About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the Lange XT3 90 Ski Boots, which I bought with my own money in December of 2021.

My take

The Lange XT3 90 Boot is a women’s-specific, hybrid ski touring and alpine boot with a priority on downhill-skiing performance. The Lange XT3 90 is a great choice for someone who wants one boot for both resort skiing and touring. This boot is a 90 flex: relatively soft without feeling “flimsy.” I would recommend this boot for a smaller/lighter intermediate or low-end expert skier.

About the boots I own

• Model: Lange XT3 90 2022
• Gender: Women’s
• Size: 23.5

About me

• Height: 5’6”
• Weight: 115lbs
• Experience: 20 years of skiing

Test conditions

• When I bought these: December 2021
• Days used: 50
• Size: 23.5
• Where I’ve used it: Resorts and backcountry in Colorado, Utah, and Montana
• Terrain: Powder, hardpack, moguls, trees, and backcountry

How they perform

What I was looking for

When I initially purchased the Lange XT3 90, I bought this boot as a touring-specific boot and did not plan on using it for resort skiing. I wanted a touring boot that was responsive and felt similar to a traditional alpine boot on the downhill. I was in search of a touring boot that prioritized skiing performance, not necessarily uphill performance.

Why I chose this gear

I have skied on Lange alpine boots for many years and knew they were a reliable and a well-trusted boot brand. When I purchased this boot, I also considered the Atomic Hawk Hybrid boot. After much comparison in the shop, I decided on the Lange XT3 90 for their smooth and consistent flex pattern. The boot flexes like a traditional alpine boot and does not get much “back flex” like some touring boots do. This boot is also women’s-specific and does not come up too high on the calf. This is a great choice for someone with shorter legs.

As I started earlier, I bought this boot with the intention of just using it for backcountry days, not resort skiing. After just a few times using this boot, I decided it was more than adequate for days on the resort. I now use this as my one boot for backcountry and resort skiing.

What I love about them

• Responsiveness: This boot is very responsive and easy to initiate a turn with.
• Flex Pattern: This boot has a very constant and smooth flex pattern. It is rated as a 90 flex, and I think this is an accurate representation of how the boot feels. Lange uses the same quality plastic in their hybrid boots as they do in their race boots, which gives them this reliable flex.
• Versatility: In my option, this boot is one of the most versatile hybrid boots out there. It is relatively light weight and has a walk mode which sets me up for efficient and comfortable uphilling. However, this boot does not use the ultra-lightweight plastic that many other brands use in their touring boots. This is a big part of what makes the Lange XT3 perform so well on the downhill.
• Fit and Comfort: The Lange XT3 90 is available in a 100mm last (width) as well as a low-volume version with a 97mm last. The 100mm last is great for those with a medium volume, average width foot.
• Liner Quality: This boot has a great versatile liner. It has a decent level of structure to ensure I feel locked in and tight in the boot. However, it is slighter lighter and more breathable when compared to the Lange alpine boots.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Walk Mode: I have had some problems getting these boots to stay in walk mode on the uphill. Occasionally I have found the lever slipping back into the locked “ski position” when touring. This may be a problem with my specific boot, not the entire line.
• Durability: Overall, this boot has held up well and is quite durable. However, I gave these three stars due to one durability problem I have had. There is a small crack in the plastic on the toe box of one of my boots. I do not think this is a common problem people have been having, but something to look out for.
• Uphill Performance: This is a hybrid boot with a priority on downhill skiing. If one is looking for a boot that is going to be super lightweight and prioritize uphill performance, they should look for something different. This boot is a compromise on the uphill.
• Stiffness: I weigh about 115lbs and am an expert skier. I found these boots to be a bit too soft for me. For next season, I have purchased the same boot in the 110 flex.

Favorite moment with this gear

Last season, I took these boots on a 12-mile touring expedition in Colorado. Other people in the group had more specific touring boots and I was a bit nervous my hybrid boots may be uncomfortable and heavy for such a long tour. Despite my hesitations, these boots were great for the trip. I had no comfort issues and kept up just fine with the others. These boots were, of course, great for skiing down.

Value for the money vs. other options

Brand new, these boots retail for a comparable price to other 90 flex hybrid boots, including the Salomon Shift Pro 90 and the Atomic Hawk 95. I think the Lange XT3 is a great value due to its versatility. This boot can really be an all-in-one resort and touring boot. Those who purchase a more uphill-specific boot such as a Scarpa or Dynafit may find themselves needing to purchase a second pair of boots for resort skiing.

Final verdict

These are some of the most versatile hybrid boots out there. They perform almost identically to a traditional alpine boot on the descent. They are comfortable, reliable, and a great choice for someone who does a bit of touring combined with days on the resort. They are also great for days when one may do a bit of sidecountry skiing and do some touring off the resort. I would stray away from this if one is looking for a boot that priorities uphill performance.