The 2023 Scarpa Maestrale AT Ski Boots
Renowned for balancing uphill walkability and downhill ski performance, the Scarpa Maestrale ski boot is like the Toyota Tacoma of AT ski boots. It’s versatile, utilitarian and appeals to a wide range of skiers. You can find stiffer, burlier ski boots. In fact, too many people overlook the Maestrale in favor of the stiffer Maestrale RS model when the Maestrale itself is plenty of boot for most of us mere mortal skiers. It’ll drive a wide range of backcountry skis without wavering. Like the Tacoma, it’s evolved over the years, but its core personality remains constant. It’s a utilitarian alpine touring ski boot that’s comfortable in almost all terrain and conditions.
The boot’s iconic orange shell carries on a Scarpa ski boot tradition first set by the Scarpa Laser and later the Spirit Three. Given the Maestrale’s popularity, it would be easy for Scarpa to rest on its success. Instead, they continue to tweak, refine and update the Maestrale. The buckles, the tongue, the walk mode mechanism and even the materials have evolved with the times.
Throughout the boot’s evolution, Scarpa has held onto the core design principles that have made it one of the world’s best-selling AT ski boots — Its fit and hallmark balance of walkability and downhill performance.
What’s New for the Latest Scarpa Maestrale?
The 2023 Scarpa Maestrale continues the boot’s evolution with a focus on sustainable materials and refinements ranging from a new internal frame and cuff design to buckle and walk mode updates. While significant, the updates are less outwardly noticeable than they sound.
According to Scarpa, the Meastrale’s new 3D Lambda frame and Thor cuff use an I-beam-like design to reduce flex at critical stress points. The design transfers energy from the boot to the ski as efficiently as possible without compromising the boot’s forward flex or adding weight. The idea here is that a ski boot needs to flex forward — ideally with a nice progressive feel that lets you drive a ski while maintaining a dynamic range that modulates pressure on the ski. The Maestrale feels stiffer than its 110 flex rating might lead you to believe it would be. That said, it still offers a reasonably progressive flex that lets you modulate the power.
The Maestrale Uses Bio-Based Plastic
Say goodbye to full petroleum-based ski boots. The Maestrale shell and cuff feature plant-based Pebax Rnew — a bio-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) made from the oil of the castor plant. It offers a unique combination of sustained flexibility at low temperatures, high cold impact resistance and excellent energy return. Plant-based Pebax also happens to be lighter than traditional petroleum-based Pebax. According to Scarpa, Pebax Rnew requires 29 percent less fossil fuel and puts out 32 percent fewer emissions to create.
In addition, castor beans can be grown on arid land where other agriculture isn’t possible, so farming the materials doesn’t compete with food production. Plus, for every Maestrale boot that SCARPA sells, they donate $1 to Protect Our Winters (POW), a group that advocates for actions that combat climate change.
New Walk Mode Mechanism
Rest assured, the design characteristics that have made the Scarpa Maestrale so popular have not changed. The boot’s 101mm last, Intuition brand liner, moderately stiff 110 flex and 60-degree cuff range are all there in the 2022 model. One of the more noticeable changes this season is a new walk mode mechanism called Speed Lock XT. The mechanism is still external to the boot like other recent versions, but it operates a little differently. While the last version was mechanically simpler, the new mechanism is more straightforward to engage and disengage.
The Maestrale Versus the Maestrale RS
Maestrale or Maestrale RS? It’s a logical question. And one where I think many people make the wrong choice. The Maestrale RS and the Maestrale share the same design, fit and overall functionality. What sets them apart is flex. The RS is stiffer thanks to a carbon-infused cuff.
Is stiffer better? Not necessarily. The added stiffness in the Maestrale RS may help drive a bigger ski or ski more aggressively, but in my opinion, it’s unnecessary for most backcountry skis and, more importantly, backcountry skiers. The regular Maestrale’s more progressive flex is more versatile and virtually as capable as the RS, which means a broader range of skiers can ski it. The RS requires aggressive input and responds best to larger skiers—say 175 lb+.
If you want a dedicated backcountry boot for general backcountry skiing—we’re talking powder snow, variable backcountry conditions and a wide range of terrain, the regular Maestrale is the one, regardless of your weight.
If you want one boot to drive a ski at the resort and tour, or you spend your backcountry days in pursuit of aggressive big mountain lines, consider the RS. But if you prefer a smooth, progressive flexing feel to your boots and ski terrain like most of us, the regular Maestrale can do it all, even with a wide range of ski widths and skiing styles. Skiing a boot that’s too stiff to flex appropriately will put you in the back seat, be hard on your feet and shins on the uptrack and leave you wondering why you keep getting tossed around.
Proven Maestrale Ski Boot Feel
The new Maestrale fits and feels like its predecessor. The new materials and tech changes are upgrades, but the boot’s performance is similar. The 60-degree cuff range rivals competitor boots on the market. Its weight is also very competitive. And the new materials maintain a nice progressive flex. Forward lean can be set in one of three positions — 14, 16 or 18 degrees. The Maestrale also retains the signature instep buckle and the forefoot “Wave” buckle.
Another detail that tips the scale toward the Maestrale compared to similar ski boots is the Intution liner. Intuition sets the standard to which all heat-moldable liners are measured (at least in my opinion). It’s warm, comfortable and durable.
What’s Not to like?
There’s not much about the Maestrale to criticize. Of course, every boot brand fits a little differently. I would characterize the Maestrale fit as relatively narrow (101mm last), so skiers with wide feet or a high instep may find another boot more comfortable.
My only honest criticism is related to getting into the boot. The Maestrale has a hybrid tongue design that combines an easy flexing upper section with a more alpine-style wrap design across the instep. The design means the lower tongue (and boot) do not really “open” up like a traditional touring shell. The design likely helps the boot transfer power when skiing, but it also makes sliding into the boot more challenging, especially for skiers with a high instep.
Regardless, the Scarpa Maestrale is a versatile boot that can drive a wide range of skis and handle terrain of all types. It’s a solid choice for tours long or short and steep or deep.
SCARPA Maestrale – $748
(On Sale as last year’s stock for $380!)
Weight: 1440 grams/boot, size 26
Last: 101mm
Flex: 110
Forward lean: 16° (adjustable +/- 2°)
Cuff Range of motion: 60°
Check prices and availability of the Scarpa Maestrale Ski Boot
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