Lange XT3 Free 115 LV W GW Review

The Lange XT3 Free doesn't skimp on downhill performance, but the fun doesn't have to stop at the resort boundary, thanks to an efficient walk mode and tech inserts that make it compatible with touring bindings. This is a relatively stiff (115 flex) hybrid boot with a narrow, 97-mm last for a performance fit. While the low-volume (LV) fit I tested is tailored more toward expert skiers than beginners, there's an option for a medium-volume (MV), 100-mm last. It's available in 85, 95, and the 115 flex rating we tested, giving you more options to find the stiffness to suit your size and ability.

Performance

It's rare for a hybrid boot to charge as hard as the Lange XT3 Free. It skied nearly as well as the true alpine boots I tested, while the walk mode and tech inserts make this boot more versatile for hike-to terrain within the resort or light ski touring. Before you think you can have it all, it's important to note that hybrid boots inherently sacrifice some performance on both the uphill and downhill. That said, the XT3 Free strikes an excellent balance between dedicated alpine and backcountry-specific ski boots.

After a climb, the Active Power V-Lock 3.0 system locks the cuff solidly into ski mode, providing torsional rigidity on par with an alpine boot. Lange's “Dual Core Light” construction uses two different types of plastic in strategic zones of the shell to enhance rebound, flexion, and power transfer. This boot felt energetic and stiff, but it didn't punish my shins like some other boots with high flex ratings. The flex is slightly less progressive than other alpine boots I tested – the tradeoff of adding a walk mechanism – but this can be improved by adding an aftermarket power strap with more rebound, like the Booster Strap. That said, ex-racers or ultra-aggressive skiers who don't want to sacrifice any downhill performance will likely prefer the rigidity and power transfer of a full plastic shell.

While it excels on the downhill, the XT3 Free doesn't slack off on the ascent, either. With a 53-degree range of motion in walk mode, it was easy to stride naturally on the skin track or bootpack. I've skied in the XT3 Free for years, and the touring mode on the updated version is notably improved from previous iterations of this boot. Even though it's far easier to walk in than traditional alpine boots, I still needed to unbuckle all of the upper buckles to access the full range of motion.

Comfort & Fit

The low-volume (LV) version of the XT3 Free lives up to its name – the 97 mm last was the narrowest width of any boot I tested. I specifically ordered the XT3 Free 115 LV because I wanted a super snug, true performance fit. However, I experienced a significant pinch point around the arch of my foot that required some professional boot fitting to fix. If you have a particularly petite foot, the LV may be the right fit. But if you have typically worn ski boots with a last around 100 mm, I suggest trying out the medium-volume (MV) version first.

Lange's Dual 3D Full liner is pre-shaped around the ankle, heel, and tongue, and built from high-density Ultralon foam. The liner hugged my foot with a firm, secure hold that minimized heel lift and maximized power transfer. However, it felt a bit less cushy than some of the liners in other high-performance boots I tested. The shell and liner are both fully heat moldable, which gives you the opportunity for a fully custom fit. Skiers with low-volume feet will appreciate the anatomical fit right out of the box, while skiers with wider feet or foot issues might benefit from heat molding the XT3 Free right away.

The cuff is lower and slightly flared to accommodate a variety of calf shapes. I greatly appreciated the generous room around my calves, especially compared to so many other boots over the years that have squeezed my calves. This women-specific design definitely made these boots more comfortable to wear on longer tours and up steep bootpacks. The plastic over the instep is slightly softer, which is intended to improve walking comfort by reducing pressure over the top of your foot. It's also supposed to make the XT3 Free easier to get into and out of, though we needed to rely on the robust pull cords to shove our feet into these boots, especially on cold mornings.

Features

The XT3 Free is packed with thoughtful design features that nicely balance touring functionality and downhill power. As a hybrid boot designed to go uphill, they inherently have more features than other alpine-specific boots I tested.

The locking mechanism is easy to transition between ski and walk mode, although I found that it can pop out occasionally if you don't double-check that it's fully engaged. The Friction-Free walk-mode hinge actually reduced resistance, which made striding uphill easier and more efficient. The Dynafit-certified tech inserts are fully compatible with touring bindings, and I particularly liked pairing these boots with a hybrid binding like the Salomon Shift2. Lange's “Performance Boot Board”, made from polypropylene, provides effective insulation underfoot while maintaining a responsive feel for better feedback. Finally, GripWalk pads add just enough grip to scramble up rocks or confidently walk across an icy parking lot.

Warmth

While the XT3 Free was warm enough for most days on the mountain, when the thermometer dropped below 0°F, I needed to regularly take breaks to warm up my toes – or grit my teeth as I attempted to thaw them out on the chairlift. This is somewhat to be expected from a performance-fit boot with a narrow last. The snug fit restricts circulation, so you're not generating as much body heat in your feet, and the thinner boot shell doesn't afford the best insulation.

However, the previously mentioned “Performance Boot Board” adds a layer of extra high-density foam between your foot and the snow or cold, metal bindings. This added insulation seemed to help a bit on extra-cold days or whenever we wore boot crampons.

Should You Buy the Lange XT3 Free 115?

If you're looking for a performance ski boot that can charge in the resort while still affording you the opportunity to occasionally tour in the backcountry, the buck stops with the XT3 Free 115. If you spend a lot of time hiking around the resort — for ski instructing, ski patrolling, or just enjoying aprés — the ability to flip into walk mode makes walking around that much more comfortable. It's worth noting that these boots are quite expensive, but as a versatile investment, they may just help you unlock a lot of fun for years to come.

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