First Look: Fischer Transalp Carbon Pro

The new Fischer Transalp Carbon Pro adds a carbon infused Grilamid upper to the previously released Transalp Carbon. Photo: Fischer

Fischer’s Transalp Carbon Pro Boot is a new addition to backcountry skiing scene that promises ample range of motion and skiability.  

Fischer have updated/added a new top of the line, mid weight touring boot to their lineup. The Transalp Pro series slots nicely into the “Well over 1kg, but better ROM than four buckle/overlap boots” category (I’m still working on a succinct name). The boots in this category seem to fill in as a well rounded quiver of one for many, as they generally balance skiing performance, ROM (and friction over that ROM), and weight quite well. 

A relatively small update to the Transalp Pro, the Carbon Pro swaps the full Pebax Rnew shell for a carbon infused Grilamid cuff, keeping the same Pebax Rnew lower shell. With this change, Fischer promises increased stiffness and rigidity in the upper cuff and boot as a whole. The cuff swap adds a few grams (~20g) to the overall weight. 

The upper secures and releases with a high-functioning quick-release power strap, and a traditional buckle.

A close up of the quick-release power strap. The power strap is on par with industry standards at 45mm wide.

Beyond the cuff swap and weight increase, the Transalp Carbon Pro has the same accouterments as the original Transalp Pro. From the top down, this includes what looks like my new favorite quick release power strap, a somewhat hefty looking alpine style wire/ladder buckle with a keeper, a spring loaded ski/walk lever with a flippable “latch” to adjust between 14 and 17 degrees of forward lean. The lower shell has a cable and ladder style “Z” buckle, over top of a tall and well attached looking gaiter. The soles are ISO9523, full rubber, with Dynafit certified inserts and are advertised as Kingpin compatible…

Out of the box, a few notable bits. First, the cuff is very rigid—like, hard to open the overlapping flaps. Second, the lower shell seems to come up quite high on the front of the ankle, which felt fine once the boot was on, but was a bit painful to push past while donning the boots. Small quirks aside, the boot felt like a nice balance of stiff and progressive flex, paired with a minimal fuss transition, and decent ROM.

The liner feels relatively robust—not like a liner that was built with weight as the first priority. Fit wise—the boots felt like a medium width, medium volume forefoot with a snug heel cup and relatively low instep height. 

Fischer Transalp Carbon Pro liner.

The boot’s lower is similar to the already released Transalp Pro: Fischer incorporates an inner gator, a Z-buckle, and a Pebax Rnew lower shell.

The boot features a Z-buckle on the lower to secure the foot when in walk or ski mode.

Liner laces, spoilers, and inserts to reduce extra volume come with the package.

As a skier privileged with a bit of a boot quiver, these middle ground boots haven’t generally caught my attention. While I see the value for a one boot quiver, I always thought a 1kg or four buckle style boot would usually be a more perfect solution most days. As my four buckle boots collect more dust each season, I am reconsidering the “Well over 1kg, but better ROM than four buckle/overlap boots” (still haven’t come up with a better name here…) category to fill my role of a better walking, semi beefy boot—the Transalp Carbon Pro seems to be a great contender for that slot. 

Transalp Carbon Pro Specs

Weight Size  27.5: 1422g 

Construction: Carbon infused Grilamid cuff, Pebax Rnew lower shell.

Closer Systems: Cable/Z Buckle on Lower shell, Alpine style cuff buckle, Camming powerstrap.

Range of Motion: 80 degrees claimed ROM—certainly much less with a liner and foot in the shell.

Liner: Heat moldable, velcro loop material around heel and instep.

Forward Lean: Adjustable 14 or 17 degrees.

Price: A cool $999.95