Salomon S/Pro Alpha Boa C Debuts

For decades, ski boot design has followed a predictable template: a lower shell connected to an upper cuff at pivot points positioned just above the ankle. Salomon has thrown that playbook out the window with their flagship 2026-2027 S/Pro Alpha C BOA 130, introducing the most radical rethinking of alpine boot architecture we've seen in years.

For years, the ski boot industry has been locked in a "BOA arms race," with brands scrambling to slap dials on the lower shell to replace traditional forefoot buckles. But for the 2026-2027 season, Salomon has flipped the script—and the boot—upside down.

The all-new S/Pro Alpha C BOA 130 isn’t just an iteration of the beloved Alpha line; it is a fundamental reimagining of how a high-performance alpine boot should flex, wrap, and drive.

The first thing you notice when holding the Alpha C is what’s missing. Look at the medial (inside) ankle, and you’ll see a clean, unbroken wall of mono-injected plastic. Salomon has officially killed the internal cuff pivot.

This new ExoDrive construction uses a single lateral pivot on the outside and a reinforced Powerlink metallic plate on the inside. By removing the traditional hinge on the medial side, Salomon has eliminated the "hinge lag" that occurs when you initiate a turn. The result? A boot that feels like a solid extension of your lower leg, offering a level of lateral power transmission that feels closer to a world-cup plug boot than a resort-friendly 98mm last.

As Archimedes said "Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.' The longer cuff is that lever

“This is the most direct, progressive, and smooth alpine boot Salomon has ever designed. The evolution of the S/PRO ALPHA C BOA is all about giving aggressive skiers more power and control without sacrificing comfort. We reworked this boot from the inside out to deliver a high-performance design that responds instinctively on snow thanks to the new ExoDrive and better heel hold, enhanced energy transmission, and a fit that can be dialed in with absolute precision.” said Lauren Samuels, Salomon’s North American Alpine Category Mana

After extensive testing at Alta and across varied terrain, we can report that Salomon's gamble has largely paid off. The S/Pro Alpha C BOA 130 represents a genuine leap forward in boot performance, even if it asks skiers to embrace some unconventional design choices.

The heart of this boot's innovation lies in what Salomon calls the "ExoDrive" system—a completely reimagined approach to how the cuff attaches to the lower shell. On the medial (inside) side of the boot, the upper cuff extends well below the ankle and connects to the lower shell via a "Powerlink" plate bolted slightly above the sole. The lateral side maintains a more traditional pivot point, though positioned lower than most competitors.

This asymmetric design fundamentally changes how force transfers from your leg to your ski. By lowering and extending the connection points, Salomon claims the boot provides better leverage and more direct power transmission. Additionally, the medial instep buckle now attaches to the cuff rather than the lower shell, which the company says improves ankle wrap and eliminates unwanted foot compression.

On paper, it sounds like marketing speak. On snow, it's immediately apparent.

The power transmission through this boot is exceptional. Edge engagement feels instantaneous and authoritative, with minimal slop or lag between input and response. It's particularly noticeable when driving hard into carved turns or making rapid directional changes—the boot transfers your intentions to the ski with unusual clarity and precision.

The 130 flex rating proves accurate, though the boot exhibits an intriguingly progressive character. Initial flex feels softer than expected—almost approachable—before ramming into firm, supportive resistance deeper in the range. The rebound sits somewhere in the medium-fast category, neither snappy nor sluggish.

This progressive flex characteristic allows the boot to feel softer at first contact, then quickly firm up to 130-level stiffness as you drive into the travel, making it surprisingly versatile across different skiing styles and conditions.

Where the boot truly excels is heel retention. The combination of the ExoDrive shell geometry and the extended cuff wrap creates exceptional heel lock without excessive pressure or discomfort. For skiers who've struggled with heel lift in other "low-volume" boots, this design addresses that issue more effectively than any amount of custom work on a conventional shell could achieve.

Salomon markets this as a 98mm last boot targeting low-volume feet, and that designation holds true—with some important caveats. The heel pocket runs genuinely snug without being punishingly tight, ideal for those with narrow heels who've found other "LV" boots disappointingly roomy. The midfoot width also skews narrow, with noticeable pressure in this area during initial wear that gradually eases as the liner molds to your particular foot shape.

Where this boot deviates from the typical low-volume formula is in the toe box and instep. The toe box offers substantial length and reasonable height, appreciated by those who need room for toe splay without sacrificing precision elsewhere. The instep height similarly provides more volume than many competing narrow-last boots, a blessing for high-arched feet but potentially problematic for those with very flat, "L-shaped" foot profiles.

At 1,903 grams for a size 26.5 shell and liner combination, the S/Pro Alpha C BOA 130 sits squarely in the middle of the alpine boot weight spectrum—lighter than race-inspired constructions but heavier than the lightest resort offerings. For a boot delivering this level of performance, the weight feels appropriate rather than burdensome.

The boot features a cuff-mounted BOA dial working in conjunction with two traditional lower buckles. This hybrid approach aims to combine independent lower-shell adjustment with the consistent, even cuff closure that BOA systems provide.

The execution proves effective. The BOA allows micro-adjustable cuff tightening that distributes pressure more evenly than conventional buckles, while the traditional lower buckles give bootfitters familiar adjustment points and skiers the ability to fine-tune forefoot retention independently.

The PU shell accepts heat molding via Salomon's Custom Shell HD process, and the S/Pro CF Expert liner offers full heat moldability along with an adjustable, "edgeless" tongue design. The combination provides substantial customization potential without requiring aggressive shell work.

The boot also includes Salomon's Power Spine, allowing users to toggle between "Reactive" and "Progressive" settings by changing how much surface area connects the lower shell to the upper cuff. The difference is subtle but present—the Reactive setting feels marginally more immediate in its response, while Progressive offered slightly smoother flex progression.

Forward lean adjusts via liner spoiler wedges, and cuff alignment remains fully customizable despite the unconventional shell geometry. Bootfitters have the tools they need to dial in fit, even if the medial Powerlink plate requires different techniques than traditional cuff adjustments.

The S/Pro Alpha C BOA 130's unconventional shell construction does mean tthat bootfitters working with this boot will need to learn new techniques for certain modifications. Those with very wide feet or unusually high-volume requirements won't find salvation here—this remains resolutely a narrow-last boot.

The Alpine ISO 5355 sole (rather than GripWalk) on the flagship blue colorway prioritizes binding compatibility over walkability. For resort-only skiing that's defensible, but those accustomed to GripWalk's improved traction will notice the downgrade. GripWalk soles are available separately or come stock on other colorways.

The 2026-2027 Salomon S/Pro Alpha C BOA 130 succeeds at what matters most: making skiers better. The ExoDrive shell geometry delivers measurably improved power transfer and edge control, while the heel retention surpasses virtually anything in the narrow-last category. The fit works beautifully for those with narrow heels and higher insteps, though it won't suit every foot shape.

This boot represents genuine innovation rather than incremental refinement. Salomon took real risks with this design, and those risks have produced real rewards. For advanced to expert skiers seeking maximum performance from a narrow-last boot, the S/Pro Alpha C BOA 130 sets a new benchmark.

Best For: Advanced to expert skiers with narrow heels and normal to high insteps who prioritize power transfer and precision

Not Ideal For: Those seeking maximum walkability, skiers on tight budgets, anyone requiring high-volume fit

The Bottom Line: Bold innovation that actually improves the skiing experience. If the fit works for your feet, this boot's performance is hard to beat.

Specifications:

• Flex: 130
• Last Width: 98mm (size 26.5)
• Weight: 1,903g per boot (size 26.5, with liner)
• Available Sizes: 22.5-30.5
• Closure: Two traditional buckles (lower), BOA dial (cuff), 50mm elastic power strap
• Sole: Alpine ISO 5355 (GripWalk available separately)
• Price: Premium tier
• Also Available: 120, 110, 100 flex (men's); 115 W, 105 W, 95 W, 85 W (women's)