Salomon

RS Carbon Skate Boot

You can't buy podium finishes, but racing in the Salomon RS Carbon Skate Boot definitely won't hurt your medal-winning chances. With a load of trickle-down technology from Salomon's World-Cup-winning S-Lab series, the RS Carbon strikes a balance between comfort and power, with features like a foot-hugging Quicklace system, ergonomic and snug Sensifit overlap upper, and breathable 3D mesh upper, which come together in a slightly wide 102mm last to create a complete enveloping interface between the foot and boot for top-notch comfort and responsiveness, so you spend your energy moving yourself forward, not fighting to balance in sloppy boots.

Don't think that the RS Carbon doesn't have a mean streak, too. The SNS Pilot 2 Carbon Pro outsole and carbon Skating Plate deliver speed via a torsionally stiff carbon plate that transmits power to the ski, so your boot is delivering efficient power and not wasting your energy with unwanted flexion. The Energyzer cuff provides muscle-saving stability and acts like a spring, working with the SNS Pilot double-axle technology to lift the ski and minimize tip drag while giving a snappier ski return and increased power. Perhaps most surprisingly, the RS Carbon matches the S-Lab's weight of 1200 grams per pair, so you won't be at a disadvantage if you're sprinting to the finish alongside some fancy-pants pro who doesn't have to buy his own gear.