I love these boots and use them regularly on skis from 65mm - 85mm. They are a much better ski boot than the older Yellow version although I still prefer the older ones for racing actually, but these newer ones are a great all round Ski Mountaineering boot. However, in the past 2 weeks the ski walk level has snapped off the boot very easily, the screws seem to just rip out. This was on the first turn on easy angle slopes on a race ski. Luckily I was not in any real danger spots but curious to hear if this is a problem anyone else experiences? First time it was just the screws that blew out, got it repaired then the second time the screws ripped AND the lever snapped!
For the record, I am 180, 68kg.
SCARPA Alien 1.1 Boot
A fixture at the head of any skimo race, the original Alien 1.0 established a higher performance-to-weight benchmark. It’s difficult to imagine improving on a winner like this, but no one is arguing the reformulation doesn’t do just that. We’re calling it the Alien 1.1 (SCARPA still calls it “1.0”, but hey, that’s confusing. Maybe the Alien 1.0 v2?).
Keeping the full-carbon cuff, single throw ski/walk mechanism, and BOA instep closure that gave the 1.0 its racing and adventure successes, SCARPA smartly didn’t change what wasn’t broken. Instead, they’ve taken the minor areas of weakness and turned them into strengths, which is sure to continue this boot’s legacy performance. The lower is now made of Carbon Grilamid LFT material (from the Alien RS) which brings levels of stiffness and support at a low mass. The BOA closure system remains over the instep but is now internal, providing a closer fitting and more secure closure over the foot. A pain point of the original 1.0 was the difficult-to-enter sock-style liner; SCARPA has replaced it with a Crossfit Intuition BT liner featuring a full-length tongue that provides additional support and comfort. Some folks will be most excited by the integrated gaiter which increases the weather resistance and decreases instances of soaked feet. The SCARPA Alien 1.1 is an even better ski boot than the original, at a better price to boot (yay, puns).
- Carbon Grilamid LFT shell increases stiffness and responsiveness.
- Integrated gaiter keeps your feet dry and warm, a novelty!
- Vibram UFO sole provides lasting traction on ridges and boot packs.
- Internal BOA system provides better foot hold for precise edging.
- Proven Alien ski/walk lever is still the quickest way to transition.
Update 2021/22: An updated color scheme and slightly thicker liner for comfort and performance will accompany the model.
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
792g [27] 822g [28] |
| Weight (pair) | 1584g [27] 1644g [28] |
|
|
Rope plus BOA, single throw latch |
|
Boot Sole |
262mm [24] 271mm [25] 279mm [26] 287mm [27] 296mm [28] 305mm [29] 313mm [30] |
|
Binding |
Tech only |
|
Cuff |
75° |
|
Forward |
9°, 13° |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Carbon-reinforced Grilamid lower, carbon cuff |
|
|
Intuition Cross Fit BT |
|
|
Vibram UFO |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Skimo racing, training |
| Notes | Integrated gaiter means less wet-feet |
| Bottom Line | Next level Alien! |
| Compare to other Race Boots | |
Related Products
Questions & Reviews
3/22/2023
colin thornton
(used product regularly)
Comment on this review:
3/15/2023
How do these fit compared to the F1 LT? I wear a 27 in that boot, and after breaking the liners in, they're pretty comfortable and just wide enough for my toeline. In terms of length, my toes are just touching the liner, but it's really perfect; no more and no less length.
The only major fit problem I have with them is the midfoot/arch area, which feels a bit aggressive to my relatively flat foot, and if I run or otherwise do skimo intervals, my arches get really sore for a few days.
Since these seem more narrow, I'm wondering if I should maintain the F1 LT BSL ~295mm and size up to a 28 here, unless that might give me too loose of a fit? Foot length is 268mm, and width is 102mm with thin race socks on.
The only major fit problem I have with them is the midfoot/arch area, which feels a bit aggressive to my relatively flat foot, and if I run or otherwise do skimo intervals, my arches get really sore for a few days.
Since these seem more narrow, I'm wondering if I should maintain the F1 LT BSL ~295mm and size up to a 28 here, unless that might give me too loose of a fit? Foot length is 268mm, and width is 102mm with thin race socks on.
3/15/2023
Alfredo,
The Alien is a bit narrower than the F1 LT, I'd recommend possibly having a look at the DNA, which is a bit wider. I'd avoid getting a bigger, longer boot to accommodate for width. If you'd like, fill out our boot fitter and we can get you some recommendations!
The Alien is a bit narrower than the F1 LT, I'd recommend possibly having a look at the DNA, which is a bit wider. I'd avoid getting a bigger, longer boot to accommodate for width. If you'd like, fill out our boot fitter and we can get you some recommendations!
Answer this question:
1/22/2023
I have a pair of Alien 1.1 circa 11/19. They have pretty light duty. I don't race and use them mainly for spring and summer corn skiing. The BOA snapped on my tonight during my dog walk tour. I've had 4 failures like this over the years, all in tour mode, 2 from the RS, 1 from the Dynafit TLT X and now from the Alien 1.1. What are my options to replace it? There is a snowboard shop in town that might do the work if I can't figure it out.
1/24/2023
Answer this question:
12/26/2022
Can this boot be punched out at all? I have hear mixed opinions about whether or not the plastic can withstand being heated and punched
12/26/2022
Hi Cecily, I wouldn't count on drastically modifying the fit of this boot, but it seems to handle a small punch here and there. I did it to mine, in fact.
Answer this question:
I've recently become a convert and I want everyone to know! When I bought these, I was very unsure if I was going too far (after all, if you go too light, then you'll find out the truth about how good of a skier you are, right?). I read the reviews and was convinced that these perform better than you might expect, and it's all true. Actually, funny story from my first outing in these, I've been rocking some old hard-charging Scarpas that are only slightly lighter than downhill boots (and perform just as well), and because they're so stiff, I've never used walk/ski mode, I honestly can't tell the difference. My first run in the Aliens was so exponentially disastrous, I feared I was in really big trouble and questioned all of my decisions. I skinned back up and on my second lap, I thought, oh I should probably flip these to downhill mode! And what do you know, flipping the switch takes them from a soft nordic-equivalent boot to a downhill beast with total control.
I love the BOA, I love love love the weight, I heat molded and they're uber comfy . I think my only gripe is the walk/ski mode bar when it's up (walk), my pants get caught on it, and also when I'm ready to switch, I have to pull my pant leg up to the top of my boot then pull it back down, which in the spring I'll probably just leave pants rolled up but in powder I think it's particularly important to keep some of the snow off these boots since it's hard to imagine they're fully waterproof (although I haven't had wet feet yet)
One comment on sizing if it helps anyone because these seem small to me compared to other scarpas, my foot is 22 centimeters, I generally wear a 23.5 mondo (in other Scarpa boots), or 37.5/6.5 in running shoes (sportiva, scarpa, salewa), 37 in sportiva mtn boots. These I got a 24 and they fit perfectly after a heat mold (with the lightweight Darn Tough merino ski) but there's no additional room for thicker socks when it's cold.
I love the BOA, I love love love the weight, I heat molded and they're uber comfy . I think my only gripe is the walk/ski mode bar when it's up (walk), my pants get caught on it, and also when I'm ready to switch, I have to pull my pant leg up to the top of my boot then pull it back down, which in the spring I'll probably just leave pants rolled up but in powder I think it's particularly important to keep some of the snow off these boots since it's hard to imagine they're fully waterproof (although I haven't had wet feet yet)
One comment on sizing if it helps anyone because these seem small to me compared to other scarpas, my foot is 22 centimeters, I generally wear a 23.5 mondo (in other Scarpa boots), or 37.5/6.5 in running shoes (sportiva, scarpa, salewa), 37 in sportiva mtn boots. These I got a 24 and they fit perfectly after a heat mold (with the lightweight Darn Tough merino ski) but there's no additional room for thicker socks when it's cold.
12/23/2022
Hi Sarah, thanks for the feedback! I can see some race pants in your future...the kind that you cut holes in (or they already have holes) for the Alien lever. For what it's worth, on my non-race pants, the lever just hangs out outside of them when it's up...don't really fuss with pulling them up or down.
Comment on this review:
12/7/2022
Hi,
I currently have the Fischer Traverse CS Boot in 25.5 (great fit) and I was wondering how will this compare with the Alien 1.1 in size 26?
I currently have the Fischer Traverse CS Boot in 25.5 (great fit) and I was wondering how will this compare with the Alien 1.1 in size 26?
12/7/2022
Radu- With your current boot size the 26.0 would be the correct shell size. The Alien 1.1 is a little narrower than the Fischer but otherwise might be close for fit.
Answer this question:
8/14/2022
I have an old pair of Aliens (purchased 2015) -- neon yellow version with plastic riveted on in the bending areas of the cuff to reduce snow/water entry. I've loved the boot's weight and range of motion. And they ski just fine for my old-school style of skiing (lots of turns, not particularly fast). What I haven't liked is how wet the boots get inside. Obviously some of the moisture is sweat but most of it is melted snow that wets out the liner to the point that my socks are often wringing wet. This is tolerable for day trips but far from desirable for multi-day trips.
So my main question about the Aliens 1.1 is whether the gaiter effectively blocks outside moisture from penetrating the boots and wetting out your feet. I want a very light boot that simply has me managing my sweat.
So my main question about the Aliens 1.1 is whether the gaiter effectively blocks outside moisture from penetrating the boots and wetting out your feet. I want a very light boot that simply has me managing my sweat.
8/15/2022
Hi Andy,
The Alien 1.1 isn't perfect for staying dry in deeper snow as it is a tongueless gaitered race boot, but the taller gaiter is fully sealed to the scafo and will do much better than your OG Alien 1.0 at keeping out snow and moisture.
The Alien 1.1 isn't perfect for staying dry in deeper snow as it is a tongueless gaitered race boot, but the taller gaiter is fully sealed to the scafo and will do much better than your OG Alien 1.0 at keeping out snow and moisture.
Answer this question:
4/14/2022
How does the fit of the Scarpa Alien 1.1 compare to the F1 LT? If I know for certain that my foot fits very well in the F1 LT, will my foot also fit well in the Alien 1.1? And is the sizing of the boots the same?
4/14/2022
Hello Mike. I have an Alien RS, the same lower as the F1 LT according to SCARPA, and the Alien 1.1 both in the same size. The 1.1 is going to have a similar lower that is a bit smaller but also comes with a smaller liner and is definitely snugger. I would think if the F1 LT fits you well without any problems the 1.1 may fit you in the same size.
Answer this question:
3/25/2022
Hello! I have the Alien 1.1 from 2020 in size 30. It turned out that the boot was a bit small for my feet, lacking both length and width in the front. I had the boot shell blocked two years ago, but i still think it is at bit to small. Any experiance on how much theese boots can be stretched? I am no longer a youth, and have started to prefer comfort over race fit. I think my best bet would be a size 31 boot...
Any other suggestions for big, but lightweight boot? It seems that most boots in this category only come up to size 30.
Any other suggestions for big, but lightweight boot? It seems that most boots in this category only come up to size 30.
3/25/2022
Hi Erik, with SCARPA sizing, the 30 is also the same shell as a 29.5 (if it existed). The Backland Ultimate is a half size bigger and the shell can be heat molded to fit bigger feet.
Finally, for the first time in skimo history, there may be size 31.0 race boots next season: the Dynafit DNA and Mezzalama are planned to be offered in that size. Note those would also be available in size 30.5 with the same shell, and they are narrow and seem to run a bit small.
Finally, for the first time in skimo history, there may be size 31.0 race boots next season: the Dynafit DNA and Mezzalama are planned to be offered in that size. Note those would also be available in size 30.5 with the same shell, and they are narrow and seem to run a bit small.
Answer this question:
3/21/2022
I'm a happy user of the old yellow 1.0 Alien (over 6 years and around 200'000 m at 90kg!). Does this newer version have the same sole lenght, so swapping on fix-drilled race bindings isn't an issue?
Martin
Martin
3/21/2022
Hi Martin. These do have the same BSL as the old model. I'm sure you'll love the new boot and hopefully no need to redrill.
3/21/2022
Hi Martin, some folks who have made that switch noticed a difference in BSL (enough to want to add an adjustment plate), despite them being listed as the same. They come from different molds and there can be some discrepancies.
Answer this question:
3/20/2022
How will this compare to the LS Raceborg in terms of how big a ski it can drive?
3/21/2022
Hey David, both are race boots and only designed to drive race skis. With that in mind, the 1.1 would be the better suited of the two to drive slightly bigger skis.
Answer this question:
3/12/2022
I am also curious about how to use of the 2 sets of "stick-on" pads that come with the boots. I would like to put some extra padding around my calf but am unsure if I should use just one or both sets of padding. Interested to hear what other people have been doing.
3/14/2022
Garrett, The two sets are different thicknesses, so you would use whichever achieves what you need for fit. They cover a lot of the cuff, you can trim and mix and match as needed.
Answer this question:
3/9/2022
Maybe a dumb question, but I can't find any info in the owner's manual or on Scarpa's website or here about use of the 2 sets of "stick-on" pads that come with the boots. I assume they are for the liner as a sort of ankle wrap if needed. Thanks in advance for any guidance.
3/10/2022
Hi Dave,
The foam pads that included in the box are intended to help with filling out areas that are too high volume for your foot. For example, adding foam behind your calf in the cuff to ensure a more snug fit in the cuff area. Another option could be using that pad in the ankle/heel area to increase heel hold. If you have further questions, feel free to reach out to help@skimo.co!
The foam pads that included in the box are intended to help with filling out areas that are too high volume for your foot. For example, adding foam behind your calf in the cuff to ensure a more snug fit in the cuff area. Another option could be using that pad in the ankle/heel area to increase heel hold. If you have further questions, feel free to reach out to help@skimo.co!
Answer this question:
3/6/2022
Hi, I already have the pdg2 size 26 and I’m looking for another boots. My feet are 107cm large and 25,8 long. What is the best size for me and to you think this boots are large enough! Thanks
3/7/2022
Hi Marc-Andre,
The PDG2 has a pretty high volume fit for a race boot. Also, based on your foot measurements, it looks like you have a foot on the wider end of the spectrum. The Alien 1.1 has a narrow last width, and would not be the best pairing for your feet. If you are on the lookout for a new set of skimo race boots, I would check out our Boot Fitter tool!
The PDG2 has a pretty high volume fit for a race boot. Also, based on your foot measurements, it looks like you have a foot on the wider end of the spectrum. The Alien 1.1 has a narrow last width, and would not be the best pairing for your feet. If you are on the lookout for a new set of skimo race boots, I would check out our Boot Fitter tool!
Answer this question:
2/23/2022
Hey,
Are they some important changes between the 1.1 "yellow" version (the last photo on this page) and the blue/orange one ? I'm a bit confused about their released date (is 2021/22 the blue/orange version ?)
I'm looking to upgrade from loved but old alien 1.0
Thanks !
Are they some important changes between the 1.1 "yellow" version (the last photo on this page) and the blue/orange one ? I'm a bit confused about their released date (is 2021/22 the blue/orange version ?)
I'm looking to upgrade from loved but old alien 1.0
Thanks !
2/23/2022
Hey Thomas, the blue and orange version is the current model. The only differences between the two versions will be the color and a slightly different gator material reinforcing the BOA.
Answer this question:
2/19/2022
I have size 29 in these and right foot is perfect, but left could use just a touch bigger liner. Is it possible to get a 29.5 liner? Do they make that and how do the shells break on these boots? I think the 30.0 would be too big.
Thank you
Thank you
2/19/2022
Hey Kevin,
If the boots are brand new, I would suggest heat molding the liner with a full toe cap to give the toes on your left foot a little space. Scarpa uses intuition liners designed to be heat molded even in their race boots, so if your toes are just a bit snug, a heat mold might just do the trick for you. In these boots there are no half sizes, so you would have to jump up to the 30.0 if you need more than a few millimeters of space.
If the boots are brand new, I would suggest heat molding the liner with a full toe cap to give the toes on your left foot a little space. Scarpa uses intuition liners designed to be heat molded even in their race boots, so if your toes are just a bit snug, a heat mold might just do the trick for you. In these boots there are no half sizes, so you would have to jump up to the 30.0 if you need more than a few millimeters of space.
Answer this question:
2/8/2022
IS IT POSSIBLE TO USE A TRADITIONAL LINER (THE INTUITION FOR EXAMPLE) ON THE SCARPA 1.1?
2/8/2022
Thanks for reaching out, Pau. For this boot, you'd be better off with a Palau Ultralight Race Liner, which is a bit more traditional than the bikini style liner that comes with the boot.
2/8/2022
Hi Pau, the cuff flaps aren't long enough to encompass an Intuition liner which is really thick in the cuff. The cord will kinda get caught with the flaps going the wrong way.
Answer this question:
1/17/2022
Hi. I wear a size 26.5 in the Alien RS, what size should I get in the Alien 1.1?
1/17/2022
Hi Robert, to our knowledge, the RS was only available in whole sizes. You would be the same size 1.1 that you are in the RS, noting it's a touch narrower and lower volume so has the potential to not fit if you're tight in the RS.
Answer this question:
I have used the first 1.1 version and now the new color scheme which actually made significant changes to the boot itself.
I had issues with the cord clips on the first version. Specifically how they would catch on the carbon cuff and get bent out of shape. The new version seems to fix that. The clip is much stronger appearing and I have been unable to get it to catch when rubbing the boots together.
The gaiter also seems to be more durable. I had issues with wear on the gaiter and mild tearing of the velcro, but the new version improves the velcro where I don't expect it to tear. One problem with the gaiter however is that it is less stretchy and so makes boot entry and exit a bit more contorted.
Overall a big improvement and worth the upgrade
I had issues with the cord clips on the first version. Specifically how they would catch on the carbon cuff and get bent out of shape. The new version seems to fix that. The clip is much stronger appearing and I have been unable to get it to catch when rubbing the boots together.
The gaiter also seems to be more durable. I had issues with wear on the gaiter and mild tearing of the velcro, but the new version improves the velcro where I don't expect it to tear. One problem with the gaiter however is that it is less stretchy and so makes boot entry and exit a bit more contorted.
Overall a big improvement and worth the upgrade
2/23/2022
Hi TZed,
Thanks for your feedback. May I ask specifically what versions are you referring to ? Is the first 1.1 the one with the yellow boa and the new color scheme the one with the orange boa and blue/orange on the sides ?
Would you recommend the latest one ?
Thanks !
Thanks for your feedback. May I ask specifically what versions are you referring to ? Is the first 1.1 the one with the yellow boa and the new color scheme the one with the orange boa and blue/orange on the sides ?
Would you recommend the latest one ?
Thanks !
2/23/2022
I am referring to the first 1.1 as the version described on skintrack here (yellow and black) http://www.skintrack.com/gear-tech/new-scarpa-alien-1-0-alien-rs/
And the new color scheme as this years model(orange and blue)
I do recommend the blue and orange version. They have been going strong for me
And the new color scheme as this years model(orange and blue)
I do recommend the blue and orange version. They have been going strong for me
Comment on this review:
For their intended use, they're an amazing piece of technology
I pushed them, skiing 90mm skis in the summer in couloirs. For this purpose I was much happier in a bigger boot, at least an Alien RS. I felt the lack of material in the front of the 1.1
The total lack of ankle resistance on the up is amazing, but the lower poked me in my Achilles if I took too large a stride
Overall though, for what they are, it's amazing what they can do. A little taste of the future, I think
I pushed them, skiing 90mm skis in the summer in couloirs. For this purpose I was much happier in a bigger boot, at least an Alien RS. I felt the lack of material in the front of the 1.1
The total lack of ankle resistance on the up is amazing, but the lower poked me in my Achilles if I took too large a stride
Overall though, for what they are, it's amazing what they can do. A little taste of the future, I think
Comment on this review:
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