As many are figuring out, light and skiable is a winning combination. With the Kilo, La Sportiva has created a boot for the ski mountaineer who desires to access far-out lines while still having enough boot to confidently navigate through whatever conditions present themselves. Being constructed entirely of Grilamid Bio-Based LF Carbon, a light and rigid material, the Kilo has a relatively stiff flex that punches above its weight. To help fend off cold feet, La Sportiva devised their WarmSole Platform, helping insulate feet from the cold rigid shell. The Force Power Buckle and Closure System allow the boot to be securely and evenly snugged across the foot, allowing for a comfortable and precise fit. Finally, the Tilt-Lock Lite ski/walk mechanism is reliable and user-friendly, even with bulky gloves. With its athletic weight and stout demeanor, the Kilo is a worthy companion for those who want to venture far from the beaten path.
Force Power Buckle allows the boot to be snugged securely against the shin, helping prevent shin-bang.
70° degree range of motion allows you to move quickly and efficiently.
Force Closure System allows for a precise and even fit across the foot.
Stretch gaiter keeps out snow to help your feet stay warm and dry.
I've been out on this boot a few times this season on a couple different pairs of skis. I'm thoroughly impressed. These are by far the best touring boots from La Sportiva I've used, I previously had the Skorpius CR II and also have the Vanguards. I've owned a number of Dynafit boots and the range of motion is similar to what I've experienced in their mid-light weight boots. I'm very pleased with them. What's more is that the downhill performance is excellent. I've used them with my Atomic Backland 95's and Black Crows Corvus Freebirds and these boots have no problems driving either ski. For reference I'm using Atomic Backland bindings on both sets of skis. The fit is generous in the forefoot and they lock my instep and heels down well. Fit is very personal but I'd say that they are worth giving a try if you haven't put your foot in a pair of La Sportiva boots in a while. Overall I'm very impressed with this boot and it will likely be my go-to for this season. I'm not bothered by the 'Kilo' marketing. Weight wise it's competitive in its category. In my opinion it's not worth sweating about a few grams vs fit/function.
Comment on this review:
12/17/2024
Question from
Chris T.
Do you think the Kilo could drive a mid-90s width / 1300-ish gram ski ? Considering pairing this with Armada locator 96 or Backlund 95. Thanks!
I think it could drive a ski of that size and weight! It would be an excellent setup for fast powder laps. Overall, I do think you could get more out of those skis in more challenging conditions with a stiffer and more supportive boot. But if you want to move light and fast, and especially if you're going to be skiing soft snow, the Kilo would be great!
Answer this question:
12/15/2024
Ryley P (used product a few times)
I have managed to get out and ski the Kilo a few times this season. Overall I think it is pretty great option that La Sportiva brought to the mid weight touring boot category. The most impressive part of this boot is the walk mode. While they advertise a similar range of motion as other manufacturers do for similar boots, this one walks better than most boots I’ve tried on. The tongueless design is similar to something like the F1 XT but I find that it walks noticeably better. I’m also quite pleased with the downhill performance of the boot as well. The materials are decently soft and create a pleasant flex pattern compared to other boots in the weight class. It’s no beef boot but for skimo athletes looking for a general touring boot or someone looking for a mountaineering boot, this is more than capable in every way. I took off one star due to the slightly misleading advertising of calling it the “Kilo.” I wear a 29 in the Scarpa F1 XT and a 28.5 in the Kilo (same shell size) and the Kilo is ~80g lighter at about 1250g (not even close to 1000g in most sizes). This has me reaching for my ole’ reliable F1 XT over the Kilo most days because it skis a decent amount better for such a small weight penalty.
Comment on this review:
12/5/2024
Question from
Tim
If I'm a solid 28 in the Scrapa F1 Lt, would I be a 28 in this as well even though the size break is 28/28.5 instead of the 27.5/28 of the Scarpa? Thanks!
Your Scarpa size lands in between a 27.5 and a 28 in this boot, so you will need to decide whether you want a slightly roomier or slightly tighter fit. This boot does have a wider last than the F1 LT, and a different shape, which may impact your decision.
I am a big fan of the original Skorpius and tried these on. I like that the Skorpius has relatively generous toe room (length and width) compared to other lightweight boots. The Kilo is slightly tighter and would require punching for me, not sure how much room you would be able to get. I can verify the weights Skimo Co has posted, the Kilo is around 80g lighter in 275. The cuff on the Kilo is noticeably shorter and softer, and the walk mode is noticeably better, it is remarkably frictionless. As a comparison, I have the Scarpa Alien (not the RS version) with the full liner and the Kilo walks noticeably better, the cuff felt a little softer and the height was similar, the Kilo is ever so slightly taller.
Am I reading correctly that these are only 80g lighter than the Skorpius? I love Sportiva, but to call a 1.12kg boot the “Kilo” is pretty disappointing marketing. I really wanted a true 1000g boot with 2 actual buckles to round out my quiver. Looks like I’ll have to keep waiting.
Hi Greg, in fairness to the Italian marketing team, most boot makers now use size 26 as their reference whereas we use size 27 for historical consistency. I was also expecting a bigger difference from the Skorpius, however.
Wanted to post a quick review for those looking at this new boot. Just have one tour on them, so take that into account. I am coming from the Fischer Traverse CS. Overall I think they feel beefier/stiffer than the Traverse and ski a little better, at least on a 85 wasted ski, in very variable conditions. Definitely a noticeable difference. Closer to Fischer Trans Alp Pro in my opinion. But I am comparing a brand new boot to one with a couple seasons of heavy use. Fit is similar to what has been mentioned by the SkiMoCo folks. I have a very narrow foot (B width) and high instep. Size 14/48 for most running shoes and went with the 29.5 size - toes touch the end but are not jammed. I would say the width at the forefoot area is average, maybe similar to Traverse. Not as narrow as I would prefer, but manageable. The toe box is fine for my foot. The instep is roomy enough for me. The heel is narrow and feels pretty locked in. I will update my review as I get a few more tours in them. One boot in the 29.5 size weighs 1266g. My 29.5 Traverse with Palau tour-lite liner (with holes in it), weights 1235g.
Comment on this review:
9/17/2024
Question from
Olivier
Would you say that the Skorpius ii and Kilo are in two completely different classes when it comes to downhill performance?
Also, do we know the BSL for these in 27.5? Are we expecting 297?
Yes, I would say the Skorpius and Kilo are in two different classes of downhill performance. The Skorpius is very stiff and supportive, it punches above its weight and is one of the best in the general touring category for stiffness and flex. The Kilo, while it does ski well for its weight, is a much lighter race-plus boot with a tongueless design. It can't quite hang with the Skorpius on the downhill.
No BSLs yet, unfortunately, but we will get those numbers up when the boots come in!
11/7/2024
Answer from
Taylor M
Seems like the kilo didn’t end up as light as originally hoped or advertised. Is that correct that it’s only 75g lighter than the skorpius? If so, setting fit aside, does the 75g difference justify the trade off in downhill performance?
I have both the Skorpius CR (not the boa dial version) and the Kilo (unused). Both are 28.5. The Kilo is 170g lighter/ boot. That's 3/4 pound total. I read the Kilo was stiffer than the Skorpius (100flex) vs Kilo (115flex). But not sure. I have no skied these yet as I am trying to decide whether to keep them.
Oh and the walk mode range of motion is night and day difference with the Kilo. Its amazing w/o that tongue.
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8/6/2024
Question from
Scott
I really like that this went back to a buckle over boa, especially the ankle buckle! The fit of a mastrale with the ankle hold is unmatched IMO, so im stoked to see this in such a light boot.
Initally, how does this feel compared to a scorpious CR ii? or an F1? Looking for a new boot to drive a DPS RP 100 and this may be on the lighter end but could fit the bill
From what myself and my coworkers can recall from our limited time demo-ing this boot, the fit is relatively similar to the Skorpius - lower volume, and narrow in the heel and midfoot, but with a more generous width up front than a Scarpa F1 LT. It is narrower and snugger than the F1. The toe box does taper in the front, so perhaps not the best for someone who typically needs sixth toe work.
Our consensus is that the Kilo is not quite enough boot for the Pagoda 100 in sub-optimal conditions. It would work in powder and might be desirable there, but it is a pretty light boot and best paired with a lightweight ski up to around 90-95mm. That said, people do push boots in this category harder - you'll just notice the limitations in more adverse conditions.
How would you compare the fit of the Kilo side by side with the Skorpius? Based on what you wrote it sounds like the Kilo is notably narrower in the toe box vs. the Skorpius which is relatively generous there. Is that correct?
I think the Kilo's toe box is more tapered at the front in the pinky toe area, it cuts in more than the Skorpius. But the width at the ball of the foot, from what I can recall, was similarly generous. I do want to qualify this by saying that it has been some time since I tried this boot on and I wasn't in it for long, so this isn't conclusive!
When I tried it on, my thoughts were that it was a little wider than the F1 LT at the ball of the foot through the midfoot, but the toe box tapers in towards the big toe, right at the front. It does have a snug heel pocket, on the narrower side there. It should be a sweet boot, early feedback has been that it skis very well for a boot of this weight!
7/14/2024
Answer from
Taylor M
That’s great to hear! I need a little more width in the ball of the foot and less volume in the heel than the F1 LT. High hopes for this one! I’m curious about the toe box volume and how that’ll feel. I imagine because it’s a carbon grilamid boot any punching is ill-advised and warranty-voiding? Any idea when the boots will be hitting the shop?
Hi Taylor, sounds like these won't be landing until late October. There is going to be a limit on how much you can punch that material, but minor changes should still be possible.
8/14/2024
Answer from
Taylor M
Thanks for the update jbo! I’ll stay patient until then. Looking forward to their arrival!