In early October 2023, we saw the Rossignol Vizion for the first time in Montebelluna, Italy, at the Lange/Rossignol ski boot laboratory. At that time, we didn't even know it would get this name. We asked the product manager what kind of interesting ski boot it was. At that time, we weren't allowed to take photos of the ski boot or even touch it. It was that secret then. What we could find out through persistent questioning: The Vizion is supposed to remedy the biggest annoyance for skiers with ski boots: the strenuous, annoying putting on and taking off.
The official presentation of the Rossignol Vizion
Almost half a year later, we sat down with Rossignol again. Now we were allowed to take a closer look at the Vizion and hold it in our hands. We learned about the most important design and technology details of the Vizion: traditional four-buckle overlap boot, a steel backbone, and something Rossignol calls the "Spine Link Mechanism". This element on the back of the boot cuff can fold back to expand the cuff opening and then snap back into an upright position. We constantly heard "easy entry", "optimal performance" and "powerful, progressive flex". This was all very interesting and sounded very good. But since we had seen a lot of "new" things over time, we were still quite reserved at first.
Visually, we classified the Vizion boot as a new mix between an alpine and a touring boot, with a more stylish/cooler walking mechanism. And this is exactly where Rossignol claims the big difference lies: The boot is not only more comfortable for walking but also extremely easy to put on.
The practical test: This is how putting on Rossignol Vizion boots works
Then the Rossignol employee handed us a Vizion boot to try on. With one handle on the buckle closure, the boot's Spine Link Mechanism could be released. We put the boot on the floor, stood up and stepped into the boot - hands-free. Once it was locked in, the Vizion felt like a real alpine ski boot with a truly predictable flex. With such a ski-walk mechanism, you usually expect the ski boot to feel like a touring boot or a comfort slipper, i.e., with a strange, non-progressive flex. But the 120 flex model of the Vizion fit firmly on the foot. And when you flex the Vizion, the cuff moves with the shin exactly as it should with a traditional four-buckle overlap boot. That was really convincing.
Ski boot practical test on the slope
So: The Rossignol Vizion allows for comfortable entry and exit while fitting firmly on the foot. Now to the most important part: How does it ski? After all, ski boots that are more comfortable and easier to put on are not new - Nordica has brought back the rear-entry system with the Nordica HF (Hands-Free) boot. Many brands make classic four-buckle overlap boots with a walk function that not only makes walking in ski boots easier but also putting them on. But usually, these ski boots sacrifice performance for comfort. Not so the Vizion, as we can say after our test drive in May 2024. With its harmonious, progressive flex, it provides good ski control, so you can really ski sportily with it.
Rossignol Vizion: Ski boot models
With 10 models for men, women, and unisex, the Vizion line offers everything from a 130 flex low-volume model to an 80 flex high-volume model, so there's something for every type of skier. Gripwalk sole plates are standard, providing an almost shoe-like rolling behavior.
Rossignol Vizion 120 Pro MV GW – perfect mix of comfort and performance
The 120 flex combined with a firm yet comfortable and individually thermoformable inner boot give you the best control over your ski all day long and a comfortable fit at the same time.
Rossignol Vizion 80 Pro W MV GW
The Vizion 80 MV is optimized for comfort in the Vizion line. Thanks to the inner boot with an extra layer of insulation, long ski days are no longer a problem.