Sometimes the worst part of ski boots is having to put them on. You can work with the boot for hours, punching, grinding, molding, etc., but there’s not much you can do about the pain you suffer when actually putting them on. So Rossignol‘s new VIZION technologies set out to fix that, claiming to create a slipper-like entry and exit without compromising the four-buckle overlap ski boot experience.
The new VIZION ski boots work by combining three patent-pending technologies to create a hands-free slipper-like entry and exit. The first, and possibly most noticable, technology integrated into the boot comes from the DOUBLE BUCKLE on the lower cuff. With the DOUBLE BUCKLE unlocked, the spoiler is released and entry/exit is smooth and easy. With the DOUBLE BUCKLE locked, the boot straps you in for supposed real alpine power and performance.
The second point of technology integrated into the boot comes from the STEEL SPINE link mechanism. When locked (with the DOUBLE BUCKLE), a direct connection between the cuff and lower shell is created, holding the boot into an alpine ski position. When unlocked (again, with the DOUBLE BUCKLE) the STEEL SPINE releases and allows the boot to open wide for easy entry and exit.
The last patent-pending technology is found on the STEP-IN LINER. While mostly constructed similarly to a traditional liner, the VIZION liner features multiple elastic areas that allows it to follow the unlocked cuff. It fits like a traditional Rossignol four-buckle boot liner and can be fully customized, but, like the other technology, it allows for easier entry and exit when the boot is unlocked.
The Rossignol VIZION line features eight models, three women’s models and five men’s models. They start at $549.95 with the Men’s On Piste Ski Boots VIZION 4B 100 HV GW and the Women’s On Piste Ski Boots VIZION 4B PRO 80 GW and go up to $849.95 with the Men’s On Piste Ski Boots VIZION 4B ELITE 130 LV GW. For the men’s boots there are 100, 120, and 130 flex options. For the women’s boots there are 80, 90, and 100 flex options. As always, though this technology seems very cool, the fit of the boot should come first, so make sure to visit your local boot fitter if you’re in the market for a new pair.
The VIZION technology doesn’t seem all that different than some of the most well-integrated ski/walk levers in touring boots, it’s just focused on entry/exit more than walking. I have personally not put my foot in these boots yet, so I can’t say much about my own opinion, but if the technology doesn’t interfere with the downhill performance of the boot, I hope it catches on. Having a slipper like entry/exit with a overlap four-buckle boot would be a game changer.
