Salomon X-Alp Explore

Developed in conjunction with Arcteryxs revolutionary Procline, the Salomon X-Alp Explore Ski Boot is breaking trail in the backcountry world. The most forgiving boot in the X-Alp series, these ultralight kicks arent just for the uber-extreme skimo racers—they make a serious argument for aggressive recreationalists looking to push their limits in the alpine. Its hard to compete with the X-Alps 3D cuff rotation—75 degrees fore and aft and 35 degrees laterally give you the natural and efficient feel of a hiking boot while youre powering through arduous approaches or maneuvering tricky kick turns. The waterproof gaiter keeps snow out of your boots while youre breaking trail after a storm, and the Contragrip rubber soles give you traction and security while youre traversing icy, wind-blasted ridges. These boots shine on techy climbs and ominous traverses, but thats not to say they dont retain Salomon-worthy downhill performance when its time to rip skins. With a carbon-reinforced Grilamid shell, the X-Alp offers solid power transmission on the descent, so you can confidently rip the hell out of that massive line you put your blood, sweat, and tears into.