The Launch is Salomon's medium-flex all-mountain boot, built for comfort first. The BOA SJ version on Amazon uses one BOA dial and an inner heel harness that the dial tightens at the same time.
This review covers how it fits, how it holds up and who should look at a stiffer boot. Most Reddit owner reports cover the Launch in general, not this exact version.
What It Is: A Comfort-First Dial Boot
The Launch BOA SJ uses one BOA dial. The dial tightens the outer boot and an inner harness that wraps around your heel. Salomon compares the harness to a three-point seat belt for your heel.
Salomon rates the flex as medium, built for riders who want to feel good on all terrain and in all riding styles. The liner uses soft, multi-density foams and a low-friction patch so your foot slides in easily. The footbed has two densities and molds to your foot over time.
On the Snow: Comfortable and Warm
Owners describe the Launch as comfortable and warm. One owner is heading into their third season with them and is very happy. Another said they are comfy enough after a few seasons, and warned to always try boots on first.
A shopper who tried about 10 boots in a shop said the Launch fit perfectly and felt very, very comfortable. That was the best fit of any boot they tried.
Where It Excels
The Launch shines for riders who want comfort above all. It suits beginners and intermediate riders who ride groomers and want warm feet all day.
Owners also say it lasts. One owner in their third season said they were super impressed with how the Launch has held up and how well it has kept its stiffness. They also liked the heel lock system.
Where It Falls Short
The Launch is too soft for some riders. One rider said it was too soft for them and caused pressure points on the foot when they cranked the dial. The shopper who loved the fit worried it was too soft for their intermediate-plus, all-mountain riding. Riders in the thread told them to treat boots as equipment and pick the stiffer Ride Lasso Pro.
The single dial also means you can't tighten the upper and lower boot separately, as you can with a dual-dial boot.
The "Comfort or Performance?" Question
You'll find this question whenever the Launch comes up. Here's the take from riders: if the Launch fits you and you ride mostly groomers at a relaxed pace, its comfort is a real advantage. If you are progressing fast or riding aggressively, a stiffer boot will give you more response.
Pro tip: If you can't try them on, buy from a store with a good return policy. One owner who wears a US 9 in shoes wears a US 9.5 in the Launch, but every foot is different.
Who Should Buy It
Buy the Launch BOA SJ if you are a beginner or intermediate rider who wants a warm, comfortable boot that lasts several seasons. It suits riders who ride groomers and value comfort over stiffness.
Look elsewhere if you ride aggressively, want a stiffer boot or prefer to adjust the upper and lower boot separately.
Alternatives
The Ride Lasso Pro is a stiffer boot that riders in the thread recommended for intermediate-plus riders. Read our full Ride Lasso Pro review.
The Salomon Dialogue is Salomon's stiffer all-mountain boot. Read our full Salomon Dialogue review.
The ThirtyTwo Lashed is a long-running all-mountain boot with a balanced flex. Read our full ThirtyTwo Lashed review.
Verdict
The Salomon Launch BOA SJ is a warm, comfortable medium-flex boot that owners say holds up for several seasons. The heel harness locks your heel in with a single dial. Some riders find it too soft or get pressure points, so try it on if you can. For comfort-first riders, it is a strong choice.
