2027 Salomon S/LAB Shift Alpha S BOA Ski Boots Review

Reviewer: Tom Beamish, Retail & Rental Supervisor, evo Village Sports
Location: Revelstoke, BC
Conditions: Sunny Groomers + Chalky Off-Piste Leftovers

"This boot has been taken up a notch from the Shift Alpha BOA. It's a bit stiffer. We wanted to prioritize the downhill performance of this boot, which is what our athletes were demanding."

The Salomon S/LAB Shift Alpha S BOA Alpine Touring Ski Boots take the already-capable Shift Alpha platform and dial it toward the downhill side of the equation. A new power plate runs from the cuff down under the touring belt for a noticeably stiffer flex, while a softened lower shell keeps things forgiving when the off-piste snow gets firm and chattery. It's a boot built for skiers who'd rather give up a little range of motion on the skin track than leave performance on the table when it's time to point them.

Shop Salomon S/LAB Shift Alpha S BOA Ski Boots
Salomon S/LAB Shift Alpha S BOA Alpine Touring Ski Boots 2027
Salomon S/LAB Shift Alpha S BOA Alpine Touring Ski Boots 2027
Salomon S/LAB Shift Alpha S BOA Alpine Touring Ski Boots 2027
Salomon S/LAB Shift Alpha S BOA Alpine Touring Ski Boots 2027
Salomon S/LAB Shift Alpha S BOA Alpine Touring Ski Boots 2027

Pros

  • New power plate under the touring belt delivers a noticeably stiffer, more precise downhill flex
  • Softened lower shell adds forgiveness and shock absorption in firm, chattery off-piste snow
  • Redesigned liner with a stiffer rear cuff boosts rearward support when you're driving the boot
  • Free Pivot twin-lock walk mode still opens up to full range of motion for the skin track
  • Full rubber grip sole plus toe make bootpacking and scrambling more secure
  • Now unisex and sized from 22.5 to 28.5, so more skiers can get into the same platform

Cons

  • Sacrifices some uphill range of motion compared to the standard Shift Alpha BOA to get that added stiffness
  • A 140 flex built strictly for advanced-expert skiers; not the pick if you want a forgiving touring boot

Product Details

Fit:

Last: 98 mm

Custom Shell HD: Salomon's proven heat molding process makes boot fitting most feet quick and easy - the latest Custom Shell HD version is even quicker to mold than before.
Flex:

140 Flex Rating: A very stiff flex designed for expert skiers

Liner:

Shift CF Lab Liner

Shell Materials:

Cuff: Pebax

Shell: Polyurethane | Powerplate

Free Spine: This extremely sturdy plastic bar on the back of the boot links the cuff and lower shell to add a layer of reliable alpine progressivity to your freeride comfort

Exo Belt Technology: The strong textile/plastic fastener and BOA® Fit System brings remarkable heel hold and prevents blisters during ascents, while ensuring precision and power during descents.

Power Wedge: A little insert into the FreeSpine, the enhances your range of motion when unlocked and boosts power transmission when locked for an authentic alpine experience.

Ski/Walk Mode:

Twin Lock Walk Mode: This redesigned SkiWalk and FreeSpine offer a wide range of motion and progressive alpine flex, while the horizontal closing position prioritizes safety and durability.

Buckles:

BOA Fit System: The BOA Fit System delivers a micro-adjustable, precision fit engineered to perform in the toughest conditions.

2 Screwed Aluminium Buckles

Power Strap:

Screwed Energyzer Claw 50mm

Bootboard & Footbed:

Sensitive² Footbed

Sole:

GripWalk ISO 23223 Outsoles: Removable and interchangeable rockered soles designed to work with GripWalk binding systems for better grip and comfort while walking, standing, and hiking.

Integrated Tech Inserts

Additional Features:

Fully Servicable: The buckles, toothplate, strap and oversized pivot are screwable so dismantling the boot is easy and bootfitters can easily access all parts when working on customizing the fit.

Who Is It For?

The Salomon S/LAB Shift Alpha S BOA Ski Boots are designed for the hardest-charging backcountry and freeride skiers who care more about how the boot skis than how it tours. If you're the type who wants a stiffer, more locked-in feel out of your touring setup and you're fine trading away some uphill range of motion to get it, the S/LAB Shift Alpha S BOA is dialed for you. Skiers chasing maximum uphill efficiency and all-day comfort on long approaches should look elsewhere in Salomon's lineup, since this boot leans hard into descent performance instead.

Shop Salomon S/LAB Shift Alpha S BOA Ski Boots

Specs

Ability Level: Advanced-Expert
Includes Tech Fittings: Yes
Touring UsedFor: Burly
Ski Boot Flex: 140 (Very Stiff)
Forefoot Width: 98 mm
Liner Type: Semi-Custom
Flex Index: 140
BOA®: Yes
Number of Buckles: 2 + BOA Lower Shell
Boot Sole Type: GripWalk (ISO 23223)

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About the Reviewer

Name: Tom Beamish
Position: Retail & Rental Supervisor, evo Village Sports
Home Mountain: Whistler Blackcomb, BC

Originally hailing from Peterborough, Ontario, I moved to Whistler in 2020 to follow my dreams of skiing every single day. I spend the majority of my winters lapping Whistler Blackcomb, chasing pow and exploring everything this incredible mountain has to offer.

I've been working at evo ever since my move to Whistler, and am currently the retail and rental supervisor at evo Village Sports.