Take the Krypton 3-piece shell design, puff it out a bit until it’s 100mm across the forefoot, add a forefoot buckle that serves as a set-it-and-forget-it width adjustment and most importantly these days, add a hike mode to the rear spine, and you have the essence of the four-model Panterra family. (The Panterra 90 lacks the MyFit shell and its stock liner, like the 100’s, is only partially moldable.) Because the dynamic flex behavior of a Dalbello cabrio shell works differently from that of a classic 2-piece overlap, the insertion of a locking mechanism on the spine has minimal effect on the skiing properties of the boot.
That said, the Panterras are more generous-fit all-mountain boots than dedicated hiking shoes. Their PU shells, while heat moldable in all but the 90, aren’t made of pixie dust, and the sturdy fittings aren’t pared to skeletal dimensions. The built-in ramp angle inclinator is a useful stance modifier for the in-bounds skier but seems like extra baggage for an all-day uphill experience. All in, the Panterra is best bought for its comfort, performance and value; the hike mode is a bonus you may not use beyond the base area.