How to Choose Alpine Touring Boots
Alpine Touring Boots
Alpine touring boots (aka AT boots or backcountry ski boots) are lighter than their bulkier, resort-oriented counterparts. They feature a walk mode, which gives you a range of motion at the ankle that lets you ascend with a technique much like classic cross-country skiing (with less glide and a shorter stride). The tech inserts in the toe create the pivot point for this free-heeled technique. These boots also feature lugged, rockered soles so you have traction when you remove your skis to bootpack or walk over rocky areas or bare patches. Once at the top, you switch into a rigid downhill mode by tightening them and flipping a lever. The tech inserts in the heel allow the binding to hold your whole foot so you can ski down while making alpine ski turns.
Types of Alpine Touring Boots
Hybrid Boots
If you want to regularly ski both in and out of bounds with the same boot, hybrid boots (also called crossover boots) are a wise choice. They also hit the spot for those who want to have the best possible downhill performance and are willing to suffer more on the uphill to attain it. These boots’ heft and stiffness translate to a power transfer, vibration dampening, and shock absorption that almost performs like a resort-oriented alpine boot. They’re a good choice for skiers who enjoy high speeds or freeriding. Yet at between 1,500 grams and 2,000 grams, they’re light and flexible (in walk mode) enough for efficient climbing.
Midrange Touring Boots
If you love the runner’s high on the skin track as much as downhill thrills and flow, these may be the boots for you. They’re also called all-around alpine touring boots. Weighing between 1,300 grams and 1,600 grams, they excel equally at climbing and descending. Their ample range of motion makes for easy climbing. On the way down, two to four buckles and a power strap keep the boot snug and stiff for stability and powerful turns.
Lightweight Touring Boots
Boots in this category are for ski mountaineers or those who really enjoy racking up the altitude gain. Their light weight (under 1,300 grams) and broader range of motion (generally greater than 60 degrees) makes them almost feel like hiking boots as you glide uphill. Although they’re not the best option for the most aggressive skiers, you can nevertheless make smooth turns and enjoy euphoric descents with modern boots in this category, especially in soft or fluffy snow. To support your foot and lower leg, they usually have one or two BOA dials, a power strap, and fewer, if any, buckles.
Skimo Boots
These boots are for competitive racers and those who prioritize uphill speed above all else. They come in at under 1,000 grams but compromise on the downhill experience and durability.
Other Considerations
Fit
How the boot feels on your feet is supremely important. A heavenly powder day can quickly become a sufferfest with ill-fitting boots. There’s nothing fun about blisters—especially when you have a long slog back to your car before you can take your boots off. Start off by finding a boot that best fits the shape of your feet. Next, take that fit to the next level and deal with any lingering issues with a bootfitting with one of our experienced technicians.
Binding Compatibility
When choosing alpine touring boots, be sure they’re compatible with your bindings. Tech bindings require boots with moulded toe fittings and a slotted heel plate (tech inserts) for a secure attachment. Most AT boots work with frame bindings, but always check the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Modern AT boots’ soles may not be compatible with traditional alpine bindings, but models such as Marker Sole.ID, Tyrolia AAAttack AT, and Salomon/Atomic MNC are designed for compatibility with both alpine and touring soles. Walk-to-Ride (WTR) Look/Rossignol bindings are compatible with boots with WTR (Walk-to-Ride), ISO 5355, and GripWalk soles. Avoid using mismatched touring boots and alpine bindings. This can affect the binding’s ability to release your foot and result in catastrophic injury. For maximum flexibility, look for boots with interchangeable soles. In many cases, this enables switching between alpine and tech bindings.
Questions?
Finding just the right touring boot can be difficult. If you have any questions or would like some guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. One of our consultants will be happy to help you find the right alpine touring boot.
