Choosing Scarpa Alien RS - AlpinStore buying guide

Choosing Scarpa Alien RS: expert and terrain guide

You want to choose Scarpa Alien RS for your ski touring and you are asking the right questions: stiffness, transmission, comfort, weight, and versatility in descent as well as ascent. Here we give you an honest, precise, and field-tested opinion from the AlpinStore team. We speak the truth, no bullshit, just like between climbing buddies.

The Scarpa Alien RS is presented as a concentrate of technologies: carbon / grilamid shell for notable stiffness, direct transmission on the support, and a shoe designed for performance. The carbon construction gives a feeling of solidity at the pivot and a notable energy return when you push off to carve a steep slope.

The BOA closure allows for a well-distributed foot hold across the entire shell, which changes everything in handling. On the terrain, the pressure distribution avoids hot spots: more comfort, better precision. We also love the thermoformable slipper that allows you to adjust the shoe to your foot if you want to optimize the fit.

Waterproofness is an important argument: this shoe is completely waterproof thanks to a construction inspired by high mountain shoes, and it accepts the use of crampons during technical passages. With a 72° range of motion in walk mode, walking becomes natural and the versatility of use is real: it accompanies you on long ascents as well as on committed alpine traverses.

Announced price: €665. For shoes that aim for performance and lightness, this is a serious proposition. If your goal is to buy lightweight performance ski touring shoes, the Alien RS clearly positions itself in this high-performance niche.

• Who for?: people looking for performance, precision, and lightness in ski touring.
• Activities: ski touring, ski touring competitions, technical alpine outings.
• Technologies: vibram mountaineering, axial alpine technology, carbon core, selected polymer, thermoformable slipper.
• Made in: Italy.
• Colors: black, lime, gray.

You wonder how the shoe behaves with the equipment: the carbon stiffness promotes the transfer of support to the ski, but requires a good fit of the liner. We recommend testing the shoe with the sole and the configuration of your binding to judge the heel and the front. If you want to complete your setup, also think about choosing your climbing skins for touring adapted to the width of your ski and the conditions: they make a big difference in grip and glide.

On the question of value for money, some will look for more economical alternatives: if your budget is tight, compare with more accessible binding and ski options. We have noticed that some riders prefer to pair the Alien RS with lightweight and responsive skis; if you are looking for more accessible options, check out the cheap ski touring skis without sacrificing the essential stability in descent.

For mounting and compatibility, check the compatibility with your crampon system and the sole interface. The shoe accepts technical crampons for committed passages; if you are heading for mixed mountain terrain, also consider taking ski touring crampons as a backup for safety. These often overlooked accessories improve your margin in case of hard snow or icy sections.

Everyday comfort also comes from the choice of liner: the thermoformable slipper allows for shape adjustment but does not replace a rigorous fitting. Don't hesitate to do a trial session with full equipment: skis, loaded ski touring backpack, skins, and poles. The balance and behavior change with the load and stride length in ascent.

If you want to optimize your overall budget, the smart approach is to prioritize the key pieces: a good pair of shoes, reliable bindings, suitable skis. We know that some are looking for cheap ski touring bindings; we say: be careful with compromises on reliability and safety. It's better to have a tested and robust binding to maintain the performance of the Alien RS.

In use, the shoe proves responsive in descent: the carbon shell amplifies precision in transitions and edge hold. For the hiker who wants to send it in lightweight freeride or on steep slopes, this is a major argument. If your program is more of a leisurely stroll, the technicality of the model may seem oversized, but it offers a precision comfort that some adventurers seek.

In our selection of hiking and trail shoes, the Alien RS stands out for its technical bias: this is not an entry-level shoe. It is a shoe for enthusiasts, competitors, and intrepid individuals who want to reduce the compromise between ascent and descent. For those looking for a versatile product, it is an option to seriously consider.

Don't forget the importance of preparation: a good mounting of the crampons and spikes, regular maintenance of the BOA system, and checking the binding inserts. If you also plan to renew your gear, think about buying ski touring equipment suitable for your level and frequency of use: safety kit, well-cut skins, compatible binding system.

Practical conclusion: why choose Scarpa Alien RS? If you are looking for a lightweight, stiff, responsive shoe designed for performance, it is an excellent candidate. If you prioritize general comfort or a minimal budget, look elsewhere. Finally, the appropriate ski touring backpack will help you balance the load and properly test the shoe's hold on long outings.

To finish, a word on the buying experience: we advise you to come try, compare, and especially test on a course with skins, poles, and load. And if you want personalized advice, our AlpinStore team is here: we talk about tested gear in the mountains, we help you assemble the setup that holds the slope and that you enjoy.

In short: choosing Scarpa Alien RS means choosing precision and performance. Try, test, adapt. We help you if you want to go further.