Lange XT3 Tour Pro Boots

Based on Lange’s XT3 130 Boots (which weigh in at 3580g / 7.9lbs for the size 26.5) the new XT3 Tour Pro’s are approximately 540 grams lighter thanks to the Grilamid lower and Lyftran Polypropylene cuff. This is what Lange calls their Dual Core Light Shell which is a lightweight version of Lange's innovative Dual Core technology. To achieve this Lange double injects a hard and soft blend of plastics into the shell construction which provides a responsive and progressive flex. Grilamid is lighter than polyurethane and performs better in soft snow conditions by allowing you to effectively drive the boots as they flex. The boot’s potential energy is actively compressed and then expands to provide more power and rebound for the skier.

The key to the XT3 Tour Pro’s 51°of cuff rotation is the boot's Active Power V-Lock 3.0 ski/walk mechanism. This is a new patented multi-performance free touring technology that delivers an 11° increase in the forward range of motion while in walk mode. This allows you to make longer more efficient strides on the skin track which means less effort and ultimately less fatigue. Switch over to ski mode and the internal mechanism locks down for a rock-solid connection that provides all the security, power, precision, and control you are used to from an alpine boot.

The upper cuff and the lower shell of the XT3 Tour Pro boots are connected by Lange's Friction-Free Hinge which provides a smooth and efficient 51°range of motion while in walk mode. This Friction-Free Hinge ensures a fluid, natural movement while skinning which means less effort is required so you can therefore go farther.

One way several boot manufacturers reduce overall weight is to skimp on the liner's thickness which results in less overall comfort and warmth. While the XT3 Tour Pro liners are a lightweight touring liner made from mouldable EVA foam and lighter than those found in the XT3 Boots, Lange didn’t sacrifice any comfort in the name of weight savings. In fact, Lange has incorporated a single-piece toe box construction in the XT# Tour Pro Liners for added warmth and comfort where you need it most. 

On the underside of the XT3 Tour Pro boots, you’ll find a full-length Vibram touring sole that works with any 9523-compatible touring bindings, such as WTR (Walk To Ride) and MNC (MultiNorm Compatible) frame bindings as well as any tech bindings. This provides several options for skiers with multiple ski setups that include frame and tech touring bindings.

The XT3 Boot family is a large one and includes the XT3 Tour Pro (obviously) as well as the XT3 Tour Sport, XT3 Tour, XT3 140 Pro, XT3 130, XT3 120, XT3 110 and XT3 100 as well as select models for women and even a junior XT3 80 option.

• Grilamid lower, Lyftran Polypropylene cuff
• VA Lightweight Touring Liner

• Dual Density Vibram ISO 9523 Touring soles
• 4 Ultra Light Touring Buckles
• 50 mm Cam-Lock Strap
• Active Power V-Lock 3.0 ski/walk mechanism
• Gripwalk and Alpine Sole Compatible
• Dynafit Certified Tech Inserts
• 99mm last width for a solid mid to low-volume fit.
• Rockered Performance Touring Boot board allows for a natural stride, maximizing comfort and efficiency on the skin track.
• Fully thermo-moldable EVA Lightweight Touring Liner with Power Strap.

Touring boots can be classified in two categories. First, there are the dedicated touring boots (with the emphasis on touring) that excel at climbing but tend to sacrifice some performance in the name of weight savings and typically tip the scales at 2-2.5kg. Think Dalbello Quantum Free 110 or Scarpa F1 LT Boots. Then there are the more alpine-focused touring boots that typically use overlap construction and have evolved over time from a heavier alpine boot with a walk mode into a lighter touring boot with a walk mode. Salomon followed this very path with their Quest series of boots as did Tecnica with their Zero G boots. Each year their respective boots were refined and got lighter until they became true alpine touring boots that now appeal to the masses. Lange is on this very same trajectory with the XT3 Tour Pros since they are their second iteration. They’ve made great strides and reduced the boot's overall weight by a respectable 15% from the previous XT3 130s.

Given the XT3 Tour Pros lineage, it is no surprise that they can effectively drive larger fat skis but I was surprised by their ample and balanced cuff rotation. The Active Power V-Lock 3.0 ski/walk mechanism like the rest of the boot is simple in nature and just works.

The key to the XT3 Tour Pro's performance was thanks in part to their aggressive forward stance, especially when compared to the more upright stance that you would experience with most touring boots.

The XT3 Tour Pro boots were very comfortable—once I was able to get them on. All overlap construction boots are difficult to put on but the payoff is when you actually get your foot into the boots as they feel as though they were sculpted specifically for you. The real trick is to get the XT3 Tour Pro Boots on without the liner crumpling down around the heel.  This is where the liner is thinnest to provide some flex in walk mode and as it hits the rear of the shell it causes the liner to give way. Be sure to make good use of the liner loops at the top cuff to pull the boot on effectively.

The boot’s low volume and narrow 99mm last provides a very snug fit. As with all narrower boots, I had to get them heat moulded with a toe cap on in order to accommodate the smallest of my five toes. This snug fit, however, is also part of the reason how the XT3 Tour Pro Boots are able to drive bigger skis with more precise control—so it's a win/win.

When skiing bumps and more technical terrain I did question the 130 flex rating. Since the flex is quite progressive in nature they felt closer to a 120 flex when compared to the other 130 boots I’ve reviewed. Flex ratings are quite subjective and set by the manufacturer so there is no real way to tell what this actual number should be. I was glad that the boots had as much give as they did and didn’t bottom out when I pushed them to perform, I’m not a fan of shin bang after a day of hard skiing so overall I was happy with their progressive flex and stiffness. 

The XT3 Tour Pros fall right in the middle of their competitors as far as price and weight. I’d place them among the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 Boots, Nordica Strider Pro 130 Dyn Boots, Fischer Ranger Free 130 Walk DYN Boots, Full Tilt Ascendant AT Boots, and the new Tecnica Cochise 130 DYN GW Boots. I classify each of these boots as belonging to the 50/50 hybrid category, meaning they can serve as a one boot quiver if you want to ski the resort with confidence and also get out for the occasional slackcountry tour—just be sure that you aren’t looking to break any vert records or complete multi-day traverses.

The XT3 Tour Pros are a simple, solid boot design without any bells and whistles to complicate things and potential break. These are workhorse boots that are versatile enough for those skiers looking for one boot to do it all.