Test review Salomon Shift Alpha Boa 130

The Shift Alpha Boa 130 is the new freeride ski boot from Salomon. We tested how the top model performs on the ascent and descent.

The Salomon Shift Alpha Boa 130 is a freeride ski boot aimed at advanced skiers with narrow feet. With its hard rigidity and narrow fit, it promises precise power transmission and control on the descent, while offering sufficient comfort for short to medium-length ascents.

Technical data

Target group: Freeride, advanced skiers, narrow feet
Stiffness: Hard
Shoe width: Narrow (98mm moulding width)
Weight: 1800 g (per shoe), 3600 g (pair)
Skill level: Advanced

Own impressions

Positive:

Excellent hold: The shoe offers excellent support, especially for narrow feet. The narrow last ensures a snug fit and minimises unwanted movement in the shoe. The hook strap and EXOBELT™ also contribute to a secure fit.
Precise customisation: The BOA system enables very precise and customised adjustment of the boot. The fit can be optimally adjusted by simply turning the knob. The "Graphic tightness meter" on the shell overlap indicates the degree of fixation.
Comfortable and stable tongue: The tongue is soft enough for comfort, but at the same time stable enough to ensure good power transmission. The thermo-mouldable and lace-up inner boot is pleasantly padded and, as you would expect from Salomon, offers excellent comfort.
Sufficient manoeuvrability when climbing: The boot offers sufficient flexibility and comfort for short and medium-length ascents, as is typically the case with lift-assisted freeriding. Fit freeriders can also tackle longer tours with over 1000 metres of altitude without any problems. The TwinLock system makes it easy to switch between walking and skiing mode.
Outstanding downhill performance: The boot shows its strengths on the downhill. The hard stiffness and precise fit ensure direct power transmission and enable an aggressive skiing style. The boot scores massively in this discipline and conveys the feeling of an alpine ski boot. It is stiffer than the Atomic Hawx XTD 130 and slightly stiffer than the Tecnica Zero G Pro Tour.
Material combination: The combination of PU in the lower shoe and polyolefin in the upper seems to be a successful combination for low weight and good cushioning.
GripWalk soles: The GripWalk soles offer good grip when walking, even on rock.

Negative:

Familiarisation with the BOA system: Compared to conventional buckles, the BOA system requires a certain amount of familiarisation. Opening and closing the boot is not as quick as with buckles.
Tip on the BOA system: To increase comfort on the lift or after a run, we recommend turning the knob anti-clockwise to loosen the fit instead of opening the system completely. This allows the boot to be tightened again more quickly before the descent.
Colour: The colour purple is somewhat polarising - but I think it's great

Conclusion

The Salomon Shift Alpha Boa 130 is an excellent ski boot for ambitious freeriders with narrow feet. It offers outstanding downhill performance and sufficient comfort for medium-length ascents. The narrow last ensures an optimum fit and the precise adjustment thanks to the BOA system is a major advantage. Although the BOA system requires a certain amount of familiarisation, the advantages such as the precise hold clearly outweigh the disadvantages. The combination of different materials and technologies such as the TwinLock system and the GripWalk soles round off the overall package. Anyone looking for a sporty freeride boot with a good fit and high performance should consider the Salomon Shift Alpha Boa 130.

Transparency notice: I received the shoe from Salomon at a discounted price. The test report reflects my personal experience.

Author

Alexander Kunert

Alexander Kunert is a state-certified ski instructor & ski guide. The founder of PEAKX experiences works as a self-employed, licensed ski instructor & ski guide. He is mainly out and about on the Arlberg, in the Ötztal Alps and worldwide, always on the lookout for the best snow.

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Further contributions