2017 Brand Profile
For the past few seasons, Rossignol has exerted mighty efforts to revamp their boot universe. Acknowledging that even God took a rest, we do not judge but merely observe. As we do not archive our boot commentaries, we are reposting our 2016 brand profile in its entirety.
Rossignol hit a home run when they launched the Alltrack line of hike mode (HM) boots 3 seasons ago. In 2016 it essentially re-built the entire collection around the foundation laid by Alltrack, creating a parallel universe of classic overlap shells (i.e., no hike mode) dubbed Allspeed. Within its middle-of-the-bell-curve realm, Allspeed has all the bases covered: every flex from 80 to 130; narrow-, medium- and wide- lasted iterations and a choice of men’s and women’s models. The returning Alias Sensor and Kiara (women’s) models fill in the need for an ultra-wide chassis.
The standard-bearer for the new Allspeed collection is the narrow-lasted (98mm) Elite 130. Its signature technical feature is a trim, anatomical spine called Sensor Blade that serves as the boot’s power source. Sculpted cutouts reduce weight and reinforce the lean but muscular structure. The rear screws that connect the cuff to the shell can be rearranged or removed to alter the forward flex.
The keys to comfort are held by the inner boot, a Custom Liner pre-molded to retain the heel and ankle securely. Thinsulate™ insulation keeps feet warm and dry without adding bulk, so the liner can be close fitting for more sensitive steering. An Easy Entry Insert over the instep makes this area of the shell more pliable so feet can slide in and out without being pinched in the process.
All the Allspeed models can be retrofitted with Walk to Ride (WTR) soles that substitute a grippier tread pattern for the standard DIN sole. This modification probably makes more sense to apply to an Alltrack Pro model as the Alltrack is bedecked with a hike mode, but there’s certainly no harm in swapping the soles on an Allspeed if you want better traction when on foot.
Rossi has gone all-in with the Allspeed line, with 17 adult models spread across three lasts (Allspeed Elite/Pure for narrow feet, Allspeed Pro for medium and Allspeed for wide) parceled between men and women. A clean, classic collection, the Allspeed models will be the backbone of Rossi’s boot offering for years to come.