La Sportiva Skorpius CR II Boot
The Skorpius made a splash when it debuted, owing to its balance of stiffness and hikeability. Picking up where the original left off, La Sportiva's Skorpius the Second uses carbon-infused Pebax material throughout the shell and cuff. The tongue has been reinforced, averting the occasional breakage issues seen with previous versions of the boot. To suit a wider audience, the instep is higher, with an offset boa maintaining the precise heel hold Skorpius users have come to expect. With three forward lean settings, a moldable liner, and a Grip Guard sole, this boot has technical ski mountaineering credentials while also being comfortable enough for more quotidian outings. Make your feet proud and your friends jealous with the La Sportiva Skorpius CR II!
- Shell, tongue, and cuff are made from biologically-derived Pebax, reinforced with carbon for lightness, stiffness, and environmental conscientiousness.
- Thermomoldable Skorpius II liner incorporates areas of high and low density foam for targeted comfort and maneuverability.
- Swing-lock closure system prevents snow clogging.
- Optional power strap is easily removable to simplify transitions.
- EZ 3D flex tongue with boa promises durability and adjustability.
Specifications | |
Weight |
1195g [27.5] |
Weight (pair) | 2390g [27.5] |
|
1 Buckle with velcro strap, swing lock, Boa fit system, optional power strap |
Boot Sole |
257mm [23/23.5] 267mm [24/24.5] 277mm [25/25.5] 287mm [26/26.5] 297mm [27/27.5] 307mm [28/28.5] 317mm [29/29.5] 327mm [30/30.5] 337mm [31.5] |
Binding |
Tech, Hybrid |
Cuff |
68° |
Forward |
12°, 14°, 16° |
Specs Verified | Yes |
Design | |
|
Pebax Bio Based Rnew with 10%-30% carbon reinforcement |
|
Thermomoldable Skorpius II liner |
|
La Sportiva Grip Guard (complies w/ ISMF standards) |
Skimo Co Says | |
Usage | Light and fast ski mountaineering |
Notes | Ski Trab Titan quick step in inserts |
Bottom Line | Making the already great Skorpius even better |
Compare to other Touring Boots |
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Questions & Reviews
I think these boots could drive that ski in powder without issue! However, if you are a powerful and aggressive skier, you know the value of a stiff and supportive boot. These boots get close, but I think you will be happier with a more freeride-oriented touring boot if you are planning to hit some drops and ski them really fast.
For bindings, we like to match the binding to the skier as well as we can - if you could fill out our binding finder, we'd be happy to talk through some options!
You're right, there isn't really an obvious place to install a leash. You could get around this by installing a D-ring somewhere (this would be a DIY project), or by using a leash that wraps around the cuff of the boot and secures to itself, rather than to a fixed point on the shell. The B&D Leashes are a good option for this.
Right foot - 24.5 length D+ width 25.0 instep
Left Foot - 24.75 length C+->D width 24.5 instep
I have old tecnica zero G touring boots that are a size 24.5 if that helps at all...
Thanks as always
Based on your foot lengths, a 24.5 will be a snug performance fit. Given that you also wore a Tecnica Zero G in size 24.5 in the past, that is the size I would recommend for you in this boot. You will want to heat mold it out of the box to create a bit more room for your toes and instep. I would worry that the next shell size up (25/25.5) would be a little big after the liner packs out, especially because your foot is on the narrower side of average.
If you want to have a more extensive conversation about boots, please email us at help@skimo.co!
Thanks!
We have some boot techs here who are well-versed in replacing it if you happen to be in the SLC valley. Otherwise, it is fairly simple it can just be time time-consuming and odd the first time you do it.
Availability wise I would always message the vendor (La Sportiva) if you're in need of another one, or you can speak with BOA's customer service line directly and reference the boa dial that's on your boot model. They should be able to help you directly.
Fit is always the most important factor. The Skorpius is overall narrower and lower volume. These have some good toe box width, but narrower at the heel and mid foot then the Ridge.
Overall I like this boot a lot - progressive, light, fairly stiff, walk well, good fit with some modifications, taller than others, no gaiter to rip, and zero slop in the latching mechanism. I do wish they had kept the V1 buckle instead of the new (small) BOA.
It's an awesome boot. When I skied it, I did feel that the upper strap made it feel a bit rigid for lightweight, softer skis, and our shop manager feels the same way. He doesn't use the upper strap when on a smaller ski, it can be overpowering. I don't personally want more forward lean, but I do think that trying the boot without tensioning the upper strap would be a worthwhile experiment to see if you like having more flex up there. A booster strap could be a great solution as well to make the boot feel a little more progressive. I would go with one of the softer Booster options.
Once inside the boot, it feels quite ok, maybe the instep is a bit low on the left foot but otherwise quite comfy.
Anyone else experiencing this, or has a solution? Are there longer boa cables available?
The Skorpius has a more progressive, supportive flex pattern, while the F1 LT has a stiffer, "wall-like" flex pattern. The Skorpius has a bit less range of motion in walk mode, and a bit more friction. Definitely a noticeable difference in both skiability and hiking performance.
You're a bit between sizes - I would say go with the 29. If you wanted a performance fit you could go down to 28.5, but for touring it's nice to have a bit more room.
We had a chance to look into your bindings (tecton), and while they may seem like they would work, we would not recommend them as compatible. This is because the Skorpius CR II are not built to ISO 9523 compatibility standards. Currently, the only boot that is built to the specs is the Vanguard series of boots.
The Hoji Pro Tours and Skorpius CR II exist in different categories of boots, the Hoji's being a more freeride-oriented boot while the Skorpius focuses on general light touring. That being said, the Skorpius certainly punch above their weight class. So, you would lose some general downhill performance by switching to the Skorpius however you'd retain a stiff flex and importantly a similar fit.
Thanks,
Tom
The forward lean on the La Sportiva Skorpius CR is adjusted via a spoiler. If you are missing that part, reach out to help@skimo.co, and we will see what we can do.
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