I’m currently riding the Phantom Slipper HD in size 27. It has always felt a little on the loose side for me, and I usually have to ratchet the straps all the way down to get the fit I want. That said, I’ve generally preferred a slightly softer ride feel over the years. For example, in the resort I’ve really enjoyed riding softer boots like the Vans Infuse because they feel more natural and surfy.
For splitboarding, though, I really value the uphill efficiency of a hard boot. With the Phantom Slipper HD, I’ve found a setup that works pretty well for me on the descent by using the plastic tongue but not the link lever, which gives me the riding stiffness I want without feeling overly rigid. My main complaint with the Phantom has been long-term durability. The buckles, gaiters, and overall collection of mechanical parts seem to wear faster than I’d like.
Because of that, I’m very interested in the Pierre Gignoux Black Splitboard Boot, since it looks like it may solve some of those durability and weight issues.
My main questions are:
How does the Black Splitboard Boot actually feel on the descent compared with something like the Phantom Slipper HD?
Is there any meaningful way to adjust or tune the riding flex, or is the flex pretty fixed because of the boot’s design?
For someone who likes efficient hard boots for the climb but still wants a somewhat softer, more natural ride feel on the way down, does this boot work well?
Sizing-wise, if I currently use a size 27 Phantom Slipper HD but that fit feels a little roomy, would you recommend staying with the equivalent size in the Pierre Gignoux or sizing down?
I’d really appreciate any insight.
Pierre Gignoux Black Splitboard Boot
"Once you go Black, you don't go back." This totally uncontroversial and extremely eloquent statement is rumored to have been coined by an impressed skier who had just tried out the Pierre Gignoux Black boot for the very first time. Bringing the Pierre Gignoux goodness to soul surfers, the Black Splitboard boot was designed for discerning splitboarders who want to eliminate unnecessary weight. Essentially the same boot as its ski-specific sibling, the Black Splitboard boasts 108° of delicious ankle flexion in walk mode, facilitating efficient ascents. Like a Swiss Army knife made in France and used by the French army (French Army knife?) Pierre Gignoux has designed this boot with full tech compatibility, meaning you can press this boot into ski service for both skiing and splitboarding, making it perfect for those who surf the deepest days and ski the rest. The ski walk lever operates as you'd expect, but features "give" that allows for progressivity while making toe-side turns. With versatility and lightweight performance baked into its DNA, the Black Splitboard boot from Pierre Gignoux is the ultimate tool for lightweight splitboarding.
- Carbon Shell is meticulously crafted in France, ensuring quality and performance.
- Black sole is molded over the carbon shell for longevity, helping keep these boots in service for many seasons.
- Ski walk lever allows for speedy transitions and features an elastomer for progressive flex.
- Internal Lacing System provides a secure fit over the foot, allowing for confident descents.
- 26.0, 26.5, 27.0, and 27.5 are unique shell sizes.
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
676g [27.5] |
| Weight (pair) | 1352g [27.5] |
|
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One upper buckle with race throw |
|
Boot Sole |
259mm [24.0] 269mm [25.0] 279mm [26.0] 284mm [26.5] 289mm [27.0] 294mm [27.5] 299mm [28.0] 309mm [29.0] 320mm [30.0] |
|
Binding |
Tech, splitboard |
|
Cuff |
108° |
|
Forward |
12°, 18° |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
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Carbon Fiber |
|
|
Palau |
|
|
Black |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Moving fast on a splitboard |
| Notes | Race boot for splitboarding |
| Bottom Line | The highest-end carbon boot for our splitboard friends |
| Compare to other Race Boots | |
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Questions & Reviews
3/13/2026
3/13/2026
Hi, Alex, the Pierre Gignoux splitboard boot is fairly stiff overall because it uses the same build as the black model. The walk lever is the only piece with adjustability for flex, similar to the link lever from Phantom. It is also a full tongueless boot, so the walkability is increased for performance on the up tracks. For sizing, it is the same as a normal hard boot, but the material is not punchable at all, unlike the Phantom HD, which is plastic. If it helps, you can call the store, and we can chat more, or come in for a formal boot fit.
I hope it helps
I hope it helps
3/13/2026
Hi Alex, you can dial in the flex of this boot by simply turning the end of the lock lever like a dial. No need to replace springs and whatnot. The PG size 27 is slightly shorter than the Phantom/Atomic which is more like a 27.5.
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8/27/2025
What is the last width on these boots? I have a very wide foot (even on the TLTX wide boots I need a lot of boot work done). These look narrow but I wanted to confirm since I haven't been able to find the last width listed online.
8/28/2025
Hi Kaegan, unfortunately Pierre Gignoux does not publish last measurements, but this boot will fit the same as the Black AT boot, since they are the same boot but with a different lever. The PG boots are on the wider side for full-carbon race boots (compared to Scarpa and Sportiva), but keep in mind also that carbon boots cannot be punched at all. For more personalized advice, I'd recommend filling out our online boot fitter or sending an email to help@skimo.co
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