For tours with lots of up and challenging down, the Scarpa Matrix Alpine Touring Boot strikes the right balance of support, flexibility, and light weight. A dual-density overlapping cuff provides enough support to drive big skis in the steeps but still allows for a full range of motion in tour mode. Because comfort on long tours depends on the quality of boot fit, Scarpa gave the Matrix AT boot three Easy Lock micro-adjustment buckles and a thermo-moldable liner that conforms to the curves of your feet. Make sure you adjust the lateral cant on these performance AT boots before you hit the slopes for optimal edge control and power.
Bottom Line: Don't choose between downhill performance and touring comfort—slip your foot into the Scarpa Matrix Alpine Touring Boot.
Starting with the Scarpa Lazer, the Matrix continues Scarpa's line of perfectly balanced touring boots. I like this boot as it tours well, skis well, climbs well, is warm, comfortable, durable, a nice balance of weight vs performance and superb all-around boot.
This has to be one of the best deals available in AT boots. Once it was Scarpa's stiffest Dynafit-compatible boot, but now everyone wants even stiffer models. It's still a great all-around choice. Adding a Booster Strap would help too.
I switched models only b/c the Dynafit Zzero4 offered me a much better fit for my foot, and a bit better downhill performance. But for anyone looking for an all-around AT boot, with reasonable weight for the up, and reasonable control for the down, this is an outstanding choice if it fits you.
