Garmont Axon Alpine Touring Boot

My three-buckle -- five year old -- Lowas just weren't cutting it anymore. With Utah's epic 07/08 ski season, my style became more aggressive and the length of my AT skis grew faster than Pinocchio's nose during one of his lying sprees. So, I made the decision to crack open the wallet, release the moths, and purchase some new touring boots. I'm no trust fund baby so I didn't take the purchase lightly; especially with the cost of new AT boots well north of $500. My criteria, the new boots had to be -- stiff and supportive, light and comfortable, stylish and non-neon. Pre-purchase the Dynafit compatibility wasn't important but, in retrospect, it is a nice feature that offers me a whole new world in touring. My research naturally lead me to Garmont's Axon. But, I will say, I wouldn't have ever considered the Axons at Garmont's full asking price. Well, the Axon's fit is amazing (even without heat moulding which I argue is more of a marketing, not technical, feature). The boots are stiff and supportive enough to steer any of today's big skis. At the same time they are light and comfortable, even in "ski" mode. My only complaint, and it is a big one, is that the Axon's liners don't allow your feet to breath. Allen and Mike, in their book, 'Allen & Mike's Really Cool Backcountry Ski Book,' describe putting your feet in plastic bags to keep them from perspiring -- aparently feet stop perspiring once they're entirely emersed in sweat. Yeah, gross. Well, this concept is what comes to mind while I'm wearing these boots and my feet are stewing in their own juices. Overall, the best and most versatile ski boots I've ever owned.

Hey look, heres the deal, these boots are bomber! I struggled for a long time over which boots to buy. My old Denalis and Freerides are wore out. I was real hesitant to go with the Axon do to extra cost and weight, but after trying on many boots there was just no comparison. I tried the new Dynafit Zero Carbons, Spirit 4's, Denali's, Endorphines, etc. (by the way, the Endorphines are not identical to the Axons except Dynafit compatibility, they are an entirely different feeling boot) Simply put, the Axon is just bomber. Slide this thing on your foot and you'll know instantly what I'm talking about. Solid, stiff, smooth flex. Each boot is a pound heavier than my Denalis; it's barely noticeable. Besides, I made all that weight back in the Dynafit binding instead of the Freeride anyway. If your really really worried about weight the Spirit 4 is the closest thing to the Axon out of all the other boots and it less chubby. Good luck.

Awesome fit and much more performance than any other Dynafit boot that I've skied. If you're looking to drive a big ski with a Dynafit set up, this is the way to go. Liner is stiffer than other Garmont's and still thermoformable and the zeppa is nice for grinding and adjusting your stance. The zeppa also adds a little cush and warmth. No other AT boot that I've seen has one. This boots brings Dynafit to a new level of performance.