Gear Guide – Lange XT 130 Freetour Boot

Mountainwatch | Reggae Elliss

Given the growing popularity of backcountry and side-country skiing it is not surprising that boot companies have been putting a lot of R&D into free-ride touring boots where it is all about versatility and reducing weight.

The growing trend in back country touring has led to a focus on touring boots that are easy to walk in but will not compromise on performance. Lange have been a leader in performance ski boots for a long time and once it moved into freeride boots Lange also quickly became a leader in that segment with its Freetouring range.

Lange’s XT Free 130 is the flagship boot of the range, the 130 flex gives the response and control you expect from a stiffer flex for downhill performance while the 43-degree of motion when in walk mode makes for easy touring or boot packing. Then there is the weight – very light at 1800g, one of the lightest freeride boots on the market and it is compatible with tech bindings. The dual core technology in the shell maintains the 130 flex across the size range of the boots.

I finally traded in my five-season old original XT 130s  this year and have been using the XT 130 Freetour all winter and have found there is no compromise with in-resort and downhill performance, while the light weight of the boot and its walk-mode made the four or five hikes I’ve done this season pretty easy going.

Here is the tech run-down from Lange:

Featuring Lange’s revolutionary Dual Core technology and ultra-light Grilamid® construction, the all-new XT FREE 130 is a new benchmark in free-touring weight (1800g) and performance. Dynafit® certified inserts and Lange’s patented Power V-Lock ensure maximum mobility (43° ROM) for the ascent and uncompromising downhill performance. Our innovative Dual Core construction ensures unparalleled rebound and flex control for total control of your line.

SHELL

Grilamid shell

Featured in touring and freetouring boots, GRILAMID® plastic is incredibly lightweight while offering superior rebound and response.

PIN INSERT

DYNAFIT® certified low-tech inserts offer dependable, trustworthy free-touring performance; the over-molded solid sole construction ensures powerful energy transmission, secure steering and control.

LINER

Dual 3d liner full

DUAL 3D LINERS are pre-shaped to match the inner shell for the most precise and accurate power transmission, and around the foot for our most comfortable anatomic fit. The DUAL 3D FULL version is 100% thermo-formable with three high-density foams integrated in key fit zones for maximum comfort and support

Light liner construction

Our LIGHT LINER CONSTRUCTION features the integration of the lower density foams generally found in touring boots to reduce the overall weight of the liner.

SOLES

WTR soles in box

WTR (Walk to Ride) rocker soles offer more natural walkability without compromising Alpine binding release and downhill performance

GRIP WALK COMPATIBLE

GRIPWALK® soles feature a thick rubber tread and convex toe profile, offering increased traction and more natural foot roll for enhanced hiking and walking comfort. Integrated stiff pads guarantee optimised power