Scarpa Maestrale XT Alpine Touring Ski Boots 2023

So you're a heavyweight who finds most 130 flex boots too soft - or just skis like a boss - and you want to tour? There aren't many options out there, but the Scarpa Maestrale XT Alpine Touring Ski Boots fits the bill and then some. Scarpa pegs this boot as having a 130-plus flex, and in our opinion it's legit. Weight is a remarkable 1,508 grams in a 26.5/27, and so lighter than many "freetouring" shoes on the market. The Speed Lock XT walk mode is a beauty. What's not to like? Well, if you want to use the Maestrale XT in an alpine binding, you'll be limited to models that are ISO 9523 compatible, but that's a small price to pay for a boot this capable.