Game Changing FreeRide Ski Boots

Rider type: Skier
Product type: Equipment
Sex: Male
Product Year: 2017
Product Name: Lupo T.I.
Brand : Dalbello

I had a boot fitting at Ski Bartlett, Uxbridge, UK in November 2017. I was in the market for a freeride boot that had hike mode and pin binding compatibility. I was thinking about investing in some Marker Kingpins at the time, to replace my heavy Marker Duke frame bindings. Fortunately I didn’t fork out cash on new bindings until the following season, perfect timing for the release of the Salomon Shift! but that’s another story.

Back to the boots….

Durability – I’ve skied these pretty hard for 5 seasons, I’ve probably had 300 days in them and whilst the liners could do with replacing, they are still going strong, so I’d say they qualify for a super durable tag.

Downhill – I’ve loved the ways these boots have performed. I’ve skied them in most conditions from -40 degrees celsius in BC through to hot spring days in the Alps, with multiple different bindings / skis and they’ve always felt really responsive. I feel they’ve performed better downhill than any of the Technica or Salomon freeride boots I’ve skied in the past. That said none of these boots have been a cabrio shell design and this could be a large part of why I feel these deliver such a consistent ride. 

Uphill – These aren’t probably the best choice for a multi-day tour but I’ve found them comfy and well designed for an hour or two of skinning or bootpacking. The hike and ride system is really solid and super easy to reengage when you’re ready to send it. 

Comfort – The best consistent fit I’ve ever had from a ski boot, again the cabrio shell maybe a factor here, however there is a caveat –  even when I’ve put these boots on straight from a heater they’ve needed to be slowly tightened over the first couple of hours of riding, else they have been painful – once I figured this out why haven’t given me a seconds bother. 

Overall – I love these boots – bullet proof design – amazing downhill performance and pretty good uphill. They’ve sold me on cabrio shells. I’ll definitely be looking for something similar when we finally have to say a tearful goodbye….so many happy memories.

- Bullet proof design coupled with amazing downhill performance.