Salomon Carbon Pro classic race boots
By Erik Stange

February 21, 2002

In addition to the new Carbon Pro skate boots, Salomon is also using the Olympics to introduce its new Carbon Pro classic boots. Both boots utilize a carbon fiber chasis, producing a boot sole that gives an increased feel of ski control. These classic boots also use the existing Salomon binding, although the bindings' colors have changed to match the new boots' cosmetics.

The neoprene wrap-around ankle cuff has been replaced by a well-fitting sock design, and the reduced material gives the boot a lighter feel. An interior molded plastic unit wraps around the heel and over the instep of the classic boots in the same way as the skate boots. This wrap, combined with Salomon's quick lace system, give these boots a very secure feel. Since the last used to construct both the same and classic models is the same, the classic boots are also quite narrow and have the feel of a true racing boot.

Perhaps the Carbon Pro's most noticeable improvement over the Racing Classic 9 is the engineering of the new sole. Salomon has reduced the size of the hard plastic heel counter and thereby shortened the part of the sole that is extremely stiff. The result is a classic boot that has more natural flexibility throughout the forefoot, while still having the precise control that results for a rigid heel counter. What's more, the carbon fiber chasis will retain its original flex characteristics longer and the boots' soles will hold up better.

Due to the narrow fit of the Carbon Pro classic and Carbon Pro skate models, I would imagine that many skiers will find them too constricting to be comfortable. Salomon plans to continue to sell the Racing Classic and Racing Skate 9 for the coming season, and I would expect that these will continue to be the most popular boots made. For ski racers with average to narrow width feet and a desire for a boot which is a pure race model, the Carbon Pro boots are a great improvement.