In the world of ski bindings and boots, a lot has changed in the past few years. Innovation has driven the ski-gear world forward. But it has also caused confusion with the advent of multi-norm products that elicit questions about which boots work in which bindings, and why.

Case in point this year is Salomon’s innovative new S/Lab Shift MNC 13 binding, a ski binding that functions like an alpine binding in downhill mode, but converts to offer a “tech”-style toe piece (with pins that insert into metal receivers in the toe area of the boot) for ski touring. (Atomic also offers a Shift MNC 13 binding.) That has let to a spate of questions around boot compatibility from retailers, ski technicians and consumers.

In answer to those questions, SCARPA announced that its popular Maestrale, Gea and Freedom series ski boots all follow the design specifications required for compatibility with Salomon and Atomic’s S/Lab Shift MNC 13 binding.

A bit of background: Current standards for alpine-touring and alpine ski boots and bindings are developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the German Institute for Standardization (DIN). ISO and DIN establish standard dimensions and specifications for the ski-boot and binding interface to achieve proper release function. TUV tests ski boots and bindings to determine whether they meet universally accepted international standards.

SCARPA designs and manufactures its boots to meet these international industry standards. SCARPA’s Maestrale, Gea and Freedom series ski boot soles meet the following standards: DIN ISO 9523, DIN ISO 5355, and/or Dynafit specification 25.09.2009, depending upon the sole of the boot selected by the consumer. The Vibram® Cayman Pro Sole complies with DIN ISO 9523 specifications and is featured on the following models: Maestrale RS, Gea RS, Maestrale, Gea, Flash and Magic. The Vibram® Mountain Plus Sole complies with DIN ISO 9523 specifications and comes as standard equipment on the Freedom RS and Freedom SL men’s and women’s. The Vibram® Mountain Piste Sole complies with DIN ISO 5355 specifications and comes as standard equipment on Freedom men’s and women’s. On Freedom series boots the soles are interchangeable between the Mountain Plus and Mountain Piste.

Salomon’s new SHIFT MNC binding has also been certified by TUV to meet the industry standards allowing compatibility with DIN ISO 9523, DIN ISO 5355, and/or Dynafit specification 25.09.2009, featured on boots such as SCARPA’s Maestrale, Gea and Freedom series with compatible soles.

The fine print, as it were: It is critical to understand that even bindings that are certified to comply with the same international standards allowing compatibility with SCARPA boots may not function properly if not installed, adjusted and/or maintained by a qualified competent ski technician, who should inform their customers if their boots and bindings are compatible and functioning properly.

Retailers or consumers with any additional questions can contact SCARPA’s customer service department at (303) 998-2895 or [email protected] .