SCARPA F1 LT Boot
Sometimes, when two things are combined, they produce something far greater than the original constituents. History is marked by such fusions: fire and meat, iron and carbon into steel, ski poles and ice axes, J-Lo and Shakira. Now, two of the best options for backcountry boots have joined forces to form the all-new, all-powerful F1 LT. By combining lightweight race features from the immensely popular Alien RS with the time-tested durable and reliable F1, SCARPA has created a boot that will change the game for years to come. While some boots may walk the line between race boot and touring boot, the F1 LT is the line. Built for long and fast tours as well as deep, technical descents, this is the boot for skiers who want to chase the most ambitious of objectives while spitting at the notion that skiability and weight are trade-offs.
The lower of the F1 LT was inspired by the Alien RS: made with a Carbon Grilamid LFT shell that is built with the same 3D Lambda Torsion Frame used by the RS to provide more direct power from your foot to the ski, the lower is secured by a simple Boa dial that cinches the waterproof gaiter across the top of your foot providing a quick, dry, and secure fit. Strategic cutouts on the exterior eliminate excess weight and material wherever possible while maintaining enough structural rigidity to drive high-fat skis with ease and confidence. The cuff (also made of the same Carbon Grilamid LFT) trades out the cord-closure of the RS for an F1 buckle strap to increase power and reliability and an additional removable powerstrap (+30g) for even more control on the descent. The spring-loaded ski-walk mechanism is easy to flip and provides an incredible amount of low-friction articulation that will make sure these boots are the last thing to hold you back when speeding uphill. The F1 LT is the boot that will make freeride skiers want to race and make racers want to freeride. Plus, a sexy orange-black paint job will give your ski partners something to look at as you fly past them in your new SCARPA F1 LT's.
- The prodigal child of two of SCARPA's most popular boots, the F1 LT sets the bar for other hybrid race/touring boots.
- Ankles rejoice! 72° degrees of motion is a 10° improvement over the F1 and is more akin to that of race boots.
- Carbon Grilamid LFT construction ensures the highest possible power-to-weight ratio.
- 3D Lambda Torsion Frame increases direct power transmission from foot to ski.
- Boa-secured waterproof gaiter will keep your feet cozy and dry.
- Dynafit Quick Insert tech fittings make stepping in a breeze.
- A surprisingly powerful race boot, or an impressively light touring daily driver, this boot can and will do it all.
- Forward lean can be adjusted by moving the ski/walk lever mounting position, with choices of 9°, 11°, or 13°.
- Removable rigid spoiler on the back of the liner is attached with Velcro so you can further tweak the forward lean (+/- 2°).
- Included power strap (+30 grams) pops on and off in a snap.
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
995g [27] 1060g [28] |
| Weight (pair) | 1990g [27] 2120g [28] |
|
|
Velcro strap + BOA |
|
Boot Sole |
270mm [24] 278mm [25] 286mm [26] 294mm [27] 302mm [28] 310mm [29] 319mm [30] 327mm [31] |
|
Binding |
Tech only |
|
Cuff |
72° |
|
Forward |
9°, 11°, 13° (+/- 2°) |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Carbon Grilamid LFT |
|
|
Intuition Cross Fit Tour LT |
|
|
Vibram UFO RS |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Light and fast touring with confident downhill performance |
| Notes | Removable Velcro spoiler on the liner tweaks the Forward lean |
| Bottom Line | A light-as-possible touring boot that boasts the skiability of heavier boots |
| Compare to other Touring Boots | |
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Questions & Reviews
2/3/2021
I'm about 6'2" and maybe 205 lbs on a good day. Is my height/weight going to be too much for this boot? Assume I'm not an overly aggressive skier pushing a 95mm underfoot ski.
2/3/2021
Hey Chris,
You should be able to use this boot with ease! No need to worry about your height or weight.
You should be able to use this boot with ease! No need to worry about your height or weight.
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I had the original and recalled F1 when it came out back in the day (red and blue with the auto ski mode which worked well until it didn't), traded it for the Alien RS and now have about 20 days on the new F1 LT. The fit is much improved from the Alien RS (I think the foot board attached to the boot was changed), the downhill aspects are spot on and the uphill is best ever. Yes the throw of the buckle could be better and the second velcro strap will scrape the skin off your hands, but those are minor issues given the overall performance of the boot.
Comment on this review:
This boot is the Ferrari of the lightweight performance touring boot category. I’ve been through a lot of boots in this category (Dynafit TLT7 and TLT8 Carbonio, Atomic Backland Carbon) and they all fail to stand up to this one. The stiffness and progressive flex the F1 LT offers is more predictable and precise than any of the aforementioned boots. I’ve also found these boots capable of keeping pace on multiple laps with the fastest skinners out there while still driving a stiff, charging ski (I’ve used them several days on a G3 Findr 102 with great success). Looking forward to taking these higher into steep ski mountaineering lines once conditions permit.
Comment on this review:
1/18/2021
Dynafit boots size 26.5 fit me well--what size would you recommend in the F1 LT?
1/19/2021
Hey Gregg, the comparable size will be the 27.0, however, these boots have a very different fit from most Dynafit boots. Regardless of the size you will find these to be significantly narrower throughout. If you have any more questions or want some more guidance on finding the right boot feel free to email us at help@skimo.co.
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1/12/2021
Would the SCOTT Superguide Freetour skis pair well with the F1 LT?
1/12/2021
Hi David, officially that's wider than SCARPA's guidelines, but I've skied them with the Alien RS (similar performance) and it went well. Probably not getting all the capability out of the ski, but still mucho fun.
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These are by far the best boot I've owned. I spent a few years in the original Maestrale and the F1. They walk better than the F1 and ski just as well if not better. They are about 100x easier to get into than the F1.
I use them with skis ranging from 78 to 116 underfoot and have thoroughly enjoyed them with everything.
I had some concern about the gaiter stretching / wearing out with repeated liner removal/insertion so I bought a cheap in-boot dryer which has worked out fine.
I use them with skis ranging from 78 to 116 underfoot and have thoroughly enjoyed them with everything.
I had some concern about the gaiter stretching / wearing out with repeated liner removal/insertion so I bought a cheap in-boot dryer which has worked out fine.
10/21/2021
what kind of in-boot drier did you go with?
10/21/2021
I got the “DryGuy Travel Dry DX Boot Dryer and Shoe Dryer” from Amazon, I imagine anything similar would work
Comment on this review:
1/2/2021
Is this boot moldable? My feet are wide and have a high arch. I want a light touring boot that has a single changeover motion from skins to ski.
1/2/2021
Hi David,
The Liner of the Scarpa F1 LT is heat moldable. However, we generally recommend against shell work, as the shell is constructed out of carbon-infused Grilamid plastic, and any punching will void the warranty. If you have any further questions on boots, I recommend that you fill out a Boot Fitter, and we would be happy to guide you towards a boot that will work well for you!
The Liner of the Scarpa F1 LT is heat moldable. However, we generally recommend against shell work, as the shell is constructed out of carbon-infused Grilamid plastic, and any punching will void the warranty. If you have any further questions on boots, I recommend that you fill out a Boot Fitter, and we would be happy to guide you towards a boot that will work well for you!
Answer this question:
12/31/2020
Teague T Holmes 
(downright abused product)
Currently the latest best boot. It’s pretty simple. It tours about the same as the alien RS but it drives a ski in charge is downhill better than the F1.
That’s right the F1 light skis better than the F1.
Mostly due to its significantly taller cuff and more performance fit overall
The only critique I have is I could do without the Velcro, in place of a conventional buckle. I will say that the Velcro strap buckle system is much better with the adjustment numbers so that you know where to set it and forget it for the day (and incremental update from the strap on the older F1s. I have an incredibly narrow low-volume foot and by adding some standard boot fitting shims and pad material to take up space, they actually fit and perform perfect. I have a recently badly damaged right foot and my F1 light with an older broken liner is the most comfortable and best piece of footwear I own. Sounds like they fit mid range to wider feet as well which sounds impossible it seems to be working.
It’s worth noting that in eight years of skiing all iterations of the alien as well as the RS and the F1, I’ve only broken a Boa once. And it wasn’t a big deal to ski or replace.
If the game is about building the boot with the best tour-ability, combined with the highest downhill performance for the least amount of weight, this boot wins the whole game hands-down.
That’s right the F1 light skis better than the F1.
Mostly due to its significantly taller cuff and more performance fit overall
The only critique I have is I could do without the Velcro, in place of a conventional buckle. I will say that the Velcro strap buckle system is much better with the adjustment numbers so that you know where to set it and forget it for the day (and incremental update from the strap on the older F1s. I have an incredibly narrow low-volume foot and by adding some standard boot fitting shims and pad material to take up space, they actually fit and perform perfect. I have a recently badly damaged right foot and my F1 light with an older broken liner is the most comfortable and best piece of footwear I own. Sounds like they fit mid range to wider feet as well which sounds impossible it seems to be working.
It’s worth noting that in eight years of skiing all iterations of the alien as well as the RS and the F1, I’ve only broken a Boa once. And it wasn’t a big deal to ski or replace.
If the game is about building the boot with the best tour-ability, combined with the highest downhill performance for the least amount of weight, this boot wins the whole game hands-down.
Comment on this review:
12/27/2020
Can anybody compare these to the Fischer Travers Carbon? I love the simple functionality of that boot (and this looks pretty similar) but the Fischer really lacks in torsional rigidity. I don’t have much interest in skis wider than 100 but would really love a similar boot that could hold on hard snow with like a 95 under foot.
12/28/2020
Andrew-The F1 LT has some carbon in the lower shell which might give it some more torsional rigidity than the Fischer. We have not gotten enough snow time currently to really say for sure. The Alien RS uses the same materials and that felt similar ski performance to the Fischer for what thats worth.
12/28/2020
Hi Andrew, judging mainly from the RS (very similar build), the F1 LT is stiffer in forward flex than the Fischer. Laterally I would say so as well, the carbon-infused lower is quite rigid. If by torsionally you mean twisting, the Fischer has a carbon plate in the sole so it's pretty solid there.
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12/26/2020
How do the F1LT compare on the downhill to the 2020 atomic backland carbon?
12/26/2020
Hey Jordan, overall I would say that the F1 LT has just a more uniform stiffer flex pattern than the Backland. You could potentially say that you would get better downhill performance over the Atomic Backland Carbon.
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12/21/2020
Hi, I am curious on the fit of these compared to a 27.5 Salomon S-Lab MTN boots? Would it be better to size up to a 28 and use an insert or to get the 27?
Thank you
Thank you
12/21/2020
Hi Liam, it could depend on the fit you have the S-Lab, but without knowing more, the 28 would be recommended. Visit our boot fitter for a personalized recommendation.
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12/20/2020
can you recommend ski and binding for these boots. i’m 5, 10 and 185lbs.
12/21/2020
Hey Jay, the F1 LT's are capable of pushing upwards to 100mm underfoot ski fairly comfortably. Feel free to shoot us an email at help@skimo.co and we could narrow some good ski and binding combinations for you!
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12/18/2020
Hey Guys,
I am curious how these boots would be driving a ski like the Hyper V8? Or would that ski be too fat for these guys. Or would the regular F1 be a better fit.
Thanks
I am curious how these boots would be driving a ski like the Hyper V8? Or would that ski be too fat for these guys. Or would the regular F1 be a better fit.
Thanks
12/19/2020
Justin, I broke out the F1 LT/Hyper V8 combo the past 48 hours for some trail-breaking duties following an unusually deep and dry snowfall here in the Northeast. It's a great combo for lower-angle terrain where the ski isn't getting pushed too hard -- mostly using it as a flotation tool -- and so it's possible to use the LT's high levels of lateral stiffness to your turning advantage. Compared to an F1, however, there's not *quite* enough progressive flex to drive the ski through the front of the boot during higher-speed turns or on steeper terrain. If the HV8 is your daily driver over there in the Tetons you might find the F1 a better match, but if it's a pure powder touring ski the LT might serve nicely.
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12/16/2020
Jeff Cole
(used product regularly)
So....I am usually a tried-and-true 27.0 in Scarpa but I had tried the Alien RS in a 27.0 last year and I could barely get my foot in, let alone try to ski it so I bought the F1 LT in a 28.0 thinking I needed to size up. I took one run and realized the 28.0 was going to be way too big (I like a fairly tight, performance fit) so I ordered the 27.0 (I still have the once-used 28.0 if anyone is looking for those - they seem to be sold out everywhere). I was very worried after trying on the 27.0 at home because they felt similar to the 27.0 Alien RS but I decided to take them out anyway and am very glad I did. After about twenty minutes of skinning, they began to pack out a bit and my heel settled back into the boot and they started to feel more like my ideal fit. A few days later and I was able to put in my custom insole and still had a bit of room to wiggle my toes. I finally feel like I have a performance fitting AT boot that doesn't destroy my toes on the way up!
The transition from up to down is a bit more clunky than the Alien RS, especially with the extra power strap (removable) but if you're not racing it's not really a big deal. The BOA is great but has limited range so some folks may run out of clicks before they are tight enough.
The down is what really impressed me. I like a bit more forward lean than the stock 11-degrees so I adjusted it to the 13-degrees setting and it felt much more responsive. The flex is more progressive than the Alien RS and the Fischer Travers CC (used last year). They are definitely the best skiing lightweight AT boots I've ever used.
The transition from up to down is a bit more clunky than the Alien RS, especially with the extra power strap (removable) but if you're not racing it's not really a big deal. The BOA is great but has limited range so some folks may run out of clicks before they are tight enough.
The down is what really impressed me. I like a bit more forward lean than the stock 11-degrees so I adjusted it to the 13-degrees setting and it felt much more responsive. The flex is more progressive than the Alien RS and the Fischer Travers CC (used last year). They are definitely the best skiing lightweight AT boots I've ever used.
12/30/2020
Hey Jeff, you still have the 28.0? Definitely interested.
Comment on this review:
12/11/2020
Zgklister
(used product a few times)
Currently using:
8 1/2UK Salomon S/lab Classic Boots
43 1/3 Sidi Dominator Cycling Shoes
9 1/2 Hoka Trail Shoes
I have a high instep, subsequently because of the boot design a tad difficult to put on. However, the fit is incredible. They are the best skiing boots I’ve ever had
8 1/2UK Salomon S/lab Classic Boots
43 1/3 Sidi Dominator Cycling Shoes
9 1/2 Hoka Trail Shoes
I have a high instep, subsequently because of the boot design a tad difficult to put on. However, the fit is incredible. They are the best skiing boots I’ve ever had
Comment on this review:
12/5/2020
Hi,
How does this boot compare to F1 stiffness-wise? Which one is better for wider skis?
Matt
How does this boot compare to F1 stiffness-wise? Which one is better for wider skis?
Matt
12/5/2020
Hey Matt, there is a lot more lateral rigidity and structure in the F1 so it will be much better suited to wider skis.
Answer this question:
11/24/2020
i'm seeing that scarpa is traditionally narrow... which is weird because i have wide feet and traditionally only fit well in scarpa ice climbing boots. i was told that the f1lt is wider than the alien rs by a bit. care to confirm or deny this?
also, how much wider is the comparable dynafit boot (and which boot would that be?)
also, how much wider is the comparable dynafit boot (and which boot would that be?)
11/24/2020
Hey John, the F1 LT has the same exact lower shell shape as the Alien RS, the difference is solely in the cuff, so it will fit just the same as the Alien RS--which is quite narrow. There isn't a Dynafit comparison to this boot. Some comparable boots that are wider are the Dabello Quantum Asolo Factory Boot or the Fischer Travers CS Boot.
11/27/2020
Julieana, there are two responses below (from a customer and from skimo's Jeff) that indicate that the F1 LT may fit a bit wider than the Alien RS.
See Brandon's comments in his 10/30/20 review and Jeff's comments in his 7/10/20 response. Apparently, they fit differently because Scarpa lowered the height of the footboard in the F1 LT.
Could you please clarify this? I think a lot of us that found the Alien RS a bit too narrow are interested in this issue. Thanks!
See Brandon's comments in his 10/30/20 review and Jeff's comments in his 7/10/20 response. Apparently, they fit differently because Scarpa lowered the height of the footboard in the F1 LT.
Could you please clarify this? I think a lot of us that found the Alien RS a bit too narrow are interested in this issue. Thanks!
11/27/2020
Hi Andy, the F1 LT comes from the same mold and is not materially different in width. We've had some internal debate, and some of us feel like it's a touch wider out of the box due to the liner and/or positioning. My foot couldn't tell any difference between it and my Alien RS that has been well skied (and liners replaced once). With a custom fit in our shop, there would be no difference.
11/27/2020
I just received a pair and while they feel a touch wider in the metatarsal area than the Alien RS, it’s not a huge difference. What is noticeable is additional vertical/instep volume. Compared to my Alien RS with packed out liners that have over 100 days on them, I need additional underfoot shimming with the F1 LT and brand new liners.
11/27/2020
I should have added that it’s not clear whether this added volume is from a thinner bootboard in the shell or from changes with the liner. Since the liner seems a little burlier than the RS liner, I’d guess it’s the former.
12/2/2020
Quick note on fit/fitting on the F1 LT from a diehard Alien RS-wearer. While the lower shell/scaffo of the F1 LT is not "materially different" from the scaffo mold of the Alien RS (cf. Borro, 2020), there seem to be distinct differences in the overall fit of the F1 LT that, I think, will make it an attractive option to skiers for whom the Alien RS was just a fraction too narrow in the mid-/fore-foot. One, the Boa configuration on the LT sits higher and farther back on the instep than the RS boa did, and the plastic spreader plate that holds the metal tensioning wire is ~5mm wider on each side -- distributing pressure more evenly across the top of the foot/instep. In turn, the heel is held "back" in the boot rather than just "down" in the shell. Second -- and I think this might be the aspect of the boot we all missed in the hubbub around its release -- the heel platform on the LT is noticeably elevated relative to the forefoot, which confused me at first until I noticed this random line in Scarpa's web copy: "New Zeppa increases ramp angle by 3.5 degrees." ["Zeppa," aka, boot board, or more literally, "a wedge-shaped piece of wood, borrowed from Lombardic 'zippa,' a late borrowing from Latin 'cippus.'" (OED)]
That added Zeppa ramp angle increases the pressure on the instep/Boa, lessens the pressure on the forefoot, and allows the metatarsals/toes to spread out in the boot without cramming against the front. (Granted, measuring the Zeppa-induced ramp in degrees rather than millimeters is a little confusing, since it would lessen with the bigger sizes and increase with the smaller sizes, so other folks may have a totally different fit impression of the Zeppa, or may not notice it at all.) Right out of the box, the 30.0 LT feels like a 31.0 RS, which is more of a "comfort fit" for me; I can fit a blue Superfeet insole in the 30.0 LT, which I never could have done in the 30.0 RS without crushing my big toe and 5th metatarsal head. To return to the orignial point, whether or not the fore-foot has been lowered in the shell to make for a wider fit is probably a less important question than if there are other construction differences that make the F1 LT fit differently than the Alien RS, even with the same scaffo.
In use, between the Zeppa-based heel raise and the added spoiler, the LT feel much more aggressive in its forward lean (even in the 9-degree position), much more like a TLT7/8 than an Alien-family boot. Minimal vert skied on the LT so far (and in abysmal snow), but it may be the perfect boot for skis (eg. Ski Trab Mistico) that demand more forward pressure and a more knee-bent stance, and for which the Alien RS's more upright stance was never ideal. Nessun scarponi é lontano: the perfect boot is never far away! :-)
That added Zeppa ramp angle increases the pressure on the instep/Boa, lessens the pressure on the forefoot, and allows the metatarsals/toes to spread out in the boot without cramming against the front. (Granted, measuring the Zeppa-induced ramp in degrees rather than millimeters is a little confusing, since it would lessen with the bigger sizes and increase with the smaller sizes, so other folks may have a totally different fit impression of the Zeppa, or may not notice it at all.) Right out of the box, the 30.0 LT feels like a 31.0 RS, which is more of a "comfort fit" for me; I can fit a blue Superfeet insole in the 30.0 LT, which I never could have done in the 30.0 RS without crushing my big toe and 5th metatarsal head. To return to the orignial point, whether or not the fore-foot has been lowered in the shell to make for a wider fit is probably a less important question than if there are other construction differences that make the F1 LT fit differently than the Alien RS, even with the same scaffo.
In use, between the Zeppa-based heel raise and the added spoiler, the LT feel much more aggressive in its forward lean (even in the 9-degree position), much more like a TLT7/8 than an Alien-family boot. Minimal vert skied on the LT so far (and in abysmal snow), but it may be the perfect boot for skis (eg. Ski Trab Mistico) that demand more forward pressure and a more knee-bent stance, and for which the Alien RS's more upright stance was never ideal. Nessun scarponi é lontano: the perfect boot is never far away! :-)
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11/20/2020
Hi, I'm curious how you would compare these to the TLT8 Carbonio in downhill performance and fit? Thanks!
11/20/2020
Hey Kyle,
Great question! Performance wise, they both punch above their weight class. However regarding fit, the two couldn't be further apart. The Scarpa is fairly narrow while the Dynafit is wide! Ultimately what will fit the best will perform the best for you.
Great question! Performance wise, they both punch above their weight class. However regarding fit, the two couldn't be further apart. The Scarpa is fairly narrow while the Dynafit is wide! Ultimately what will fit the best will perform the best for you.
12/16/2020
What an odd statement to read. I never thought I'd see the day.
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11/14/2020
I wear a size 27 in my Alien 1.0 and also my Scarpa Freedom RS boots. Is it safe to assume I'd wear a 27 in these as well?
Thanks.
Thanks.
11/14/2020
Hey Bruce, yes this would be a good assumption. The F1 LT will just have a slightly wider last width than the Alien 1.0 but the fit should be fairly comparable.
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11/9/2020
Looking forward to getting these to replace my F1s that are wearing out. Wondering how the BSL compares between this and F1 in a size 31 shell?
11/9/2020
Hey Simon,
In a size 31 the F1 LT comes in at a BSL 327mm and the F1 comes in at a BSL of 330mm.
In a size 31 the F1 LT comes in at a BSL 327mm and the F1 comes in at a BSL of 330mm.
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