The Lowdown

Ski boots really are the most important part of a ski setup. Whether we like it or not, the right fit can make or break any day of skiing. For many people, finding the right boot can be a lifelong search, the conclusion of which often is the belief that ski boots just suck. Hard, heavy, plastic cages that we cram our feet into, for what? The new S/pro Alphas may be just what some of us have been waiting for: stiff, responsive, light, and easily customizable to help us see through the pain and into some pretty awesome days of skiing.

Ride Impressions

Fit
I think the most important factor for any skier and their boots is the fit itself. While we may all want to buy the latest and greatest technologies, the best thing you can do as a skier is consult with a boot fitter who can put you in something that fits properly. That being said, the S/Pro Alpha is a “Low-Volume” boot denoting a 98mm last, with a tall skinny upper cuff and a tight fit over the instep of the boot. My feet measure closer to a 100mm last (corresponding to a “Mid-Volume” boot) but with a simple heat mold of the shell and liner along with a couple break-in days, my feet feel great in these boots.

Performance
In terms of performance, initially I was worried that a 130-flex boot along with all its stiffening bells and whistles was going to outmatched me in terms of required power. However, I was pleasantly surprised with what I would call a well-executed “progressive flex.” The harder I powered these boots, driving the tips of my skis, the more I could feel the boot actively pushing back against my weight. This made for a very responsive feel both on and off groomers. Even when pushing my groomer limits, I never “flexed out” or hit a wall where I couldn’t feel my own power against the boot.

Features
Onto the physical features of the boot. The weight stood out immediately, meeting a unique balance between light and sturdy. Ultralight ski boots mixed with heavy skis or vice versa can often feel like the heavier equipment will overpower the lighter, but with the Alpha’s it seems like they toe the line very gracefully. They’re light enough to bounce around long mogul runs with light quick skis, but also sturdy enough to drive something like a Volkl Mantra around the mountain. This is an underrated quality in ski boots that I think Salomon deserves recognition for in this boot.

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Who Are They For?

The Alpha is a high-performance boot that is built for aggressive skiers who want to optimize their performance fit, and demand more from their boots than the average skier. Whether that means you’re laying trenches on groomers, trying to beat some of your buddies down the mountain in a friendly competition, or maybe you want to hit some of those more technical lines you’ve been scoping at the local spot for a couple years, the S/pro Alpha is the boot that can take you there. With the engineering that was clearly put into this boot it would be hard to not expect the most out of it, and luckily for all of us skiers, it delivers.

From the Brand

Developed to offer outstanding performance and fit no matter the shape of your feet, Salomon’s S/PRO ALPHA 130 ensures stronger heel lock without putting unnecessary pressure on your instep. Entirely customizable and with a fully dismantlable tongue, this 98 mm boot with race-like claw strap will instantly boost your comfort and performance levels.