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Bataleon Salsa Boa

8.7K views 60 replies 15 participants last post by  Otto  
#1 ·
Just tried them on and think maybe will share some insights.

I am typically wearing US 9 boots and I am more like a bit toward E width. I have Salomon Dialogue wide US9 and Ride Fuse US9.

The boots are well built and feel quite durable.

I like the tpu toe cap like the one on Ride fuse. My Salomon has damages at the toe cap without this feature.

Big thing to talk about is the aggressive foams they have around the heel pocket on liners. Those foams are thick and stiff. I did not realize they will be so stiff. They are good and bad at the same time. When I have my feet in, I feel my heels so secured. However, I am really having a super hard time putting my feet in. Maybe it will be easier when it breaks in, but wow it is so hard.

Next is the fit. The fit is very precise. My feet are almost exactly 27 cm, and these boots fit without any room. Width seem fine with my E feet. I actually compared the insole between the Salsa to the other two boots. I found the one in Bataleon is somehow 1 cm shorter. And I do feel it fits way more precise.

One thing I don't like is the calf area design. The liners are quite thick and the tongue is very stiff and molded. For some reason when I tighten the Boa to the tightness I want, the tongue is still somehow far away from the liner. There is just a gap, and it feels wrong. So people with thick calf might need to watch out for this.

As for Dimension, I think the length is very comparable to two other boots I have. However it is bulkier in height and width due to the thick liners.

The flex is quite stiff compared to Salomon Dialogue and Ride fuse. If I tighten my fuse boots a lot then maybe they are similar. It is definitely stiffer than I expected. For reference I am 180 lb.

All in all, I think these are good boots. I don't like the calf area design though, it seems quite narrow for most people. I have mixed feelings about the added foams around the heel pocket. It is my first time having so much difficulty putting my feet in....and out!

Hope these help some people if you are also interested in picking one up. Of course try them on before you buy is always the best option.

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#2 ·
I have have the Bataleon Acids at home now and I have the same experience with the fit. I like the idea of these oversized heel pockets, but the boots are extremely hard to get in to. I thought I was gonna break something when getting them on. boot or feet. Its far worse than any other brand. My feet are 266-67mm and I got the acids in mondo 265. The fit is super snug bordering on uncomfortable but I think they will fit nicely after a heatmold and a few days on the mountain. Just have to decide if im keeping them first...

Acids are rated 7/10 flex but as NIB they feel slightly stiffer than my Ride Insanos that I have ridden about 30 days. Insano is a great boot btw. I´m just experimenting with different brands because some nerve damage on my instep.
 
#5 ·
I am glad I am not the only one feeling the difficulty getting into these. I laughed when I saw the ergonomic entry design stated on their website. My feet just stock at the entry for a moment and I am almost questioning if I would be able to put in. I found grabbing the two handles brutally helps 😂.
 
#4 ·
I don´t find the fit very similar to Burton. My feet hate burton boots. I have not ridden burtons (Ions) in 3-4 years but fram what I remember they had crappy heel hold and gave me some instep and ankle pressure points that I don´t experience with the bataleons. Since I have not ridden the bataleons yet my findings here are a bit theoretical...
 
#6 ·
I don't think I'd mind trouble on and off if they feel good on the hill and hold my feet still. My ions do okay with that over the foot boa, but just okay.

Sidebar: why is it if you get resistance pulling your feet out of your boots, your brain wants to immediately act like you're caught in a bear trap? I don't get claustrophobic, I don't get anxiety or panic... But if I can't get my boot off first try then something in my head is immediately ready to accept that my life is now going to be with the boots on.
 
#7 ·
I think I can somehow imagine that I will be a bit frustrated when I am done snowboarding for the day and want to put my feet back into my normal shoes immediately. Especially if it is quite cold outside and struggling taking the boot off standing in the parking lot.
 
#29 ·
I am trying a Bataleon Acid 12.5 at home right now. Also though the liner was weird and it was super hard getting in the first time. But was easier the second time after I did some flexing it. It's quite stiff also.
Are you happy with it. Could you please share how much it did pack out, and did it get a bit more flexible? Thanks
 
#16 · (Edited)
I have the same issue putting my feet in it. I’m using maximum force and even a metal shoe spoon. Im thinking about returning it because even though it feels so good and stable when you manage to put the feet in the boots but the frustration and sacrifice that you experience during the process is unbearable for me… And i dont think it will change that much after a few snowboarding sessions on the mountains
 
#17 ·
Just an update after riding it today for the first time on the hill.

Fit is great and no strange pressure points or pain, for me at least. The middle of my feet somehow started feeling more roomy after I had ridden a couple of laps. I can feel the additional foams around the heel but not to the point that it hurts me. I also found out that my feet are bigger than the insoles. I am quite surprised that the fit feels all right. Perhaps the thick liner makes up for that.

The boots are a bit too responsive for my taste but it's probably a good thing when charging and carving. Compared to my 50+ day Salomon Dialogue, it is way stiffer and responsive. I put a bit of pressure on my toe and I feel my toe side carve went too far. I think I like ride fuse's tongue better, where I can actually change the way I tie the lace and how much boa I rotate to control the flex of it. Maybe the lace version of Salsa can do the same, but the tongue just seems really stiff to me in general. I do want some boa in my life though. The laces are just a bit messy especially when the ground is wet.

As for putting feet into the boots...I can see it may get easier for me to get in overtime. I found that it is important to make sure I pull the front of the liner up when I step my foot in so that it makes more space. At least I managed to put them on and enjoyed my day snowboarding.
 
#28 ·
Just an update after riding it today for the first time on the hill.

Fit is great and no strange pressure points or pain, for me at least. The middle of my feet somehow started feeling more roomy after I had ridden a couple of laps. I can feel the additional foams around the heel but not to the point that it hurts me. I also found out that my feet are bigger than the insoles. I am quite surprised that the fit feels all right. Perhaps the thick liner makes up for that.

The boots are a bit too responsive for my taste but it's probably a good thing when charging and carving. Compared to my 50+ day Salomon Dialogue, it is way stiffer and responsive. I put a bit of pressure on my toe and I feel my toe side carve went too far. I think I like ride fuse's tongue better, where I can actually change the way I tie the lace and how much boa I rotate to control the flex of it. Maybe the lace version of Salsa can do the same, but the tongue just seems really stiff to me in general. I do want some boa in my life though. The laces are just a bit messy especially when the ground is wet.

As for putting feet into the boots...I can see it may get easier for me to get in overtime. I found that it is important to make sure I pull the front of the liner up when I step my foot in so that it makes more space. At least I managed to put them on and enjoyed my day snowboarding.


I am trying a Bataleon Acid 12.5 at home right now. Also though the liner was weird and it was super hard getting in the first time. But was easier the second time after I did some flexing it. It's quite stiff also.
Are you happy with it. Could you please share how much it did pack out, and did it get a bit more flexible? Thanks
 
#18 ·
I just picked up a pair of these. It’s extremely important to loosen the liner using the red pill tab and pulling the yellow ropes away from your ankle.

If you don’t do this it’s virtually impossible to get them off. I think the liner laces catch on each other and form a type of pressure knot in the boot.

Haven’t ridden them yet, but it seems like every guy in the shop loved them. Looking forward to trying them out tomorrow.
 
#20 ·
Hello! With the Salsa I too have the same issue with the tongue being away from the internal liner. The Rifts were perfect for that, but I found them way too soft. Also, is it me or the boots are roomier inside than other brands? I had an older pair of Burton Rulers and I could swear they felt more snug compared to these Salsa, even though they are both mondo 26.5.

I spoke to Bataleon about the tongue and they said:

"The liner is specifically designed to accommodate a skinnier calf, but with a similar-sized boot tongue, it creates gap until the material breaks in. I'd highly recommend spending an afternoon walking around your house in them and tightening them every so often. This will help the tongue mold to the liner a bit faster."

I'm not sure I agree with the above, but the boots are comfortable and I want to give them a chance to prove themselves. They also go perfectly with my Burton jacket from 2010 - fluo is back (quite the look to pull off) :D
 

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#21 ·
Also, is it me or the boots are roomier inside than other brands? I had an older pair of Burton Rulers and I could swear they felt more snug compared to these Salsa, even though they are both mondo 26.5.
They seem to have a much higher volume than most other boots. I had to add foam to mine after the first day out to suck some of it up. I tried the next size down and toes were smashed.

TLDR. Great for fat feet :D
 
#27 ·
I am trying a Bataleon Acid 12.5 at home right now. Also though the liner was weird and it was super hard getting in the first time. But was easier the second time after I did some flexing it. It's quite stiff also.

Are you happy with it. Could you please share how much it did pack out, and how much it retained stiffness?
 
#31 ·
Didn't try the Salsa.

I found myself in a situation where the Bataleon Acid boots were the stiffest ones available in my country. However, the fit is… unusual :)

I also tried the Bataleon Mosh. They are tight to put on the first time and nearly impossible to take off if you don’t loosen the liner enough. The Mosh felt stiffer than its specs suggest. As for durability, we’re not sure yet—maybe they’ll soften after a few rides.

At the same time, my girlfriend bought the Mosh and had the same issue with the tongue closure. I’m pretty sure the liner will become thinner over time, and the tongues will settle into a better position. After wearing them at home a few times, their position already started to feel more natural.

Regarding the Acid boots…
My goal was to find the stiffest boots possible. I really liked the look, build quality, stiffness, heel hold, and overall comfort of the Acid boots! However, I felt a bit too much pressure in the area between the instep and toes, where the bottom end of the tongue sits. After wearing them for 15 minutes, it became more tolerable. I then removed the default insoles to reduce thickness in the front, which improved the fit. I didn’t have this issue with the Mosh—they just felt normally tight, as new boots should. In terms of length, the fit was precise. The next size up (+0.5) didn’t work—it had no heel hold, and the boot flattened on the sides when pressing toe-side.

I’m frustrated. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I think Bataleon made some pretty interesting boots, but the fit is unusual. I’ve seen many complaints and surprised reactions about how they fit.
 
#32 ·
Thanks for sharing. It's rated as a 7/10 but feels pretty stiff compared to other brand.

Bataleonis one of the few brands with size 12.5 (other is Salomon, but quality has gone downhill), and the Acid fits me well in the toe box and the heel hold seems good on both my feet (including the smaller one). But I find it weird that when I flex my leg forward, it creases inward over the foot. I worry this could lead to pain. Is that what you meant by "flattens on the sides"?
 
#33 ·
I personally think the stiffness mostly comes from the super high liner and a super stiff tongue.

The liner sits really high and is quite firm out of the box, making the toe response almost too quick. The tongue feels really stiff even without tightening the boa too much. I found myself having some difficulty on the toe side turn than usual because I couldn't really flex toward the toe. I am hoping that it will eventually break in.
 
#34 ·
I personally think the stiffness mostly comes from the super high liner and a super stiff tongue.

The liner sits really high and is quite firm out of the box, making the toe response almost too quick. The tongue feels really stiff even without tightening the boa too much. I found myself having some difficulty on the toe side turn than usual because I couldn't really flex toward the toe. I am hoping that it will eventually break in.
How many times have you worn it?Are you getting a crease on top of the foot when flexing and does it hurt? Thanks
 
#38 ·
Y’all weren’t fuckin around. This is the hardest boot to get into that I have ever put my foot into. Which is most boots. Like damn. That is a serious h-bar on the liner. Should have tons of life. Nice dense foam that should hold its shape. Good but not too… anything, heelpocket.
 
#42 ·
I have to actually pull the tongue of the liner super hard when I slide my feet in. And every time I feel like I am fighting with my boots. Getting in is a lot hard but getting out is also not a very easy job :)
I am glad I am not crazy and lots of people seem to have similar issues lol.
 
#43 ·
Yeah I get old people into ski boots so I know the tricks. Warm liners was the one that worked for me. Even room temp might be a little too cold for my foot to slide through. We'll see. Might have to drop my Nidecker liners in till the shell breaks in a bit more. We'll see next time I try to shove my hoof in.
 
#49 ·
I tried downsizing to a 28. I measure bang on 28.5 on a Brannock and thought the 28.5 were too big. Big mistake.

They are a high volume boot. So make sure to get some thick footbeds or some extra foam to make them fit well.
Just curious. Do you mean 28 is too small?
Also The foam on the liner around the heel area makes it a bit tricky when it comes to aftermarket insoles. It just way more difficult to put them back compared to other brand.