Rossignol  BC X5 Cross-Country Ski Boots

Upon receiving these boots in the mail, I put on the left boot, laced it up (so far so good), then pulled the strap to tighten the boot around my ankle and SNAP, the buckle broke. I thought perhaps this was my fault for pulling too tight, but upon closer inspection, there is a thin piece of soft plastic used for the buckle. This is a fatal design flaw. If you don't break the buckle the first time using these boots, it will eventually break. I did some research online and others are having the same problem with these boots. Before buying these boots, take a look at the buckle for the strap, and you be the judge.

I live in Alaska so normal ski temps are just above and slightly below zero but occassionally low 20's all in Fahrenheit. The boot keeps my feet plenty warm while wearing Darn Tough XC ski socks which are lightweight. I have skied in many boots though my best experience for backcountry touring has been in Asolo. I wanted a lightweight system. I chose the Alpina BC boot but in a nut shell they sucked. My ankles were sore from attempting to keep heel lift to a min and my toes were bunched up. The Rossy boot is great in the toe area but the heel lift is more than I like. No ankle pain from the strap. Yea. I like the light weight along with my Epoke 1000 and NNN BC binding. I have not used them with a heavy back, but will probably use my other Epoke 1000 with cable binding and Asolo Snowfield (yeah I know a dinosaur but they work great).

My boots arrived, and I was glad to give them a try. They look good, were well made (with one exception) and were comfortable in the house. Couple of issues are making me return them. One, they are a bit tight in the width area. Not uncomfortably so, but I have to wonder since they are not leather how much break it is going to happen here. It seems like the tightness could pose a problem on a long excursion. However, the main reason I'm returning them is because of the design of the support strap on the top of the boot. It's velcro, so the strap is solid, but the loop the strap goes through is just toy like it's so poorly designed. I read about a woman who broke that feeble strap out in the back country and only because one of her companions had duct tape, she could continue her trip. Duct tape? The boot is a good boot, but if the strap (the support to prevent lateral motion) is very weak, why bother. I plan to have my boots for several years. When it breaks (not if) in 15 degree temps, what will I have to do to get back home? Just a thought since I like my equipment to hold up. This doesn't seem to be a good design.

This is a great comfortable well-designed boot. Except for the strap. Mine made it through 1.5 seasons but the strap eventually just snapped, even though the rest of the boot looks brand new and is in great shape.

Used them less than a year and the slot where the strap doubles back through the cuff broke. Very poor design.