Baffin Lightning Boots: Made for Snowmobilers
Baffin designs, develops, tests and manufactures winter and all-season outdoor footwear and outerwear, it is recognized as one of the world's best.
During the winter of 2018, on behalf of SledMagazine.com, I tested the Lightning boots, the base layer, a neck warmer and a fleece balaclava.
In this report, I'll tell you about the Lightning boots.
Baffin has a wide range of boots, the warmest ones have a temperature rating of – 100C (-148 F).
The base layer, neck warmer and fleece balaclava will be the subject of another article.
It is a model designed for snowmobilers. The boots have a temperature rating of -70C/-94F
This boot has a multi-layer and removable shoe that creates a warm environment through the evacuation of body moisture. HydromaxTM is combined with Baffin®'s exclusive B-TekTM fiber layer. It acts as a moisture control system that keeps the foam dry and eliminates moisture vapor outside of the boot. Then there is an aluminum membrane with a silvery surface that reflects the energy towards the foot. Baffin®'s ThermaplushTM inner layer is in direct contact with the foot and provides remarkably soft, smooth comfort from a wool blend to increase temperature regulation.
The base is an EVA Midsole with integrated Arch Support placed under the shoe that creates a space for warm air to circulate under the foot and a double aluminum insole that reflects the cold to the Polar Rubber Outsole.
Multi-web speed-lacing with exposed "bridge lace" to hook gaiters
Performance
With the temperature differences we experienced, I had the perfect scenario to test the boots.
The Lightning boots are really hot and I've never felt the cold when riding a snowmobile. In very cold weather, when I was standing on the snow for a long time, I could feel a slight coolness on my feet but without feeling uncomfortable. As soon as I started to move or went on a snowmobile, I felt the heat coming back.
In addition, this boot really evacuates the moisture.
In the snowmobile club, I didn't take off my boots and after a while, I felt my feet very warm, but never wet, which allowed me to leave on my snowmobile without worrying.
The gaiters of my snowmobile pants fit perfectly on the boot and my pants really wrap around the boot. Very useful especially off trail.
I appreciated the lightness of the boots, the comfort it provides and the excellent traction on the ground.
Carbon fiber leathers and Rip-Stop nylon
The Lightning boots have met my expectations very well and you will be able to face any temperature difference.
Our test driver Daniel Sasseville with the lightning boots
