Gear Review: Scott Cosmos II Ski Boot
Value Rating: 8
Durability Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 8
Location of Test: Mount Hood
Product Name: Cosmos II
Product Brand: Scott
Best Use: Backcountry shredding
Weight: 1450g/boot
The Full Review:
I recently purchased my first alpine touring boot, the Scott Cosmos II. I chose the Cosmos for two reasons—first, it fits my wide foot unlike most AT boots. Secondly, the Cosmos is light, walks well, and skis extraordinarily well.
Before jumping too far into this review, I want to go over the Cosmos models really quick. The Cosmos II has an identical fit as the upgraded Cosmos III, released this fall. The materials are the same (Grilamid shell, Dynafit-certified tech inserts), the liners are identical, as is the weight. The only major difference between the two boots is the hike mechanism, which has become entirely external to reduce friction and increase the range of motion (although the specs say both boots have a 60º range of motion).
The number one most important element of a ski boot is the fit. No matter how good the range of motion, stiffness when skiing, or weight savings, none of this matters if the boot doesn’t fit. Boot fitters, like those in the Next Adventure Ski Department, can “punch” a boot by stretching the plastic to create more space in a certain area if necessary, however, it’s ideal to get the best possible fit out of the box. I chose the Cosmos II because it fit the best. I have a super wide foot (roughly 3E). In order to save weight and use less materials, many touring boots run narrow. The few exceptions are boots from Scarpa and Scott.
The Cosmos’ 103.5mm last makes it the widest boot on Next Adventure’s touring boot wall, and the only one that felt comfortable out of the box. Even though it isn’t the lightest or most modern boot, I purchased it anyway, knowing that I wouldn’t ski if my boots didn’t fit.
The first time I clicked my Scott Cosmos boots into my bindings and began to tour I felt pretty satisfied with their range of motion. Most touring boots are made using Cabrio construction, meaning two pieces of plastic form the sides of the shell, and a third piece is attached as the tongue. Many boots, like the Atomic Backland or the Dynafit TLT series boots, have a removable tongue. Though this improves range of motion, it also means it lengthens transition by forcing the skier to pull yet another piece of equipment out of their backpack and mess with their boots. The Cosmos does not have a removable tongue, yet still boasts a pretty good range of motion when in hike mode.
Though I am an alpinist and climber, when I have ski gear, it’s generally because I want to ski. The range of motion on the uphill is not as important to me as stiffness on the descent. What impresses me most about the Cosmos is how good the range of motion is (without having to remove any pieces!) given how stout the boots feel on the descent. Scott rates the Cosmos II at a 125 flex. While they feel softer than my RX 130s, it isn’t by much. I would probably give them a pretty solid 120 flex. Though I’m only 5’6” and weight 140, the stiffness of the Cosmos allows me to drive a pair of barely cambered 183cm long Volkl Gotamas, even on fast, unforgiving snow.
The Cosmos is not the boot for everybody. If you’re like me and have a very wide foot, I would absolutely consider it. It’s an outstanding boot for someone who enjoys touring but wants a stout downhill boot for all-around touring use.
Update! I somehow lost my boot boards while I was doing some custom work and I was BLOWN away by Scott's customer service. Not only did they send me a free new (used) pair, they responded to my original inquiry and shipped me a pair in 24 hours. Three days later, I had new boot boards. Getting the good equipment is awesome, but getting good equipment from a brand with outstanding customer service that is quick and responsive? The best thing ever! Thanks Scott!
The Good
Comfortable, wide fit, high-quality liner, quite light for how stiff it is, no removable tongue
The Bad:
Could have an improved range of motion and a more modern buckling system
The Bottom Line:
This is a sleeper boot--it performs exceptionally well and I definitely consider it to be an underrated product.
The Full Review:
I recently purchased my first alpine touring boot, the Scott Cosmos II. I chose the Cosmos for two reasons—first, it fits my wide foot unlike most AT boots. Secondly, the Cosmos is light, walks well, and skis extraordinarily well.
Before jumping too far into this review, I want to go over the Cosmos models really quick. The Cosmos II has an identical fit as the upgraded Cosmos III, released this fall. The materials are the same (Grilamid shell, Dynafit-certified tech inserts), the liners are identical, as is the weight. The only major difference between the two boots is the hike mechanism, which has become entirely external to reduce friction and increase the range of motion (although the specs say both boots have a 60º range of motion).
The number one most important element of a ski boot is the fit. No matter how good the range of motion, stiffness when skiing, or weight savings, none of this matters if the boot doesn’t fit. Boot fitters, like those in the Next Adventure Ski Department, can “punch” a boot by stretching the plastic to create more space in a certain area if necessary, however, it’s ideal to get the best possible fit out of the box. I chose the Cosmos II because it fit the best. I have a super wide foot (roughly 3E). In order to save weight and use less materials, many touring boots run narrow. The few exceptions are boots from Scarpa and Scott.
The Cosmos’ 103.5mm last makes it the widest boot on Next Adventure’s touring boot wall, and the only one that felt comfortable out of the box. Even though it isn’t the lightest or most modern boot, I purchased it anyway, knowing that I wouldn’t ski if my boots didn’t fit.
The first time I clicked my Scott Cosmos boots into my bindings and began to tour I felt pretty satisfied with their range of motion. Most touring boots are made using Cabrio construction, meaning two pieces of plastic form the sides of the shell, and a third piece is attached as the tongue. Many boots, like the Atomic Backland or the Dynafit TLT series boots, have a removable tongue. Though this improves range of motion, it also means it lengthens transition by forcing the skier to pull yet another piece of equipment out of their backpack and mess with their boots. The Cosmos does not have a removable tongue, yet still boasts a pretty good range of motion when in hike mode.
Though I am an alpinist and climber, when I have ski gear, it’s generally because I want to ski. The range of motion on the uphill is not as important to me as stiffness on the descent. What impresses me most about the Cosmos is how good the range of motion is (without having to remove any pieces!) given how stout the boots feel on the descent. Scott rates the Cosmos II at a 125 flex. While they feel softer than my RX 130s, it isn’t by much. I would probably give them a pretty solid 120 flex. Though I’m only 5’6” and weight 140, the stiffness of the Cosmos allows me to drive a pair of barely cambered 183cm long Volkl Gotamas, even on fast, unforgiving snow.
The Cosmos is not the boot for everybody. If you’re like me and have a very wide foot, I would absolutely consider it. It’s an outstanding boot for someone who enjoys touring but wants a stout downhill boot for all-around touring use.
Update! I somehow lost my boot boards while I was doing some custom work and I was BLOWN away by Scott's customer service. Not only did they send me a free new (used) pair, they responded to my original inquiry and shipped me a pair in 24 hours. Three days later, I had new boot boards. Getting the good equipment is awesome, but getting good equipment from a brand with outstanding customer service that is quick and responsive? The best thing ever! Thanks Scott!
The Good
Comfortable, wide fit, high-quality liner, quite light for how stiff it is, no removable tongue
The Bad:
Could have an improved range of motion and a more modern buckling system
The Bottom Line:
This is a sleeper boot--it performs exceptionally well and I definitely consider it to be an underrated product.