Or actually, my feet tested Scarpa Alien rando-race boots.
You have to hand it to Scarpa for innovation. This thing is so different from most boots that the name works. Alien it is. From the Boa lacing to the minimalist cuff and tennis shoe fit, you can't believe this boot will ski. Surprisingly, it does. Look at the weight and you'll know why I was a skeptic: 32.4 oz, 918 grams per boot (size 28), liner is 7.5 oz.
From the side, showing rear latch system. Rearward cuff articulation is enough for a fly swatter fracture of the ankle if you're not careful, and forward is ridiculous as well. Once adjusted, the one-motion latch system works fine. Power strap seems pre-historic considering the modernity of everything else.
Secret of this boot is an internal stiffener strut that connects both rear pivot rivets (which incidentally are removable for user service or mods).
Ever think you'd get to see the rear end of an alien? Here you go.
Boa tightening system works amazingly well, but probably best on a boot with a fairly flexible lower shoe. Considering the lacing system and anti-gravity nature you might mistake these Aliens for wimps. Do not do that. This variety of Greys, though yellow, are actually quite stiff and skiable when all locked up (in a racer, non progressive flex big fast turn sense of things, anyway.)
Overall, a couple of testers and I were pleasantly surprised by this innovative ski boot. They’re obviously quite specialized to racing or fitness uphilling. Still, technology from those disciplines tends to filter out to regular backcountry skiing gear. That will be interesting. Kudos to Scarpa for the high level innovation.
WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain.
