Maintaining Salomon’s X-Alp series theme, the X-Alp Carbon Boot is built for moving fast in technical terrain. This demands a lot from a ski boot, which the X-Alp Carbon proudly delivers. While the suspiciously similar Procline is geared more towards climbing, the X-Alp streamlined the design and stiffened the flex for skiing. Salomon dropped the rubber toe cap and the sole has also been redesigned for better on-snow performance and lower weight. They also added reinforcement ribs to the lower shell to improve the flex characteristics. The X-Alp includes a zipperless gaiter that extends to just below the boot top to keep snow out and improve walking dexterity. Dropping weight in the sole, toe cap, and gaiter allowed Salomon to add a bit of external reinforcement in key areas to stiffen up the boot in ski mode while weighing even less than the Procline. The carbon cuff is tall for good responsiveness and is split vertically down the middle, enabling 35° of lateral articulation. This results in an unmatched level of freedom on the way up. After locking it into ski mode, the X-Alp turns into a precise boot on the way down. If you’re more into the skiing than climbing, or just like blue more than orange, the Salmon X-Alp is the boot for you.
- 75° of fore/aft articulation is combined with an unmatched 35° of lateral articulation.
- External ribbing increases lower shell stiffness.
- Zipperless gaiter provides maximum coverage from the elements at a minimal weight.
- Cam-lock power strap increases effective cuff height and leverage.
- Redesigned liner is optimized for fit, ski performance, and breathability.
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
1193g [27.5] |
| Weight (pair) | 2386g [27.5] |
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2 |
|
Boot Sole |
255mm [23/23.5] 265mm [24/24.5] 275mm [25/25.5] 285mm [26/26.5] 295mm [27/27.5] 305mm [28/28.5] 315mm [29/29.5] 325mm [30/30.5] |
|
Binding |
Tech |
|
Cuff |
75° fore/aft, 35° lateral |
|
Forward |
14° |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
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Grilamid shell, carbon cuff |
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Thermoformable EVA |
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Vibram sole and toecap |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Ski mountaineering, endurance touring |
| Notes | 360° rotation |
| Bottom Line | A precise touring and skiing boot |
| Compare to other Touring Boots | |
Questions & Reviews
I've used these about a dozen times on a 97mm waisted ski in everything from frozen coral reef, resort corduroy, hero snow, variable wind slab and good ole fashion powder and I really like the performance and fit of these boots. I have a pretty narrow/low volume foot and they seem to fit me pretty well. I do think there some other boots with this type of performance at a lesser weight but the price on these boots is typically much better because they always seem to be on sale. If you have a foot like mine, this just might be a sweet boot for you.
Comment on this review:
11/8/2020
Hello, overall you have a great website and obviously sell outstanding top line equipment. However, why do you not list last width or estimated flex ratings in the boot specification charts? Both of these are very important factors in choosing a boot, especially the last width.
Thank you, John
Thank you, John
11/8/2020
Hi john, thanks for the feedback! We don't list last because manufacturers don't measure the width in a consistent way, causing more confusion than it's worth. Instead, we offer an online fitting tool that takes the actual width into account.
Similarly, there is no standard way to measure the flex of a boot. The ratings may help within a brand, but they cause confusion when looking at the bigger market. We dream of building a machine to measure both of these consistently!
Similarly, there is no standard way to measure the flex of a boot. The ratings may help within a brand, but they cause confusion when looking at the bigger market. We dream of building a machine to measure both of these consistently!
Answer this question:
I got about 15 days on these boots last season in a good mix of conditions, from citizen skimo racing, to corn, to dawn patrol groomer runs, to some pow. Paired with a light enough ski (Zero G 85) they do a great job driving a ski in most conditions that weren’t heavy. In heavy hot pow they were a little bit of a drag and required patience. On anything predictable (groomers or fresh unskied pow) they ripped! I skied them in pow on my 1600-ish gram V6 BCs to see how they performed and also were alright at low speed. When I tried to pick speed up I blew through the front of the boot flex pretty easily.
This review sounds negative but I’m really pretty pleased with the boots. I think my expectations were low, but as part of a 2-boot touring quiver with MTN Explores I can ski anything I want and match the boot to the objective and conditions.
This review sounds negative but I’m really pretty pleased with the boots. I think my expectations were low, but as part of a 2-boot touring quiver with MTN Explores I can ski anything I want and match the boot to the objective and conditions.
Comment on this review:
1/28/2020
Jay Anderson
(used product regularly)
Broke mine (not purchased at Skimo). Skiing easy terrain in flat light, hit depression I didn't see, full summersault, double heel release. Tore a chunk off the back of the boot. That portion included the pivot for the ski/walk cable which was now slack. I was in permanent walk mode. Used two straps to hold it in ski mode for rest of trip - transitions were a little slower... No parts available, was given a full refund.
Prior to that experience, I had skied 30+ days with good results. Boot is light, walk mode is a dream. Ski mode sometimes engages with a clunk when you already thought you were in. Ski/walk mechanism is complex but results in sneaker-like feel while climbing. I am a tele skier and this is the only fixed-heal boot I have used in ~30 years, so downhill performance is hard for me to judge. I don't need/want a stiff boot. I had no problem skiing steep trees with 117mm skis even with boot held together by 2 ski straps.
I now have a new pair of Atomic Backland Carbon which seems like a much better engineered boot in the same weight class. The flex feels stiffer and more progressive than the Salomon. Only one abbreviated tour/run on those so won't comment further.
Prior to that experience, I had skied 30+ days with good results. Boot is light, walk mode is a dream. Ski mode sometimes engages with a clunk when you already thought you were in. Ski/walk mechanism is complex but results in sneaker-like feel while climbing. I am a tele skier and this is the only fixed-heal boot I have used in ~30 years, so downhill performance is hard for me to judge. I don't need/want a stiff boot. I had no problem skiing steep trees with 117mm skis even with boot held together by 2 ski straps.
I now have a new pair of Atomic Backland Carbon which seems like a much better engineered boot in the same weight class. The flex feels stiffer and more progressive than the Salomon. Only one abbreviated tour/run on those so won't comment further.
Comment on this review:
4/27/2019
Hey there. I'm a 27.5 in the QST Pro 130 alpine boots. Is the sizing similar for these?
4/27/2019
Alexander, The shell shape won't quite be the same, but a 27.5 ( length in centimeters) will be very close to the same. They claim a 98mm last, though it feels closer to 100 in the forefoot. It's very low over the instep.
Answer this question:
I've been quite disappointed with these boots, I had high hopes that they would climb well, and ski stiffly, this was not the case.
In terms of forward stiffness, the lower buckling outwards is the source of softness, as is the case in many touring boots. This is usually addressed by the lower buckle, however in the x alps the buckle does not do a good job of retaining the lower boot, perhaps Salomon concentrated grilamid in the wrong places? Similarly affecting skiablility is the lack of heel hold, this possibly can be attributed to Salomon designing the boot for a differing foot shape from my own, but I have heard this is a complaint many others have as well.
Concerning tourability, and climbing: For its stiffness this is not an especially lightweight boot, weighing in at an average 1200 g. I was initially excited about the the lateral movement talked about in both the X-alp and Arcteryx boot, hopeful that perhaps the boot could climb ice well and make skinning much more pleasant, however the lateral cuff rotation is hardly noticeable (similar to the lateral give in other boots without this feature). To enter walk mode the rearward paddle opens, and to enter ski mode again the paddle is forced back onto the boot again, this is something that is quite annoying when boot packing. The space between the open paddle and the boot quickly packs with snow which consolidates to ice and makes switching back to ski mode near impossible.
The S-lab X-alp simply cannot compete with other touring boots in its price range.
In terms of forward stiffness, the lower buckling outwards is the source of softness, as is the case in many touring boots. This is usually addressed by the lower buckle, however in the x alps the buckle does not do a good job of retaining the lower boot, perhaps Salomon concentrated grilamid in the wrong places? Similarly affecting skiablility is the lack of heel hold, this possibly can be attributed to Salomon designing the boot for a differing foot shape from my own, but I have heard this is a complaint many others have as well.
Concerning tourability, and climbing: For its stiffness this is not an especially lightweight boot, weighing in at an average 1200 g. I was initially excited about the the lateral movement talked about in both the X-alp and Arcteryx boot, hopeful that perhaps the boot could climb ice well and make skinning much more pleasant, however the lateral cuff rotation is hardly noticeable (similar to the lateral give in other boots without this feature). To enter walk mode the rearward paddle opens, and to enter ski mode again the paddle is forced back onto the boot again, this is something that is quite annoying when boot packing. The space between the open paddle and the boot quickly packs with snow which consolidates to ice and makes switching back to ski mode near impossible.
The S-lab X-alp simply cannot compete with other touring boots in its price range.
2/11/2018
Funny you mention the heel issue. I literally felt like I was going to pull the liner out of the shell when skiing aggressively down some punchy snow in my Proclines (same boot, basically). Very unnerving. It got better with a bigger Pro Tour liner, however.
Comment on this review:
12/10/2017
Has anyone with experience with these boots run into trouble sidehilling along icy slopes? With other boots I believe you rely upon lateral rigidity to keep the ski edge contacting the ice, whereas with these boots the ski may "slump" to the skin and lose all metal edge contact with the ice.
12/12/2017
Hi Peter, thanks for asking. In my experience the lateral movement of the boot is enough to offer some comfort but not dramatic enough to lose edge hold. On numerous spring days, I had no issues at all with icy side hill performance.
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12/6/2017
Gentlemen,
What are the chances of getting some aftermarket power straps that come stock on these? I was able to score a pair of still-in-the-box TLT 6s so I'll be living in the past for the next couple of seasons. However, I never liked the Velcro power strap as it clings to the inside of my pant cuff. Arcteryx and now Salomon have done the deal better. I'll retrofit my 6s if I can get a pair. I tried some Booster straps but they're heavy and stretchy. Not what I want.
What are the chances of getting some aftermarket power straps that come stock on these? I was able to score a pair of still-in-the-box TLT 6s so I'll be living in the past for the next couple of seasons. However, I never liked the Velcro power strap as it clings to the inside of my pant cuff. Arcteryx and now Salomon have done the deal better. I'll retrofit my 6s if I can get a pair. I tried some Booster straps but they're heavy and stretchy. Not what I want.
12/7/2017
Hey Brian, I saw Nate already set up and order for some power straps for you, but for velcro-less adjustment try the Dynafit TLT7 straps.
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11/25/2017
Hey guys, I'm still trying to replace my TLT5 size 28.5. I love the fit those boots because they are narrow but long. Everything else I've tried (including some Alien RS 28 and 29 I ordered from you and returned). Just too wide in the heel. TLT7 is way too wide throughout and too soft. Backland seems ok but 27.5 too short, 28.5 ok but also seems a bit wide in heel.
I'm curious about the Alp-x. Salomon MTN fits quite well, size 27.5. I suspect Alp-x would too, given narrower heel you mention in your write-up. Based on my experience, what do you think? Should I try em. Size 27.5?
I'm curious about the Alp-x. Salomon MTN fits quite well, size 27.5. I suspect Alp-x would too, given narrower heel you mention in your write-up. Based on my experience, what do you think? Should I try em. Size 27.5?
11/25/2017
Hi Erics, the X-Alps have the most "TLT5-like" fit around. It would be tough to squeeze into the 27.5, however, as it doesn't run long like the MTNs. You'd do better in the 28.5. The other option for you is the SCARPA F1 28.0 which has a good heel pocket.
11/27/2017
Thanks very for this update. I got a chance to try these locally. The 28.5 fits almost exactly like the 28.5 TLT5. It's a fabulous boot for those of us with narrow feet. A deal breaker for me though: the lower buckle is really badly positioned, and opens very easily when banged into. This is going to be an issue for walking in rocky terrain, or on crusty snow when bootpacking. I think I'll wait for the next iteration where hopefully the place the buckle more like on the Procline. Meanwhile, I managed to snag an remaindered pair of TLT6s in my size. I was lucky -- now I don't have to get any shift plates for my race skis.
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11/23/2017
Hi ,
I had actual a 27,5 Atomic Backland Carbon light.
It fits well.
Do you think that also the 27,5 Salomon X-Alp will fit.
Regards
Roli
I had actual a 27,5 Atomic Backland Carbon light.
It fits well.
Do you think that also the 27,5 Salomon X-Alp will fit.
Regards
Roli
11/24/2017
Hey Roli, thanks for reaching out. I think that if the Backland Carbon Light fit you then there is potential for this boot to work, but only if you didn't have to do any substantial work to your Atomic boot. I would stick with the 27.5 though for sure.
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9/27/2017
Will the Marker heel adapter work to get these boots into the Kingpin?
9/27/2017
Hey Scott, yup, should work just fine!
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9/11/2017
Do you have any sense of the fur of these in comparison to the MTN lab boots. I'm currently in a mtn lab 26.5 but it's snug and I'm wondering if I'll have to go up a size to get enough length. Also would these work with a tecton binding?
Thanks!
Thanks!
9/12/2017
Hi Tom, We have not yet received this boot so I don't want to shoot in the dark based on the fit of other boots and possibly mislead you. Have you shell fit your MTN Lab boots? Depending on the shell fit of your MTN Lab boot, whether it's 1, 1.5, or 2 fingers behind the heel, I can help guide your fit with this boot a little better when we receive it.
11/10/2017
Hi Tom, now that we have these boots in stock and I've had a chance to familiarize myself with them a bit, I wanted to get back to you with an answer.
The fit of these boots is very similar to the MTN Lab in shape. Low instep, relatively narrow. These boots have a much better heel pocket and much tighter ankle fit than the MTN Lab. My experience Fitting the MTN Lab shell, is that it runs a bit long. In your case with the 26.5 Lab feeling a little short, my suggestion would be to go with a 27.5 in the X-Alp Carbon.
The fit of these boots is very similar to the MTN Lab in shape. Low instep, relatively narrow. These boots have a much better heel pocket and much tighter ankle fit than the MTN Lab. My experience Fitting the MTN Lab shell, is that it runs a bit long. In your case with the 26.5 Lab feeling a little short, my suggestion would be to go with a 27.5 in the X-Alp Carbon.
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