The Best Ski Boots of 2023

Finding comfortable ski boots that also meet your performance needs can be a daunting task, but we're here to help. Here's our guide to the best ski boots of 2023.

The first step in researching ski boots is knowing how and where you want to ski. Alpine boots, touring boots, and hybrid boots — with a walk mode to go uphill but beefier build than touring boots for resort laps — all bring different features and benefits to the table.

Before you walk into your local ski shop, determine if you’ll want to stick to lift-served skiing, explore the backcountry or side-country, race, or get into a little bit of everything.

Buying new ski boots is best done in person or with a customer service representative who knows the category well. A good shop will measure your feet and help you hone in on what brands and models naturally fit you, your experience, and your aspirations.

Plus, everyone’s feet are a unique shape, which is all the more reason why you should try boots on in person and consider taking your pair to a professional boot fitter to dial in the fit.

While more boots are offering skiers the ability to resort ski and hike for turns in a single boot, a hybrid boot isn’t the best option for every skier.

If you’re not sure where to start, read over our buyer’s guide — which includes advice from a master boot-fitter on how to make sure you buy the best boot for you — and FAQ at the bottom of this article. Are you looking for a quick overview of each model’s price and features? Check out our useful comparison chart.

If you need a quick reference for the skier style and skill level that each boot is tailored to, check the “Best For” line in the Specs listed below each product.

Otherwise scroll through to see all of our recommended buys for the best ski boots of 2023, or jump to the category you’re looking for:

Possibly the most comfortable, easy-driving full-alpine boot we’ve ever worn, Tecnica’s Mach 1 MV ($700) is a powerful boot that kept our feet warm even on the coldest days.

MV stands for mid-volume, so those boots are a medium sole or regular fit. LV stands for low-volume, meaning the boot has a narrower last. Our team tested both and regardless of our foot shape, these boots earned the highest marks.

To give this all-mountain, high-performance boot maximum lateral stiffness and forward drive, Tecnica used a carbon spine to connect the cuff to the shell. The spine regulated the boot’s flex so we could ski with more power and precision in all snow, temperatures, and terrain.

The Mach 1 is designed to be thermo-molded, and the shell, liner, footboard, and tongue can be customized through molding as well as punching and grinding. Tecnica simplifies the process for ski techs by molding dimples into the shell that reduce surface tension and clearly indicate modification-friendly zones. The boot board also has dimples to guide techs in the fitting process.

This boot shell’s anatomical shape matched our feet for a best-in-class fit straight out of the box — an achievement we’ve rarely experienced. Even before we molded them, these boots were quite comfortable.

The boot’s liner was also anatomically shaped for out-of-the-box comfort and secure heel hold, which held up both before and after the liners were molded. The dual-density microcell liner was easy to fit, and even after 4 months of skiing, it hasn’t packed out.

Also, the asymmetric shell concentrates thicker, stiffer material in the medial areas of the shell (identified by a shiny versus matte finish) and liner, as well as the cuff, which enhances control and power transfer.

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On snow, the Mach 1 MV was stiff and powerful. A warm, efficient, and easy-skiing boot, we felt like we could charge longer with less fatigue. The boot was quick edge to edge as well. We felt connected, in control, and confident even when we were pushing the limits of our comfort zone.

According to Tecnica, its T-Drive Technology — that carbon spine that runs from the calf to ankle — gives these boots smooth, progressive, and consistent flex while increasing your ability to steer precisely and powerfully.

Tecnica says the T-Drive boots require 15% less forward pressure and 15% less edge angle to make the same turn shape as a traditional boot. The roomy toebox helped our feet stay warm, as did the Celliant and wool-insulated liner.

Celliant uses 13 heat-reactive minerals to turn body heat into infrared energy, which it claims penetrates the body’s tissues to increase circulation, oxygen, and blood flow for enhanced performance, thermal regulation, and faster recovery.

It sounds like a bunch of mumbo jumbo, but with Celliant, cozy wool, and the roomy toebox, we were able to ski longer and harder in this boot — even in temperatures that would have previously had us heading for the lodge.

The women’s-specific Mach 1 boots (we tested the LV or low volume, which is a narrow fit) are built with a unique upper liner that molds to the shape of the female calf. We experienced no pressure points while charging on steep laps or making fast carves.

The cuff is also built with a tad more forward lean and a higher spine, which increases performance while decreasing overall fatigue. The women’s boot was also updated with T-Drive, new for the 2022 season, in both the women’s-specific LV and MV pairs.

What makes the women’s-specific boots women’s? The anatomically shaped shell and liner are tailored to fit the lower leg shape and calves of females.

With numerous features that maximize both comfort and performance, the Mach 1 is our pick for the best ski boot of 2022-2023.

Graduated beyond the greens and looking for a more supportive boot? The Dalbello Panterra ($500 for the men’s 90 GW and $450 for the women’s 85 GW) alpine ski boots are built for intermediate-level downhillers who’ve progressed from big carves on the mellowest groomers to confident, higher-speed turns down blues and even blacks.

These well-constructed boots provide out-of-the-box comfort with just the right flex — the Ultralon foam liner provides enough cushion and security, and it’s custom-moldable. The women’s liner is designed with a more cushioned heel area and increased insulation compared to the men’s design.

The female boots also have a lower, more scalloped cuff plus a removable cuff insert, so skiers can drop the overall boot height by 1.5 cm and widen the circumference.

Three buckles down the front are adjustable with an easy rotation that helps lengthen or shorten the reach for a more tailored fit. And we appreciate the GripWalk soles for preventing post-ski slips through the icy parking lot.

To improve ergonomics, the boot’s tongue was upgraded to provide more rebound yet is still supportive while powering through turns. At the end of a long day at the mountain, these boots are just as easy to get out of as they are getting into the next morning. Ultimately, the ease of entry and exit is a bright characteristic of this boot.

For those who want to head to the backcountry or need to walk to a parked rig, this all-terrain boot features a walk mode of 33 degrees. If you’re sticking to a firm budget but still want a performance boot, give the men’s 90 GW or women’s 85 GW a try.

Proving a boot doesn’t need to be heavyweight to be a heavy hitter, K2’s 120-flex Anthem Pro ($750) is stiff and responsive and gives badass female skiers all the benefits of K2’s top technology.

Designed for aggressive, experienced female skiers, K2’s Anthem Pro Women’s is a liner and shell-moldable boot designed around a women’s-specific 98mm last. The boot uses four different stiffnesses of TPU and variable-thickness walls to give hard-charging women skiers a responsive, relatively light alpine boot for bell-to-bell laps in every kind of snow.

The custom-fit liner is thicker and denser than the liners K2 previously used in its women’s boots. A PowerFit Pro liner, which is also used in K2’s Anthem 115, is strong against the shin, with a form-fitting footbed that women felt gave this boot better control. The boot is easily cantable for most stance angles. And the cuff adjusted so we could find a forward lean that felt ideal for different preferences.

In the Anthem Pro, K2 incorporates a Y-shaped spine for maximum lateral stiffness, a feature usually found only in men’s boots. That spine also stabilizes the boot’s fore and aft flex, which upped our ability to control our skis regardless of which ski we were driving.

The rivet-free design connects from cuff to shell, which K2 says creates less stress for smoother, more progressive flex while skiing.

These boots are one of the lightest alpine freeride boots on the market. It skied with the power and drive of heavier boots, and it was easy to slide on for the first chair and slip off at the end of the day. For women’s-specific shredding, it’s our pick for the best ski boot of 2023.

If you’re a guy with broad feet, your too-tight boot pain can finally subside with the Lange LX 120 ($730), a comfortable, rigid downhill boot for bell-to-bell days at the resort.

Immediately out of the box, the preshaped liners fit well and feature dual-fit zones with various degrees of rigidity and softness. The same goes for the shell with hard plastic sandwiched around soft plastic.

There are no pressure points, and the feet feel snug. The dual-core polyurethane shell is fairly light with an easy entry, thanks to a softer plastic above the instep that doesn’t make us cringe as we pull on the boot.

The boot sole also has a replaceable toe and heel that offers traction while walking on hard surfaces. This boot is best for an experienced, advanced skier with wider-than-average feet.

Ladies that have slightly higher volume feet and growing confidence with carving the slopes will find solace in the Nordica Sportmachine 3 65 ($300), a cushy choice that’ll support long days at the hill. The boots are tagged as a medium-wide boot, and they hit the spot.

For 2022-2023, the boot’s overhauled liner and cuff, along with a new reinforced backside, better transfers energy to the ski. Inside, the liner’s PrimaLoft material helps thwart dampness to keep your feet dry and warm. The liner is updated with natural cork, which wraps around the ankle for lateral transmission and thermal insulation. On the outside, the new ergonomic buckles allow for an easier grip when snapping in and out of the boot.

In the boot shell, a hard plastic is combined with a softer plastic that’s wrapped around the foot in the throat area. The pliable material helps streamline a pain-free boot pull-on as we head to the ski area.

The special plastic blend in the shell and cuff is also lightweight, weighing 25% less than competitor boots (claims Nordica). The formula, called Triax, also performs consistently across temperature variants and is easy to manipulate by a boot fitter.

While they may not be ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers who require more stiffness, these boots perform admirably — especially for women with a tad wider-than-average feet.

Salomon designed this well-crafted, women’s-specific fit for beginner alpine skiers, plus an option for men, and both deliver all-day comfort. The design is a great match for beginners seeking improvement on the slopes.

The QST Access ($425) boot features an anatomically shaped cuff and lower calf support for a better fit. The liners are constructed with a layer of woolmetal (wool and metallic polyester) that helps to retain warmth as it radiates off the body. The buckles are lightweight, shaving ounces off the set.

Overall, these men’s QST and women’s QST boots ($350) are wider-set for broader feet and shafts and average instep, which is common in beginner boots. Out of the box, they provide a comfortable feel to help you improve without unwanted distractions.

If you’re used to alpine boots but want to search for fresh off-piste powder or tackle big-mountain lines, this boot can drive a big ski, but it won’t bog you down on the way to the summit. It’s a great choice for big days and big lines.

A freeride-inspired touring boot, Scott’s Freeguide Carbon ($900) will feel familiar to alpine skiers who want to get off-piste and into the backcountry.

The Freeguide Carbon uses a Cabrio hybrid three-piece shell. The top of the two-piece tongue tilts forward and out of the way to make getting the boot on and off pain-free. With the buckles engaged, the two-piece tongue locks down to provide the critical resistance a skier needs from their boot for descents.

The shell overlaps the liner on both sides, which gave it power and progressive flex skiing without restricting movement in walk mode. When we were skinning, the flexible tongue moved comfortably with our foot and ankle.

The Freeguide Carbon’s Thermo-moldable liner closed with a BOA dial that let us quickly fine-tune the boot fit and support when we switched from skinning to skiing and back.

With the boot buckled down in ski mode, it had a 15-degree forward lean, which gave it the feel of an aggressive alpine boot. In tour mode, it claims 60 degrees of rotation.

Lining up a touring boot’s tech fittings with a binding’s pins can be frustrating, but the Freeguide has indicators on the toe to streamline that process.

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Efficient transitioning from ski mode to tour mode and back is key to getting in as many runs as possible. The Freeguide’s 180-degree auto-lock buckles stayed open and out of the way in tour mode, speeding the transition process. Then they clipped closed in a flash, though we did have to fully undo the top buckle to get the full range of motion for uphill walking or skiing — a very minor flaw.

These boots offer a confidence-inspiring feel in a remarkably lightweight, versatile package, making them our pick for the best touring ski boots of 2023.

A boot that skis like an alpine boot inbounds but clicks into full tour mode for hiking — the fully customizable Atomic Hawx Prime XTD ($640) is a one-boot quiver.

For many hybrid boots, the touring mode seems more of an afterthought than an integral part of the boot’s performance. The Hawx Prime, however, skis uphill as well as it skis downhill. The cuff has an impressive 54 degrees of cuff flex in tour mode, with tech inserts for pin bindings and upper buckles that locked open when we skied uphill.

It’s not the lightest boot on the market, but it was so comfortable to tour in and so solid on downhills that we packed it for a trip to Italy where we used it as our do-it-all boot for all-day tours in the Alps that ended on-piste. We took it on a trip to Colorado for bell-to-bell skiing at Vail and Telluride resorts. And in Vermont, we wore it to explore new backcountry zones.

When we ended our day inbounds, the Gripwalk sole gave us traction on snow and ice on the walk across an icy parking lot back to our car. It also prevented wipeouts on the dance floor when the ski day transitioned straight to après, while also having maximum binding compatibility. So, we could safely ski these boots with both touring bindings and Gripwalk-compatible alpine bindings.

The key to the Hawx Prime’s perfect fit is its highly moldable liner inside a heat-moldable shell. The shell plastic is thicker and stronger where the boot may need to be worked (like the ankle and forefoot) and slimmer everywhere else.

That kept weight manageable without compromising this boot’s power transfer and downhill performance. Atomic enhanced the boot’s lateral stability and skier-to-ski power transfer by adding a carbon spine.

Atomic’s Thermo-moldable liner looked comfortable even before we had it molded to our feet. It’s preshaped with an obvious ankle pocket and a narrow Achilles.

The tongue and liner collar are the same plastic as the shell and are also moldable. Thinsulate insulation in the toebox made this one of the warmer boots we’ve skied. But we had to keep tightening the buckles on warm days, as the heat from our feet caused the liner to pack out.

The OG Cochise, a freeride hybrid ski boot, was first designed in 2009, and this newest iteration is an overhaul that levels up the design. The one-quiver Cochise Pro W is an excellent contender for both downhill performance and short tours or after-work resort laps.

A thicker boot construction allows for greater lateral power transfer, while the weight dropped by 15% thanks to a more precisely shaped fit. Enhanced support and comfort are made possible through that C.A.S. liner. The walk mechanism was updated and is easier to use. The cuff was raised, too.

The best part? There’s a new women’s-specific model that offers the stiffest flex among hybrid boots for ladies on the market, filling a real need.

Multiple gals on staff have been testing this boot and so far, we all approve of the updates. Many of the features that we love so much about our team’s top overall alpine boot pick, the Tecnica Mach 1, bridge into this boot.

The Tecnica Cochise Pro W ($750) is available for ripping ladies in the brand’s MV (mid-volume) last and a stiff 115 flex. The other women’s Cochise options have a softer flex including 105 ($700), 95 ($600), and 85 ($450).

In addition to the lower price tag, the major differences are that the Pro includes RECCO and a wishbone-shaped grip that stretches between the heel and toe on the underside of the boot. That additional grip offers extra traction while riding a snowmobile, climbing metal ladders, or hiking terrain. The Pro model is a bit lighter, too.

While carving groomers, the Cochise is a super-comfortable boot that’s stiff and steadily drives an alpine ski. A quick flip of a vertical low-profile lever on the back of the boot lets us transition to uphill mode. Climbing also felt great in this boot in part due to that healthy 50-degree range of motion.

One of the most unique aspects of this hybrid boot is a small dial on the walk-mode lever, which turns 90 degrees to lock the setting in place. The optional lock improves the downhill performance of the boot and adds more security, which is confidence-inspiring.

The boot was warm, too, thanks to the roomy toebox and the anatomically shaped liner, which uses Celliant and wool insulation. Celliant helps to stabilize circulation and maintain warm feet through the integration of 13 heat-reactive minerals, which turn body heat into infrared energy. In our experience, these boots really help do just that — even in hair-splitting cold temps.

If you’re looking for a hybrid boot for aggressive days at the resort and mild tours, or need a one-stop boot for trips, this might be the best ski boot to get your feet in.

For the expert skier who wants a single pair of boots for both inbounds and out-of-bounds, Salomon’s SHIFT PRO AT ($800) is an alpine boot with a functional tour mode. Best for hard-charging resort skiers unwilling to sacrifice downhill performance when they dabble in backcountry adventures, the SHIFT PRO AT is made to pair with Salomon’s SHIFT binding and a powerful all-mountain or big-mountain ski.

The SHIFT PRO 130 AT boot uses a seamless race liner Salomon says is warmer than other race-focused liners. Saloman also says it won’t cause pressure points because it’s seamless. The heat-moldable liner and shell were highly customizable and an excellent choice for skiers who usually get their boots ground or punched.

The 100 mm last worked well for medium-width and medium-volume feet without heat-molding the shell. The shell is thin and sensitive to help skiers feel their ski and the snow beneath it while also putting the skier’s foot in as close contact as possible with the binding for best-in-class power transmission.

The SHIFT PRO AT’s Surelock walk mode was easy to operate and had a good range of motion for skinning. Salomon added a Core-Frame element under the midfoot of the boot to stiffen the shell where the foot pressures the ski for best edge engagement and power transfer.

A polyamide cuff spine added lateral stability and forward drive. The boot was easy to get in and out of, but it was ready to charge once buckled down.

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Because the SHIFT PRO’s Gripwalk soles were highly compatible, we wore this boot as our resort-focused alpine boot. But when the side country filled in, the snow was stable, and the gates opened, we didn’t have to go back to the car to change boots before we booted or skinned out of bounds.

Whether we were on a rocky ascent spine or back in the resort parking lot, the slightly rockered, snow- and ice-gripping soles always made walking a slip-free event. Overall, these are some of the best hybrid ski boots on the market today.

From start to finish of our backcountry and skimo race season, the two-buckle TLT8 Expedition CR ($600) felt plush, sturdy, and durable yet super light for speed-driven ascents. Our hip flexors thanked us and so did our ankles. This premium, precise-fitting boot was a nice hug for our feet straight off the shelf.

We reached for this boot for quick uphill laps at the resort and to pair with skinny skis for alpine races or time-focused missions and workouts in the backcountry. While the boot feels airy, the structure didn’t let our ankles or feet flop around at the end of a tiring climb or in a powder-filled basin on the descent. The shape is streamlined with a narrow nose that’s key for kicking into hardpack.

The shell is built of Grilamid, a low-density plastic with a high level of stress and crack resistance. The sole is compatible with the Cramp-in crampon system, too.

For efficient and easy access to TLT8 Expedition CR boots, we loved the Ultra Lock 4.0 closure system — a simple-to-use upper buckle around the calf that has two functions. The buckle opens and closes the shell, and when flipped forward, secures the shell open for the ski-walk mechanism in the boot.

When we raced the Gothic Mountain Tour, a 24-mile skimo race with 5,100 feet of ascent through the high-altitude backcountry and tough cut-offs, we were thankful for how easy and smooth the system was to flip between while wearing mittens over our gloves in freezing temps. The second lower-hung buckle sits well over the arch to secure the foot and ankle.

The cuff is a bit taller, providing us with solid power transfer in whipped turns or while edging icy skin tracks and slopes. While climbing in Colorado’s Elk Mountains near 12,000 feet, our calves sang on steep, continuous climbs with the 60-degree cuff rotation, which feels more like hiking in trail runners than in beefy backpacking boots, let alone ski boots.

When we’re ready to carve downhill, the forward lean locked in at either 15 or 18 degrees. Note: This design is only compatible with tech bindings.

The Alien has long stood as a benchmark for skimo racers, and you’ll often find iterations of this boot to rent at retailers that tailor to the Lycra-suit crowd. The 2022 season saw the addition of the Alien 1.0 ($1,500) for men and women.

The carbon fiber cuff is hand-constructed, extremely stiff, and super lightweight. The shell is also a carbon-Grilamid blend, a low-density plastic with a high level of stress and crack resistance.

A boot this feathery in weight shouldn’t feel this tough: they come in at less than 2 pounds per wingtip.

When transitioning from ski to walk, the cuff closure is operated via a Dyneema cord, which shaves ounces while being super streamlined. When walking on toothpick skis up steep faces, the 75-degree cuff rotation is a whopping relief. When we’re ready to fly downhill, the forward lean options are either 9 or 13 degrees.

The boot is closed not with buckles but with an exclusive BOA system integrated beneath a reinforced gaiter, a waterproof fabric cover that protects the setup against snow, ice, and moisture. When the dial is turned, the interior cable pulls down atop the foot into the liner below, lessening the overall volume and securing the fit.

The outsole is well-constructed with Vibram UFO, a sole with Top85 compound. The material offers excellent stability, durability, resistance to wear, and applaudable grip properties with medium-level hardness.

Between the men’s and women’s boots, the biggest difference is the size options: the men’s version is 24 to 30 and the flex is 110. The boots are only a hair heavier. If you’re female and need a longer boot or stiffer flex, consider buying the men’s option.

If uphill speed is your top priority, this lightweight touring boot will help you fly up the mountain, but it won’t kill your stoke when it’s time to ski down.

At just over 2 pounds per boot and 100 flex, SCARPA’s F1 LT ($899) felt more like a hiking boot than a ski boot while climbing. But once we locked it down, it could still drive a ski.

The boot uses a lighter iteration of SCARPA’s tried-and-true Alien ski-mountaineering race boot clog paired with a stiff backcountry upper for enhanced performance and fun on descents.

The F1 LT is a light and powerful boot. Its carbon Grilamid LFT shell is stiffened up with power-enhancing carbon fiber that boosts performance and supports the boot’s progressive flex. In the cuff, SCARPA incorporated its 3D Lambda Torsion Frame, which has an in-molded reinforced I-beam and raised ribs for lateral stability. That bolsters the boot’s downhill performance.

The design lets SCARPA maintain performance without having to add more material and weight. A floating BOA closure on the lower boot, which also has an integrated gaiter, gave the boot a pressure-point-free fit.

Paired with a fast-buckle closure and power strap on the cuff, the boot transitions between runs lightning fast. We had enough resistance on the way down that we could carve and edge. And the gaiter kept our feet warm and kept melting snow out.

The narrow-fitting F1 LT has a thin shell and less material to be molded. It’s not a boot that will fit every skier, though its full-length boot board allowed for some customization. And this boot maneuvered a ski better — both in perfect, creamy conditions and more challenging variable snow — than other lightweight boots in this class we’ve tried.

SCARPA’s friction-free ski/walk mechanism had an exceptional 72-degree range of motion. Three forward lean positions let us dial this boot in to suit our stance. And though we hope to never need them, the boots have integrated RECCO reflectors to help patrollers and emergency personnel find us in an emergency.

The SCARPA Maestrale is the bestselling AT boot in the world, and for good reason. A middle-of-the-pack boot in terms of weight and performance, it hits the sweet spot for many skiers.

We’ve tested various iterations of the Maestrale, from the burly, hard-charging Maestrale XT ($930) to the women’s Gea RS ($849), and all have performed among the top tier of the category.

For most skiers, the standard Maestrale is a solid, hard-charging choice. With a flex rating of 130 in the Maestrale and 120 in the Gea, this boot can handle what most skiers throw at it. A 60-degree range of motion in the Gea (56 degrees in the Maestrale) gives lots of room for comfortable hiking uphill. And the fast Speed Lock XT ski/walk mode lever is easy and intuitive.

While the Maestrale boot is excellent on the skin track, we love its progressive flex on the downhill. The boot uses excellent Intuition Cross Fit Pro liners that shops can heat mold for a custom fit. The 101mm last proves comfortable for modestly wide feet, but it may be a bit sloppy for those with very narrow feet.

It works with most AT bindings, but do verify your bindings before purchase. Modest updates back in 2022 included replacing Grilamid with a more sustainable “bio” version. The material utilizes polyamides from castor oil instead of petroleum, reducing CO2 emissions during the manufacturing process.

For heavier or more aggressive skiers, a step up in stiffness to the RS version (with a 125 flex), which we tested in the Alps, gives even more power for charging steep terrain.

But go all the way to the XT for the most aggressive men’s boot in the line. That includes a footbed with an extra 2-degree forward lean for a more aggressive stance and amped power transfer.

Overall the fit is comfortable, feels good on the uphill, and still offers fist-bumping power transfer.

Debuted in 2021, La Sportiva’s Vanguard is mid-weight yet stout and efficient for backcountry tours and missions in the high alpine. There’s a Vanguard for men and another model for women ($899) with a slightly lower weight profile and softer flex.

These boots feel light, which we appreciate on the climb. We also loved the 63-degree range of motion while walking uphill.

To open up the boot, the front shell slides forward, revealing a plastic V-shaped cuff above the liner. The shape allows for the boot to quickly splay open at the end of the day, so we can easily get in and out or pull out the liner. (Bets are very high, you will need to wrestle to get the liner back in.) The full-wrap design also increases power transfer to your skis.

Cutting weight, the upper buckle is attached to the boot via the same anchor as the power strap, which also makes the process of closing up that much more streamlined. The upper two buckles (excluding the power strap segment) and lower buckle are threaded with a high-resistance cable. We like how nimble the cable is, which evenly distributes tension.

Downside: When in walk mode, the two top cable buckles and their opposing clasps (which are not fixed to the shell) flop around unless you add an extra step — pull the end of each cable-buckle into the “walk” hook at the end of each row of clasps. The setting needs to be placed manually with two hands, which we don’t favor but it works. The cable stays put in walk-mode but isn’t the easiest to pop back out, either.

Inside, the performance-oriented Ultralon liner is made of thermomoldable foam and offers two densities. A much stiffer, thicker wrap holds the back of the calf and wraps around the ankles and back of the heel. Everywhere else, the material has more give and breathability.

For our green thumb, it helps that the Pebax bio-based Rnew shell and cuff are made with castor oil seeds, which is more eco-friendly than petroleum.

Deep lugs and an aggressive heal counter in the outsole make bootpacking and hiking to the snow field that much sturdier and safer, whether you reach for the men’s boot or women’s Vanguard.

Fair warning: Be careful when releasing the lower buckle’s tension — it tends to snap back and bite if your fingers are in the way. Also, be sure to double-check that the ski-mode lever clicks into place when you throw it down before the drop.

The GearJunkie product testing team is made up of amateur to expert alpine and backcountry skiers. We’ve skied runs in-bounds and hut-to-hut all over North America, including bell-to-bell resort powder days, ski-to-surf trips on Vancouver Island and in California, and backcountry hut adventures. We’ve trained for the country’s toughest skimo races and enjoyed cross-country laps on countless miles of nordic trails.

We took this season’s newest ski boots up and down the lifts for hundreds of inbounds runs, and then skinned up and hiked for our turns in more than six mountain ranges, three states, and two countries.

Among our testers, Snowsports Senior Editor Morgan Tilton started alpine skiing in her backyard at Telluride Ski Resort at age 4, followed closely by learning to snowboard. Thirteen years ago, she completed her first AIARE 1 course and continues to pursue backcountry certifications and exploration today by skis, splitboard, and off-trail snowmobile. Whether going uphill or downhill, she loves sliding ski boots across snow.

While testing ski boots in-bounds and in the field, we assessed shell, liner, and outsole across durability, overall fit, functionality, comfort, value, weight, flex, downhill performance, and for some boots, uphill performance. We considered what type of feet and skier would be the best match for each boot design.

We’ve tested these boots while carving turns in a range of snow conditions affected by ice-cold temperatures, blizzards, blustery wind, intense sun, and even rain from far-out tours to parking lot tailgating.

In addition to our team’s experience, we also considered the most popular, innovative, award-winning, and bestselling ski boots on the market as well as a broad range of price points and a variety of features and applications.

“Your boot is the most important part of your skiing setup,” said Dan Weis, master boot-fitter and Snowsports Department manager at Outdoor Gear Exchange in Burlington, Vermont.

Weis, who has fitted at least 2,000 pairs of boots over the past decade, said, “Your boot is where your day starts and ends. It needs to be properly sized for all parts of your foot so that you can be comfortable without compromising performance.”

Ski boots are constructed with a squishy foam interior liner that absorbs vibration, provides warmth, and protects the foot. The hard exterior of a ski boot is made with a rigid outer shell, typically made of plastic.

The front of the boot widens a bit for you to slide your foot inside and then closes via buckles. Make sure your liner is flat against and cupping your shin before closing the boot.

Boot designs have various interior liners as well as exterior boot soles and insoles that affect the boot’s fit, compatibility, performance, and comfort in various conditions.

“The first step in buying ski boots is knowing if you want an alpine boot, touring boot, or hybrid boot,” said Weis.

Buy a boot to match your priorities (alpine/downhill, uphill, or both) and the ski you’ll wear it with. While a touring boot can be skied at the resort, most aggressive downhill skiers prefer a hybrid boot if they’ll ski resort and backcountry equally.

These boots will have a bill at the toe and a DIN-compatible sole, which means they’ll release when they need to. Some downhill boots come with a cuff release to make it easier to walk to your car from the slopes. But Weis warns not to confuse a “cocktail clip” with a proper touring mode.

Also known as an uphill boot, a backcountry boot’s cuff will rotate so you can walk uphill. Some have a bill that’s compatible with a hybrid binding. They typically use pintech inserts in the toe, small metal divets on either side of the toe that accept pins from compatible bindings.

A hybrid boot will have a tour mode, like a touring boot, but it will usually ski more like an alpine boot on descents.

Flex describes a boot’s stiffness, and the correct amount of flex is determined by a skier’s experience level, strength, style, and preference.

Ski boot flex is determined and assigned by manufacturers. While the ratings give us an idea of how the ski boots feel within a brand’s lineup, the flex isn’t standardized across each company. So, for cross-brand comparison, the flex ratings can help you make broad versus apples-to-apples comparisons.

As you shop around, you’ll see boots with a flex that generally ranges from 65 to 120. The lower number represents a softer boot and gradually stiffens as you go up the scale. You’ll also see these flex ranges are usually lower for women’s-specific ski boots compared to men’s boots.

Weis said a new skier should be looking at boots with flex from 65 to 90. A lower flex number is easier to engage.

“When a skier is engaging a boot, or flexing it forward, the boot needs to have resistance to transfer energy to the ski. If it’s too stiff, a skier won’t be able to flex the ski to carve — there won’t be any energy transfer,” said Weis.

Soft boots are also typically more comfortable and retain heat better than stiff designs. These are a good choice if you prefer cruising on green and blue runs or if you’re just getting started on the slopes. They’re also a fair choice for folks that weigh less.

They’ll also have the most economic price tag, but paying more for boots that match your ski style and skill level is worth the extra cost.

Intermediate skiers should focus on flex from 100 to 110. A higher flex number indicates the boot will have more resistance and responsiveness. The boot can handle more aggressive turns and faster descents than soft boots. “If the boot is too soft, the skier won’t be able to control their ski,” said Weis.

If you’re a beginner skier but are heavier set, consider a medium flex boot right off the bat.

Advanced and expert skiers should buy boots with flex from 110 to 130. These designs provide the highest level of response and hold their own through speed. The price tag is higher in this category because these boots usually have a more technical build.

Advanced-level boots strategically place and integrate a range of soft, medium, or stiff materials into the design for optimal energy transfer. Don’t be surprised if the most rigid boots, typically intended for racers, simply feel too tight to use as an everyday driver.

Ski boots use unisex mondopoint sizing, often referred to as “mondo,” which is the foot length in millimeters. You’ll also commonly see this size reference in centimeters, instead, like the 24.5-30.5 size range, for instance.

Mondo sizes start as low as 21.5 (U.S. women’s size 5) and go up to 30.5 (U.S. men’s size 13). They increase by half-size increments.

The last or footbed width ranges from 97 mm to 106 mm. Skiers with a narrower foot will want a slimmer last, as will athletes that want a tighter fit for snappier energy transfer and precision. Many ski boots offer a variety of last width options for narrow, average, or wide feet.

To get the best boot for your foot, Weis recommends scheduling a fitting with your local shop. At that fitting, a ski tech will measure the length and width of both of your feet. They’ll properly determine your ski boot mondo and last size.

Depending on the ski boot model you need and your skill level, you also might need to size down to account for packing out the boot. But once they have those numbers, they should be able to advise you on which boots from which brands will match your physiology and best help you meet your goals.

Not all ski boot soles are compatible with all bindings. Check with your ski shop to confirm the boots you’re considering will work with the bindings you own or plan to buy.

Don’t think you’re just being upsold if the ski tech recommends custom insoles. Weis said skiers with a soft or collapsed arch will especially benefit from aftermarket or custom insoles. By supporting the arch, an insole keeps your foot from over-splaying inside your boot.

“You want to make sure the natural shape of your arch is matched to the insole of your boot,” said Weis. “When your foot sits in the correct spot in your boots, it’s less likely to become fatigued.”

Following the growth of backcountry, side-country, and uphill exercise on skis, a boot’s weight has become a more important differentiator between boot types and preferences. There are more lightweight boot options for downhill and backcountry skiing on the market today than in years past. And the lighter a ski boot, the less weight you’ll need to slide atop the snow or step with as you climb a bootpack.

For instance, the SCARPA F1 LT is an ultralight boot for ski mountaineering that weighs 990 g (2.18 pounds). The SCARPA Alien 1.0, which is a hit among skimo racers, weighs 785 g (1 pound, 11.7 ounces).

Hybrid boots, like the Tecnica Cochise Pro W — 1,630 g (3 pounds, 9 ounces) — are heavy enough to drive skis at the resort but still light enough for touring. Pure alpine ski boots are heavier, like our top pick, the Tecnica Mach 1, which weighs 2,060 g (4.6 pounds).

Note: Our guide references the weight of one ski boot out of the set.

A handful of manufacturers make ski boots that are women’s-specific. Compared to a unisex or men’s ski boot, women’s lineups typically have a lower flex rating set, so the boot options are softer. The models usually feature a smaller size or mono range compared to the men’s models.

Sometimes you’ll see narrower last options for women but not for men in a particular ski boot. The style features, like the color scheme, are usually tailored to a female demographic, too.

Some women’s-specific boots also have anatomical differences based on research, boot-fitter input, and feedback from female skiers. That includes the Tecnica Mach1 LV 105 TD boots, which are built with a unique upper liner that molds to the shape of the female calf. The result is no pressure points while charging steep laps or making fast carves.

The cuff is also built with a tad more forward lean and a higher spine, which increases performance while decreasing overall fatigue. In general, some ski boots have a narrower or tapered heel and greater cushion around the ankle for security.

While the male- and female-labeled ski boots might help the average skier, there are folks who identify as male who need narrower, softer boots, and there are female skiers who want extremely stiff boots. Don’t be afraid to try on boots across these two general categories. Choose the style and fit that best matches your feet.

Boot liners are made from various densities of foam. They provide foot and ankle support and comfort and help prevent fatigue. They also add a layer of heat insulation inside the boot’s exterior, which is a hard plastic shell.

Most boot liners naturally break in with the foot’s heat. Many boot liners are custom-moldable, so another heat source can warm the material to be worn and conform to the owner’s foot. Generally, the boot liners of the priciest ski boots feature a greater quantity of heat-moldable material.

Most boots have thermo-moldable foam liners, which are removable and should be heated at a ski shop and molded to your foot, a process that takes 30 minutes to an hour. Weis warns it can take up to three visits to get new boots perfectly fit.

The time investment of molding your boot liner is worth it. During the boot fit process, the tech will heat your liners, add padding at pressure points to compress the liner, and create more space. In some cases, a boot fitter may also grind, punch, or heat-mold a shell to accommodate prominent ankle bones or bunions.

Buying new ski boots can be one of winter’s biggest challenges. How a boot feels when you first slip your foot into it in the shop can be a far cry from how it feels once you have had it heat-molded and fit by a reputable boot-fitter.

The temperature inside the shop versus on a wind-chilled ski lift will influence the fit, as will how your foot swells on a spring day or during exercise.

“Go with the mindset you’re buying the tightest piece of footwear you own,” said Weis. “And pick the boot that most feels like you could ski it out of the box.”

It’s easier to make a boot bigger than smaller, and if a skier has one or two small issues, including pressure points or pain points, a boot should be workable. “If your foot isn’t happy in the boot in the shop,” Weis advises, “try something else.”

Whether you’re buying an alpine, hybrid, or touring boot, the same rules apply. Get your boot fit, consider aftermarket insoles, and be sure the boot you’re planning to buy matches your foot and binding.

The types of ski boots include alpine or downhill boots, which are the burliest, heaviest, and used for downhill lift-served skiing at the resort. You’ll also find touring or backcountry boots, which are lightweight and made for off-piste terrain.

There are hybrid boots that have a tour mode and weigh more than lightweight touring boots, but can perform more like a downhill boot. They withstand more aggressive descents. Read more about the differences between these types of ski boots in the buyer’s guide above.

To get the best boot for your foot, schedule a fitting with your local shop. At that fitting, a ski tech will measure the length and width of both of your feet. They’ll properly determine your ski boot mondo and last size, which might also be influenced by the type of boot you choose and the type of skiing you aim to do. Read more about ski boot sizes, including the mondopoint and last width, in the buyer’s guide above.

Generally, new or beginner-level skiers, or skiers who prefer mellow terrain (greens and some blues), prefer a soft ski boot. A medium-flex ski boot is great for an intermediate skier who’s progressed to steeper terrain, more and sharper carves, and speedier days. The stiffest boots are sought by advanced and expert skiers for a higher level of responsiveness.

Women’s-specific ski boots are different from men’s ski boots in a variety of ways, and not all boots are women’s-specific for the same qualities. Some boots differ aesthetically, and the size range is smaller and has a narrower option, too.

Other women’s-specific boots are anatomically designed based on female input. Those features could include unique liners that mold better to the female calf muscle, more forward lean in the cuff, a tapered or narrower heel, and additional cushion around the ankle.

Higher-priced ski boots typically have a more complex blend of pliable materials, which provide a precise boot fit and performance. They can offer a more tailored fit out of the box and additional features like grippy soles for walking over ice.

Also, narrower boots typically cost more, so skiers with those alleyway feet should upgrade from the get-go for a good fit. Premium boots also have liners with a blend of various foams, which enhances security.

Overall, more expensive ski boots are worth the investment for a better fit but not at the exchange of comfort. If you are new to skiing, it’s a good idea to start with a cushy, soft boot versus pulling on a more aggressive-fitting premium boot right away.

To preserve ski boot soles, don’t walk on gravel, asphalt, or long distances on a sidewalk. Walking on firm surfaces will degrade the toes and heels. To help protect the soles, you can wear cat tracks, which are detachable sole protectors.

After every use, hand-remove the snow (joint bang the boots together). Then remove the liner and thoroughly dry it with a boot dryer. Moisture builds throughout the day from snow and sweat. If they stay wet, then mold, mildew, and bad odors can form. Wetness can also deteriorate the liner.

You can also wipe down the exterior and interior of the ski boot shell with a dry cloth. Close each buckle so the shell can sit in its preferred shape and avoid damage or getting warped over time.

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