Plenty stiff and tours like a dream

By THOMAS ARMENTO Ranked #131 - Alpine Touring Boots January 5, 2011

I only have two days in this boot, but I'm officially hooked. First impression? LIGHT. Stupid light. Lightest 4-buckle boot on the planet. How light? 6.6 lbs for the pair. Second impression? Wow ... touring was never so easy. Walk mode in the Maestrale is absolutely amazing, almost better than a pair of flip-flops. Third impression? Stiff. While few people will seek out a 130-flex AT boot (Scarpa Mobe comes to mind), I thought the flex on these was perfect for backcountry skiing ... felt almost too stiff (my resort boot is the Salomon Ghost with 130 flex). In the end, the Maestrale skis great and I couldn't imagine having something else under my feet while touring. For reference, I'm 5'10" and 180 lbs. My previous AT boot was the Scarpa Typhoon, and this one is MUCH better for both the uphill climb and the downhill descent. The two are in completely separate leagues.

Bottomline: if you're in the market for a stiff lightweight AT boot that's Dynafit compatible, comes stock with Intuition liners (warmest on the market), and sports a very rugged Vibram sole, do yourself a favor and treat your feet to the Scarpa Maestrale.

View Details: Scarpa Maestrale Alpine Touring Boot

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