Bootfitter's Notes: Lange XT 130 Ski Boot

The Lange XT 130 LV is a high-end expert ski boot with a great snug fit and a hike/ski function that releases the cuff.

Now on its second year, the XT has proven itself as a workhorse boot, and is an excellent choice for those who’ve been skiing performance fit boots or race boots and shudder at the thought of going to a mushy roomy alpine touring boot.

Perhaps the greatest asset the XT has to offer is its excellent fit. Lange borrows the same mold found in the RX L.V. and the RS models. The key differences are that Lange uses a Pebax upper cuff and lightweight liner to drop weight, and has developed a releasable cuff that doesn’t articulate with the ankle quite as well as a full blown backcountry ski boots, but skis exceptionally well.

In fact the boot skis so well I’d put it in or near the top for downhill performance in the Alpine Touring boot category.

The heel hold is excellent on the XT, as is the forefoot fit on my C-width foot.

Instep clearance isn’t an issue on my foot, and is a ski-out-of-the-box fit for me.  Best of all, the X.T. holds my skinny ankle area, which can be a big issue with other boots specifically many touring boots.

The responsiveness comes from the great fit, and a unique ingenious gasket system on the back of the lower shell (picture).

The Gasket allows the leg to flex backward and locks in to the shell on the way down ensuring the plastic won’t distort.  In all honesty the boot doesn’t ski quite as well as the non-hiking RX 130 L.V. but it is awfully close; this is due to the Pebax upper cuff and softer, lighter liner.

Vibram soles and rubber material around the mid-sole of the boot drastically help hiking around rocks or navigating treacherous parking lots or bathroom.

While by no means the lightest in the Hike/Ski function the X.T. is great boot for the skier who is used to snug fitting performance boots, or those with low volume feet, who are looking for a ripping boot for the backcountry.