It’s a challenge to improve upon something that’s already so well designed, but the 2.0 version of the La Sportiva Spectre Boots have made a good boot great. While maintaining the same weight as before, the Spectre 2.0’s are now 5% stiffer with a 115 flex rating. Additional room in the toe box increases comfort while the solid hinge point ensures a fluid flex without the chance of it failing, as it did on the previous version. The updated color scheme and graphic treatment also makes the Spectre 2.0’s a head turner.

Fit/Comfort
Straight out of the box the La Sportiva Spectre 2.0 Boots fit my average shaped foot incredibly well. With upgraded custom footbeds and heel locks installed by a qualified boot fitter, they fit even better. Their thermo-mouldable EZ liners provide enough warmth and comfort without adding unnecessary weight. The placement of the four buckles is ideal to maximize foot hold and keep feet nestled in the heel pocket. With a 102.5mm last, the Spectre 2.0’s run wide.

Lightweight
Weighing in at just 3lbs 2.97oz for a half pair, size 27.5 (including liner and footbed), it’s easy to see why the Sportiva Spectre 2.0 boots qualify as a dedicated alpine touring boot. If they were any lighter they’d sacrifice ski-abilty in technical terrain and variable snow conditions and be more of a rando race boot rather than an alpine touring book for the masses.

Power
Being the lightest weight 4-buckle alpine touring boot on the market, the La Sportiva Spectre 2.0 Boots do lack some performance when compared to their heavier counterpart, however I was still able to easily drive a ski with 109mm underfoot in all sorts of snow conditions and terrain. Their power-to-weight ratio is unmatched which is easily evident on the skin track.

Walk-ability
With 60° of cuff rotation the La Sportiva Spectre 2.0 Boots provide more than enough flex to take on the steepest of skin tracks. While most other boots require the buckles and power strap to be completely open in order to maximize the full range of their walk mode, the Spectre 2.0 Boots can remain fully buckled and offer up considerable flex. This saves time on transitions and ensures the foot remains stationary in the boot to prevent blisters. The walk/ski mode switch is located on the spine of the boot and is easy to operate with one gloved hand.

Versatility
An alpine touring boot that’s too light lacks performance on the ski down and one that’s too heavy punishes you on the up track. Luckily the Spectre 2.0 is neither of these. At just over three pounds it flies up the skin track no matter how much vert you want to crunch out, and the 115 flex rating provides enough stiffness for the ski down. Provided you don’t encounter any chunder and the snow is pow of some form, the Spectre 2.0’s will delight.