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Two of our team members, Jen and Steve, tested the original Salomon S/Pro Alpha alongside the new S/Pro Alpha Cuff BOA during our ski test in Champoluc. Same skis, same runs, back-to-back comparisons. Here’s what they found.
There are a few key updates between the original Salomon Alpha and the new Cuff BOA version.
ExoDrive & Powerlink
The biggest changes are in how the cuff joins to the clog of the boot and where this is positioned.
Salomon has added ExoDrive technology connected to the new Powerlink system. This wraps more effectively around the ankle and pulls your foot deeper into the heel pocket for a more precise hold. This is achieved by having the cuff wrap over the top of the instep. This allows the instep buckle to comfortably pull the foot deeper into the back of the boot and hold it there.
The lower positioning of the Power Link changes the way energy transfers through the boot, especially onto the inside edge when carving.
BOA Cuff System
The most obvious change is the BOA ratchet system at the top of the cuff. It makes micro-adjustments really easy, even one-handed or while wearing gloves.
Updated shell plastic
The shell material has also changed. It’s slightly softer but thicker, which helps absorb vibrations and smooth out the ride at higher speeds without losing responsiveness.
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The Original S/Pro Alpha
What I love most about the original Alpha is the fit. Around the ankle, they feel incredibly planted and secure, and the fit through the leg is spot on. The edge-to-edge transfer and power transmission feel really precise.
They are a low-volume boot, so it’s a slim fit with a super snug hold around the heel and ankle, but still just enough wiggle room around the toes so it doesn't feel restrictive. The liner is also quite firm, which I personally really like because you can properly push into the boot and get loads of response back.
The new S/Pro Cuff BOA Alpha
Before I’d even started skiing, I noticed my heel felt even further back in the boot. Dialling in the cuff BOA is incredibly easy too. You can really fine-tune the fit quickly, even with gloves on.
My first impression was that Salomon has taken everything that made the original boot great and really elevated it.
The heel hold feels even stronger, and the lower-positioned Powerlink on the medial side makes the boot feel noticeably more responsive and powerful compared to a traditional pivot point setup.
The updated plastic is softer, but also thicker. It still skis just as stiff and aggressive, but with much better vibration damping when you start picking up speed. That difference was immediately noticeable.
I came away really impressed. The original Alpha was already a fantastic boot, and they’ve made it even better.
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The Original S/Pro Alpha
The current Alpha has a really nice smooth, progressive flex. It never feels overpowering.
It’s a low-volume fit, but a fairly generous one. It worked really well for me with just a little heat moulding in the liner and my own footbeds added in. Overall, it’s a very easy boot to get on with.
The New Cuff BOA S/Pro Alpha
The shell shape is the same, but there’s a new liner, and the difference on the snow is huge.
Straight away, I noticed how calm the boot feels to ski in. Everything feels smoother and more balanced. You get loads of feedback through the whole ski, from tip to tail, without it ever feeling harsh.
Usually, when you test boots, the differences are quite subtle and mostly fit-related. This genuinely felt different in terms of performance.
You feel really centred over the ski and much more connected through the turn.
If you’ve got a lower-volume foot, I honestly can’t recommend this boot highly enough.
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The new Salomon S/Pro Alpha Cuff BOA wasn’t a quick update or cosmetic redesign. The project has been evolving for years, starting with one simple goal: to improve ankle hold and skier confidence. Steve spoke to Salomon's mechanical engineer, Mathieu, about this process.
“We were really thinking about increasing the ankle hold. We think that’s the best way to have better control and be more confident.”
The development process started with rough early prototypes that Mathieu jokingly described as “monster ski boots”, using soft belts and experimental wrapping systems around the ankle. But even from those first tests, the team realised they were onto something.
“As soon as we skied it, we realised it made a big difference. It was a real benefit.”
From there, Salomon evolved the concept into the ExoDrive and lower Powerlink system found on the final boot. Interestingly, the lower positioning of the Powerlink wasn’t part of the original plan, but testing showed it dramatically improved edge engagement and power transfer through the turn.
The team also worked closely with boot fitters throughout development to fine-tune the fit and ensure the new construction still allowed for proper customisation and shell work where needed.
One of the biggest surprises during testing came from the shell material itself. Salomon actually softened the plastic compared to earlier prototypes, improving comfort and reducing vibration without losing performance.
“We softened the plastic, but kept the performance. It actually made the boot calmer and damper.”
After skiing the finished product back-to-back with the original Alpha, Steve's thoughts were clear:
“I cannot recommend this boot highly enough. Salomon has really knocked it out of the park with this design. I've not seen any other tech on a ski boot that really stands out like this."
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