Skip to main content

One of the most popular ski boots in the world gets an upgrade

The Scarpa Maestrale has been one of the most popular ski boots in the world for some time now, and for good reason. Designed for alpine touring, the boot is well know for achieving a solid blend of performance and comfort on the slopes that has remained nearly unmatched by the competition. So much so, that Scarpa says that it is now the best-selling boot of its kind on the market today. So why is the outdoor footwear company planning on updating the Maestrale in the fall of 2017? Because it has found some interesting and innovative ways to make an already outstanding boot even better.

At the Outdoor Retailer convention in Salt Lake City a couple of weeks back, Scarpa unveiled an all new version of the Maestrale RS, and the Gea RS, which is the women’s version of the popular boot. In their latest incarnations, both models feature a svelte new design that shaves as much as 5 ounces off the total weight of each boot. That brings a size 27 (U.S. size 9) boot down to an impressively light 3 pounds, 2 ounces, making it one of the lightest touring boots available today. In a sport like skiing, where the weight of the gear can add up quickly, dropping five ounces is much appreciated.

Recommended Videos

If the Buy Now and Buy Now  only managed to lose some weight, this would still be a worthy update to Scarpa’s best selling boot. But, the company also managed to increase the flex index on both models by 5 points as well, taking it from an already outstanding rating of 120 all the way up to 125. The new versions also feature significantly increased cuff ranges in walk/tour mode too, improving from 37 degrees to an incredible 60 degrees. That means that these boots should be easier and more comfortable to walk around in when not on skis, too.

Scarpa says that it was able to achieve these advances in weight, flexibility, and overall performance by using a duel-injection construction process with a new material called Carbon Grilamid LFT and a hybrid material consisting of both grilamid and nylon as well. The result was an increase in stiffness and power on the slopes, while still managing to retain a high level of progressive flex in the cuffs of the boot. On top of that, the carbon fiber portions of the Maestrale now extend all the way underfoot, which allows more efficient power transfer to the edge of the skis while riding. That translates into better control and higher speeds on the hill.

In a further weight saving move, Scarpa also used a new patent-pending buckle system on the lower section of the Maestrale. Dubbed the Wave Closure System, this design employs a Z-shaped cable that provides the fit and function of two buckles while only actually having to use one on the boot itself. This innovative design saves time and effort when pulling the boot on and off as well.

The new and improved versions of the Scarpa Maestrale RS and Gea RS aren’t slated to hit store shelves until this fall, and like most good alpine touring boots they won’t come cheap. MSRP is expected to be $795, which is on the higher end of the ski boot spectrum. Considering everything that these latest models bring to the table however, I’m sure there will be more than a few skiers eagerly anticipating their arrival.

Find out more at scarpa.com.

Kraig Becker
Kraig Becker is a freelance outdoor writer who loves to hike, camp, mountain bike, trail run, paddle, or just about any other…
Aventon Abound SR e-bike (Winner Selected)
aventon abound sr e bike giveaway january 2025 dt

If you've been trying to save up for an electric bike but life keeps getting in the way, why not try your luck in this giveaway for the Aventon Abound SR? It's made by one of the top makers of electric bikes, and here's your chance to get one as a prize!

Joining the giveaway is extremely easy, so there's really no reason not to enter if you've always wanted an e-bike. We wish you the best of luck in this giveaway!
Giveaway Has Ended
Enter here to win the Aventon Abound SR

Read more
Aventon goes all in on smart security and connectivity on Level 3 commuter e-bike
Aventon Level 3 right profile with Queen Mary in the background.

Aventon invited me to a pre-launch press briefing on its new Level.3 commuter e-bike in Long Beach, California. The Level.3 has several significant upgrades from the Level.2, including increased range and an adjustable suspension seat post, but the greatest upgrade is the Aventon Control Unit (ACU).

The ACU is a proprietary technology that incorporates 4G, Bluetooth connectivity, and GPS tracking. It enables a host of security, convenience, and personalization features. The Level 3 isn't the first Aventon model with the ACU; the Abound SR utility and cargo e-bike was the initial ACU-equipped e-bike.

Read more
Anker Solix EverFrost 2 Giveaway (Winner Selected)
anker solix everfrost 2 electric cooler giveaway february 2025 1024a241 40be 4543 9e71 cf91899c8f33

Would you believe that Anker, an electronics brand that's known for its power banks, also has an electric cooler? Known as the Anker Solix EverFrost, it's the perfect companion for backyard parties and outdoor adventures. It's so good that it's getting a sequel in the form of the Anker Solix EverFrost 2, and you've got a chance to win one!

Anker's giveaway for the Anker Solix EverFrost 2 runs from February 27 to March 27, which means you've got a month to send in your entries. You're going to want to do so as early as you can just to make sure that you don't forget. There will be only one lucky winner of the all-new electric cooler, so we wish you the best of luck!

Read more