OUR REVIEW OF THE SALOMON SHIFT ALPHA BOA
Our complete Salomon Shift Alpha BOA ski touring boot review is based on extensive on-snow testing in a variety of backcountry conditions. Discover our detailed analysis of uphill performance, range of motion, comfort, fit, transitions, downhill performance, stiffness, strengths, weaknesses and our full verdict in Ski Rando Magazine.
PRESENTATION OF THE SALOMON SHIFT ALPHA BOA
The Salomon Shift Alpha BOA is a freeride touring boot developed for skiers looking for a strongly downhill-oriented construction while retaining a walk mode for skinning and approaches. With a stated 98 mm last, 55° range of motion and three-buckle + power strap construction, it sits firmly in the category of substantial ski touring boots, far removed from lightweight models designed for big vertical days. The Shift Alpha BOA uses the BOA Fit System on the lower shell, allowing the fit around the foot to be adjusted via a dial and cable system, while the buckles and strap secure the cuff. The range therefore retains an architecture directly inspired by alpine ski boots, adapted by Salomon for freeride touring and freeride skiing. With a stated weight of between 3,500 and 3,570 g per pair depending on the version, the Shift Alpha BOA is not designed to compete with lightweight touring boots. Instead, it targets skiers using wider skis, combining lift access with skinning, or looking for a tech-compatible boot to access off-piste terrain.
S/LAB Shift Alpha BOA, Shift Alpha BOA 130, 120 and 110: four levels of stiffness
The S/LAB Shift Alpha BOA sits at the top of the range. This S/LAB version follows the same Shift Alpha concept with higher-end construction and equipment, giving it an even more performance-oriented positioning within Salomon’s freeride touring family. The Shift Alpha BOA 130 is the stiffest model in the standard range, with a 130 flex. It retains the 98 mm last, 55° range of motion and three-buckle + strap construction, with a stated weight of 3,570 g per pair and a price of €850. The Shift Alpha BOA 120 uses the same 98 mm last and 55° range of motion with a 120 flex. Its stated weight is 3,500 g per pair, with a price of €750. Finally, the Shift Alpha BOA 110 is the softest version, with a 110 flex, again combined with the 98 mm last and 55° range of motion. It weighs a stated 3,500 g per pair and is priced at €650. With the S/LAB Shift Alpha BOA at the top of the family, followed by the Shift Alpha BOA 130, 120 and 110, Salomon offers several levels of construction and stiffness around the same concept of a BOA-equipped freeride touring boot, with a programme clearly focused on freeride and downhill-oriented ski touring.
VARIANTS
FEATURES
■ Flex: 1110 à 130
■ Fastening: 1 BUCKLE + BOA + STRAP
■ Interchangeable soles: NO
■ Metatarsal width: 99/105mm
■ Weight: 3500 à 3700 g
■ Price: 750€
WHERE TO BUY THIS BOOT?
SALOMON SHIFT ALPHA PHOTOS
OTHER SALOMON REVIEWS
