Review: Salomon Shift Pro 130 AT Ski Boots · 2023
By Ski Expert
Benjamin Szuch
Salomon Shift Pro 130 AT Ski Boots · 2023
$399.93
$799.95
50% off
7 photos
The Curated Take
4.2/5
The Salomon Shift Pro 130 AT Ski Boots are great for expert skiers seeking unmatched stiffness and responsiveness. With excellent weight transfer and a secure fit, these boots provide confidence on challenging terrain. The cushioned liner and roomy toe box ensure comfort, while the heat-moldable liner takes it to the next level. The GripWalk and tour mode enhance versatility, although the forward range of motion is limited. Overall, these boots are ideal for hard-charging skiers who value comfort and performance in all conditions.
Ideal for
- Stiffness and responsiveness are unmatched; riders can rely on full-weight transfer with confidence
- Tight heel hold, roomy toe box, and very cushioned liner
- Excellent fit out of the box but simple heat molding takes it to the next level
Not ideal for
- Forward range of motion limits as far as buckles will allow
- Rocker isn't as pronounced as other boots
Claimed Stiffness Accuracy
I have a pair of beginner/intermediate Salomon Distance 80 skis I use for patrol because of the durable topsheet. Using these boots on those skis, I have been on edge...Read more
Heel Hold
Right out of the box, they come with a good heel hold, but after heat molding, combined with the plastic straps around the outside of the liner, my heel is...Read more
Weight
I do like the weight, as some lighter boots combined with a light ski get tossed around by heavier, softer snow, but the Shift Pros counteract that. I have skinned...Read more
Durability
I have a habit of always kicking my boots onto the side of concrete buildings or stairs, anything that will knock snow off them before going inside. I have noticed...Read more
Waterproofing
I have not really walked through any deep water. So far, my feet have stayed dry in all conditions, even skiing in pouring rain. The lower shell has weather stripping...Read more
Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
Benjamin Szuch
About the boots
- Model: Salomon Shift Pro 130 AT Ski Boots · 2023
Test conditions
- When I bought these: March 2023
- Where I’ve used them: Montage Mountain Resort
- How many times I've used it: 100
Expert Reviews of the Salomon Shift Pro 130 AT Ski Boots
Benjamin Szuch Working as ski patroller, I always look for comfortable boots that still perform when needed. This boot scores high marks in both of those areas. I have never tried on a boot out of the box that did not put too much pressure on my deformed fractured ankle as this boot does. I've always had to have boots fitted and worked on before skiing comfortably. But with this boot, I felt like I could have skied it right out of the box without work, but after I heat molded it, I never knew a ski boot could be so comfortable.
Having to walk a lot in ski boots while working around the mountain, the GripWalk and tour mode make my days on the mountain easier and more enjoyable. The GripWalk could be a little more aggressive using the S/Lab MTN as a comparison, but I believe that also allows the boot to be so compatible with other bindings. This boot has the weight and stiffness to really control the ski with immediate responsiveness. It gives me full confidence when on edge, hard-charging, and training with a toboggan. The walk mode has a little more resistance to it even when the buckles are fully open, and the forward range of motion is limited by how far the buckles allow. This boot is great for any expert who loves hard-charging days, comfort, and exploration. It's a one-quiver boot.
Product Specs
| Age Group | Adult |
| Gender | Men's |
| Model year | 2023 |
| Ski boot type | Alpine touring |
| Walk/tour mode (Y/N) | Yes |
| Skill level | Advanced, Expert |
Review Ratings
Claimed Stiffness Accuracy
5/5
Benjamin Szuch gave 5 of 5 stars. I have a pair of beginner/intermediate Salomon Distance 80 skis I use for patrol because of the durable topsheet. Using these boots on those skis, I have been on edge and in the front with so much power that I felt them bend. I have to tone it down, or I will break the ski in half.
Heel Hold
5/5
Benjamin Szuch gave 5 of 5 stars. Right out of the box, they come with a good heel hold, but after heat molding, combined with the plastic straps around the outside of the liner, my heel is snug in place all the time. Sometimes, I leave my cuff buckles one notch looser than normal and have always had heel lift when doing so—not in these boots.
Weight
3/5
Benjamin Szuch gave 3 of 5 stars. I do like the weight, as some lighter boots combined with a light ski get tossed around by heavier, softer snow, but the Shift Pros counteract that. I have skinned with them, and the weight does not cause much more fatigue than lighter boots, but the heaviness adds to stability on the downhill.
Durability
4/5
Benjamin Szuch gave 4 of 5 stars. I have a habit of always kicking my boots onto the side of concrete buildings or stairs, anything that will knock snow off them before going inside. I have noticed some nicks on the toe areas, whereas other boots can usually handle it without damage. I have also noticed the paint on the buckles chipping off. I will say the liner still feels brand new after a season and a half and multiple heat molds. I'm still always wiggling my toes inside the cushioned and roomy toe boxes.
Waterproofing
4/5
Benjamin Szuch gave 4 of 5 stars. I have not really walked through any deep water. So far, my feet have stayed dry in all conditions, even skiing in pouring rain. The lower shell has weather stripping between the plastic overlaps.
FAQs
Why did you choose this product?
Benjamin Szuch Being an Alpine patroller, I look for a comfortable and versatile boot. Having the S/Lab MTN 120 for two seasons prior, I have found moments I pushed that boot to its limit in terms of downhill performance, so I wanted to move back to a four-buckle design but with touring capabilities. I was sold immediately when I tried on the 100-flex version of this boot in the store. I have a right ankle injury, and I had never tried on a boot out of the box that didn't put too much pressure on my bad ankle until I found this boot. Heat molding them took them to the next level of comfort.
What do you love about this product?
Benjamin Szuch The first thing I love is the out-of-the-box fit. Normally, I have to modify every ski boot I've ever tried on when it comes to my ankle injury, but this is the first boot I tried on in 10 years where I felt like I could ski it right out of the box. After heat molding, I can enjoy skiing for hours in comfort and focus on performance. I love the versatility of this boot as well. Working as a ski patroller, I have endured almost all conditions.
