expect from a 98-mm last than a 102, but the cuff of both the liner and the shell offer broad adaptability for troublesome calves. A race boot it’s not, but it’s aces for comfort and solid performance.
September 29, 2010
The Hawx 90 is the same boot as the Hawx 100 (see previous), so it’s a matter of skier aggressiveness, ability and/or weight. It lacks some of the turn-finishing power of the 100, but more women probably belong here. Otherwise, the benefits are the same: flexible midsole for improved balance, snug heel retention, nice blend of comfort and performance.
Gear 101
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