Vulcan backcountry skiing boot by Dynafit promises an ever better performance/mass ratio.

As predicted here some time ago, Dynafit has taken the TLT-5 form factor and created two new series of boots with similar lack of mass and nimble performance, while eliminating the metatarsal flex feature. The new series are the “One,” more price and touring oriented, and the “Free Touring,” which comprises the Vulcan and Mercury as detailed below.

As far as I can tell, the ethos of “free touring” places as much emphasis on the up as on the down. Yet nearly any other boot in the Dynafit ramuda of plastic horses will work for whatever combo of human power and turn arc you care to invoke.

Thus, shopping Dynafit boots could be a challenge. If your brain flops when considering all this, what I’d do is this: If you want the ultimate mix of efficiency and downhill control, still consider TLT-5 with user modification riveted metatarsal flex. For the top in downhill performance combined with efficiency, consider the “Free Touring” Vulcan & Mercury. Racers already know where they want to go, and if you want more conventional boots, look at the Zzero and Titan options as in the past.

Regarding the new ONE line, Free Touring line, and user mods: Basically, you sacrifice a mere snowflake of flat touring comfort not having the flex, while at the same time trimming mass and enhancing downhill performance (no sag, no bounce, stiffer with no weight penalty). Rando racers have discovered that metatarsal boot flex is overrated — many are now using non-flex boots. Trust me, no-flex will work fine for you as well. And if you’re still a flex fan, don’t despair as Dynafit will still sell their popular TLT-5 series (that’s what I was told, anyway, and I’ll check to see for sure).

More, as hyped by Dynafit, their king of the new boot lines, Vulcan, has design influence from pro Eric ‘Hoji’ Hjorleifson (regarded as one of the best skiers in the world).