Atomic Backland Ultimate Boot
Equally at home rallying a Tuesday night skimo race as it is doing a 12,000-foot day of climbing in the backcountry, the Atomic Backland Ultimate boot is a versatile tool for those looking to cover ground with speed and efficiency. The stiffened lower encourages straight lining to the finish line while the frictionless pivot won’t hold you back when you’re redlining up that climb. Once at the top, the boot is tensioned and placed in ski mode by a single lever making for quick and easy transitions. The narrower-than-average fit works best for those who have a low-volume foot or who desire the control that can only be achieved by a fit akin to a bouldering shoe. In addition, the memory-fit plastic can be thermoformed, meaning that even the most bunioned feet can be accommodated. The Atomic Backland Ultimates are aptly named because they are the ultimate companion for skiers who epitomize the "light and fast" ethos.
- Frictionless pivot keeps the cuff rotation moving smoothly.
- Made with a magical mixture of PA and Carbon Fiber for durability and lightness.
- Prolite Construction eliminates any unnecessary heft.
- Regular cuff lends itself to nice skiability.
- Carbon spine helps keep things stiff without excess weight.
- Free/Lock 3.0 is better than the Free/Lock 2.0.
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
802g [27/27.5] |
| Weight (pair) | 1604g [27/27.5] |
|
|
1 w/ Free/Lock 3.0 |
|
Boot Sole |
248mm [23.5] 258mm [24.5] 268mm [25.5] 278mm [26.5] 288mm [27.5] 298mm [28.5] 308mm [29.5] 318mm [30.5] |
|
Binding |
Tech only |
|
Cuff |
80° |
|
Forward |
13°, 15° |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Grilamid shell, carbon fiber cuff |
|
|
Platinum Speed |
|
|
Skywalk full rubber |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Racing, touring speedily |
| Notes | Heat moldable shell |
| Bottom Line | Versatile race boot |
| Compare to other Race Boots | |
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Questions & Reviews
1/11/2023
How does the fit of these compare to the Women’s backland pro from 2020? I find those fit me perfectly, but I’ve just about destroyed them and am looking for a replacement.
1/11/2023
Hey Katherine, the fit of these will be different compared to the Backland Pro. Because they are a race boot, they will be downsized and feel tighter than the Pro, especially if you use a footbed/orthotic. For a more personalized recommendation, please fill out our boot finder!
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11/28/2022
These backland ultimates look good for me from the perspective of having narrow low volume feet, but I’m worried about how soft people say they are. I am 160 lbs and don’t have a racing background. I generally ski a softer/medium touring boot (technica zero g scout, dynafit one) but am looking for a boot for recreational skimp racing to pair with maybe a 78 or 80mm-waisted light touring ski. What do you think of this boot or what other super light touring (or recreational racing) boots would you advise for a narrow heal and low volume foot? Thanks!
11/29/2022
Jimbo,
There are plenty of options in the race and what we call "race plus" boot category for you to consider. I would suggest filling out our Boot Fitter so that we can help dial in the best boot for your foot!
There are plenty of options in the race and what we call "race plus" boot category for you to consider. I would suggest filling out our Boot Fitter so that we can help dial in the best boot for your foot!
Answer this question:
11/27/2022
I currently have a pair of atomic backlands from about 4 years ago, they have been an excellent boot for me but I’m looking for something lighter. I’ve heard that I might want to size down going to the ultimates since the liner is so minimal? My current boots are 27.5. What are your thoughts.
Thanks
Jeff
Thanks
Jeff
11/27/2022
Hi Jeff, no need to size down with the Ultimate...Atomic did that for you. These are one shell size smaller than the Backlands in the same size.
Answer this question:
The bad: this is a really, really, ridiculously soft boot.
I weigh 135lbs and generally like what most people would call softer boots, though they don't feel soft to me. I ski the La Sportiva Solar b/c I can't flex the Skorpius at all. Also ski an Atomic Hawx Ultra 100 b/c I can't flex the 120 at all.
In the Backland Ultimate if I lean forward at all, the top of the cuff blows through about an inch of travel with basically zero resistance. It eventually does find a wall and prevent more forward motion but by then my knee is way in front of my toes.
The carbon backbone is plenty stiff but the plastic that makes up the front of the cuff and the instep area is very soft and deforms a ton to allow the backbone to just hinge forward.
The good: if you have a narrow, low volume foot I don't think there is a better fitting race boot. The closure and ski / walk mode system is easy to use and works well. The full liner does a good job of keeping feet dry even if you aren't wearing a race suit.
I weigh 135lbs and generally like what most people would call softer boots, though they don't feel soft to me. I ski the La Sportiva Solar b/c I can't flex the Skorpius at all. Also ski an Atomic Hawx Ultra 100 b/c I can't flex the 120 at all.
In the Backland Ultimate if I lean forward at all, the top of the cuff blows through about an inch of travel with basically zero resistance. It eventually does find a wall and prevent more forward motion but by then my knee is way in front of my toes.
The carbon backbone is plenty stiff but the plastic that makes up the front of the cuff and the instep area is very soft and deforms a ton to allow the backbone to just hinge forward.
The good: if you have a narrow, low volume foot I don't think there is a better fitting race boot. The closure and ski / walk mode system is easy to use and works well. The full liner does a good job of keeping feet dry even if you aren't wearing a race suit.
Comment on this review:
12/24/2021
I’m curious if you have thoughts on pairing this boot with something like the 178 length Voile Objective, which is 84mm underfoot. Is that too much ski? I don’t currently own either, just dreaming up some future pairings. Thanks!
12/24/2021
Hey Dennis,
Of the race boots, the Atomic Backland Ultimate is one of the softer ones that also has a slightly shorter cuff. These features make it ideal for shorter and/or smaller folks, but slightly less ideal for pairing with a bigger ski. I'd personally think the Dynafit Mezzalama Boot or the Scarpa Alien 1.1 Boot might pair a little better with that Voile Objective.
Of the race boots, the Atomic Backland Ultimate is one of the softer ones that also has a slightly shorter cuff. These features make it ideal for shorter and/or smaller folks, but slightly less ideal for pairing with a bigger ski. I'd personally think the Dynafit Mezzalama Boot or the Scarpa Alien 1.1 Boot might pair a little better with that Voile Objective.
12/24/2021
Good to know! Appreciate the suggestions.
Answer this question:
10/31/2021
This looks like the same boot as the 20/21 model. Will it fit bindings mounted for the previous model? I assume it would but just want to be sure?
11/1/2021
Hey Andrew,
Thanks for reaching out! The updated model has the same BSL measurements as the old boot so it should work out well.
Thanks for reaching out! The updated model has the same BSL measurements as the old boot so it should work out well.
Answer this question:
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