With the "Kilo" model, mountain sports equipment manufacturer La Sportiva has developed a super-light ski touring shoe, where the name says it all: Its low weight of 1000 grams per shoe is ideal for long tours, and its clever construction makes steep ascents and safe descents possible. We tested the high-end shoe in spring on a round trip to the Tüfelsjoch.
With a ski touring boot as light as the Kilo from La Sportiva, you can certainly consider covering the 600 meters of altitude from Urnerboden to the Fiseten Pass under your own steam. Given the snow conditions, however, we decide to take the train and enjoy the ascent/descent ratio of our planned tour: 1220 meters up, 1850 meters down.
Less weight, less effort
The first ascent from the Fiseten Pass via the Rund Loch to the Gämsfairenstock is, apart from a short steep section, on consistently moderate terrain. At these 900 meters of altitude, we realize for the first time what it means to have an ultra-light ski touring boot on our feet: with every step, we save a little energy - reserves that can be tapped into later, in more challenging terrain or in tricky passages.
Before we tackle the intermediate descent on the Claridenfirn, we want to take a closer look at the new features hidden in the ultra-light ski touring boot. Firstly, there is the shell closure system, which allows the boot to be fixed very precisely. Secondly, there is the Tilt-Lock-Lite system, which allows you to switch between ascent and descent mode in a matter of seconds.
Switching between ski and walk mode can be done in seconds, even with gloves
We benefit from these clever mechanisms in several ways on today's tour. After the first few turns to the Claridenfirn, we climb up towards the Tüfelsjoch. It doesn't take long until we reach the rocky spur equipped with metal brackets.
Since the Kilo sole, specially developed by La Sportiva, provides very good grip on snow, ice and rock, we climb without crampons in this exposed area. But we play it safe for the descent on the north side. This is done in no time, especially since the ski touring boot has a crampon holder for automatic crampons at the front and back.
Ski touring boot Kilo: Like a second skin
When we arrive at the Tüfelsjoch, we are happy to have mastered the last ascent of today's tour and reward ourselves with a hearty snack. The first interim conclusion about the high-end ski touring boot is entirely positive:
Handling is very easy and can be done very well even with gloves. What also surprised us in a positive way is the fact that the shoe does not constrict anywhere or have any pressure points, even without having been worn before.
The steep snowfield on the north side is the last obstacle that separates us from the inviting, wide slopes that lead down to the Klausen Pass road. After initial difficulties in finding the abseiling station in the deep snow, two abseiling maneuvers later we find ourselves back in more moderate terrain.
High stability despite minimal weight
The Kilo is quickly put back into downhill mode and clicked into the bindings. Unfortunately, the wind and sun have already been hard at work on the snow cover, so that the fantastic slopes are not quite as enjoyable to ski as we had hoped. With burning thighs but a grin on our faces, we cruise down the valley.
The Kilo does a great job. The Force closure system ensures that the ultra-light carbon shoe sits very snugly, especially in the shin area, thus providing a lot of stability and a safe riding feeling.
On the 1400 meters of altitude up to the Klausen Pass road, we experience snow conditions in all their variety. From powder on the top turns in the shade, to covered, to slushy and sticky with Sahara dust, there is everything today.
Unfortunately, skiing finally comes to an end a little earlier than expected due to the snow. So we tie up our skis, take off all our warm clothing and test the Kilo's walk mode again for the next few kilometers.
Ski touring boot Kilo: Our conclusion
With the ultra-lightweight Kilo ski touring boot, La Sportiva has developed a boot that demanding ski tourers will enjoy. The Kilo weighs a maximum of 1000 grams per boot, without compromising on safety and performance on the descent.
This is ensured, among other things, by the innovative shell closure system, thanks to which the shoe can be fixed very precisely. In all its compactness, the Kilo thus becomes an intuitive extension of the foot.
The ski touring boot lives up to the motto "higher, further, safer" with its simple yet effective ski/walk mode. The system is very easy to use and can be operated even with gloves and "on the run".
We also give the Kilo's extra-light sole, developed by La Sportiva, a big thumbs up. This provides very good grip on a wide variety of terrain and therefore gives a very safe feeling when walking or climbing.
ski touring boot Kilo at a glance
- Weight: 915g/shoe (women's model), 1000g/shoe (men's model)
- Sizes: 23 to 27.5 (women's model), 24 to 31.5 (men's model)
- Inner shoe: 170g/shoe (women's model), 200g/shoe (men's model)
- Compatibility: TECH – AT
- Inclination: Two inclinations 12° to 14°
- Load: 101
- Mobility: 70°
- Price: 845 CHF