2023 Scarpa 4 Quattro XT ski boot
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ต.ค. 2024
- After a total of 12 days in these boots this season, both work related and recreationally, here’s my take on the Scarpa 4 Quattro. This is a hybrid ski boot designed to perform equally well in a touring/backcountry skinning application as in alpine downhill environments. I participate in the latter so here’s my evaluation on its performance and fit from a resort/lift-serviced perspective. 🥃
Thank you for the review! Do you think it will fit a slightly wider - "brick-like" foot? Or is it just another boot for the super-slim-italian feet?
Hey John. I would not recommend these boots for wider feet. I think they do fit a tad wider than the previous Freedom Series boots from Scarpa but not to the point where I think they’d fit a majority of wide feet. This point is exactly why I’ve stayed with Scarpa, though: my feet run narrow and I generally have to either size down or look specifically for a narrower last in my boots, skiing or otherwise. The Scarpa last across the board, fits my feet well which is why it’s all I wear. I believe there are a number of other boot brands that would perform every bit as well as these do but would accommodate wider feet. On the other hand, if you’re really motivated to ski these, you could try swapping the factory liner for a low volume one from Zipfit or Intuition. It’s a gamble but maybe worth a try. 🥃
Great, helpful review. What are your thoughts about the differences in warmth between the Freedoms and the Quattros? It sounds like the Quattros might have “thinner” liners. Thanks.
Hey Jeff, very glad you found this helpful. I have found the 4 Quattro to be warmer than the previous Freedom RS. I’m not sure why that is, all the reviews on release seemed to point towards it being colder. Just to be clear about what I’m using: I use the factory Intuition liner size 27.5 inside a size 26.5/27 shell. Inside that is a custom footbed from my previous pair. For socks I’ve used Dissent wool, either the compression DL or IQ fit Lo pro, for years. The biggest thing for me in this boot affecting both fit and warmth is the room directly above my mid foot and a slightly wider toe box. This gives me better circulation (warmth) and relieves pressure at my 6th tow (fit). As always, if you have the opportunity to try them on you shouldn’t miss it. We’re always on a quest for the perfect ski boot and it can be a long and expensive pursuit. I wish you the best of luck and a CC that maintains a low balance. 🥃
How easy are these boots to slip into? How do they open?
These are a traditional overlap design ski boot with 4 buckles and a power strap. Using the factory Intuition liners, stepping into them presents nothing different than with other overlap ski boots. The liners are good and heat moldable; I suggest heating the inside of the liner before stepping in, then buckle them snugly and leave them on for a good half hour or so. They will continue to refine their fit to your foot over the next few days on skis. Regarding heating the liners, I filled an old ski sock with some dry rice and heated that in the microwave, then inserted the sock all the way down to the toe box. It is important not to heat things like grains too hot; there is still minute amounts of water in them that turns to steam and can burn holes through the sock. I'd imagine the same could potentially happen to the interior of the liner also so be careful and patient. I have swapped out the factory liners this season for Zipfit boot liners and the difference is night and day. Zipfits turn it into a completely different boot and it's been the best thing I've done for boot fit, ever. They are very expensive but since I work as a professional ski patroller, the investment paid for itself after the first 4 days in them. Keep in mind those 4 days equal 40+ hours in ski boots so whether or not it's cost effective to you must be considered honestly and with humility. If I only skied twice per year for a total of maybe 6 days, this probably wouldn't be worth it. Fit is King so if you're buying new boots, go into it with an open mind and without any bias.
Great review. I'm thinking about buying a pair of Quattros. My feet measure 262mm and I usually go with a 25,5. Do you think I need to go down in size even more? 25,0? Will try to find a shell size chart.
Man, I dunno. Fit is so subjective that I’d be stepping completely out of my lane to make a recommendation. What I know for certain is that I bought the first pair in the size I’ve worn for several years under the assumption that shell sizes were the same as the last pair of Scarpas I owned. That proved to be wrong and had I known that, would have bought the ones I’m skiing in, in the first place. The other side of that is that I’m using the size 27.5 liner from the first pair in the size 26.5/27.0 shell. So it’s likely that had I started with the smaller pair, I would have found them to be too tight and would need a professional boot fitter’s help (again). That may have meant an aftermarket liner which I may do anyway just for the education. The biggest indicators to me are space in the toe box around my “6th toe,” volume or compression across the top of my instep, and heel hold. If this 3 are at least marginal in comfort straight out of the box, then I can likely mold, form, or modify the liner for a perfect fit. Try them on first, if at all possible. 🥃