Value Rating: 10
Durability Rating: 10
Overall Rating: 10
Location of Test: Backcountry Tours and Resort days
Duration of Test: 2 months
Product Name: MTN Explore AT Ski Boot
Product Brand: Solomon
Best Use: Ski Tours, Mountaineering, Ski Resort
The Full Review:
I’ve got to spend quite a few days in the Salomon MTN Explore AT Ski Boots in the last couple months and absolutely love them. I already have a good pair of ski boots but am considering buying these as well. The first thing that I noticed about these boots was how light they are! My buddy picked them up along with his boots out of the bed of his truck and he was super surprised to feel how light they were.
The other strength the MTN Explore has going for it is how nicely it functions in the "Walk" mode. I've been doing a lot of backcountry skiing recently and some of our tour days have a five-mile approach! That’s a lot of time in walk mode! These features alone make for a great backcountry ski boot.
Though I did spend quite a few days on the resort in these boots and was just as pleased. Once you click out of walk mode into ski, it immediately feels like a stiffer boot. With the power strap and the latch in the ankle area, I was really able to get my heel locked in and ski hard. That being said, if you are just looking for a stiff resort boot this is probably not the one for you.
The Good:
Light
Durable
Bomber reliability
Comfy
Great in walk mode
The Bad:
Not a stiff resort boot
The Bottom Line:
The bottom line is these boots are going to make you enjoy your time on the mountain a heck of a lot more. They are lightweight, comfortable, and easy going up hill. This would be my first choice for a boot that can do it all!