Salomon has upped the ante this year with their S/Race series of skis and boots, pushing the boundaries of traditional frontiers in gear technology. This review delves into the features, performance, and overall experience of Salomon's XC ski boots, focusing on the S/Max Carbon and S/Race models.
Salomon S/Max Carbon: Race-Quality Features with Comfort
For an experienced skier who wants race-quality features but not the svelte fit of a World Cup boot, the S/Max Carbon delivers. New last winter (but not in time to test them), it’s built with the same carbon-loaded chassis as the S/Race Classic but has a medium-volume fit and recycled Thinsulate lining.
Testers deemed the boot exceptionally easy to get on and off and “comfortable without compromising performance.” For a customized fit, the inner laces cinch down separately on the upper and lower half of the foot (a.k.a. dissociated laces), while a Velcro strap at the back of the boot’s exterior snugs up the heel pocket.
“Excellent snow feel with a progressive sole flex,” reported one tester.
Salomon S/Race Skiathlon Boa Boots: Performance Upgrade
To pair with the skis, Salomon makes the S/Race Skiathlon Boa Boots. The Skiathlon model is designed for both classic and skate skiing and has a little more flex than the S/Race Skate Boots, which are more rigid in the toe. Otherwise, the two boots are identical in terms of construction, weight, ankle support, and ankle flex.
Read also: Men's Salomon Ski Boots
The Boa lacing system is a major upgrade from traditional laces. It results in even pressure throughout the boot and provides easy adjustability and instant loosening-which is especially useful at the end of the day when your hands are cold. On top of all that, a carbon shell transfers energy efficiently to the skis, making for a seamless feel.
Out of the whole S/Race setup, the boots are definitely the most impressive, in terms of a performance upgrade.
Additionally, they hold wax well, meaning you can ski a handful of days on them between tune-ups, saving both time and money, especially if you’re taking them to a shop. They come standard with Salomon’s Shift Race bindings, which are easy to install and offer on-the-fly adjustability for varying boot sizes and preferred glide.
“Perfect sole stiffness and break in the forefoot,” wrote one fan, “and the heel counter holds the heel perfectly.” The stiffness of both the sole and chassis, along with a glove-like fit, gives notable support throughout the turn and enables easy weight transfer and edging, reported testers.
Recreational skiers, however, may be overpowered by these features.
Read also: Is the Salomon Villain right for you?
After years of skiing on clunky hand-me-downs a few inches too short, I found the lightweight S/Race Carbon Skate Skis to be a breath of fresh air. The skis are responsive, quick, and easy to maneuver, making skate skiing fun even on days with nasty conditions.
For skate skiers, the S/Race is that ski.
One tester enthused, “The gold standard."
Like its sibling, the Carbonlite Skate, this revamped boot has as its foundation the two-piece Speedmax sole that’s on Fischer’s highest-end boot and a new carbon-fused chassis that enhances torsional rigidity and, therefore, control. It’s a winning combo for advanced skiers.
Cross Country Boot Fitting and Sizing by SkisDotCom
Read also: Choosing the Right Salomon Snowboard
Alternative Options
Heading up Atomic’s recreational category in classic boots, the Pro C3 is designed with comfort and warmth top of mind, though it’s no slouch when it comes to performance. Together, the external heel counter and a new mid-cut inner boot offer ample support, both torsionally and laterally. And unlike with many “comfort” boots, the C3’s fit is relatively low volume (though far from race fit). It’s also the only one of Atomic’s classic boots to have a pull-and-cinch lacing system, which testers appreciated for its efficiency and ease in dialing in fit. A thick liner makes the C3 a good option for long skis on toe-chilling days.
To supposedly increase power during the kick phase, Alpina moved this boot’s toe bar 10 millimeters forward from its standard position, creating a new pivot point.