About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the ski boots, which I purchased with my own money in January of 2022.

My take

The Dalbello Il Moro Sublimination is a high-end freerider boot. They look cool and check all the boxes in a resort ski boot for my riding style.

About the gear I own

• Model: 2022 Dalbello Il Moro Sublimation
• Size: 27.5

About me

• Height: 6’
• Weight: 179 lbs
• Street shoe size: 10.5
• Experience: 29 years of skiing

Test conditions

• When I bought these: January 22, 2022
• Days tested: 69
• Skis: K2 Reckoner 102 and 120, K2 Fatty, Volkl Revolt 98, and Rossi Monoski
• Bindings: Look Pivot 18 and Marker Jester PRO
• Where I’ve used it: Alyeska, Alta, Snowbird, Powder Mountain, Copper, Arapahoe basin, Breckenridge, Winter Park/Mary Jane, Eldora, Aspen, Jackson Hole, and Vail.
• Terrain: Park, Groomers, Trees, Moguls, and Hike to Steeps and Apres.

How they perform

What I was looking for

When it was time to look for new boots, I decided to try my first pair of Dalbello ski boots. I needed a stiffer boot with a 98mm last with a 120 flex but didn’t need a walk mode.

Why I chose this gear

I needed a great boot for park skiing and handling steep, burly inbound lines. I have always ridden Full Tilts (RIP), so trying another three-piece shell was an easy transition. I like the idea of the buckle system and how it secures the shell symmetrically.

What I love about it

• Accuracy of Claimed Stiffness: Dalbello claims these are 120 flex. It may have been due to the fact that I hadn't had new boots in a few seasons, but they felt stiffer at first. After skiing for a week or so, they started to feel more like the 120 flex I was looking for. After a lot of days, they still feel great.
• Accuracy of Claimed Fit: The 98mm last feels true, and the boots come with footbed options to dial these to my tootsies.
• Comfort: I have a standard foot, and out of the box, these felt great. A typical break-in period after 6-9 days felt even better.
• Flex: Not the biggest skier, so a 120 flex boot is perfect for my height, weight, and riding style.
• Ease of use: Being a three-piece shell design, even if I left these bad boys in my truck overnight, they are easy to put on and take off.
• Resort: Super fun boot for any skier looking for those side hits and jibs lurking around the resorts.
• Park: Designed for park, Dalbello crushed it. These have a progressive flex that feels great when pressing, loading, and landing in.
• Adjustability: Micro-adjustable metal buckles, extra footbeds, and cuff inserts to dial these boots to various feet.
• Durability: They seem to hold up great. I have not had any buckles break or holes in the liners. They do mark up easily but not an issue for me worth noting.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Backcountry: I didn’t take these to the BC because I have other boots for that. One could use these with Day Makers or sled laps if they wanted to.
• Grip: These have rubber soles but not GripWalk. Not the end of the world for me, but worth noting.
• Hot spots: The first few days skiing, I had some pressure on the top of my arch. After breaking these in, that went away, and the boots feel great now.

Favorite moment with this gear

My favorite moment in these boots would have to be skiing at the Peak 10 Classic in Breck this past 4th of July. It’s a great event that raises money for SOS Outreach, a nonprofit organization. They help get kids outside and recreating, so go check them out. During the summer ski event, I decided to grab some gnar points and attempt a BN run and backflip. The Dalbello Il Moro Sublimation boots were one of the two pieces of gear I had on. I was successful, and these boots helped me stomp the landing.

Value for the money vs. other options

The Dalbellos are higher-end boots built to last. These are worth it for the price. Other more budget-friendly boots will not be as durable or hold their flex as long as these. However, I am very happy with them and would repurchase this pair. Cheaper options like the K2 Revolver Flex may not have as many extra parts to customize to one’s feet as the Dalbello II Moros.

Final verdict

My final thoughts on the Dalbello Il Moro Sublimation are happy, pleased, and stoked. Just writing this review is getting me excited for winter. One thing that can ruin my day is improperly fitted boots, old worn-out boots, or boots that are too soft or stiff. I found these, and they complement my riding style and needs. Bonus points that these look sweet too. If someone has an average width foot and a freeride style, they should consider the Dalbello Il Moro Sublimation ski boots. Come chat with me. I'd gladly answer more questions about these boots.