Bootfitter's Notes: Salomon X Max Ski Boots

The Salomon X Max series from Salomon was new for the 2012-13 season, and at that time, consisted of men’s boots only.

For the 2013-14 season, the series has been expanded to include Women’s boots as well.

The X Max models are 98mm forefoot-lasted boots, and come in various flexes. We carry the Salomon X Max 130 and Salomon X Max 100 for men and the Salomon X Max 110 for women.

All the X Max models use the newest version of Salomon’s Custom Shell technology which allows a heat and mold process of about 80 percent of the shell. We generally will select these Salomon models for fairly advanced skiers.

We find the X Max models to fit on the roomy end of the scale within the 98mm boot category.

This is one of better 98mm boots to choose when fitting a high instep*, and it is taller in the instep area than even some 100mm boots.

We use this boot pretty extensively for foot shapes that are just too wide or tall in the instep for most other 98mm boots.

Our bootfitters find that with the use of the custom shell process, we can adapt this boot effectively for very large calves as well.

We often will not use the custom process when there is just one spot to expand, such as a bunion or large navicular* bone. In those situations, a localized punch by more conventional means is often employed.

So who's this boot for? Someone looking for the close-fitting performance and control of a 98mm lasted boot, but who has trouble with other such boots, particularly in the instep or calf. If you're looking for a tight fit across the board for low volume feet and ankles, this may not be the boot for you.

Terms defined:
*Navicular: The bone, protruding on some people, below and forward of the ankle bone on the inside of the foot.
*Instep: Top of foot, above the arch.