About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the ski boots, which I purchased with my own money in October of 2021.

My take

In the Dalbello Krypton 130, skiers will find a great advanced to expert freeride ski boot. It is perfect for the whole mountain and attacking whatever mother nature throws its way.

About the gear

• Model: 2021 Dalbello Krypton 130 TI ID
• Size: 27.5

About me

• Height: 6’
• Weight: 185cm
• Street shoe size: 9.5
• Experience: 27 years of skiing

Test conditions

• When I bought these: October 2021
• Days tested: 200+ days
• Skis: Salomon QST 108
• Bindings: Salomon Guardian 16
• Where I’ve used it: Utah, Vermont, Idaho, Colorado, and many other states
• Terrain: Groomers, chop, backcountry, powder, park, rails, racing, off-piste, and chunder

How they perform

What I was looking for

I was looking for a serious boot that has a precise fit and could be driven hard. I needed a boot that would allow me to push myself and really drive my skis. I also did not want to slop around in my boots. I was looking into higher-end boots that would provide what I needed but could not get out of a budget boot.

Why I chose this gear

I chose this particular boot because of the wrap-around liner that really hugs the entire foot and leg for a snug fit. The middle buckle provides a great heel hold that does not allow the foot to slip around, which is huge in feeling comfortable while skiing and charging hard. I also had an older model of the Krypton boot that I had fallen in love with and skied in for eight years. I knew this boot was the right one to hold up for another eight years!

What I love about them

• Accuracy of Claimed Stiffness: These boots provide a great level of stiffness. They also come with two different tongues which allow for a little more customization. I really appreciate the fact that after over 200 days of skiing they still feel as if they just came out of the box.
• Accuracy of Claimed Fit: With the wrap around liner being fully heat-moldable it truly provided for a precise fit. The middle buckle placement allows for full heel hold, and no slop in the boot, which is a huge plus. The power strap on top is yet another bonus for keeping the boot snug on the shin to prevent shin bang, which I have never encountered in this boot.
• Comfort: As far as comfort goes, it is one of the most comfortable boots on the market for an aggressive skier. The intuition wrap around liner is amazing and helps provide the perfect fit.
• Flex: This is a stiff boot that is meant to be skied hard. It has held its stiffness for two full seasons of all types of skiing, which has impressed me. I had a pair of old Krypton Pro boots for eight years and at about year six they started to go soft which is outstanding for a boot. I look forward to many more years in this Krypton 130.
• Weight: They are designed with a lightweight liner to shed some mass which helps skiers stay comfortable in these boots all day. It also makes them a pretty solid touring boot despite the lack of walk mode.
• Ease of use: They are very easy to put on and, if I ever want to take them off, I can slip right out of them.
• Resort: The Krypton 130 is very versatile inbounds and can go anywhere skiers want them to. Whether it is just a groomer day, or a day to shred the fresh pow, these boots will take skiers down whatever the mountain has to offer.
• Park: It’s a bit of a stiffer boot for the park but that didn’t bother me. Someone looking at a boot with a 130 flex rating most likely will not care about slashing rails or stomping 60-foot jumps in them. Because these boots have such an adjustable and precise fit, they are able to still handle the park and hard landings just fine.
• Backcountry: It’s a great boot to take out into the backcountry. Skiers’ feet will always be comfortable and they will have the ability to charge those massive lines with ease and comfort. The only downside is the lack of a walk mode for the uphill, but the stiffness and responsiveness on the downhill makes up for it.
• Adjustability: With two different tongues and three very well-placed buckles, this boot is perfect for dialing-in to each skier’s foot and style of skiing.
• Grip: The soles of this boot are extremely grippy due to the GripWalk sole that they come with. It makes walking around in the village or in the backcountry very easy and comfortable. They are also engineered for the sole to be changed out once they get worn down. This keeps skiers from slipping out for the entirety of the boot’s life.
• Durability: I have previously owned a pair for eight years and they were basically bombproof. They held up through everything, including: the East, West, rain, sleet, pow, and everything in between. They only lost their flex after six years or so. The new ones I have are great and seem to be going strong. They still have the same flex after two years. The only problem I have had is the power strap is frayed and it is difficult to feed through the buckle system.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Walk mode: There is no uphill walk mode so that is a bummer but, as far as bootpacking, the Krypton 130 TI ID has great traction. The lack of a walk mode makes this boot a tough choice for someone who is going for a strictly backcountry boot.

Favorite moment with this gear

I have had countless amazing adventures in this boot, from skiing down Tuckerman Ravine in New Hampshire, to skiing in three feet of fresh snow in Utah. This boot has helped me push my boundaries as a skier and really be able to drive my skis rather than be driven by my skis.

Value for the money vs. other options

For a boot that is true to fit, and can last many seasons, it is worth the price. I looked into the K2 Mindbender 130 and the Salomon Shift 130 AT, which were both in the same budget range and have the same stiffness. Both have other similar features to the Krypton 130 ID, such as a heat-moldable liner, GripWalk sole, ease of entry, and responsiveness. However, the Salomon and K2 have a walk mode for touring, which is a great feature that the Dalbello unfortunately doesn’t have. What they don’t have, though, is the comfort and fit of the full wrap-around liner, as well as the heel buckle to really lock the foot down. That is what made the Dalbello a better value for me.

Final verdict

The Dalbello Krypton 130 TI ID helps skiers push their freeride skiing to a whole new level. In this boot, the wearer will be able to drive those skis down any terrain and respond to whatever the mountain throws at them. Made with the perfect amount of comfort and customization, this boot will allow skiers to slip right out of them at the end of a long day.