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

My take

The Salomon Shift Pro 100 AT Ski Boots checked all my boxes for a boot that is stiff, comfortable, lightweight, and easy to use. It’s so versatile, I almost wish I’d gotten them before I purchased my downhill boots. I’m an intermediate/ advanced skier in-bounds and a beginner in the backcountry/ touring world.

About the boots I own

• Model: Salomon Shift Pro 100 AT Womens 2022
• Size: 22/22.5

About me

• Height: 5’1”
• Weight: 110lbs
• Street shoe size: U.S. 6
• Experience: 8 years of skiing

Test conditions

• When I bought these: April 2022
• Days tested: 10
• Skis: Volkl Blaze 106
• Bindings : Black Diamond ATK Raider 10
• Where I’ve used it: Mount Shasta, California; Sun Valley, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Idaho
• Terrain: Powder, ice, corn snow, crud, off-piste, some groomers

How they perform

What I was looking for

I was looking specifically for a lightweight backcountry touring boot last spring that would be stiff enough to be responsive, but not too stiff for uphill climbing on Mount Shasta.

Why I chose this gear

This was one of the few boots that actually fit my little foot and had the stiffness that I like for going downhill without being too stiff for climbing. I considered purchasing the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 95 and the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 115 because I have the Atomic Hawx Ultra 115 as my downhill boot and love it. Unfortunately, the 95 was too soft and the 115 was too stiff, and the walk mode switch looked like it could snag my ski pants. The Salomon Shift Pro 100 was the sweet spot in the middle.

What I love about them

• Accuracy of Claimed Stiffness: 100 flex is on par with what I would expect from Salomon for a stiff boot that is very responsive.
• Accuracy of Claimed Fit: The heat-moldable lining uses body heat to create a great custom fit to my foot.
• Comfort: It is very comfortable for the stiff flex. I don’t feel trapped in my boot and my feet stay warm out on the mountain.
• Flex: The flex is not too stiff for hiking uphill, but stiff enough to be responsive and give good energy transfer.
• Weight: It’s not too heavy for a backcountry boot. I can hike daily comfortably for a long distance in these boots without feeling bogged down by the weight.
• Resort: The GripWalk sole is also compatible with most alpine bindings; this boot can truly be a quiver of one if I need it to be.
• Backcountry: Responds well with transferring energy with kick-turns and carving through variable terrain. It is easy to fit with crampons for the bootpack.
• Adjustability: The four buckles make this boot a great hybrid for either the resort or touring the backcountry. The top two buckles feature an expandable metal piece for greater comfort walking uphill in the backcountry.
• Walk mode: The walk mode switch is an intuitive, low-profile switch on the boot backbone.
• Grip: GripWalk sole is a plus for the icy parking lot and bootpacking in icy terrain.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Ease of use: It is sometimes difficult to get out of, but that is to be expected with a stiffer boot.
• Park: They’re a little too stiff for a park terrain boot. I’d choose a softer medium-flex boot (80–95) for all-around performance on park terrain.
• Durability: Some wear around the toe pins after seven uses, but still clicks into the bindings with no problem. It’s more of a cosmetic issue than anything functional.

Favorite moment with this gear

At first I was hesitant to drop more money on a second pair of boots. After all, I liked my downhill boots and couldn’t see myself in a different pair. But when I took these out to Mount Shasta, put ‘em in walk mode, latched the loosest latch on the top two buckles, and clicked into my bindings for my first skin, I realized what I was missing out on. Who knew I could actually walk up a mountain comfortably in stiff ski boots?

Value for the money vs. other options

When comparing this boot to the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 115, they’re both high-quality boots within the same price range. I personally prefer the lower-profile walk mode switch on the Salomon Shift Pro 100 and feel the slightly softer flex is worth the trade-off for me for backcountry touring.

Final verdict

Overall, this is a great all-around boot for the more advanced skier who is just getting started with backcountry touring and also spends time at the resort on the groomers or venturing off-piste.