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Gear Review – Scarpa Maestrale RS

Yes, I know it’s a little late, but I was waiting for more snow before reviewing these boots. Finally, after receiving said snow, I decided to take them out for a spin during our Christmas storm and report back. The Scarpa Maestrale RS is the bootmaker’s latest edition to the do-it-all lightweight charger category. It benefits from a low profile shell with tech compatibility, an Intuition brand moldable liner, and a tour mode that promotes your natural stride.

Out of the box, I was immediately impressed by the weight of these boots and the flashy shell design. I was moderately impressed by the color scheme. Then they sat for a few weeks while we rode our mountain bikes into December.After finally logging a few days in them, I must say that I’m impressed. Their light weight design, coupled with the cuff’s range of motion in walk mode promotes comfort while touring. Lock them down, and they provide a reliable, progressive flex that can push the biggest of boards. Perfect for long ski tours through rugged and diverse terrain.

The hardware appears durable and easily repairable. One minor point of criticism is that Scarpa consistently chooses to omit the buckle “catches” that keep things tight while climbing with the boot loosened. Easily retrofittable, but this would be a welcome addition. I’m curious to see how I adjust to the shell’s tongue opening. It reminds me of the door on an expensive Italian sports car. Initially, it takes some effort to open up the cuff, as well as remove the liner. However, I believe that this design improves the forward flex of the boot, so I’m open to it.

If you’re an aggressive skier, looking for an energy efficient, high performance boot, this could be your winner. It would also help if you have low volume feet. Head over to your local boot fitter and give them a try.