Vanguard

The walk mode hinge gives me such a natural stride on the approach that I almost forget I'm in ski boots, then locking it down for the descent feels rock-solid. I've done three long tours this week and my feet are still happy at the trailhead.

Finally, a boot that actually delivers on the promise of both touring comfort and bombproof downhill power. The walk mode gives me a huge range of motion on the skin track, and when I lock it in for the descent, the rigid flex feels like I'm glued to my skis.

Climbing up steep faces in walk mode felt effortless, yet when I locked the cuff for a descent the stiffness gave me total control on hardpack. The liner molded perfectly to my foot after just two tours, no pressure points at all.