SCARPA F1 Boot
What do you get when you merge an Alien with a Maestrale, a race boot with a beef boot, an extraterrestrial with a cold northwesterly wind? You get an F1 race car, er, two-buckle touring boot! As Scarpa's signature backcountry touring boot, the F1 sits at the crossroads of out-of-this-world uphill speed and deep-powder charging on high-fat skis. The hinged Evo tongue on the F1 allows for excellent ankle range-of-motion on steeper skintracks and flatter slogs alike, while the high cuff and power-strap-based design means you'll blast down steep lines without reservation. To create that coveted power-to-weight ratio, the designers borrowed Alien technology by inserting carbon fiber into the lower shell in a splayed pattern that transfers power directly from your leg to the ski. A Grilamid cuff provides plentiful support when skiing in the front-seat and a scooped rear design means a turn in the back-seat won't end in a crash. The boot's lower is held together with a BOA system that cinches a generous 102mm last for just the right forefoot fit.
- Carbon Core Tech is fiber-reinforced nylon that makes the lower shell more rigid.
- Fast Buckle works in conjunction with a burly Velcro strap for simple and secure cuff.
- Alien style Boa® lacing system in the lower shell lets you dial in the perfect fit.
- SCARPA Intuition® liners (221g [27]) are heat moldable and preloaded with flex zones.
- Evo tongue is designed to flex with your leg and can be topped up with a power strap (+26g).
- UFO EVO soles are the latest in durable grip from the Vibram® family of overachievers.
- 62 degree range of motion is what your ankles would demand if they could talk.
- Dynafit Quick Insert fittings help make stepping into tech bindings a treat.
- Two forward lean settings let you tune your stance to match your style.
Update 2018/19: The iconic Scarpa F1 is still ahead of its time but in order to keep everyone happy with shiny boots, an updated paint job was brought to the table along with some Recco hardware in the power strap.
Update 2020/21: The Scarpa F1 has received a fabulous look for the 2021 year. Additionally, the F1 now has a small plastic extension on the lateral side of the lower shell to help guide the tongue over top, preventing it from occasionally snagging underneath when you don the boots.
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
1248g [27] 1316g [27.5] |
| Weight (pair) | 2496g [27] 2632g [27.5] |
|
|
1 + BOA |
|
Boot Sole |
280mm [24.5/25] 289mm [25.5/26] 297mm [26.5/27] 305mm [27.5/28] 314mm [28.5/29] 322mm [29.5/30] 330mm [30.5/31] |
|
Binding |
Tech only |
|
Cuff |
62° |
|
Forward |
20°, 22° |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Carbon infused nylon shell w/ Pebax tongue |
|
|
Intuition Pro Flex Evo |
|
|
Vibram UFO Evo |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Light & fast touring |
| Notes | Classic ski/walk mode mechanism |
| Bottom Line | Alien-infused touring |
| Compare to other Touring Boots | |
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Questions & Reviews
The F1 is the best all around touring boot I've used. Ive been through a couple pairs and it splits the Maestrale and Alien/F1 LT beautifully. For a great price you get a boot that you can ski pretty much any AT ski with and its light enough for long distance adventures or a daily driver boot. I ditched the top power strap to make transitions more efficient and it still drives a 105 wasted ski with ease.
Comment on this review:
1/28/2021
I was wondering how the F1 fit compared to the Maestrale? 27.5 Maestrale fit tight. My current boots TLT7 Expedition in 28.5 fit a little loose. What would you suggest?
Thanks.
Thanks.
1/28/2021
Hello Daryl, the F1 is a little wider but also is a lower volume boot so it will fit a little tighter, mostly on top of your foot. I would suggest trying on an F1 and think that would be a good fit for you if the TLT7 is feeling loose. If the F1 feels too tight around the top of the foot look at the Fischer Travers, here which seems to fit well for people with a high instep. Also, feel free to try our online boot fitter here.
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1/11/2021
I have 100 days on my F1's (Teal/Orange model ca 2017) and while I love the weight, performance, and comfort, I am not impressed with the durability. The main velcro straps disintegrated at around 50 days. What's worse, between the ankle hinge and the walk mode lever, there is now a LOT of fore-aft play in these boots. That's been a gradual degradation but I would say it was unacceptable after around 50 days as well. At this point I think a new boot is necessary for safety.
Is this common? Have any durability improvements been made to the boot since 2017? I don't abuse the boots so I am really not happy with the durability. I don't wan to be buying a new boot every year. What do you recommend as a replacement for someone who likes the F1's weight/performance/comfort but not the durability?
Is this common? Have any durability improvements been made to the boot since 2017? I don't abuse the boots so I am really not happy with the durability. I don't wan to be buying a new boot every year. What do you recommend as a replacement for someone who likes the F1's weight/performance/comfort but not the durability?
1/12/2021
Hey Leo, unfortunately with a lighter boot depending on what ski/snow condition combination durability can be compromised within that time. So far with the current generation of F1s, we have seen quite a good durability for what the boot represents. I would also say if the F1 fits your foot well something like the La Sportiva Skorpius could also work.
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11/17/2020
Are Scarpa F1 boots compatible with Marker Kingpin bindings?
11/17/2020
Hey Matthew, thanks for reaching out, the F1 is compatible with Kingpin bindings!
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10/16/2020
Why do you guys classify these as tech only compatible? I've seen elsewhere that they are compatible with AT or frame bindings. And they look the part too. I have some old Fritschi Diamiri bindings on some skis that I still want to use. After crossing off a lot of newer AT boots (I have some ancient Scarpa Lasers) like everything Dynafit, I came to rest on the F1's from last year as a solid giant step up for me, for a decent price as well. But your classification of them as "tech only" gives me pause. Thanks, Jim
10/16/2020
Hi James, I'm curious where you've seen information saying that they are compatible with frame bindings as they definitely aren't. The heel and toe lugs are not big enough to click in to a frame binding reliably, also their boot sole has too much grip, rocker, and shape to have reliable contact and release with the AFD plates in an alpine style binding. The Scarpa models that are compatible are the Maestrale, Gea, and Freedom series. Scarpa has an article explaining this compatibility further that I've linked to here.
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9/1/2020
What year and color scheme are the Scarpa F1s that are on sale?
9/1/2020
Hi DCA, I just enabled the new models for pre-order so you can see the new color coming out this fall.
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8/30/2020
Hi, Is the Scarpa F1 compatible with a Solomon Shift binding?
8/31/2020
Hi Jamus, the F1 is not compatible with the Shift binding. If you're in need of a burlier binding that will work with the F1 I recommend the Dynafit St Rotation 12
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3/13/2020
Do you think this is a strenuous from current Backland Carbon in Forward stiffness?
I plan on skiing it with 186 cm wayback 106. I am not an aggressive skier just need to be able to control the skis even in bad snow and with poor technique.
I plan on skiing it with 186 cm wayback 106. I am not an aggressive skier just need to be able to control the skis even in bad snow and with poor technique.
3/13/2020
Hey Slim, if anything the F1 should make skiing a little less strenuous! The F1 has more consistent progressive flex through the front of the boot than the tongue-less Backland Carbon, and with a taller cuff you will have more power pushing through the tips of the skis (186cm is a long skis!) With its damping properties and 3/4 sidewall, the Wayback 106 would also be a decent match with some of our beef boots if you don't mind the weight penalty.
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2/13/2020
Hi folks.
The Blizzard Zero G's with the Hagan Ride 10s that you set up are working well as my primary narrower ski-touring set up with my F1 boots. (Shocking how this touring ski performs so well in mogul fields).
I've read the F1s and the Tectons are simpatico...for a wider pair of skis for more resort touring-deeper snow conditions, would the F1s be compatible with the shift bindings?
(any opinions for an <150# guy w/ RE: shifts v. Tectons from the release-peace of mind...thanks, in advance).
Dave
The Blizzard Zero G's with the Hagan Ride 10s that you set up are working well as my primary narrower ski-touring set up with my F1 boots. (Shocking how this touring ski performs so well in mogul fields).
I've read the F1s and the Tectons are simpatico...for a wider pair of skis for more resort touring-deeper snow conditions, would the F1s be compatible with the shift bindings?
(any opinions for an <150# guy w/ RE: shifts v. Tectons from the release-peace of mind...thanks, in advance).
Dave
2/13/2020
I'm glad you're loving the current setup! The F1 is not compatible with the Shift, as it is designed to be tech-only. Another option to consider with consistent, reliable release would be the TÜV-certified Dynafit Rotation!
2/13/2020
Hey thanks Teddy for the 'rapido response' and the rec...will check out the Rotation too. Dave
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1/28/2020
I love my F1s, im curious though. Is the upcoming new f1 lt going to replace both the alien rs and f1? Or will there still be a standard F1? Thanks!
1/28/2020
Hey Shane! The F1 is staying in Scarpa's catalog for 2021, along with its "LT" sibling. The shell changes to a full Grilamid construction, which will presumably increase stiffness.
1/29/2020
Great news! Thanks for the info;
2/4/2020
Oops, I have spoken too soon! The F1 has always had a Grilamid construction, so no changes for 2020-21. However, it gains a "tongue alignment extension" which will keep the tongue in the right place on the shell more forcefully than before. And the boot improves its aesthetics with some sweet tiger stripes (they match your '80s spandex).
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12/29/2019
Question from
Craig Copelin 
Thank you so much for offering this question answering forum.
I am going to be doing the Grand Traverse this year in Colorado and need a lighter boot. My intent is to purchase a boot that will work for the Grand Traverse and also serve as a backcountry boot for longer hut approaches and powder skiing once at the hut. I currently have Maestral RS’s from 2014 in size 29.5 which I had to have punched out in the toe box for my foot width, otherwise they have been perfect.
Here is the question, I heard the Alien RS cannot be punched and would be a poor choice for my foot. Instead should I consider this boot (the F1)?
Thank you in advance.
I am going to be doing the Grand Traverse this year in Colorado and need a lighter boot. My intent is to purchase a boot that will work for the Grand Traverse and also serve as a backcountry boot for longer hut approaches and powder skiing once at the hut. I currently have Maestral RS’s from 2014 in size 29.5 which I had to have punched out in the toe box for my foot width, otherwise they have been perfect.
Here is the question, I heard the Alien RS cannot be punched and would be a poor choice for my foot. Instead should I consider this boot (the F1)?
Thank you in advance.
12/31/2019
Hey Craig, thanks for reaching out! The F1 might be a great choice for your foot and for your Elk Mountain-traversing ambitions, but there are many boots that we might recommend in the lighter-weight, more race-focused category. Give us a shout at help@skimo.co or fill out our Online Boot Fitter to get started!
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12/13/2019
Hey folks - I'm jumping into the true skimo world for the first time. I am a lifelong tele skier, have never stepped into an alpine binding. Did the Gothic Mtn Tour last year on a 77mm tele setup and it was super painful. Doing the Grand Traverse this year and looking for something a bit more conducive to the event.
My question - I have been in 27.5 Scarpa T-Race boots for a long time. It is definitely a 'performance' shell fit. How do the sizing of these compare to a Scarpa 75mm tele boot shell? I would just be using these for long tour and some technical alpine mountaineering objectives. For perspective, I a 44.5 EU shoe size. Thanks in advance for any insight you may have!
My question - I have been in 27.5 Scarpa T-Race boots for a long time. It is definitely a 'performance' shell fit. How do the sizing of these compare to a Scarpa 75mm tele boot shell? I would just be using these for long tour and some technical alpine mountaineering objectives. For perspective, I a 44.5 EU shoe size. Thanks in advance for any insight you may have!
12/13/2019
Greetings GK! Welcome to the Rando Liberation Front: our heels may be imprisoned, but our tours are unbound! While the Scarpa boot lasts remain reasonably similar across all of their alpine and telemark offerings, the older Terminator and T-series shells were notably wider through the midfoot than an F1. You may find that the fit is perfect in a 27.5 F1, or you may find that you need to go up 1/2 to 1 size. Also consider boots from Scarpa that are a bit more race-oriented, such as the Alien RS. Drop us a line at help@skimo.co to go deeper into options!
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11/28/2019
If I ski 26.5 Atomic Hawx Ultra XTDs and find them to fit fairly well, if slightly loose, on me, will the 26.5/27 shell be too big with the F1s?
11/29/2019
Brian, have you had any molding to the shell done on the Hawk's? If they are a bit loose on you, the F1 could be looser. They have a wider forefoot/last then the Hawk. If you want to get into it deeper, please fill out our boot finder
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10/28/2019
Hello! Wondering: what is a recommended ski width for this boot or would it drive a Voile HyperV6? AND.. how much downhill performance would I gain w/ the Maestrale RS? Thanks in advance!
10/29/2019
Rick, Awesome question. The F1 is pretty powerful boot in the touring category, you could easily drive a V8 in powder. For backcountry skiing the F1 has plenty of performance in most backcountry conditions. On a V6 in powder you would not gain much with the Maestrale. Note, the V6 is a soft powder loving ski. If you were on a beefier ski and looking for a boot to use in and out of resorts, then the Maestrale would would be something to look into.
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10/3/2019
I've been skiing in the Fischer Travers Carbon 27.5 but need to replace with a new pair of boots. I loved the way the Fischers fit my feet and it seems like these are fairly similar. I'm wondering what size F1 would be comparable to the 27.5 Fischer? (forever mystified by the SCARPA half-shell break...)
10/3/2019
Hey Paul, the F1 is definitely a great boot with comparable fit. The Traverse does have a larger degree of cuff rotation and a bit lighter. If the Traverse fits great I would consider buying another pair, but if you did decide on the F1's you would want the 27.5.
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9/13/2019
I skied these boots last year and plan on keeping them this year, but there's more space than I'd like through the cuff. I've seen that there's a spoiler available for this boot--can that be used to reduce the volume in the cuff, and if so, do you sell it?
9/13/2019
Thanks Eric!! That could help some, but this Intuition's liner cuff is already pretty thick and reinforced, that I don't think it will do a lot. Also, I looked at Scarpa's parts and didn't find one. Your best bet may be attaching a piece of dense foam around the liner. Maybe around midway from the ankle to the top of boot.
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5/14/2019
How does the warmth compare to the Maestrale? Looking for a boot that can handle winter cascades temps (-10 F or so).
5/14/2019
Jimbo, It should be almost as warm as the Maestrale. It has an Intuition liner nearly as thick. You can add a Boot Glove if it gets cold.
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5/10/2019
I slipped while kick turning on a steep climb and the Boa knob (on the Scarpa F1 boot of the ski that slipped) snagged something like a pole or ski tail and it snapped out of its socket. I was able to pop it back in and keep in set by tightening the Boa cable. If the cable is loose, however, the Boa knob will fall out of it socket. Is this something readily repaired at home? Thanks, Matt
5/10/2019
Matt, You can contact Scarpa or Boa for that part.
5/10/2019
Thank you, Jeff, for your prompt reply. Matt
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2/21/2019
I love these boots in almost every single way, just one minor gripe regarding extra space above my instep. Does anyone have a recommendation for an insole or something that would help fill that space without hindering the boots otherwise immense comfort? Thanks!
2/21/2019
Conor, are you using any aftermarket footbed? Adding a footbed generally increases comfort and ski performance. It doesn't sound like you need a custom footbed. Superfeet makes 3 thicknesses- Green (the thickest) , Blue and Carbon. Depending on how much volume you need to take up.
2/21/2019
I haven't made any adjustments to the boot sole or shell, so it sounds like Superfeet Green is the way to go. Thanks Jeff.
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1/14/2019
Do you guys recommend using a LV or MV intuition protour for a replacement liner?
1/15/2019
Hi Coyne, the MV liner is a little bit thicker than the stock liner, where as the LV is a little thinner. If you were happy with the fit out of the box, I would go with the MV. If you needed a little more room, I would suggest the LV.
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