The most popular boots in America since their introduction two years ago, the 2017 X Pro models don’t tamper with the formula that made them so successful. They still start with a medium (100mm) shell that can be expanded up to 6mm in any direction, fitting all but the most problematic feet in a matter of minutes. The beauty of Salomon’s molding method is that while the entire shell is heated, expansion can be limited to precisely target any protruding bone without corrupting the fit elsewhere.
So what changed? The material that forms the base and spine of the Twinframe2 shell went from polyurethane (PU) to polyamide (PA), a switcheroo that makes the new boots lighter and more responsive. Polyamide also is less affected by temperature changes and has superior insulation properties to PU.
In the 5-model X Pro family, only the X Pro 80 ($299.99 at most retail outlets) lacks the shell-molding feature, but as is the case with most boots sold today, the liner has some custom-molding properties of its own.