10 Things I Think Any Touring Boot Needs

I’m going to complain a little today. The temperature here in the Tetons is approaching 85 degrees today as I write this…and it’s only the middle of May. So I’m grumpy.

It’s time to complain about touring boots. Even though I’ve spent the better part of the season really enjoying the boots I’ve had on my feet, there are still some things missing. You’re probably pretty used to hearing me say nice things about boots–and I truly mean it when I say the gear we get to ski on is at an all-time high in terms of quality, usability, and performance. But I’m going to use this column to tell what I wish would change.

So what gives? In my humble opinion, there still isn’t a single boot that gets it all right straight out of the box on the market. I mean, there are many very functional options out there that will guarantee a great time in the mountains, given a little work and modification–but nobody has made that perfect boot (for me) yet. 

If, in fact, any boot designers are reading this, here’s what I’m truly after in a backcountry boot. Are these 10 things too many to ask for?

1. I don’t care about resort performance. I ski a different boot inbounds, so don’t worry about how well my backcountry boot can carve. Therefore, weight is somewhat a priority…don’t make them too heavy!
2. I want an excellent, friction-free, walk mode with a functionally large ROM. It doesn’t need to walk like a running shoe, but it should be better than a “crossover” boot. 60 degrees is plenty.
3. I want a progressive flex that’s stiff, and doesn’t change much depending on the ambient temps. If you’re going to call it a 130, make sure it’s actually a 130.
4. Transitioning the boot should be as simple as possible. 2 moves maximum!
5. These need to be durable and field-repairable. I want them to last more than a season and be able to fix them easily in a pinch.
6. The cuff should be tall.
7. The ankle pocket should be tight, but the boot should have plenty of toe room.
8. The boot needs to be easy to get on and off, especially in tight situations and the liner needs to be easy to remove/reinsert.
9. It should have an adjustable forward lean between 14-17 degrees (one that’s adjustable by actually moving the cuff, not just using spoilers). Internal ramp angle should be 4 degrees.
10. I want a grippy sole that’s comfortable to bootpack in. GripWalk isn’t necessary.

Every one of these points isn’t a technological marvel on its own. In fact, most of these features/design principles have been around for many years.

With the advent of boots like the Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro, the new Tecnica Decoy Pro, Dynafit’s update Radical Pro, and many more, there are boots that get quite a few of these things right. Like, 7-8 of out 10. Despite the high scores, there always seems to be that one weird design compromise that really throws things off and gives the boot an Achilles Heel–making a high-performing boot far less functional or durable. 

A few examples: I truly love the Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro. That is, until the riveted cuff pivots absolutely disintegrate after a season and a half. The boot is very difficult to repair in the field, and I’ve now destroyed 4 pairs of them. In other words, they’re great until they’re not.

In the same vein, I am very impressed with the new Decoy Pro, which looks to have fixed some of the durability issues of the ZGTP, but thanks to some odd material choices, the liners and boot are nearly impossible to get on and off in the backcountry, and the stock forward lean is far too upright. So close!

Dynafit’s new Radical Pro is very easy to get on and off, is progressively stiff, and utilizes the Hoji Lock system–what I’d consider the best walk mode in the biz–but the fit is pretty darn high volume. That will work for many skiers, but I’d still prefer a lower-volume boot. Perhaps that’s in the works? This one might be the boot for skiers with wider, higher-volume feet, but I still feel left out.

Finally, I’ve been very impressed with the latest crop of two-buckle boots like the La Sportiva Kilo and Kilo XTR, Scarpa F1 RS, and Dynafit Blacklight 2.0. For me, those fulfill the duties of a very particular boot niche–ski mountaineering–but don’t quite cut it as an everyday boot for the type of skiing I like to do. They have a place in my gear quiver, and every single one of those is the best-skiing lightweight boot I’ve seen from those respective brands, but they’re likely never going to be one boot solutions.

We’re infuriatingly close to getting it right! And with every new boot that comes out that I get to test, it seems to have become a game of “let’s find the one thing this boot gets wrong.” Perhaps 2027 will have the goods? I’ll keep searching.