Ski Boots made with Plant Oil

Even Telemark skiing retro-grouches usually admit that plastic boots make tele skiing easier and more fun. But modern boots can’t compare to their leather counterparts in a green/environmentally-friendly way — until now. Enter Scarpa’s new Rnew plastic, the first ski boots in the world built with plant-based oil.

Made from 90 percent plant-based oils instead of petroleum, this new plastic is available from Scarpa in three models this winter: the T2 Eco for men and women, and an alpine-touring model, the Tornado Eco.

The company says Rnew not only helps Scarpa reduce its carbon footprint, but it also offers performance on par with petroleum-based plastics. Translation: More Tesla Roadster than Toyota Prius.

According to the company, lab and field testing show Rnew performs on par with its non-green counterpart. In fact, Rnew retains its stiffness over a slightly wider temperature range, Scarpa cites.

The men’s and women’s version of the T2 Eco will be available this fall for $579; the Tornado Eco, also available this autumn, are $679. www.scarpa.net

—Stephen Krcmar