I spent all last season in this boot when skiing lift served terrain and it's a stiff, burly alpine boot that skis with grace and poise. As an ex-racer I like a stiff "race boot" feel when skiing groomers or charging pow with my friends, and the Shaman delivers on all fronts. I use the Din sole with Marker Jester and Duke bindings and the interface is seamless. The boot is super comfy and I installed a Booster Strap to give it a little more power in the cuff. For a brand that has cut it's teeth with A/T boots, the Shaman can compete with any alpine boot on the market.

And BTW I use the incredible Garmont Radium for backcountry and alpinism and it is off the hook!

Background: I spent one season using this boot with several skis both frontside and backcountry, primarily in Freeride Plus bindings.

First, you need to understand that this is a freeride boot first, a touring boot second. In order to achieve any sort of limited comfort while touring this boot must be opened up, as the cuff is very stiff and very high, and there is no walk mode. Once you reach the top and step in, however, the boot's performance is unmached. The liner fits well right out of the box, and workmanship is excellent. Despite the lack of any real touring features other than the optional vibram sole, I have logged huge touring days and boot packed up some burly couloirs and traversed miles of rocky ridges. My first trip out, I experienced immediate improvement in my skiing. Outstanding stiffness and close lower-leg fit allow incredible precision, with each subtle movenet immediately transmitted to the ski. In addition, the elastomers built into the boot provide shock-absorbing cush that noticably takes the edge off harsh landings. This boot outperforms most dedicated alpine boots I've used. Regarding durability, I have spent an entire season railing, walking and touring in these boots, and have yet to mark them despite my tendancy to knock my inside edges against my other foot while turning. I expect this boot to remain rigid and strong for many years. It is lightweight, simple, agressive, and stiff. As an ex-racer unwilling to compromise downhill performance in my backcountry boot, the Shaman has no peer. Riders looking for a stiff boot that can steer any ski, charge any terrain, and land any drop need look no further. The payoff is obvious as soon as you step in and make your first turn.

I bought these for some beefy alpine boots and I am happy. Great control and nice and stiff. I forgot how soft my old rossi freeride xx boots were... it's nice to have a stiff pair of boots again. i just put on the regular DIN sole since I use regular alpine bindings. I was tired of busting AT bindings, so I just went back to regular alpine bindings and stiff boots. It's kinda funny Garmont put a olive green paint job on these, but the boots are really their racing boots which come in Red. Only complaint is that the liner is not heat moldable which could make it warmer and fit a little better

a perfect comfort vs stiffness ratio, great ski boots.

Best known for its touring boots, Garmont is turning its focus inbounds with the Shaman. With a flex rating of 120 and an anatomically close fit, the Shaman can hold its own against any other boot in the big-mountain category. Basically a plug boot with all the important areas punched out - like the sixth toe - the Shaman is still meant for skiers who occasionally hike for their turns. Standard DIN soles can be swapped for rockered mountaineering soles more adept at navigating rocky routes. An excellent choice to pair with the Marker Duke binding, the Shaman might be a keystone in the ultimate do-all setup.