2027 Salomon Shift Alpha BOA 115 Women's Ski Boots

Strong women skiers who split time between resort and backcountry will find a serious tool in the Salomon Shift Alpha BOA 115 W. A 98mm performance last keeps the foot locked in, the 115 flex delivers real downhill response, and Salomon's Freespine cuff design adds the kind of direct power transmission that closes the gap between hybrid boots and pure alpine. Two hiking hooks and a true walk mode handle the climb, while low-tech inserts at toe and heel make the boot pin-binding compatible.

Why we like it:

The 50mm Energyzer Claw power strap is a serious touch on a women's hybrid boot; this is the same top-end drive hardware as the brand's race line, and it gives the boot a clearly resort-first character even with the walk mode.

Who it's for:

Strong advanced and expert women skiers with narrower-than-average feet looking for one boot that can do everything: hard inbounds days, sidecountry laps, and the occasional longer tour. The 115 flex is firmly performance-territory and demands active skiing, so this isn't a boot for skiers building strength. The 98mm last fits narrower foot shapes; medium- and high-volume feet should look at the Shift Supra W line.

Highlights:

Built on a polyurethane shell with a polyolefin and cross-linked polyethylene cuff, the Shift Alpha BOA 115 W flexes more compliantly in walk mode while still delivering serious alpine power on the way down. The Twin Lock walk mechanism shifts cleanly between ski and tour, and the Freespine fiberglass cuff insert adds direct alpine rebound. Inside, the heat-moldable CF Freeride 4D Race liner with Sensitive² Footbed has a women's-specific cuff and lace loops for added customization. A 50mm screwed Claw power strap finishes the top for race-level top-end drive, with closure handled by two screwed aluminum buckles, a cuff BOA Fit System dial, and two hiking hooks. GripWalk soles (ISO 5355) come premounted, with low-tech inserts at toe and heel for pin-binding compatibility.

Things to consider:

This is downhill-biased; long uphill days call for a dedicated touring boot like the MTN Summit. The 115 flex is genuinely stiff and demands strong technique. Wider feet won't be at home in this 98mm last without significant bootfitting work.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Last width runs 98mm, low-volume territory. Stick with your usual mondopoint size. With a hybrid boot at this flex, working with an experienced bootfitter is well worth the investment; the cross-linked polyethylene cuff has unique heat-molding characteristics that a good fitter will know how to work with.