SCARPA F1 XT Boot
At the same time and place every year, the boot wizards at SCARPA emerge from their R&D dungeons to see how their creations are being used. It was during such an emergence they noticed the F1 LT being pushed farther and harder than ever anticipated. With ideas in their heads for the next best thing, they retreated back from whence they emerged, spending the next year testing different brews of boots until finally, they emerged with the F1 XT.
Losing none of the mountaineering chops that made the LT an instant hit but gaining the progressivity found in many heavier options, the F1 XT is a boot that seriously excels in many areas. Keeping the generous 72° range of motion of its siblings, the XT is no slouch on the skin track. The stiff 3D Lambda Torsion Frame technology on the lower combined with the Carbon Grilamid cuff ensures confident and precise performance. Notably, no carbon in the lower means that this boot can be punched and adjusted, unlike the F1 LT, so even the gnarliest bunions can be accommodated. Finally, SCARPA opted for a cuff/instep bucke and burly cam-lock power strap for maximum durability.
If you can’t decide if you’re here for speed touring, mountaineering, or pushing the descent, the F1 XT will fit the bill perfectly.
- Buckles and a cam-lock power strap are stout and durable, especially within this category.
- Race-ready 72° range of motion allows for efficient climbing.
- Simple and clean Speed Lock LT ski/walk mechanism minimizes ice buildup and allows for adjustable forward lean between 11°, 13°, and 15°.
- Optional rear spoiler can further adjust forward lean by ± 2°.
- Grilamid FG LFT lower helps provide a progressive flex and is punchable if need be.
- Moldable liner from Intuition allows for a truly customized fit.
- RECCO helps with search and rescue efforts should you take the wrong turn.
- Italian ancestry.
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
1120g [27] 1194g [28] |
| Weight (pair) | 2240g [27] 2388g [28] |
|
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2 + Cam Buckle Power Strap |
|
Boot Sole |
270mm [24] 278mm [25] 286mm [26] 294mm [27] 302mm [28] 310mm [29] 319mm [30] 327mm [31] |
|
Binding |
Tech only |
|
Cuff |
72° |
|
Forward |
11°, 13°, 15° ± 2° w/ spoiler |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
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Grilamid FG LFT shell, Carbon Grilamid LFT cuff, synthetic cloth tongue |
|
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Intuition Tour L T2 |
|
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Vibram UFO LT |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Lightweight touring and ski mountaineering with an eye on the downhill |
| Notes | Has a burly cam buckle power strap |
| Bottom Line | A classic touring boot gets a downhill performance boost |
| Compare to other Touring Boots | |
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Questions & Reviews
4/12/2024
How much does this forefoot buckle (vs the BOA on the F1 LT) improve the fit for lower volume feet? I have found that the F1 LT did not fit my foot due to my low volume. The Skorpius fits my foot better, but I'm interested in the weight and ROM of this boot. I can't find this boot anywhere to try on, so I'm trying to figure out how manageable this could be for a lower volume foot.
4/12/2024
Hi Alex,
I actually purchased the F1 XT over the F1 LT pretty much entirely due to the buckle over the lower shell (I did not get along well with the Boa). I felt that the Boa was not doing a good enough job securing my lower-volume foot, and when I cranked it down tight enough, it was uncomfortable. Of course, buying a new boot always has a little bit of uncertainly, but so far, I have about 15 days on the boots and I'm very happy with my choice. Heel hold and comfort have been excellent and I like the security and durability of the buckles.
The Skorpius is a significantly stronger boot on the downhill, but the XT will walk a little bit better (just a little - the Skorpius isn't bad at all when you open up the cuff). There isn't a huge amount of weight between them, honestly, so I would personally go with the one that fits better. For me, the Skorpius was too wide in the forefoot, and slightly low in the instep.
Overall, I do think the XT will work better than the LT for lower-volume feet, especially with the right footbed.
I actually purchased the F1 XT over the F1 LT pretty much entirely due to the buckle over the lower shell (I did not get along well with the Boa). I felt that the Boa was not doing a good enough job securing my lower-volume foot, and when I cranked it down tight enough, it was uncomfortable. Of course, buying a new boot always has a little bit of uncertainly, but so far, I have about 15 days on the boots and I'm very happy with my choice. Heel hold and comfort have been excellent and I like the security and durability of the buckles.
The Skorpius is a significantly stronger boot on the downhill, but the XT will walk a little bit better (just a little - the Skorpius isn't bad at all when you open up the cuff). There isn't a huge amount of weight between them, honestly, so I would personally go with the one that fits better. For me, the Skorpius was too wide in the forefoot, and slightly low in the instep.
Overall, I do think the XT will work better than the LT for lower-volume feet, especially with the right footbed.
Answer this question:
3/17/2024
How does this boot compare to the Atomic Backland Carbon?
The Atomic seems a bit soft when skiing, but it could be me.
I have always used the Atomic Backland 85 + Atomic Backland binding.
Recently, I bought the Hagan Boost 94 Pow + ATK Raider 13 EVO.
Will the Atomic be strong enough? How does the Scarpa F1 XT compare to this?
My weight is 65kg and I am about 178cm and charge soft to semi rigid (so not hard).
The Atomic seems a bit soft when skiing, but it could be me.
I have always used the Atomic Backland 85 + Atomic Backland binding.
Recently, I bought the Hagan Boost 94 Pow + ATK Raider 13 EVO.
Will the Atomic be strong enough? How does the Scarpa F1 XT compare to this?
My weight is 65kg and I am about 178cm and charge soft to semi rigid (so not hard).
3/17/2024
Hi Nico,
These flex stiffer than the Backland Carbon, but are in the same general weight and performance category. They are a bit lower volume over the instep than the Backland Carbon. Either one would be okay with that ski, although you may be able to get more out of it with a beefier boot. It all depends on preference and whether you want to optimize more for the downhill or uphill. If you were to buy a new boot with the intention of getting significantly higher overall downhill performance than the Backland, I would consider something a bit beefier than the F1 XT. But if you just want a bit more stiffness, they will give you that.
These flex stiffer than the Backland Carbon, but are in the same general weight and performance category. They are a bit lower volume over the instep than the Backland Carbon. Either one would be okay with that ski, although you may be able to get more out of it with a beefier boot. It all depends on preference and whether you want to optimize more for the downhill or uphill. If you were to buy a new boot with the intention of getting significantly higher overall downhill performance than the Backland, I would consider something a bit beefier than the F1 XT. But if you just want a bit more stiffness, they will give you that.
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3/7/2024
Hello, I came into a set of K2 Mindbender 108 skis in new condition. I ride chairs some but also go into the BC often. I’m thinking of setting the new skis up with ATK Raider 12 bindings and buying a set of Scarpa F1 XT boots from you guys to use with them, based on advice from a friend about setting up a versatile kit useful in or out of bounds. I currently use Atomic Hawx 120 Ultra XTD boots with some Blizzard Zero G 95 skis and G3 Ion 12 bindings for this kind of activity. I only weigh about 145 lbs and am 5’-8-1/2” so not big, but I ski somewhat aggressively. The Atomic boots are a bit uncomfortable on long tours due to a pressure point on my bony instep, so I’m hoping the F1 XTs would be more comfortable. What do you think of that proposed new combination (Mindbender 108 Ti, ATK Raider 12, Scarpa F1 XT)?
3/7/2024
Hi Mark,
Congrats on the new skis! I would not recommend the F1 XT for the sort of skiing you're thinking of, unfortunately. It is a lightweight, race-plus style touring boot that is best suited to lighter skis and longer days in the backcountry. I do not think it would be satisfying or durable enough for aggressive resort skiing, especially with a 108mm resort ski. It is an awesome boot, but not designed for that kind of use.
My recommendation, if you are looking for new touring boots, is to fill out our boot fitter , and we can help guide you toward a pair that will fit you and suit your needs.
Congrats on the new skis! I would not recommend the F1 XT for the sort of skiing you're thinking of, unfortunately. It is a lightweight, race-plus style touring boot that is best suited to lighter skis and longer days in the backcountry. I do not think it would be satisfying or durable enough for aggressive resort skiing, especially with a 108mm resort ski. It is an awesome boot, but not designed for that kind of use.
My recommendation, if you are looking for new touring boots, is to fill out our boot fitter , and we can help guide you toward a pair that will fit you and suit your needs.
3/15/2024
Hello Carlos, thanks for the reply. As mentioned I’ve got a high instep, actually a kind of bony, possibly arthritic bump at the tarsal/ metatarsal joint on both feet. Local shops’ staff in Flagstaff, AZ have told me a need a high volume boot, but there are limited options for trying on boots locally due to their focus on alpine skiing gear, not AT. I tried on the Scarpa Alien recently and it didn’t feel much better than the Atomic Hawx Ultra HD 120s I’ve been using, but with some pain points especially on a long day. Are there boots you might be able to recommend I try, that would be stout enough to drive the Mindbenders, but not TOO heavy for a relatively light / small skier like me to use for hike-to off piste, and BC excursions? Thanks for any advice you can provide!
3/16/2024
Hi Mark,
The Dynafit Tigard is a high-volume, medium-width boot with lots of room over the instep. It is one of the best options for a high-performing resort-capable touring boot, if it fits you. It is beefy enough to stand up to regular resort usage, but it does have a good enough walk mode to be reasonable to hike in and take for shorter tours. Could be worth trying on!
The Dynafit Tigard is a high-volume, medium-width boot with lots of room over the instep. It is one of the best options for a high-performing resort-capable touring boot, if it fits you. It is beefy enough to stand up to regular resort usage, but it does have a good enough walk mode to be reasonable to hike in and take for shorter tours. Could be worth trying on!
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2/17/2024
Hello, can you compare the downhill performance of this and the original F1? I assume the original skis better, but I'm weary of the velcro strap/buckle combo. Thanks.
2/19/2024
Hi Dan, the F1 is a burlier boot that skis with some more stability. The main difference in design is that the F1 has a tongue, whereas the F1 XT is tongueless. That said the F1 XT does have a rather progressive and supportive flex, so it skis pretty well compared to other similarly constructed touring boots. Do note that the F1 and F1 XT / LT / GT have different interior shapes and fits. Please feel free to reach out to us at help@skimo.co for more details!
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2/16/2024
My Alien RSs, which I love, are size 26. My Scarpa Maestrale RSs, which I'm ambivalent about, are size 25. I'd say they both fit about the same and I'm more or less happy with the fit of both, despite the diff sizes among the same manufacturer.
The question is, do I order a 25 or 26 in F1 XT?
The question is, do I order a 25 or 26 in F1 XT?
2/16/2024
Hi Jimmy! The F1 XT and Alien RS share a very similar lower shell and therefor a similar fit. If you found the Alien RS in a 26 to fit well, you can expect the same in a F1 XT in a 26 shell size. Thanks!
Answer this question:
1/28/2024
Do the scarpa letters on the side glow in the dark like the Alien RS?
1/29/2024
Hi Derek, no dice. The Alien RS is a special boot for a reason.
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1/18/2024
Ever shove an F1 liner in one of these XTs? I run a 27.5 F1 liner in my 28.0 LT shell. Love it!
Reply to this comment:
1/15/2024
Would you recommend going all the way to a size 25 if you wanted the fit of a 24.5?
1/15/2024
Hi Jake,
24.5 and 25 Scarpa shells are the same, so yes, if you wanted to get close to the fit of a 24.5 from another manufacturer, the 25 Scarpa would be the closest. It will be very slightly roomier than a 24/24.5 from a brand that does not use Scarpa sizing.
24.5 and 25 Scarpa shells are the same, so yes, if you wanted to get close to the fit of a 24.5 from another manufacturer, the 25 Scarpa would be the closest. It will be very slightly roomier than a 24/24.5 from a brand that does not use Scarpa sizing.
Answer this question:
1/13/2024
Why arent there half sizes?
Ive been using a 24 F1LT and love it but wanted to go a bit bigger to have the option to add a warmer liner for higher altitude missions.
Was hoping to go up to a 24.5. Would that be the same shell size as the 25?
Ive been using a 24 F1LT and love it but wanted to go a bit bigger to have the option to add a warmer liner for higher altitude missions.
Was hoping to go up to a 24.5. Would that be the same shell size as the 25?
1/13/2024
Hi Jake, like the alpine companies, SCARPA didn't bother with half sizes since there is no difference after a heat mold anyhow. Yes a 24.5 and 25 would be the same in SCARPAville.
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12/3/2023
Does this XT get close to the downhill performance of the original Skorpius? Or still in a slightly different class?
12/4/2023
Hi Carl,
I would say they're still in a different class. The Skorpius is more in the class of the original F1, which is a step up from the XT. But I would say the Skorpius is even stiffer than the F1. The tongue makes a big difference, as well as whatever magic they worked to get the Skorpius to feel so solid. The XT is a great skiing boot in its class of tongueless, race-plus touring boots, but the Skorpius is a step up.
I would say they're still in a different class. The Skorpius is more in the class of the original F1, which is a step up from the XT. But I would say the Skorpius is even stiffer than the F1. The tongue makes a big difference, as well as whatever magic they worked to get the Skorpius to feel so solid. The XT is a great skiing boot in its class of tongueless, race-plus touring boots, but the Skorpius is a step up.
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11/10/2023
Can you guys recommend an aftermarket gaiter that would work for this boot? As abc noted in their review above, the gaiters on these are shredded after (during) their first season, and I’m about to cut off the tattered remnants of mine.
I’ve had hundreds of days on both the F1LT and the Alien RS and wore a few holes through those gaiters fairly quickly, but although the XT gaiters look burlier (and probably add to the weight) the new gaiters durability sucks in comparison to their lighter predecessors.
It’s a shame because they skin and ski great.
I’ve had hundreds of days on both the F1LT and the Alien RS and wore a few holes through those gaiters fairly quickly, but although the XT gaiters look burlier (and probably add to the weight) the new gaiters durability sucks in comparison to their lighter predecessors.
It’s a shame because they skin and ski great.
11/13/2023
Hi Tony, we are sorry to hear this! An option could be to use a hiking gaiter and attach it to the buckle cable at the forefoot, then wrap it around your liner and ankle with the grilamid cuff folded back and then fasten the upper buckle over the top to secure the rig. Hope this helps!
12/7/2023
Same experience here. I like the boots but the gators bind on the cuffs and wear very quickly. Worse than the F1 LT somehow
Answer this question:
I probably have almost 100 bc days spread over two pairs of these boots (tried downsizing halfway through the season). I don't have a ton of experience but I skied these a lot.
- the gators are pretty much destroyed on both pairs. Pretty standard for this sort of boot but I'm guessing they're less durable than the f1 lt gators. Maybe because they bunch up under the buckle and rip.
- the sole got torn up on the first rock scramble. Again pretty standard, though I'm skeptical of light colored rubber
- I mostly skied without the power strap, it feels too stiff. This should give you a good idea of my style of skiing.
- I think the flex feels a bit more forgiving than the f1 lts and the toe buckle is more secure but less useful on the uphill. I'm not sure this is a good thing. I also think mine tend to have a bit less play in the lock mechanism.
- I got one pair punched for my tailor bunyon but they were only comfortable doing a few mm. This isn't quite enough, and is my main problem with these boots. The tech wasn't convinced that the fiberglass reinforced shell is actually more forgiving than the carbon on on the lts. But maybe it won't crack at the hinge like the lts
- I've skied them back to back with the zg peak carbon. The peak clearly had more lateral stiffness, I think the flex on the XTs is nicer and they ski like a slightly heavier boot ( which they are). Size wise the 27.5 peak is about right in the middle of the 27 and 28 scarpas.
- the black shells suck under summer California sun
- the gators are pretty much destroyed on both pairs. Pretty standard for this sort of boot but I'm guessing they're less durable than the f1 lt gators. Maybe because they bunch up under the buckle and rip.
- the sole got torn up on the first rock scramble. Again pretty standard, though I'm skeptical of light colored rubber
- I mostly skied without the power strap, it feels too stiff. This should give you a good idea of my style of skiing.
- I think the flex feels a bit more forgiving than the f1 lts and the toe buckle is more secure but less useful on the uphill. I'm not sure this is a good thing. I also think mine tend to have a bit less play in the lock mechanism.
- I got one pair punched for my tailor bunyon but they were only comfortable doing a few mm. This isn't quite enough, and is my main problem with these boots. The tech wasn't convinced that the fiberglass reinforced shell is actually more forgiving than the carbon on on the lts. But maybe it won't crack at the hinge like the lts
- I've skied them back to back with the zg peak carbon. The peak clearly had more lateral stiffness, I think the flex on the XTs is nicer and they ski like a slightly heavier boot ( which they are). Size wise the 27.5 peak is about right in the middle of the 27 and 28 scarpas.
- the black shells suck under summer California sun
Comment on this review:
10/27/2023
Can you ski a dps 112’pagoda with these?
10/28/2023
Hi Ian,
You could, and people certainly do, but we wouldn't necessarily recommend it for most skiers/conditions. It would work in powder! But if conditions got less than ideal, you would be very aware that you're in an 1100 gram boot. It would be very much at the limit of the boot.
You could, and people certainly do, but we wouldn't necessarily recommend it for most skiers/conditions. It would work in powder! But if conditions got less than ideal, you would be very aware that you're in an 1100 gram boot. It would be very much at the limit of the boot.
10/28/2023
Hi Ian, for an alternate viewpoint, I think that combo works great! Seeing as how you would/should only be skiing powder on those 112s, that boot will let you soak up a ton of it.
Answer this question:
This is a huge upgrade over the highly overrated f1 lt. By having a buckle that actually holds the heel down instead of a highly positioned BOA that is only effective for cankles you have a lot more precision and tension that creates a stronger flex. Combined with material that is subtly different that enables slightly more punching ability, and a larger booster strap, it is everything the f1 lt should have been. I used them for lengthy mission to glacier peak and used a 1500g ski with 150g binding, 99 underfoot and I felt the combo skied well. It's a light boot so your not gonna be skiing much more than 20 mph, but for more cautious typical backcountry shorter turns it had no troubles. It's also nice that it is compatible with the levers from the original f1 lt, so you can run a short lever of the f1 lt if you account for blowing through the first couple inches of flex to find your appropriate stance. The only concern was after a few uses in scrambly mission type rocky terrain that the sole is already crumbling and the boot looks a lot more worn than it should.
10/17/2023
Thiccc. You can't cheat mass.
10/17/2023
Tru, which is why I only use stuff like this like 5 percent of the time
10/17/2023
Dude I loved your youtube review on the F1. Recognized the "only effective for cankles" bit here haha. Thinking about selling my F1s and grabbing a pair of these for late next season
10/17/2023
As long as you have a real boot for most of the time doesn't sound like a bad idea!
10/18/2023
Yeah man daily driver is a Tour Pro. I also got a lot more heel hold out of the F1 LT with the patriot footbeds liner sleeve w/ the foam inserts in
Really stoked on the combination of these two boots--think I'll be even more stoked w/ the XT
Really stoked on the combination of these two boots--think I'll be even more stoked w/ the XT
12/27/2023
Hey Anthony O, sounds like you are not using the longer heel lever from your F1 XT; would you be willing to sell me the pair of longer levers from your XT's? I'm looking for replacement levers, but haven't been able to find the individual parts yet from Skimo or Scarpa (maybe the boot is too new in the US?). Anyways, if you're willing comment back and I'll see if SkimoCo can put us in touch. Thanks.
1/12/2024
Sorry dude I sold them to a buddy. Good luck.
Comment on this review:
9/28/2023
What's stiffer, this or the dalbello quantum 130?
9/28/2023
Hi Anthony,
Wearing them side by side, they have pretty different flex profiles. Both have a bit of take-up, and then the XT hits its wall quickly. The wall is fairly strong for a boot of this weight, but there isn't really much beyond it. The Dalbello has a smoother ramp-up into a fairly solid flex, but you sink a ways into it first. I think I would call the XT stiffer-feeling on the floor, but I also think the Dalbello would do a better job of smoothing out variable snow and might ski better for a heavier rider. Also worth noting that there is a lot more room in the cuff of the Dalbello than in the XT. I actually can't get it quite tight enough for my calves (which are skinny) whereas I have plenty of adjustment left in the XT. The fit of the lower shell is very similar.
Wearing them side by side, they have pretty different flex profiles. Both have a bit of take-up, and then the XT hits its wall quickly. The wall is fairly strong for a boot of this weight, but there isn't really much beyond it. The Dalbello has a smoother ramp-up into a fairly solid flex, but you sink a ways into it first. I think I would call the XT stiffer-feeling on the floor, but I also think the Dalbello would do a better job of smoothing out variable snow and might ski better for a heavier rider. Also worth noting that there is a lot more room in the cuff of the Dalbello than in the XT. I actually can't get it quite tight enough for my calves (which are skinny) whereas I have plenty of adjustment left in the XT. The fit of the lower shell is very similar.
9/28/2023
Thanks, doesn't seem like it's a huge upgrade then. I'm heavier but prefer outright immediate stiffness and responsiveness rather than suspension. And the f1's cuff is extremely narrow, I moved the buckles slot to the furthest out and still can barely fit. Impressive flex tho for the weight.
Answer this question:
9/11/2023
Can you help me understand the difference between the Scarpa F1 XT and F1 GT?
9/11/2023
Hi Jeff, the F1 XT and the F1 GT shells both share the same mould as the F1 LT, so all three have the same shell fit. The biggest difference is in the material and construction. Between the XT and the GT, the XT is stiffer with a carbon-reinforced cuff and a more powerful cam-lock booster strap whereas the GT has a velcro power strap. The flex of the XT is stated at 95 compared to the GT's 90. Trying them in-store, the XT is noticably stiffer although the difference is small.
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9/6/2023
How do you feel about driving a 1500g BC Camox with these? What about a 1750g 112mm waist Moment Deathwish Tour? Or a Salomon Echo 106?
9/6/2023
Hi Aaron, it really comes down to how you want to ski and in what conditions. The F1XT should have no issue driving those skis in soft snow, as long as you're willing to accept the limitations of a lightweight touring boot (softer flex, less progressive). If you're a heavier/more powerful skier, and/or you want to ski more aggressively in variable conditions, you might want to consider something beefier.
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