Dalbello Men's PANTERRA 120 GW MS Ski Boots

Product Information

Dalbello released an updated version of the Panterra 130. There are upgrades to ergonomics with the intent of increasing comfort and performance, including a new tongue designed to fit better into the shell and make getting in and out of the boots easier. The liners have also been redesigned for a more comfortable fit. We've yet to test the latest model, but we are now linking to it in this review. Above, the model we tested is shown left, followed by the revised boot, right. Editorial Director Sean McCoy testing ski boots at Crested Butte Mountain Resort; (photo/Jason Hummel) Ski Boot Flex In addition to our team’s experience, we also considered the most popular, innovative, award-winning, and bestselling ski boots on the market as well as a broad range of price points and a variety of features and applications. Senior Editor Morgan Tilton testing ski boots at Crested Butte Mountain Resort; (photo/Jason Hummel) Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Ski Boots Three stories dominated the headlines leading into the 2019/20 season: a new Panterra series, the near universal adoption of GripWalk soles and the debut of Lupo Air. The new Panterras didn’t look anything like the prior generation, despite sharing the same wide last and 3-piece shell structure. The 2020 Panterras were slimmer, sleeker and much lighter, but retained a 50-degree range of motion when in hike mode. In 2022, the Panterra series received a new, “instant fit” liner and a new tongue. All Panterras come with GripWalk soles, as do 90% of Dalbello’s collection, including many kids’ models.

Advanced and expert skiers should buy boots with flex from 110 to 130. These designs provide the highest level of response and hold their own through speed. The price tag is higher in this category because these boots usually have a more technical build. A handful of manufacturers make ski boots that are women’s-specific. Compared to a unisex or men’s ski boot, women’s lineups typically have a lower flex rating set, so the boot options are softer. The models usually feature a smaller size or mono range compared to the men’s models. Some ski boot liners are insulated with PrimaLoft for additional warmth; (photo/Jason Hummel) Average

Hands-On Review

Don’t think you’re just being upsold if the ski tech recommends custom insoles. Weis said skiers with a soft or collapsed arch will especially benefit from aftermarket or custom insoles. By supporting the arch, an insole keeps your foot from over-splaying inside your boot. Credit: Mike Phillips The Intuition liner found in the Dalbello Panterra ID 120 is easily customized by a boot fitter with heat molding capabilities, and an aftermarket footbed will add support to this otherwise soft liner. The liner is easy to put on and fits close to the shin. One tester reported shin pain where the liner overlaps itself, but for the most part, we find the liner comfortable. BI-Injection Technology - Softer plastic panels over the instep for easy flex and on/off functionality are surrounded by a hard plastic frame for steering and control The AllSpeed Pro was a close second for on-hill performance, earning high praise from a number of testers for its precise skiing chops. Testers also noted the AllSpeed Pro’s fit as being on-point for the category, but it was dinged for feeling heavier than other entries. “Rossignol hit it out of the park with this model, quality all around!”

The new Instant Fit Performer liner now has a larger toe box. To shape it to your foot, simply warm it up for a few minutes in the shop. The 3D Grip texture also makes the Panterra extremely robust.

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Buying new ski boots can be one of winter’s biggest challenges. How a boot feels when you first slip your foot into it in the shop can be a far cry from how it feels once you have had it heat-molded and fit by a reputable boot-fitter. What we don’t: Still can’t match the comfort, warmth, and performance of a dedicated downhill boot. While many of the additional features and functions built into this boot are pretty sweet, they do add some clunk and bulk to the boots that I disliked. If you’re looking for a streamlined, high-performance option, these boots will have too many bells and whistles. As an all-mountain option, they do offer decent performance across the board. Stand Out Features

The Dalbello Panterra 120 is a boot that blends both performance and comfort. If you’re searching for that mix, or if you have wider feet, it can provide you with what you’re after. I found the comfort-based fit sacrificed performance and limited what the boots have to offer, but there’s no doubt that they’re built with some additional features, including the flexible and effective walk mode, that add value in the right circumstance. Fit and Feel

However, I noted a slight sluggishness in the boot’s performance when exerting effort through my legs to change direction or turn.