REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Balanced
Neutral fit
One-move transitions
REASONS TO AVOID
Mediocre downhill performance for weight
Minimalist warmth
Dynafit TLT X Review
A lightweight, all-around backcountry ski boot with a function that enables fast and smooth transitions
The front angle of the TLT X boots. Dynafit once tried a lower profile toe on their TLT boots. Thankfully, that "innovation" is now behind us.
Credit: Jediah Porter
RELATED: Best Backcountry Ski Boots of 2024
Our Verdict
The Dynafit TLT X is the latest flagship model in a long line of uphill-oriented ski boots. Dynafit has pushed innovation with the TLT brand of boots in a way that other companies are only now closely competing with. The TLT X features a familiar configuration, neutral fit, and acceptable downhill performance generic of lightweight touring boots. But the mechanism that allows for one-move transitions between ski and walk mode makes them stand out even amongst modern competition. No other similar boots – similar in weight and competitive in downhill performance – offer one-move transitions. Other boots may ski slightly better, but the ease of transitions might tip the balance back in favor of the TLT X.
Editor's Note: We added the Dynafit TLT X to our lineup on December 15, 2023.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Dynafit TLT X | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Top Pick for Fast and Light Missions |  Best Lightweight Backcountry Ski Boot | Best All-Around Backcountry Ski Boot |  Best Bang for the Buck | |
| Price | $499.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $948.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $899.95 at REI Compare at 4 sellers | $948.95 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $699 List $699.00 at Backcountry |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | The best boots we know of that weigh around one kilogram and enable a one-move transition between tour and ski mode | For all-around skiing with a light and fast preference, this is a great choice | This is an excellent ski boot that quietly entered the market and crushes the competition | Well-balanced AT ski boot performance at a reasonable price point and with a fit that favors comfort and accommodates average to high volume feet | This is a contender for our highest award. It is slightly edged out in the scoring, but should definitely be on the short list with the flagship boots from the other more prominent manufacturers |
| Rating Categories | Dynafit TLT X | Scarpa F1 LT | Tecnica Zero G Tour... | Scarpa Maestrale RS | La Sportiva Vega |
| Downhill Performance (35%) | |||||
| Uphill Performance (20%) | |||||
| Weight (20%) | |||||
| Comfort and Fit (10%) | |||||
| Warmth (10%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (5%) | |||||
| Specs | Dynafit TLT X | Scarpa F1 LT | Tecnica Zero G Tour... | Scarpa Maestrale RS | La Sportiva Vega |
| Weight per Pair (Size 26.5) | 4 lbs 11 oz | 4 lbs 7 oz | 5 lbs 13 oz | 6 lbs 5 oz | 6 lbs 8 oz |
| Weight of One Boot Shell | 0867 g | 0809 g | 1119 g | 1180 g | 1220 g |
| Weight of One Stock Liner, No Footbed | 190 g | 214 g | 204 g | 252 g | 253 g |
| Weight of One Complete Boot, No Insole | 1057 g | 1023 g | 1323 g | 1432 g | 1473 g |
| Range of Motion (degrees) | 65° | 72° | 55° | 60° | 60° |
| Binding Compatibility? | Tech only | Tech only | Tech and DIN AT | Tech and DIN AT | Tech and DIN AT |
| Stated Flex Index | Not reported | 95 | 130 | 125 | 115 |
| Manufacturer Stated Last Width | 101 mm | 102 mm | 99 mm | 101 mm | 102.5mm |
| Liner Design | Tongue | Tongue | Wrap | Tongue | Tongue |
| Shell material | Grilamid | Grilamid, Carbon core | Grilamid | Carbon Grilamid | Grilamid |
Show full specification details ▼Hide full specification details ▲
Our Analysis and Test Results
We have long loved the Dynafit TLT series of boots. In many ways, Dynafit invented the “speed touring” boot category 15 years ago with the TLT 5. One of our testers remembers the TLT 6 as his favorite touring ski boot ever. Even if memory is fraught and nostalgia is unreliable, the TLT X reminds us of those early models, in a good way. The form is simple and familiar, and the fit is neutral and balanced. There are also no other boots in its weight class that feature a “one move” up-down transition level – others may ski better, but they require a more complicated transition. This is the boot we recommend for all-around, weight-conscious, complex ski touring.
Performance Comparison
The TLT X is a well-balanced, lightweight touring and ski mountaineering boot with unique, one-move function to transition between walk and ski mode.
Credit: Jediah Porter
Downhill Performance
The TLT X skis downhill just like we expect a “one-kilogram” boot to ski. There are a few options out there that ski slightly within reasonable parameters of this weight range, but this boot is not far off that mark and excels in other ways, too.
The most telling test of the downhill mode of the Dynafit TLT X was a multi-day traverse of the entirety of the Sierra Nevada. Like many, we went to California after their historic 2023 ski season, but we experienced very little of the smooth “hero corn” that California is often known for. Even as the texture softened during some days, it remained very rough and very bumpy. We carried big packs and skied difficult, serious terrain. Thankfully, the stiffness and responsiveness of the TLT X are what got us through our mission.
Boots, skis, and 35 pounds of the lightest ski mountaineering equipment poised for a traverse deep into the snow-covered wilderness.
Credit: Jediah Porter
Uphill Performance
In terms of cuff friction and range of motion, the Dynafit TLT X is in the mix with all but dedicated skimo race boots. The touring mode cuff range of motion, as tested in our repeatable, quantified fashion, is more than your ankles are capable of.
The resistance is very low within that range of motion, likely because there is no “ski mode” metal bar to add friction. After a brief break-in period, the rivets also hinge freely. The liner is soft and thin. The combination of these factors allows for easy maneuverability, whether touring, climbing in crampons, walking, or scrambling.
The approximate range of motion of the TLT X. Others might have more, but your ankles can't use more.
Credit: Jediah Porter
Weight
We can look at the weight of the Dynafit TLT X in a variety of ways. But no matter how we slice it, this boot is lightweight and competitive with anything in the 1-kilogram range that skis downhill with the same level of performance. Availability has been steadily increasing for boot models with a single boot weighing within 100 grams or so of 1 kilogram. The downhill performance standard in that weight category has also been steadily increasing as new designs continue to drive innovation.
Straight out of the box – including the boot, liner, power strap, and no insole – one of our size-26.5 TLT X boots weighs 1057 grams. Strip the power strap (as we often do with lightweight boots), and you save about 50 grams. Of that mass, 190 grams are in the liner. You won't save any real weight by changing the liner of the TLT X; 190 grams is close enough to the bare minimum of a thin boot liner weight.
The toe and heel of hte TLT X. These take regular crampons and work in all modern “tech” touring bindings. This is all you need from the sole of your boots.
Credit: Jediah Porter
Comfort and Fit
Our test team unanimously labeled the Dynafit TLT X as a “neutral” fit that should accommodate most foot shapes. It isn't extra wide (as recent TLT predecessors were), nor is it extra narrow (as the TLT 5 was). The toe box is roomy enough to wiggle your toes in, but not so roomy that your forefoot floats around. The heel cup holds well without digging in any particular spot.
The thin liner, flexy downhill performance, and light shell materials necessitate a close fit. While this advice is really the same for all lightweight “1-kilo” ski boots – heck, all ski boots – we recommend that you pay close attention as you fit your TLT X boots to ensure that they are, in fact, a good fit for your foot. But their accessible, neutral shape means that the TLT X is likely a good starting point on your search for lightweight ski boots.
The main upper cuff lever actuates the cuff lock and cinches around your ankle. We wish more boots had something like this “one-move” transition feature.
Credit: Jediah Porter
Warmth
No lightweight ski boots are especially warm. The same minimalist approach to materials that yields the free-wheeling uphill experience yields a minimal amount of insulation. The Dynafit TLT X feels comparable, if maybe slightly warmer, than other, similar 1-kilo ski boots.
Step up a couple hundred grams, and you will find thicker boots that are noticeably warmer and offer noticeably better downhill performance. But as with most things in the realm of backcountry ski gear, the trade-off will be a significant drop in uphill efficiency.
The “knob-and-cable” style of closure (coming in different brand names) is controversial in some circles. We don't have strong feelings on it. It works well and we haven't had huge problems, but we also see the potential for failure.
Credit: Jediah Porter
Ease of Use
This is why the Dynafit TLT X wins an award. Dynafit's lightweight cuff lock lever solution is the best in the business. That one lever locks the cuff and cinches around your ankle. While there are other, similar solutions out there, they are mostly fading in popularity, which is a bit strange to us. It isn't that hard to accomplish, as evidenced by decades of this technology in the TLT family. Not to mention, of course, the entire skimo race category of boots. We love it when our lightweight boots have a “one-move” ski-walk mode lever – we wish this technology existed on all ski boots.
But not everyone likes the knob-and-cable style of forefoot closure on the TLT X. Other ski companies that experimented earlier with the crank-style closures have since gone back to more traditional buckles on the lower portion of their lightweight ski boots. In our extensive experience with the two most popular closure modes, we've derived very few strong feelings on the matter. Both tighten a ski boot, and both are vulnerable to failure. The biggest difference we consider is that the cable and knob styles are more difficult to repair in the field. But in the case of catastrophic gear failure, there's always the ubiquitous fix of slapping a ski strap on it.
Testing the TLT X boots in California's historic 2023 season. Here, on dry pavement 14 miles still from the nearest open road. We had tennis shoes to walk the dry pavement. Even the best walking ski boots shouldn't be asked to walk that far.
Credit: Jediah Porter
Should You Buy the Dynafit TLT X?
Yes, and we give the TLT X an award for a reason. Many skiers do a lot of skiing in terrain, conditions, and circumstances that are perfect for a 1-kilo boot. And many modern backcountry skiers, for one reason or another, have come to appreciate the easy transition that a “one-move” ski-walk mode facilitates. If you want lightweight touring boots that ski well and are even easier to transition, this is the best option on the market.
What Other Backcountry Ski Boots Should You Consider?
The Dalbello Quantum offers a one-move tour mode change, but doesn't ski nearly as well as the TLT X. The Salomon S/Lab MTN Summit, and Tecnica Zero G Peak Carbon weigh the same, tour the same, but ski downhill better. But these boots also don't offer the ease of the one-move transition. As we've mentioned time and again, there's always a tradeoff in the world of backcountry skiing.
—
Jediah Porter
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