August to October is an exciting time for ski shops all across the country. Each year, a handful of products really stand out*, and La Sportiva's boot was one of the most anticipated. The Skorpuis CR boot was meant to replace the Spitfire, and man did La Sportiva nail it. With a 68 degree range of walking motion and the smooth Spider ratchet closure system, the Skorpius goes up as well as it goes down (some might say it does so even better than its forebearer). Now, you don't have to compromise on performance or lug an ounce more than you need to into the backcountry -- The La Sportiva Skorpius boot is all you need for BC glory.
* Even though we told them not to, the guys in the shop did bring cake and ice cream to work the day that these arrived. We apologize for any stray frosting or sprinkles, we tried to get it all, but a Costco cake thrown in the air does leave quite the mess.
- The SWING-LOCK ski/walk closure system is easy to use and stays in whatever mode you want it to.
- Ramped toe inserts mean that Ski Trab Titan bindings can be stepped into without depressing the lever.
- This boot has 68 degrees range of motion (33° back and 35° forward) for your walking pleasure.
- A La Sportiva GripGuard boot sole makes rocky scrambles feel secure.
- Compatible with Tech and Hybrid bindings.
- Made in Italy.
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
1190g [27.5] |
| Weight (pair) | 2380g [27.5] |
|
|
2 w/ Swing-Lock & optional power strap |
|
Boot Sole |
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 [31/31.5] |
|
Binding |
Tech, Hybrid |
|
Cuff |
68° |
|
Forward |
12°, 14°, 16° |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Carbon reinforced Grilamid |
|
|
Skorpius CR |
|
|
La Sportiva Grip Guard (complies w/ ISMF standards) |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Light and fast ski mountaineering |
| Notes | Quick step into Trab Titan bindings |
| Bottom Line | Even better than the Spitfire |
| Compare to other Touring Boots | |
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Questions & Reviews
3/6/2023
Hi, I just wanted to revisit these again. I'm presently skiing on Tecnica Zero G Tour Pros and am generally very happy skiing Volkl Katana V-Werks and BMT 109 and 122's with them, but am looking to do a lighter weight longer range touring set up. I have a pair each of the older Volkl VTA 98 and 108 skis which I got on clearance last year and am planning on putting Marker Alpinist bindings on them which will save weight over the Kingpins and Dynafit Rotations I have on my other skis. I know the Skorpius would likely work well enough with the VTA 98's as I have skied my Atomic Backland Carbons, which are less powerful, with my BMT 94's, but wondering if I would be pushing it with these on the VTA 108's. I can either mount them for the Zero G's or the Skorpious as the Alpinist's don't have the range to adjust to both boot sole lengths, 333 vs 317 in a 29.
3/6/2023
Hi Brian, the Skorpius could handle those skis just fine; it's a much beefier boot than the Backlands. The VTAs were not our favorite, they had a tinny feel so we did not stock. You will feel that but it wouldn't be from the boot. Should be fun in powder.
Answer this question:
12/8/2022
Hello everybody,
I have slim feet with a narrow sole, low instep and slim heel and ankle (262 and 266mm length and 95mm width). For the fit, do you recommend the Skorpius size 26/26.5 or the F1LT size 27?
Thanks!
I have slim feet with a narrow sole, low instep and slim heel and ankle (262 and 266mm length and 95mm width). For the fit, do you recommend the Skorpius size 26/26.5 or the F1LT size 27?
Thanks!
12/8/2022
Hi Jimmy, I doubt you'd get a perfect fit in either of those boots, but I think I would lean towards the Skorpius.
Answer this question:
I demoed these for two big days out. Surprised they aren't more popular! I found them to ski significantly better than the F1LT for only 150g more. I much prefer this tour mode lever. I thought they were definitely better on the downhill than F1 and F1LT
I think they would be super popular, if not for the CRUSHING instep! In the end I went for a beefier boot, so maybe this is a weird middle ground for others, too
I think they would be super popular, if not for the CRUSHING instep! In the end I went for a beefier boot, so maybe this is a weird middle ground for others, too
6/3/2022
Hi Jordan (and other skimo readers), sounds like you ended up with a boot you like, but just so you are aware—the Skorpius CR II will have a more comfortable instep next season!
Comment on this review:
4/24/2022
I have a low volume foot and a relatively high arch.
I'm getting a lot of heel lift touring with these.
Is there any reason something like an intuition pro tour HV wouldn't work with these boots?
I'm getting a lot of heel lift touring with these.
Is there any reason something like an intuition pro tour HV wouldn't work with these boots?
4/25/2022
Hey Christian, throwing in an HV Intuition liner in the Skorpius would probably take up a bit too much room, especially in the cuff of the boot. You could try throwing in the LV liner which would be much more reasonable. It should be noted that there are other ways of getting your heel lift to subside including adding some sort of drop-in footbed like these Superfeet or adding some shims or boot foam in the boot to take up some volume and lock in key areas.
Answer this question:
4/18/2022
Do you have any comparison to Skorpius II already (the one with Boa)? How much they will change in oberall fit comparing to current version? I tried the old Skorpius and they were so thight in instep that I didn't decide to buy.
4/18/2022
Hi Mariusz, I've been skiing the Skorpius II (two) for a couple months. I could not ski the I (one) due to the low instep. The 2 is still slightly below average instep, but obviously more accommodating since I'm able to ski it. You could still crank it down if necessary. The shape is the same.
4/20/2022
@jbo is the performance the same in the 2 versus the 1? How do either compare to the backland carbon ski performance vise?
4/20/2022
Hi Matt, yes the ski performance is the same, much greater than the Backland.
Answer this question:
I have 50+ days on these and they are as close as it gets to the perfect boot. Perfect compromise between weight, walkability and skiability for my purposes. I have a narrow heel, medium-narrow forefoot, overall very low volume feet, ankles and legs. These are the best fitting touring boots I have tried except for the Atomic Hawx XTD which are too heavy and clunky for daily use.
Before I bought these I had F1 LTs and Hawx XTD. I have barely used either boot since I got the Skorpius and I've sold the Scarpas. The Scarpa's walk a little better and are a little lighter, but they are too wide in the heel, high in the instep, and narrow in the forefoot. Enough length not to smash your toes when you're booting up firm snow. Plus the Skorpius skis better with a more progressive, predictable flex.
It seems like the Skorpius is changing next year and the beautifully low instep may be raised, so if you have low volume feet don't miss out and buy now.
Before I bought these I had F1 LTs and Hawx XTD. I have barely used either boot since I got the Skorpius and I've sold the Scarpas. The Scarpa's walk a little better and are a little lighter, but they are too wide in the heel, high in the instep, and narrow in the forefoot. Enough length not to smash your toes when you're booting up firm snow. Plus the Skorpius skis better with a more progressive, predictable flex.
It seems like the Skorpius is changing next year and the beautifully low instep may be raised, so if you have low volume feet don't miss out and buy now.
4/14/2022
Hi Ben, can you share what skis you are driving with the skorpius? Thanks!
4/14/2022
Hey Matt, my main skis right now are Voile Objectives and custom Wovns that are about 95mm wide and 175cm long, 1300g. I have spent a lot of time skiing them with 176 Volkl BMT 94, and a few runs on 186 BMT 109 in good snow. My buddy skis the 186 BMT 109s with Skorpius in all conditions, and I can see why. The cuff is just as tall as the Hawx, and the flex is stiff enough for my 145lbs. Keep in mind full rocker Volkls are easier to turn than other skis so I would hesitate before using these with other fat 186 skis.
4/14/2022
Matt, I see you ski Ravens which are also full rocker. I would imagine the Skorpius would do fine with them if you don't have the longest length. My buddy skis 184 Ravens with F1's which are a less powerful boot, he says sometimes he wants more power from his boots but overall its a solid combo.
4/14/2022
Thanks for the additional detail! I've been in the Hawx XTD as well. I just got Backland 85s that I know this will pair well with this but also have a 184 4frnt Raven that is fully rockered and have been curious if I could push it with the skorpius too. Super helpful to hear your experience with a similar line up and sounds like I will give this a go.
Comment on this review:
3/28/2022
Does anyone know if these are compatible with the Fritschi Vipec Evo 12 bindings? Thanks!
3/29/2022
Hi Jeff. According to Fritschi, these are compatible with the Vipec 12. Thanks for reaching out, hope that helps.
Answer this question:
3/11/2022
Hi, considering getting a pair of these versus waiting for the updated version next year. I know the new version is switching to a BOA instead of the lower buckle (not sure why since I've heard the buckle is pretty nice), and changed graphics. Any other changes? Is the liner improved? Overall flex the same?
Thanks
Thanks
3/11/2022
Hi Justin,
The folks at La Sportiva did indeed switch to a boa for the lower closure. Also, they raised the instep, and beefed up the liner slightly in the cuff area. Otherwise, the fit should be pretty similar, and the downhill performance will be as great as ever!
The folks at La Sportiva did indeed switch to a boa for the lower closure. Also, they raised the instep, and beefed up the liner slightly in the cuff area. Otherwise, the fit should be pretty similar, and the downhill performance will be as great as ever!
Answer this question:
3/6/2022
Would a 29 and 29.5 both be the same shell size? What is the difference between them, liner thickness? Saw in the thread that someone asked about compatibility with Tectons. I assume Marker Kingpins would be compatible too?
3/8/2022
Hello Brian, the 29 and 29.5 are the same shell size. We have not noticed any differences in the liner between the full and half sizes in that boot either. And according to La Sportiva, the Skorpius is compatible with the Kingpin binding.
Answer this question:
3/4/2022
Hi Zak, in terms of weight do you you know if Skorpius and Solar really weigh the same? Thanks!
3/5/2022
Hey Francesco, La Sportiva claims 945g in a size 25.5 for the Solar!
Answer this question:
1/27/2022
Matt
(used product regularly)
Hi everyone,
I leave my impressions after about a year of use.
I have 268mm length narrow feet (last 96/97mm), with low instep, small ankle and narrow heel. I was interested in the boot both because of the excellent performancel/weight ratio for the category and because it seems to have a very low instep despite the apparent medium/high volume (last 102mm in size 26/26.5) thus ensuring a good tightening of the foot.
After several tests in the shop I chose size 27 (shell 27/27.5 - probably last 104mm) as with the new liner the foot seemed well wrapped, especially in the forefoot.
After a few uses I started to feel more volume obviously due to the sagging of the liner. In uphill mode to avoid the movement of the heel when skinning, I have to tighten the shell buckle as when going downhill, even to the maximum, or close the upper velcro strap, making it less effective when climbing.
In downhill mode the foot is towards the toe fortunately stopped by the low instep height, leaving 5/6mm of space on the heel. This makes downhill control worse.
All this makes me think that I am wrong size, I should probably downsize to 26/26.5, even though in the shop it felt very tight on the instep and with too much space on the heel cup.
However, the fit of this boot seemed rather strange to me: medium/large volume with a wide forefoot, wide heel and a strangely low instep.
Speaking of performance the carbon fiber reinforcements are felt. In unphill mode with the upper buckles open, the ROM is excellent (if the foot is well locked), but closing the strap is limited by feeling a bit of stiffness on the tongue. In downhill mode the boot is very stiff, precise and powerful. If it fits perfectly it is an excellent weapon for driving skis up to 95/100mm. I used the boots with a Movement Apex 94mm and they perform very well (apart from the fitting).
Let me know what you think.
I leave my impressions after about a year of use.
I have 268mm length narrow feet (last 96/97mm), with low instep, small ankle and narrow heel. I was interested in the boot both because of the excellent performancel/weight ratio for the category and because it seems to have a very low instep despite the apparent medium/high volume (last 102mm in size 26/26.5) thus ensuring a good tightening of the foot.
After several tests in the shop I chose size 27 (shell 27/27.5 - probably last 104mm) as with the new liner the foot seemed well wrapped, especially in the forefoot.
After a few uses I started to feel more volume obviously due to the sagging of the liner. In uphill mode to avoid the movement of the heel when skinning, I have to tighten the shell buckle as when going downhill, even to the maximum, or close the upper velcro strap, making it less effective when climbing.
In downhill mode the foot is towards the toe fortunately stopped by the low instep height, leaving 5/6mm of space on the heel. This makes downhill control worse.
All this makes me think that I am wrong size, I should probably downsize to 26/26.5, even though in the shop it felt very tight on the instep and with too much space on the heel cup.
However, the fit of this boot seemed rather strange to me: medium/large volume with a wide forefoot, wide heel and a strangely low instep.
Speaking of performance the carbon fiber reinforcements are felt. In unphill mode with the upper buckles open, the ROM is excellent (if the foot is well locked), but closing the strap is limited by feeling a bit of stiffness on the tongue. In downhill mode the boot is very stiff, precise and powerful. If it fits perfectly it is an excellent weapon for driving skis up to 95/100mm. I used the boots with a Movement Apex 94mm and they perform very well (apart from the fitting).
Let me know what you think.
Comment on this review:
1/17/2022
Hey, just purchased these from the factory in Ziano, in Val di Fiemme, and now I am wondering how to adjust the forward lean. I don't see any way to do it, thanks.
Joel
Joel
1/18/2022
Hi Joel, you would use the yellow spoiler which comes in the top of your cuff. You can move the spoiler positions or remove it entirely to fine-tune the forward lean!
Answer this question:
1/14/2022
So first of all I have very narrow feet, 96mm in a size 26.4, low volume overall, ankle, calf etc.
I've tried the Skorpius in a size 26.5, overall good fit, especially in the calf area where they fit great for my chicken legs.
Toe box fit was OK, not too roomy.
Mid section felt ok-ish as well for a stated 102 last, altho a bit too comfy.
But the ankle area / heel cup was kindof dissapointing, would've really needed more heel hold.
It's the same feeling I've got when I've tried La Sportiva Spectre 2.0.
Also I haven't seen anyone else complaining about this, but in both these LaSpo boots I felt as if the insole is somehow slippery, and such promotes unwanted movement in the boot.
At least the insole can be changed.
Is there any boot in this class with a narrower ankle-area / better heel hold?
maybe the discontinued unfindable S/Lab X-Alp.
I've tried the Skorpius in a size 26.5, overall good fit, especially in the calf area where they fit great for my chicken legs.
Toe box fit was OK, not too roomy.
Mid section felt ok-ish as well for a stated 102 last, altho a bit too comfy.
But the ankle area / heel cup was kindof dissapointing, would've really needed more heel hold.
It's the same feeling I've got when I've tried La Sportiva Spectre 2.0.
Also I haven't seen anyone else complaining about this, but in both these LaSpo boots I felt as if the insole is somehow slippery, and such promotes unwanted movement in the boot.
At least the insole can be changed.
Is there any boot in this class with a narrower ankle-area / better heel hold?
maybe the discontinued unfindable S/Lab X-Alp.
1/14/2022
Thanks for reaching out, Nutsu. Please fill out our online boot fitter and we'd love to help you out!
1/22/2022
I had the same issue / fit with the stock liners, and replaced them with some older Palau’s (not sure which model) I had and ankle / heel hold is much improved.
Answer this question:
1/13/2022
Hey skimo,
What would be the optimal replacement liner for these boots? I’ve always had good results with intuition. Would you recommend a LV pro tour or is there another option that’s a better fit?
Thanks!
What would be the optimal replacement liner for these boots? I’ve always had good results with intuition. Would you recommend a LV pro tour or is there another option that’s a better fit?
Thanks!
1/14/2022
Thanks for reaching out, Casey. If you're trying to take up volume and or stiffen the boot, a LV intuition pro tour could be made to work. However, most folks would find that either a Palau Tour Lite Pro Evo or Tour Lite Pro would suitable as they'll retain the Skorpius's impressive range of motion. The Tour Lite Pro Evo will be slightly thicker while the Tour Lite pro will be slightly thinner. Please let us know if you have any other questions!
2/25/2022
I use the intuition pv pro tour and like it. The stock liner is garbage and the intuition is way warmer and skis better. No loss of range of motion but it is definately a bit stiffer and heavier.
Answer this question:
-Been skiing in these for 3 seasons now. I have a low volume, narrow foot with a medium-high arch. Sportiva footwear in general has always suited me well, but I could see how people with wide feet or other fit issues would want to go with another brand.
-This boot is the most comfortable I've ever owned compared to varous Scarpa and Dynafit models. It's the only boot I've found that I can spend 8 full hours skinning in and not experience any discomfort or blisters.
-Downhill performance is fantastic. Only better boot I've tried in this weight class is the fantastic Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro (which isn't quite as comfortable on the skin-track as the Skorpius IMO).
-One of the plastic cuffs broke off at the flex point after a single season, but Sportiva quickly replaced the boots under warranty and as I understand it have since rectified this issue by using more flexible, robust plastic, so kudos to La Sportiva there.
-The swing lock, main adjustment strap that can be quickly unhooked and removed, and lower buckle system (both the adjustment holes and the double folding mechanism for tour/ski mode) are all fantastic and robust features that I hope to see implemented on more boots.
-This boot is the most comfortable I've ever owned compared to varous Scarpa and Dynafit models. It's the only boot I've found that I can spend 8 full hours skinning in and not experience any discomfort or blisters.
-Downhill performance is fantastic. Only better boot I've tried in this weight class is the fantastic Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro (which isn't quite as comfortable on the skin-track as the Skorpius IMO).
-One of the plastic cuffs broke off at the flex point after a single season, but Sportiva quickly replaced the boots under warranty and as I understand it have since rectified this issue by using more flexible, robust plastic, so kudos to La Sportiva there.
-The swing lock, main adjustment strap that can be quickly unhooked and removed, and lower buckle system (both the adjustment holes and the double folding mechanism for tour/ski mode) are all fantastic and robust features that I hope to see implemented on more boots.
Comment on this review:
Pros: Punches way above its weight! Lots of boots claim this but this one really does it.
Cons: foot crushing instep, and very upright. I wondered why it wasn't more popular, this is probably why!
Cons: foot crushing instep, and very upright. I wondered why it wasn't more popular, this is probably why!
Comment on this review:
11/12/2021
Any clue when/if y'all are going to get more sizes of the LaSportiva Skorpius? I usually ski 27.5 resort, 28.5 in lightweight/skimo boots.
11/12/2021
Thanks for reaching out, Lothian. We're hopeful we'll receive some this next week. If you want to be notified when they arrive, please send us an email to help@skimo.co!
Answer this question:
11/8/2021
I'm currently skiing the Scarpa F1 LT. I have a very low instep - I have a bontex shim beneath the stock liner, a thick footbed, and I still struggle to get the instep tight enough with the boa. I'm not sure that more shimming or padding will do the trick. The boots ski well enough for me except for being sloppy, and I'm ready to move to something that has a real instep buckle. The TLT5, TLT6, and Salomon X-Alp all fit me pretty well. It sounds like the Skorpius has a low instep and a fit not too far off of the TLT6? Any other recommendations for a narrow/low instep boot in this category?
11/8/2021
Hi Chris,
Thanks for reaching out! The La Sportiva Skorpius has one of the lowest volume insteps of any of the boots that we carry. To compare with the TLT6, I would say the forefoot is comparable, and potentially even a little narrower. The Skorpius has a low volume heel, also lower in volume than the TLT6. Based on your prior fit history, the Skorpius would be my primary suggestion for your foot. If you have any further questions about boot options or your current setup, reach out at help@skimo.co!
Thanks for reaching out! The La Sportiva Skorpius has one of the lowest volume insteps of any of the boots that we carry. To compare with the TLT6, I would say the forefoot is comparable, and potentially even a little narrower. The Skorpius has a low volume heel, also lower in volume than the TLT6. Based on your prior fit history, the Skorpius would be my primary suggestion for your foot. If you have any further questions about boot options or your current setup, reach out at help@skimo.co!
11/8/2021
Thanks, that’s super helpful Tristan!
6/29/2022
Hey Chris! I really hope you've found your dream boot by now. 1/8" boot fitting foam over the instep improved the fit of the F1 LT for me.
I had tried shims and thick footbeds, but they actually raised my heel out of the heel pocket slightly and increased potential for heel movement.
That said, I'm going to try the Skorpius to see if it is even better for my low instep, narrow ankles, and medium forefoot/midfoot.
I had tried shims and thick footbeds, but they actually raised my heel out of the heel pocket slightly and increased potential for heel movement.
That said, I'm going to try the Skorpius to see if it is even better for my low instep, narrow ankles, and medium forefoot/midfoot.
Answer this question:
10/10/2021
I may be comparing apples to oranges a bit with this question, but how do you think this boot stacks up with the Dalbello Quantum Free130 and the Fischer Trans Alp Pro? These are both on my radar this year. I have Atomic Backlands Carbons which are fine, but looking for a bit more power while keeping the weight down and retain good range of motion. My Freeride boot is a Technica Zero G for reference.
10/11/2021
Hey Brian,
You're not comparing apples to oranges at all! All three of the boots you mentioned are designed to fill that gap between lighter, uphill-oriented boots like your Backlands, and freeride boots like the Zero G. I would say this boot in terms of performance is the best of the "best of both worlds" category, as it is exceptionally supportive and stiff when in downhill mode while still having a vast range of motion in touring mode. The real question will be if it fits your foot, as it has quite a low instep height that can be really uncomfortable for a lot of people. If you found the Zero Gs and Backlands to be pretty comfortable, there's a decent chance you fall into the category of people whose instep is too high for this boot, so I would definitely try them on first if you can.
You're not comparing apples to oranges at all! All three of the boots you mentioned are designed to fill that gap between lighter, uphill-oriented boots like your Backlands, and freeride boots like the Zero G. I would say this boot in terms of performance is the best of the "best of both worlds" category, as it is exceptionally supportive and stiff when in downhill mode while still having a vast range of motion in touring mode. The real question will be if it fits your foot, as it has quite a low instep height that can be really uncomfortable for a lot of people. If you found the Zero Gs and Backlands to be pretty comfortable, there's a decent chance you fall into the category of people whose instep is too high for this boot, so I would definitely try them on first if you can.
10/11/2021
Thanks Julieana! Actually, the Backlands are a bit roomy over the instep and I took up instep volume in the Zero G’s with a high volume tongue in my medium volume Intuition liners, so the Skorpius may not be too bad a choice. So you are saying it has a lower instep than the Quantum or Trans Alp Pro?
10/12/2021
Yup, that instep is definitely going to be the snuggest/lowest of the three!
Answer this question:
10/4/2021
Hey guys/gals - Do you know if Sportiva did anything to fix the breaking tongue problem on these? Definitely the best boot I've had, but that broken tongue (and subsequent limited warranty inventory) was a real bummer last year.
Gracias! Or, should I say, Grazie!
Gracias! Or, should I say, Grazie!
10/8/2021
Thanks for the question, Grant. We have received a response from La Sportiva and it looks like all the Skorpius boots that came out of the factory, starting with the 20/21 season, were all updated with a more flexible plastic material to avoid breakage.
1/14/2022
Hi,
How can you recognize the model year of a shoe (once the tongue has been tweaked so that it won't crack)?
Does the revised model (20/21 and 21/22) look different from the first versions?
How can you recognize the model year of a shoe (once the tongue has been tweaked so that it won't crack)?
Does the revised model (20/21 and 21/22) look different from the first versions?
Answer this question:
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