Scarpa T3 Telemark Boot

Published: May 2, 2004

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Scarpa T3 Telemark Boot
By Andrew Tilin

Telemark skiers tend to be purists. no matter how warm, waterproof, supportive, and durable boots made of plastic may be, the hard core scoff that they just don’t flex like leather. I voiced the same complaint until I tried the new Scarpa T3 from Black Diamond Equipment (801-278-5533).

Two features make the T3 (five pounds, 14 ounces) nearly as lightweight and flexible as leather. Its lugged outsole is cut away under the arch, saving considerable weight. And pleats in the plastic shell across the top of the instep create a sensitive flex pattern. Now when you drop a knee to turn, the ball of the foot stays on the ski, providing uncommon control and comfort
for a plastic boot.

The T3 is lighter and cut lower than its competitors, needs no breaking in, and is pliable enough to make tracks through powder up and down hills all day. In fact, this backcountry boot is a bit too pliable for the hardpack and steeps of resort skiing. But with its relatively reasonable price of $368 and its maintenance-free shell, the T3 doesn’t leave leather snobs much to
mutter about-except that plastic is unnatural. Those folks might do well to remember that their zoot-suit Gore-Tex parkas didn’t exactly start out by grazing on the range.

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