Replying to Boots Recommendations...Have White/Orange Maestrale RS...Seeking More Power/Support

Hello Forum! I am hoping that the community might be willing to provide a bit of advice on boots. A couple of questions:

*I live in LA -- any ideas for places where I might go to check out AT boots in California? Even the Sierras or Mammoth etc? Any great shops to know about?

*Also -- I have the white/orange Scarpa Maestrale RS from around 2014 and they never quite felt right for me. They feel fairly stiff, but the cuff feels low-ish and doesn't quite inspire confidence, especially in sketchy conditions (driving through turns in deeper snow, or sketchier snow conditions etc.).

I am wary to go add another pound (or more) to my feet with some of the heavier options out there, but it would be totally worth it if I could find a boot that offered comfort and support.

Any recommendations for boots or shops? Other ideas? Could adding heel lifts make a difference?

For my alpine setup, I ski Salomon X Pro 120 boots and they are fantastic.

With that in mind, I have been considering the following options:

*Salomon S/Lab Mtn
*Salomon Qst
*Technica Zero G Tour
*Scarpa Freedom
*Scott Cosmos III or Garmont Cosmos
*Garmont Megaride

I am hoping to find that boot that could drive a ski through turns in all conditions and yet also be able to hike around without destroying my feet and my soul...me and everyone else I'm sure :)

I would be grateful for any insights or suggestions about boots, fitting, or shops. Thanks all!

**This thread was edited on Mar 5th 2020 at 2:40:01am