Upgraded Flagship for Experts: Tecnica Mach1 LV 130 Ski Boots Review

Tecnica Mach1 LV 130 ski boots have been a favorite of hard-charging experts for over a decade. They get a first-ever major upgrade this season. For the 2025-2026 edition of the Mach1 LV 130, Tecnica has tweaked the shape and carried over the T-Drive system from its alpine touring boot line.

The changes aren’t earth-shaking, but they also made the boot lighter without sacrificing stiffness, which should reduce fatigue and open this classic boot to a wider group of skiers. A handful of other minor changes are also included, which most skiers won’t notice but have benefits nonetheless.

Overall, compared to earlier versions, the Mach1 LV 130 has gently followed industry trends toward a lighter, more rigid boot. It brought tech and materials from the backcountry touring line, which helps it pair better with lighter all-mountain skis that are broadly following a similar trend.

In short: The updated Tecnica Mach1 LV 130 ($850) doesn’t change the draw of this beloved expert skier boot — and that’s a good thing. Existing Mach1 LV 130 fans should still love it, and the lighter build might convert some new lifelong devotees.

Scope out more rad-ready ski boots in the best Ski Boots buyer’s guide. 

Updated Tecnica Mach1 LV 130 Ski Boots Review

There are many superfans of the Tecnica Mach1 LV 130, and I consider myself one of them. For aggressive, directional expert skiers, it can be tough to find a boot capable of driving any heavy resort ski, but that doesn’t veer off into the territory of a race boot that requires pro-grade focus and strength. The Mach1 LV 130 threads that needle as well as any boot.

My last pair of Mach1s is now 5 years old, and the forefoot shell plastic is cracked. So, the 2026 version looks quite different, but the ski experience is pretty similar. Tecnica is touting the 2.0 version of its T-Drive, which connects the upper and lower segments of the shell.

The 2.0 borrows tech from its touring boots and promises improved “consistency and efficiency, providing skiers with more power, precision and continuous control,” I can’t say I noticed a difference and doubt most skiers will, either, but that’s probably a good thing.

Fit & Fitting: How I Tested

I’m 195 pounds and find the 130 flex forgiving enough for casual skiing, but consider a lower flex rating if you’re lighter. The Mach1 line also comes in 120 and 110 flexes for men.

I tested the boots with its excellent stock liner, a ZipFit aftermarket liner, and a custom Surefoot liner. I only noticed a looser fit at the ankle hinge with the relatively slimmer ZipFit. They say millimeters feel like inches when it comes to ski boots, so if there was a massive change here, I think I would’ve felt it.

The stock liner is excellent and, while there’s plenty of cushioning foam, it doesn’t pack out as quickly as other marshmallowy liners prioritizing shop fit over longevity.

For the pair I tested, I sized down to a 26.5, even though I skied a 27.5 Mach1 for years previously. The fit was about as tight as possible for my size 11 feet, but with some boot-fitting accommodations around the ankle, I got exactly what I wanted. Given the slight volume expansion in the new version, I’d try on a few sizes and, if you’re looking for an airtight fit, go with the smallest size you can manage.

Lightweight, Stable Upgrades: Carbon-Grilamid, Expanded Ankle Zone

To me, the more significant change is swapping out PU for a Grilamid/carbon blend for the upper cuff material. This is another carryover from the touring line, and I spend a lot of time in their flagship Zero G Tour Pro boot, which uses the same cuff material. Grilamid touts lighter weight and more stable behavior than PU when temperatures get cold or warm. 

My gripe with the Grilamid/carbon cuffs on the touring Tecnicas is that they can feel like a rigid cast, especially in extreme midwinter cold. The upper cuff is thinner and lighter now, but the danger is that the flex isn’t as progressive. I tested the Mach1 LV 130s later in the season and never felt that, but it could be an issue on the coldest days.

Another highlight tweak to the build is an expanded ankle joint zone designed to make it easier to step in. The upside is that the boot should be easier to slide into. The potential downside is additional volume, which could alter the fit for true low-volume feet like mine.

The lighter build is nice. The difference is only about 150 g, but compared to my older Mach1s, the difference is subtle but noticeable. I paired the Mach1 LV 130s with a wide range of types of skis and never felt it was underpowered, but they did feel like a better match with lighter all-mountain skis such as the Salomon QST 94. 

I still think the Mach1 LV 130s pair best with a stiffer all-mountain ski, but its improved ability to pair with friendlier skis expands the boot’s appeal.

Who the Mach1 LV 130s Are For

Despite all the changes I’ve detailed here, the target market for this boot hasn’t changed much. The eased entry and lighter weight might bring in a few new fans, but it’s still an expert-level boot. They’re not so stiff or leaned-forward that they’re a specialized race tool, but aggressive amateurs won’t overpower them. They’re dynamic enough for a wide range of skiing styles while retaining enough power to drive heavy carving planks.

The LV width is low-volume and eliminates some space-filling moves required in roomier boots. Yes, there are lower-volume options, especially in the race tier of boots, but for a recreational skier, the low instep height and narrow 98mm last will please low-volume feet and folks just looking for the snuggest fit possible. 

Final Thoughts

I would recommend the Mach1 LV 130s for any intermediate to expert skier as long as they’re a mostly directional skier who likes to go fast.

Consider the skis you’re pairing it with as well. If you ski stiff, heavy trench-diggers, heavier-duty boots such as the new K2 Cortex 130 Zonal BOA might work better. With the Mach1 LV 130s being on the lighter end of the spectrum of this category now, they’re at their best with one of the many medium-weight all-mountain skis on the market.

If you’re already a Mach1 LV 130 fan, have no fear. You should still love this lightly updated version. If you’re considering it for the first time, it has a broader appeal than ever thanks to a lighter build. If they’re a fit for your foot, these are still one of the best performance-oriented, all-mountain expert boots you can find.