Buyer's Guide
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Salomon introduced an interesting idea in boot fitting last year when it incorporated a special plastic in key areas that was easy to stretch and mold to form a perfect fit. Custom Shell Technology is quite simple. The boot shells can be heated in a special oven, by hot air gun, or by placing in boiling water. Then the foot is placed in the boot so the shell insert can expand to the foot’s shape. After cooling in cold water or snow, the plastic retains its shape and behaves the same as the rest of the shell. It’s a great idea if it works and Salomon must think it does because Custom Shell Technology has migrated from the Falcon/Instinct line to most models of the Impact/Idol family of all-round boots. It’s also featured in two models of the all-new X3 line of race boots. Boots with “CS” refer to the Custom Shell feature.

X3 is a new generation of low profile boots that Salomon says is another step up in performance from the Falcon line. The low profile is due largely to lowering the heel height for a more central stance. In any case, the new boots have a very pleasing contour-hugging look and come in white just in time for the Olympics.

In Salomon nomenclature, boot lines are sometimes listed with two words such as Falcon/Instinct. That refers to men’s and women’s versions, in this example Instinct is the women’s version of the Falcon.

Women’s boots are different in a number of ways. For example Instinct has a women-specific cuff shape and special liner. Idol adds a heel wedge to the cuff and liner while others may include a calf adjustment feature.

X3 Lab Medium World Cup Shell Technology with a World Cup Shell for individual boot fitting. Last width 95mm (narrow). Flex 140 Sizes 23 – 28.5	X3 RC CS A similar look to X3 Lab Medium but its Advanced Shell features the same Kaprolene inserts as the Custom Shell for easy custom fitting. Last width 98mm - 104mm. Flex 130 Sizes 24 – 29.5
X3 10 CS Most features of the RC version but slightly softer flex. Last width 98mm - 104mm. Flex 120 Sizes 24 – 29.5

FALCON ... Women’s version is Instinct

Last widths range from 98mm to 104mm.

Falcon CS Pro Flex 120 Sizes 24 – 29.5	Falcon CS Flex 100 Sizes 25 – 29.5

Aimed at advanced to expert athletic skiers, this collection of boots has been upgraded with more features including the Custom Shell with its expandable plastic for easy custom fitting. It also has a slightly higher instep for better fitting. Last widths range from 100mm to 106mm, fairly wide in the boot world.

Impact 10 CS Flex 120 Sizes 24 – 31	Impact 8 CS Flex 100 Sizes 24 – 31
Impact 7 Flex 90 Sizes 25 / 31

MISSION RS ... Women’s version is Divine RS

Salomon calls this the sports boot that fits 80% of all customers. Biovent is used in the liners that helps regulate body temperature with a series of breathable layers that also transport moisture away from the skin. Biovent was inspired by clothing that keeps bodies warm by keeping them dry. Not to confuse things too much, there is also a slighty de-tuned subset in this line simply called Mission/Divine. They are aimed at providing comfort and ease of use with enough performance for active recreational skiers.

New model this year Mission RS 12 Flex 120 Sizes 25 – 33.5	Mission RS 10 Flex 100 Sizes 25 – 31.5
Mission RS 8 Flex 90 Sizes 25 – 31.5	Mission RS 7 Flex 80 Sizes 25 – 31.5
Mission RS CF Flex 70 Sizes 25 – 31.5

MISSION ... Women’s version is Divine

Mission combines advanced shell technology with easy step-in for active recreational skiers.

Mission 6 Sizes 25 – 31.5	Mission 5 Sizes 25 – 31.5
Mission 4 Sizes 25 – 31.5

WOMEN’S BOOTS

Women’s boots by Salomon have special features (depending on the collection) to better fit women’s feet. Specific calf shape in shell and liner with calf adjustment features are available in the Idol line for example. Others feature special liner insulation or padding. Therm-ic refers to an after-market heating system that can be added to some boots.

Kaos Women’s version of Pro Model park and pipe boot with extra padding and Therm-ic prepared faux fur liner. Flex 100 Sizes 25 – 29.5	Poison A new big mountain freeski boot for women. Flex 90 Sizes 22 – 27.5
Instinct CS Same features as Falcon CS but since this is a women’s version it has a women-specific cuff and liner as well as slightly softer flex. Flex 90 Sizes 23 – 27.5	Idol 9 CS Flex 90 Sizes 22 – 27.5
Idol 8 CS Flex 85 Sizes 22 – 27	Idol 7 Flex 80 Sizes 22 – 27
Divine RS 10 Prepared for Therm-ic heating system Flex 80 Sizes 22 – 27.5	Divine RS 8 Flex 70 Sizes 22 – 27.5
Divine RS 7 Flex 60 Sizes 22 – 27.5	Divine RS CF Flex 60 Sizes 22 – 27.5
Divine 6 Sizes 22 – 27.5	Divine 5 Sizes 22 – 27.5
Charm 7 If absolute comfort and warmth are your prime concerns, check out Charm. Charm uses a special, generous shell shape with a ski/walk release also called “cruising stance” by Salomon. Inside is Warmfit, Salomon’s warmest liner ever made of wool, Thinsulate and faux fur that is also prepared for the Thermi-ic heating system. If your feet get cold in these babies maybe skiing isn’t for you. Sizes 22 – 26.5

PARK and PIPE

Pro Model is a different looking 2-buckle freeride boot that has some unique features to survive the harsh park and pipe scene. An extra-wide power strap fends off shin bang and special cushioning underfoot soaks up no-flare landings. Salomon even thought about “black toe,” the reward for landing in the back seat hard enough to jam toes against the front of the shell. Pro Model has an anti-black-toe liner with extra cushioning and room as well as a soft toe insert in the shell to allow deformation before blood is drawn.

Pro Model Flex 110 Sizes 25 – 29.5
Kreation Flex 90 Sizes 25 – 29.5

Ghost and its two new partners Shogun and women’s version, Poison, are freeski boots made for the high alpine and mountaineering applications. They may look a bit like park gear but these boots have closer-fitting shells and liner to measure up to the expectations of serious alpine skiing. Ghost is described as a two-buckle boot with mountain explorer needs — performance and cushioning. Ghost even features a rubber grip surface under the instep for extra purchase while climbing on the mountain.

Ghost Flex 130 Sizes 24 – 29.5
Shogun A new boot that is a slightly softer Ghost. Flex 100 Sizes 25 – 29.5