SCARPA Alien Boot
The zombie Alien apocalypse we really wanted has arrived, and it's looking to be a good time. Updated and back from the dead, the SCARPA Alien ski boot got some renovations that improve upon the previous model. Still the prime choice for the skier who sits on the fence between skimo racing and steep and deep backcountry touring, this Alien is frighteningly light and nauseatingly powerful. With the ski/walk lever positioned in walk mode, this boot has a wider range of motion than your ankle does. While in ski mode you'll have the confidence of a much younger, more limber version of yourself. A simplified closure system lost the velcro powerband, cutting a couple of precious grams so you can fly uphill, moving so fast you'll likely be confused for (you know I'm gonna say it) an Alien.
- Weighing in at well under a kilo per boot, the updated Alien can easily be considered a competitively weighted race boot, while also being a reliable backcountry boot. Bonkers.
- A Boa closure system serves the bottom shell of the boot, eliminating pressure points that buckles sometimes cause in favor of the Boa's smooth and even compression.
- Intuition Cross Fit Tour Lite liner (whata mouthful) is comfy cozy right out of the box, but can be heat molded to your foot with a prescription from the boot doctor.
- A slightly narrower last (99mm) makes this a great choice for the narrower foot, or perhaps just a more performance oriented fit.
- Keeping with the extraterrestrial theme, a Vibram UFO sole adorns the lower extremities of this fine piece of Italian engineering.
- As mentioned in the description above, this boot has a wider range of motion that your ankle probably does-- 72 degrees.
- Adjustable settings of 9 and 13 degrees of forward lean offer customization for the tinkerer and performance skier alike.
- Browse the whole SCARPA Alien line here.
Update 2021/22 - New colors give the Alien a long awaited update, finally incorporating some "SCARPA Blue."
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
885g [27] 922g [28] |
| Weight (pair) | 1770g [27] 1844g [28] |
|
|
Cord and Boa |
|
Boot Sole |
262mm [24] 271mm [25] 279mm [26] 287mm [27] 296mm [28] 305mm [29] 313mm [30] |
|
Binding |
Tech only |
|
Cuff |
72° |
|
Forward |
9°, 13° |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Carbon infused Grilamid lower and Grilamid FG LFT cuff |
|
|
Intuition Cross Fit Tour Lite |
|
|
Vibram UFO |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Rando racing, speed touring |
| Notes | Guts of the Alien 1.0 in a more affordable package |
| Bottom Line | Best priced race-worthy boot on the market |
| Compare to other Race Boots | |
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Questions & Reviews
These boots are the best ~900g option on the market under $1000 and it isn't close. They ski remarkably well for what they are, the fit is substantially better than the F1 series in my opinion, with a snugger instep, snugger heel pocket and more toebox room. The fit and walk mode is similar to the La Sportiva Kilo, and the Alien is stiffer, even though it is 200g lighter.
Comment on this review:
1/25/2025
Hello, please, my foot is 277 mm long. Now I have Dynafit PDG 28 which is perfect. New Dynafit Mezzalama I need 28,5. Can I use rhis Alien in 28? Thank you for your help. Martin
1/25/2025
Hi Martin,
Based on that foot measurement, I do think the Alien in size 28 will work for you! It will be a tight, performance fit. Using myself as a reference, I measure 258-259mm and have a one-finger fit in a 26 Alien.
Based on that foot measurement, I do think the Alien in size 28 will work for you! It will be a tight, performance fit. Using myself as a reference, I measure 258-259mm and have a one-finger fit in a 26 Alien.
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1/23/2025
Seeking a boot for 80% fitness and 20% exploring above tree line in the east - and a rare race (for fun). Favoring skis around 80mm and hopeful of a quiver-of-one boot while accepting tradeoffs, would these be a good fit/consideration?
1/23/2025
Hi Ryan,
This would be a good boot for that kind of setup! The full liner and more forgiving flex of the plastic Alien make it a great boot for a mix of light and fast touring and racing/training. Depending on the ski, you could probably get a bit more downhill performance out of a stiffer race-plus boot (like an F1 LT, for example) - but the Alien can get the job done and would be a great choice if you are placing more value on efficient uphill and transitions!
This would be a good boot for that kind of setup! The full liner and more forgiving flex of the plastic Alien make it a great boot for a mix of light and fast touring and racing/training. Depending on the ski, you could probably get a bit more downhill performance out of a stiffer race-plus boot (like an F1 LT, for example) - but the Alien can get the job done and would be a great choice if you are placing more value on efficient uphill and transitions!
3/6/2025
Thanks for the info! As a newcomer to this type of boot, what should I be looking for in terms of fit of length?
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12/2/2024
How similar is this updated Alien to the old Alien RS?
I have two pairs of the Alien RS that are both on their last legs and could use a replacement.
I have two pairs of the Alien RS that are both on their last legs and could use a replacement.
12/3/2024
Hi Adam,
This Alien is the current version of the classic Alien race boot from Scarpa, so it is lighter and more uphill-oriented than the Alien RS. The more comparable boot to the RS would be the F1 LT, which was its replacement in Scarpa's lineup. However, the F1 LT does not have the one-step transition that the RS had. We all mourn its loss. The Alien is more similar in that respect, but won't ski quite as well as the RS.
This Alien is the current version of the classic Alien race boot from Scarpa, so it is lighter and more uphill-oriented than the Alien RS. The more comparable boot to the RS would be the F1 LT, which was its replacement in Scarpa's lineup. However, the F1 LT does not have the one-step transition that the RS had. We all mourn its loss. The Alien is more similar in that respect, but won't ski quite as well as the RS.
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I bought these from a local shop last fall, used them to train for and race the power of four but realized they're stiff enough to drive my voile hyperchargers! They're now my regular backcountry boot. They took some punching for my sixth toe and the ankle bone but initially the fit was really good.
Why three stars?
The liner.
The boa cable is slowly slicing into it. I even reinforced it with duck tape and its sliced through the duct tape. It also compressed a lot from stock even after heat molding. I have some still good Palua liners from my old boots I'm going to try which are actually slightly lighter so I think Scarpa just cheaped out on the liners for these boots.
Why three stars?
The liner.
The boa cable is slowly slicing into it. I even reinforced it with duck tape and its sliced through the duct tape. It also compressed a lot from stock even after heat molding. I have some still good Palua liners from my old boots I'm going to try which are actually slightly lighter so I think Scarpa just cheaped out on the liners for these boots.
Comment on this review:
2/12/2024
hey skimo crew, thinking about picking up a pair of aliens to replace my F1LT. i wear a 27 in those and find them to be all-around a nice fit (just can't stand all the steps between walk and ski mode & they are overbuilt for my purposes). how does the alien 2024 fit compare? i've heard this model fits wider than previous years?
2/13/2024
Alfredo, This Alien has the same lower shell as the 1.1 and past Aliens. They are slightly lower volume then the F1 LT and Alien RS. The shell hasn't changed.
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1/13/2024
I am hoping to buy a race boot that would fit into my bindings set for TLT 6, which have sole length of 287mm, same as Alien size 27. Do you have info about its Tech Sole Length? I assume TSL is from front holes to the heel.
Am I hopelessly wrong about trying to find a race boot to match binding set for a touring boot? :)
Am I hopelessly wrong about trying to find a race boot to match binding set for a touring boot? :)
1/13/2024
Hi Dmitriy, the tech sole length of the Aliens is a good 3-4mm shorter than other 287s so sadly that will not work. It's awesome when you can find multiple boots that work in the same fixed mount, but that's often a pipe dream. Your best bet to match the TLT6 is the Sportiva race boots in a 27.0.
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1/6/2024
Is this version slightly wider in the toes than the previous one (yellow)?
1/6/2024
Hi Woy,
Yes, the new version is a bit wider than the old yellow Alien. It is still a narrow boot, but it is more accommodating than it used to be in the toe box. The liner is also very moldable, high quality Intuition foam, that can do a lot to improve the fit as long as the initial shell fit is reasonable.
Yes, the new version is a bit wider than the old yellow Alien. It is still a narrow boot, but it is more accommodating than it used to be in the toe box. The liner is also very moldable, high quality Intuition foam, that can do a lot to improve the fit as long as the initial shell fit is reasonable.
1/6/2024
Hi Woy,
Yes, the new version is wider than the older yellow Alien in the toe box. It is still a narrow boot, but there is a notable difference and we feel that we can get wider feet into the current one than we could in the old one. The liner is also a very moldable, high quality Intuition product with a decent bit of foam. A heat mold can significantly improve the fit in this boot, assuming the shell fit is reasonable to start.
Yes, the new version is wider than the older yellow Alien in the toe box. It is still a narrow boot, but there is a notable difference and we feel that we can get wider feet into the current one than we could in the old one. The liner is also a very moldable, high quality Intuition product with a decent bit of foam. A heat mold can significantly improve the fit in this boot, assuming the shell fit is reasonable to start.
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12/1/2023
Two questions.. can you punch the carbon infused grilamid lowers much? At the big toe at along the 5th metatarsal?
What liner would you suggest if you wanted to replace liner to take up a fair amount of volume around the heel and ankle?
I've tried on about every race boot and one of them actually fit, but this ses closest, but obviously not that close...
What liner would you suggest if you wanted to replace liner to take up a fair amount of volume around the heel and ankle?
I've tried on about every race boot and one of them actually fit, but this ses closest, but obviously not that close...
12/2/2023
Hi Justin,
Scarpa does not recommend punching these boots. With very thin grilamid, they are fragile and resistant to being moved. It sounds like you have a pretty specific fit. If you email us at help@skimo.co with details, we can help you figure out whether or not the Alien could be an option for you, and talk liners.
Scarpa does not recommend punching these boots. With very thin grilamid, they are fragile and resistant to being moved. It sounds like you have a pretty specific fit. If you email us at help@skimo.co with details, we can help you figure out whether or not the Alien could be an option for you, and talk liners.
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12/1/2023
Is there any difference in the cuff height on the shell between size 28 and 29?
12/1/2023
Hi Ben,
Unfortunately, we don't have a 29 in stock to check. But I would expect it to increase slightly, proportional to the rest of the boot.
Unfortunately, we don't have a 29 in stock to check. But I would expect it to increase slightly, proportional to the rest of the boot.
12/2/2023
Hi Ben, the Alien 1.0 goes up in cuff height between those two sizes, I believe the Alien is the same (i.e. 29 & 30 share a cuff).
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11/13/2023
Hey guys, I have been pouring over the reviews and wish scarpa did a better job to delineate the different boot types. I am interested in the alien, base model, but am not sure what size ski they can comfortably handle. Considering Zag ardent 85 vs backland 78. Is this too much ski or do they crush?
11/13/2023
Hi Nate,
These boots (the standard, non-carbon Alien) ski very well for a race boot as they have a full coverage Intuition liner. The non-carbon cuff has a nice flex to it as well. I think they could handle either of those skis.
These boots (the standard, non-carbon Alien) ski very well for a race boot as they have a full coverage Intuition liner. The non-carbon cuff has a nice flex to it as well. I think they could handle either of those skis.
11/14/2023
Hi Nate, I will add that the Adret really comes alive with a beefier boot. The Backlands are probably a better match for a race boot setup.
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3/1/2023
Is liner included in reference weight?
3/1/2023
Hi Emil, yes of course, it would be uncomfortable to ski without that! Our weights do not include footbeds.
3/1/2023
Hi Emil, we weigh everything and don't rely on the manufacturer. We don't include the footbeds or spoiler. Going up two shell sizes does increase the weight a good amount.
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10/22/2022
Any chance of getting more sizes in this season, ie 29/30?
Cheers!
Cheers!
10/22/2022
Hi Ryan,
Yes we will! Reach out to help@skimo.co, and we can set you up for a notification that will alert you when they arrive.
Yes we will! Reach out to help@skimo.co, and we can set you up for a notification that will alert you when they arrive.
Answer this question:
9/26/2022
hello ! I measured in the shop Scarpa f1lt 27.0 and Alien size 27.0. (i'm a newbie)! f1lt fit me (I haven't ridden them yet) ! And in Alien 27.0, it didn’t work to put your foot in. there were no other sizes. What size would you recommend for Alien?
9/26/2022
Pavel, The shell on this Alien is the same as all the other current Alien models, so you should be a size 27.0. Fitting in the 27 F1 LT is also very similar.
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3/29/2022
just curious if the newer blue version has improved durability in the gaiter? i've been quite fond of my black and yellow pair, but have worn holes through the inner ankle area in both boots after a couple of seasons. not a deal breaker but something i'm curious about. thanks.
3/29/2022
Thanks for reaching out, mkg. Indeed, SCARPA has improved the gaiter. While we haven't seen any long-term usage yet, the new material seems quite a bit more durable.
1/31/2024
Not at all. After half season of usage (50k vertical meters) there are holes in both gaiters, another hole is in progress on front part of gaiter. Liners have multiple holes in top layers. I have tried to patching holes with different patches but nothing seems to be holding well on nylon cloth gaiters. It's obvious design flaw because while leaning forward there is a wrinkle on the gaiter rubbing to quite sharp cuff edge. (Sending cuff edge didn't help). I guess it will be rubbish after 200k. Early stage of the hole on the attached picture.
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10/26/2021
I have too many boots in the race/race+ category and I'm looking for one to rule them all.
The Scarpa Alien 1.0 (not 1.1) and La Sportiva Sytron have both been great. I preferred the Alien 1.0 for touring and the Sytron for fit and downhill performance. I wished the 1.0 had a better gaiter, and wish the Sytron was stiffer. I ski the Scarpa Maestrale for resort and any super aggressive skiing.
How does the flex of the new Alien compare to the Sytron? How close are the original 1.0 and 1.1 in terms of stiffness, specifically related to the cuff?
Should I be considering the RS? I really like having a dedicated race boot for touring, and I'm afraid I'll miss my 1.0's if the RS is softer.
The Scarpa Alien 1.0 (not 1.1) and La Sportiva Sytron have both been great. I preferred the Alien 1.0 for touring and the Sytron for fit and downhill performance. I wished the 1.0 had a better gaiter, and wish the Sytron was stiffer. I ski the Scarpa Maestrale for resort and any super aggressive skiing.
How does the flex of the new Alien compare to the Sytron? How close are the original 1.0 and 1.1 in terms of stiffness, specifically related to the cuff?
Should I be considering the RS? I really like having a dedicated race boot for touring, and I'm afraid I'll miss my 1.0's if the RS is softer.
10/27/2021
Hi bcvizina, thanks for reporting your first world problem! I struggle with it as well.
The new Alien is stiffer than the Sytron, the carbon-infused grilamid lower resists spreading open and makes it a nice skiing boot.
The 1.0 and 1.1 are fairly similar driving performance yet feel different. There is no backseat in the 1.1 with the backless liner, and because of that it walks noticeably better. A few folks have put a full liner in it to push it the other direction which works pretty well.
The RS is a different category, it feels like a bigger ski boot. Very tall and powerful. I consider it my beef boot ;)
The new Alien is stiffer than the Sytron, the carbon-infused grilamid lower resists spreading open and makes it a nice skiing boot.
The 1.0 and 1.1 are fairly similar driving performance yet feel different. There is no backseat in the 1.1 with the backless liner, and because of that it walks noticeably better. A few folks have put a full liner in it to push it the other direction which works pretty well.
The RS is a different category, it feels like a bigger ski boot. Very tall and powerful. I consider it my beef boot ;)
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4/4/2021
Hi, I use a Scarpa F1 in 29MP being usually a 28.5 size, and it fits a charm.. if going on this lighter sibling, do I have to stick to the 29 or should move up considering the difference in shell and fit?
4/4/2021
Mat, These size the same as other Scarpa boots, they just dropped the 1/2 size. The 29 here is the same 28.5/29 shell size as your F1. On the other hand, this boot is a narrow 99mm last and the F1 is a 102mm last/medium fit.
4/5/2021
Thanks, and I have read no great punching on grilamid, so gotta be careful on the last size.. :)
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This is a great beginner race/speed touring boot. The adjustability of the cords and the boa make acquiring the perfect fit easy. I ski this boot with the voile wsp and they are a match made in heaven. This boot offers a lot of support, so I could imagine being able to drive a much larger ski with it. Yes, it weighs more than its all carbon counterparts, but the alien's value is unmatched.
Comment on this review:
1/24/2021
Teddy,
Thanks for the reply, you guys have been awesome with the nebulous world of ski boots. I am in a similar situation as Gabriele listed below, skiing the Salomon X-Alp for hurry up laps and light touring days with a rare race now and then. The Alien looks like a proper pairing.
Wondering if the Alien lower is able to be heat molded a bit. I recall the RS lower was not able to be heat molded.
Thanks for your time and energy
Chance
Thanks for the reply, you guys have been awesome with the nebulous world of ski boots. I am in a similar situation as Gabriele listed below, skiing the Salomon X-Alp for hurry up laps and light touring days with a rare race now and then. The Alien looks like a proper pairing.
Wondering if the Alien lower is able to be heat molded a bit. I recall the RS lower was not able to be heat molded.
Thanks for your time and energy
Chance
1/25/2021
Hey Chance, the Aliens lower shell is able to be punched but not fully heat moldable. Both the Alien and Alien RS liners are able to be heat molded so it really just depends on how much extra room you'd need after working on the liner. The Alien RS is a much more capable boot for the down but just a bit heavier and yes, not able to be punched nearly quite as much to gain the room you'd need like the Alien.
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1/21/2021
Question for Zack,
What did you end up going with for a boot choice and size?
I have a similar size issue with Scarpa ( 28.5 foot, currently using the Alien RS in a size 29 )
What did you end up going with for a boot choice and size?
I have a similar size issue with Scarpa ( 28.5 foot, currently using the Alien RS in a size 29 )
1/21/2021
Hey Chance, feel free to fill out our online Boot Fitting Form and we can help brainstorm a solution!
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