Gear Report - Salomon Carbon Pro Skating Boots
Review By Erik Stange
February 18, 2002

Notice of full disclosure: Erik is a Salomon sponsored racer. However he also works in a ski shop and is an expert on all brands of race boots.

Equipment manufacturers frequently use the Olympics to debut their new gear. Among other new products seen at Soldier Hollow are the newest racing boots from Salomon. For the first time since Salomon introduced their widely popular Pilot boots in the 1998 Olympics in Nagano, the French company has made radical changes to their top-end skate and classic boots. I had the opportunity to test these new models, and I think that they are a real improvement over the Pilot Racing Skate 9-although the new design may not be for everyone.

The new boots feature a pared-down construction, eliminating excess material and weight. The boots are also lightened by a carbon-fiber plate which runs the entire length of the sole. This carbon both decreases weight and makes the sole actually feel closer to the ski or binding. The forefoot and heel counter portion of the boots have been re-engineered, providing a little more flexibility in the forefoot. This does not seem to decrease performance, since the Pilot bindings still use a two-point contact with unparalleled lateral control. The ankle cuff is also different, although it has retained its general design. The new cuff is slightly lower and a little more flexible. The cuff's pivot points will actually operate with elliptical-shaped joints. This is a response to World Cup skiers, who expressed a desire for less rigidity around the ankle.

¯yvind Mobakken, a Salomon race representative from Norway, explained that Salomon is attempting to construct more of a pure racing boot. He likened the concept to alpine racing boots, which prioritize ski control over comfort. Obviously cross-country boots will still need to be comfortable for marathons and longer workouts, but the new models do not share the same bedroom-slipper nature of their predecessors. The boot's inner is a tightly constructed neoprene sock, which extends up the ankle to the top of the exterior ankle cuff. A molded plastic interior shell actually encases the foot's entire instep and heel. Salomon's familiar Kevlar quick-lace system is affixed to this shell, and when tightened the boot anchors the foot into the boot. Skiers who rejoiced when Salomon widened the forefoot of the first Pilot boots will be somewhat disappointed with the extremely narrow fit of the new models, however. The flashy silver outer material is a stretchy rubberized wrap which is intended to repel snow and water-giving the boots a streamlined look as well. All these improvements will come at a price, though. The retail price for these beauties will likely be in the neighborhood of $400. This is still far less expensive than what Salomon's (or other brands') alpine racing boots, which can sell for more than $1000. It's all a matter of perspective.

Skiers of all ability levels have fallen in love with the Salomon Racing Skate 9 because of their extremely comfortable design. Salomon will continue to make the Racing Skate 9, and I would guess that many skiers will continue to chose them over the Carbon Pro. Skiers looking for a closer, tighter, more race-oriented fit will prefer the new boots, however. Certain elements of the boot design are still being adjusted, and Salomon will work with World Cup racers through the remainder of the season before going into production. For my part, I am really looking forward to racing in the Carbon Pro Skate next year. I was very impressed..

Pros:
Lighter
More secure fit around heel and forefoot
More flexibility around the ankle
Narrow fit (for some)

Cons:
Narrow fit (for others)
Less all-day comfort