Full-Carbon Skimo Race Boot
Pierre Gignoux Race Pro Alpine Touring Boot
The Pierre Gignoux Race Pro Alpine Touring Boot is a 550-gram (size 26.0, liner included) skimo race boot with a low-volume carbon race last, no rated flex index, and a minimal carbon race sole that meets no ISO norm, built for ski mountaineering racing. Handmade in the French Alps from 100% carbon, the Race Pro pairs a 108-degree range of motion with an ILS internal lacing system and an adjustable Systeme Pro tensioner that sets ascent and descent tension independently. This is a purpose-built race tool, not a downhill boot.
Expert Fit Review
Fit profile and recommendations reviewed by CCBB bootfitters.
Is This the Right Boot for You?
Best For
Skimo racers and experienced fast-and-light skiers with low-volume feet who want one of the lightest carbon race boots made, prioritize a huge range of motion and quick transitions, and pair the boot with low-tech race pin bindings.
Consider Another Boot If
You want downhill damping and power, a punchable shell, a wide or high-volume fit, resort use, or any compatibility with frame, MNC, or alpine bindings. The Race Pro gives up all of that for weight and uphill speed.
CCBB Boot Ratings
Uphill Efficiency
108 ROM at 550 g
Downhill Performance
Race-only, minimal damping
Walking Comfort
Near-frictionless, low-cut liner
Transition Speed
One-lever tensioner
Rating scale: 5 = top of its class, 4 = excellent, 3 = good, 2 = specialized or below average, and 1 = limited.
CCBB Fit Profile
Overall VolumeLow
Toe BoxNarrow
Forefoot VolumeMedium
Instep HeightLow
Heel HoldGood
Ankle HoldGood
PunchabilityNone (carbon shell)
Heat MoldableLiner only
Why We Like It
- At 550 grams per boot (size 26.0, liner included), the Race Pro is among the lightest race boots made, and SkinTrack measured 525 grams at size 27.
- The 108-degree range of motion is one of the widest in the skimo category, and the low-cut bikini liner reduces cuff friction for a long, efficient stride.
- The 100% carbon monocoque shell and asymmetric cuff are laterally rigid, so the Race Pro transfers what little steering input a race ski needs without wasted weight.
- The ILS internal lacing with the adjustable Systeme Pro tensioner lets a racer set different ascent and descent tension before the start, then switch modes with one lever.
- The front insert is beveled to speed step-in and the rear insert accepts most semi-automatic crampons, which matters on booters and technical race courses.
- Every component is handmade in the French Alps, and Pierre Gignoux offers Race and Skate liner options to tune the fit and support.
Best Uses
- Skimo racing and vertical races
- Fast-and-light ski mountaineering and spring missions
- Long, high-vertical skin tracks and bootpacks
- Race skis and narrow touring skis 65 to 85 mm underfoot
- Skiers with low-volume, low-instep feet
Bootfitter's Advice
The Pierre Gignoux Race Pro fits as a low-volume race boot with a low instep and a narrow heel, and skiers describe the Race Pro fit as close and secure once dialed. Sizing runs close to Mondo, but we always confirm with a shell fit rather than converting from street-shoe size, because there is no room to spare in a race last.
The 100% carbon shell cannot be punched or heat-molded, so all fit work happens through the liner and footbed. We steer skiers between the lighter Race bikini liner and the Skate bikini liner, which leaves room for a supportive insole and helps with inner-ankle pressure on long outings. Plan on a custom footbed rather than shell modification.
Fit profile reviewed by CCBB bootfitters. Final sizing should be confirmed with a shell fit whenever possible.
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Technical Specifications
Manufacturer specs · Click to expand
Fit and Construction
- Weight
- 550 g per boot (size 26.0, liner included). SkinTrack measured 525 g at size 27.
- Last
- Low-volume race fit. Pierre Gignoux does not publish a last width (Needs Clarification).
- Flex
- Not assigned a numeric flex index by Pierre Gignoux. Laterally rigid, race-tuned carbon with minimal forward damping.
- Range of Motion
- 108 degrees
- Shell
- 100% carbon monocoque, handmade in the French Alps
- Cuff
- Asymmetric 100% carbon
Features and Compatibility
- Walk Mode
- Free-pivoting carbon cuff with a 108-degree range of motion. The Systeme Pro lever tensions the boot for the descent.
- Closure
- ILS internal lacing system with an adjustable Systeme Pro tensioner lever. No buckles.
- Binding Compatibility
- Pin-tech (low-tech) race bindings only. The minimal carbon race sole meets no ISO norm and is not compatible with frame, MNC, or alpine bindings.
- Sole
- Minimal Pierre Gignoux carbon race sole, overmolded to the shell. ISMF-compliant race sole; meets no ISO norm.
- Forward Lean
- Adjustable: 70, 74, 76, and 80 degrees
- Liner
- Thermomoldable low-cut Race or Skate bikini liner
Compare the Pierre Gignoux Race Pro
Race Pro vs. Pierre Gignoux Black
The Race Pro is the pure race boot at 550 grams with a minimal ISMF race sole built for the podium. The Pierre Gignoux Black weighs 600 grams and adds a thicker sole with deeper lugs for grip and durability, which makes the Black the better pick for technical ski mountaineering objectives beyond racing.
Shop Pierre Gignoux Black boots
Race Pro vs. La Sportiva Stratos V
Both are 100% carbon skimo race boots near 510 to 550 grams. The La Sportiva Stratos V is a comparably light carbon race boot, while the Pierre Gignoux Race Pro counters with a 108-degree range of motion and the adjustable Systeme Pro tensioner that sets ascent and descent tension separately.
Shop La Sportiva Stratos V boots
Race Pro vs. Scarpa Alien
The Scarpa Alien race boots use carbon-reinforced Grilamid or carbon shells from 590 to 870 grams. The Pierre Gignoux Race Pro is lighter at 550 grams with a fully carbon shell and cuff, trading durability and price for the lowest weight and a 108-degree range of motion.
Shop Scarpa Alien boots
Common Questions
Who should buy the Pierre Gignoux Race Pro?
Skimo racers and experienced fast-and-light skiers with low-volume feet who want one of the lightest carbon race boots available. The Pierre Gignoux Race Pro suits skiers running dedicated race skis or narrow touring skis and using low-tech race pin bindings, who value uphill speed and transition time above downhill power.
Does the Pierre Gignoux Race Pro have a flex rating like a 120 or 130?
No. Pierre Gignoux does not assign a numeric flex index to the Race Pro, and we do not treat the Race Pro as a flex-rated downhill boot. The 100% carbon cuff is laterally rigid for control on a light race ski, but it offers minimal forward damping. Skiers expecting the progressive flex of a heavier touring or freeride boot should look elsewhere.
What bindings work with the Pierre Gignoux Race Pro?
The Pierre Gignoux Race Pro is compatible with pin-tech (low-tech) race bindings only. The Race Pro has low-tech toe and heel inserts, with a beveled front insert to speed step-in, but the minimal carbon race sole meets no ISO norm. The Race Pro is not compatible with frame, MNC, or standard ISO 5355 alpine bindings. Confirm your pin binding is a low-tech race or touring model before mounting.
How much does the Pierre Gignoux Race Pro weigh?
Pierre Gignoux lists 550 grams per boot in size 26.0 with the liner included. SkinTrack measured 525 grams at size 27. Either way, the Race Pro is among the lightest ski boots made, which is the entire point of a dedicated skimo race boot.
Can I ski the Pierre Gignoux Race Pro at the resort or on big descents?
No, the Pierre Gignoux Race Pro is not built for resort laps or aggressive descents. The minimal carbon race sole, low-cut liner, and lack of downhill damping are tuned for racing and fast-and-light touring on light skis. Skiers who want to drive wider skis or ski inbounds should choose a heavier touring or freeride boot.
What is the fit of the Pierre Gignoux Race Pro like?
The Pierre Gignoux Race Pro fits as a low-volume race boot with a low instep and a narrow heel. Sizing runs close to Mondo. Because there is no spare room in a race last, we confirm fit with a shell check rather than converting from a street-shoe size.
Can the Pierre Gignoux Race Pro shell be punched or heat-molded?
No. The 100% carbon shell of the Pierre Gignoux Race Pro cannot be punched or heat-molded. All fit adjustment happens through the thermomoldable liner and a custom footbed. Pierre Gignoux offers Race and Skate bikini liners so skiers can tune volume and arch support.
How good is the walk mode and range of motion?
The Pierre Gignoux Race Pro has a free-pivoting carbon cuff with a 108-degree range of motion, one of the widest in the skimo category. The low-cut bikini liner stops below the cuff tongue to cut friction, and the Systeme Pro lever tensions the boot for the descent in one motion.
Is the Pierre Gignoux Race Pro warm enough for cold days?
The Pierre Gignoux Race Pro uses a thin, low-cut bikini liner built for high-output racing and moisture management, not warmth. Skiers touring long, low-output cold days should expect cold feet and may prefer a warmer boot, since the race liner prioritizes weight and fit over insulation.
Our Verdict
The Pierre Gignoux Race Pro is a dedicated skimo race boot, and it commits fully to that job. At 550 grams with a 108-degree range of motion, a 100% carbon shell, and the adjustable Systeme Pro tensioner, the Race Pro is one of the fastest boots on the market for skinning, bootpacking, and transitions. In return it gives up downhill damping, a punchable shell, and any compatibility beyond low-tech race pin bindings. For racers and low-volume, fast-and-light skiers who match the Race Pro to light skis and pin bindings, few boots move uphill faster. Everyone else should choose a touring boot with more shell and more downhill support.
