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When you’re getting ready for the ski season, there are certain pieces of gear that you will need. No matter whether you’re buying or renting skis, you’ll need boots to wear with those skis.
Ski boots should be personalized to your skiing style and preferences. They aren’t a one-size-fits-all piece of gear and it can seem a little overwhelming when you’re looking at page after page of options. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best ski boots in 2022 that will help you make the most of your skiing seasons no matter what your style is.
OUR TOP PICK
Salomon QST Access 70 Ski Boots
- What Makes These Boots Stand Out
- Flex last of 70 is perfect for novice and casual skiers
- 104 mm last caters to medium-width and large feet
- Easy Entry Overlap makes it easy to slip this boot on and off
- Woolmetal Insulation liner keeps your feet warm while you ski
- Can be switched into walk mode with the flip of a lever on the back of the boot
- Guarantee excellent range of motion
Sizes: 26.5, 28.5, 29.5, 30.
Flex rating: 70
Last: 104 mm
Skill range: Beginner
EDITORS CHOICE
Rossignol Evo 70 Ski Boots
- What Makes These Boots Stand Out
- Flex rating of 70 is a great choice for novice and casual skiers
- 104 mm last is great for skiers who need wide sizes
- Wool, comfort-fit liner offers plenty of warmth
- Sensor Matrix design keeps the boots both durable and lightweight
- Strong heel pocket adds to boot support
Sizes: 26.5, 29.5, 30.5, 31.5, 32.5, 33.5, 30.5 Wide M US
Flex rating: 70
Last: 104 mm
Skill level: Beginner
BEST VALUE
Roces IDEA Free Adjustable Ski Boots
- What Makes These Boots Stand Out
- Adjusts from size 22.5 to 25.5 to adapt to a child’s growing foot
- Soft flex is easy for any child to control
- LBS self-fitting liner and memory foam interior offer comfort and warmth
- Power strap and three buckles allow for micro-adjustments for a customized fit
Sizes: Adjustable from 22.5 to 25.
Flex rating: Soft
Last: 101 mm
Skill range: Children
Salomon X Access 70 Wide Ski Boots
- What Makes These Boots Stand Out
- Flex rating of 70 suits beginners and casual skiers well
- 140 mm last works well for skiers who need a wide fit boot
- Flex Zone upper cuff design shapes to your calf as you wear it
- 24 mm Oversized Pivot helps transfer energy between the upper and lower cuff
- Twinframe Technology increases responsiveness as you increase speed
Sizes: 31.5
Flex rating: 70
Last: 104 mm
Skill range: Beginner
Salomon X-Pro 100 Ski Boots
- What Makes These Boots Stand Out
- Flex rating of 100 great for intermediate and advanced skiers
- Flex rating can be softened by 10 degrees
- My Custom Fit 3D Performance Liner can be heated and shaped to your foot
- TwinFrame2 Technology keeps these boots rigid enough for tight precision
- 360-Degree Custom Shell and Cuff adapts to average width and large feet
- Guarantee excellent range of motion
- Perfect for intermediate skiers
Sizes: 25.5, 26.5, 27.5, 28.5, 29.5, 30.5, 31.5, 32.5 M EU, 33.5
Flex rating: 10
Last: 100 to 106 mm
Skill range: Intermediate and advanced skiers
Roces 2016 Idea Adjustable Ski Boots
- What Makes These Boots Stand Out
- Specially made to fit children
- Adjust from 19.0 to 22.0 to accommodate children as they grow
- 101 mm last is roomy enough for both average and large feet
- Mondo sizes measure to fit both boys and girls
Sizes: Adjustable from 19.0 to 22.0
Flex rating: Soft
Last: 101 mm
Skill range: Children
Salomon X Pro 100 Ski Boots
- What Makes These Boots Stand Out
- Adjustable flex rating helps to meet every skier’s needs
- CustomFit 3D Performance heat-moldable liners shape to your feet for maximum comfort
- TwinFrame 2 design helps keep an effective rigidity in the boots
- Available in multiple design options
Sizes: 25.5, 26.5, 27.5,28.5, 29.5, 30.5, 31.5, 32.5 M EU, 33.5
Flex rating: 100, can be adjusted down to 90
Last: 100 mm
Skill level: Intermediate and advanced skiers
K2 Spyne 90 Ski Boots
- What Makes These Boots Stand Out
- Flex rating of 90 good for intermediate skiers
- Dual Cuff Alignment Index allows for a total 4.4-degree flex adjustment
- 102 mm last accommodates large feet
- Replaceable heel pad increases longevity
- Multilayer EVA foam construction maximizes comfort and warmth
- 45 mm power strap offers upper cuff support
- Perfect for intermediate and expert skiers
Sizes: 25.5 (M US 7.5)
Flex rating: 90
Last: 102 mm
Skill range: Intermediate
Rossignol Alltrack Pro 100 Ski Boots
- What Makes These Boots Stand Out
- Flex rating of 100 good for intermediate and advanced skiers
- Thermo Optisensor 3D T3 liner molds to your foot as you wear it
- 102 mm last accommodates large feet
- Wide last
- 4 micro-adjustments allow for a tight, controlled fit
- Walk mode makes getting to the slopes a breeze
Sizes: 25.5, 26.5, 28.5, 29.5
Flex rating: 100
Last: 102 mm
Skill range: Intermediate and advanced skiers
Lange 2019 RX 120 Ski Boots
- What Makes These Boots Stand Out
- Flex rating of 120 is great for advanced and professional skiers
- 12-degree forward lean help to make tight, controlled movements
- Heat moldable liners shape to the wearer’s feet
- Micro-adjustable buckles and straps allow for a tight, comfortable fit
- Available in mondo sizes between 25.5 and 29.5
Sizes: 25.5, 26.5, 27.5, 28.5, 29.5
Flex rating: 120
Last: 100 mm
Skill range: Advanced and professional skiers
How To Choose The Best Ski Boots – Buying Guide
Flex
When flex is mentioned in reference to a ski boot, it refers to how much effort it takes to bend the boot. The lower the rating, the easier the boot is to bend and vice versa. Stiffer boots offer tighter control over your skis and require more precision. Lower ratings are easier to bend but offer slightly less precision in how you move.
The general consensus is that beginner skiers will want a lower flex because these types of skiing shoes are easier to handle. Advanced and professional skiers, on the other hand, are going to want a tougher, higher flex so they can keep a tight reign on how their skis move. This is especially important for skiers who want to practice free skiing tricks such as flips, airs, rotations, and hybrids.
This rating exists on a numerical axis between 50 and 140. As we mentioned, the lower the rating, the more flexible the boots. The exact category a flex falls into depends on if you’re looking for men’s boots or women’s boots.
For men’s ski boots, the beginner range is from 60 to 80. Intermediate boots flex is considered with a rating between 80 and 110 while expert skiers should consider anything from 110 and higher.
For women’s ski boots, the ratings run a little lower. Beginner ratings sit at 50 to 60, intermediate is 60 to 85, and anything 85 or higher is considered advanced.
Related Review: Women Ski Boots
Last
When you’re talking about ski boots, last is the width of the forefoot on the skis. This is a very important specification to get right and since it needs to be so precise, manufacturers usually offer varying sizes to accommodate anyone’s size.
Instead of measuring this width the same way shoe sizes are done, it’s measured in millimeters. This offers an industry-wide standard and, since the sizes are measured in such small increments, you can find exactly what you need.
If you have narrow feet, your last is going to measure about 97 mm to 98 mm. The average skier will want to look for 100 mm to 102 mm. Ski boots for wide feet start at 103 mm and include anything above that margin. It can be difficult to find ski boots in this margin, however.
In these ranges, women’s sizes are usually the smaller number. For instance, the average for a men’s size would sit closer to 102 mm while the average women’s size is usually around 100 mm.
Related Reviews: Ski Boots For Wide Feet & Ski Boots For Narrow Feet
Fit
There are a few factors that play into how your boot should fit you. These include your skill level, the shape of your calves as well as your feet. It also has to do with your ski boot liner which will look at in greater depth in a moment.
The shell – excepting the liner – should give you a snug fit on your barefoot. As for extra space, it shouldn’t exceed the space of two fingers. To measure this, you should push your foot forward until your toes are pressing against the toe of the boot. If you can slide more than two fingers behind your heel, the boot is too big. You’ll want that two-finger test to wor. No space at all isn’t going to give you the most comfortable ski boots.
The upper part of the boot should also fit snugly. You don’t want it to hug your shin, calf, and ankle loosely. Even ski boots with lower flex ratings should fit tight enough that your shin and calf don’t slip. For one, it’s safer. In addition, it prevents the boot from irritating your leg by uncomfortably rubbing against it. Specifically, it should feel like someone is holding your leg in their hands. Not squeezing it, but snug enough that you don’t have room to twist your leg from side to side in the boot.
The fit of your boot should also fit the purpose for them. The most basic choice is a comfortable fit. In these ski boots, your foot should touch the toe of your boot when you’re standing up straight. When you bend your knees, you’ll feel your foot pull away from the toe without your leg rising up out of the shoe.
A step up is a performance fit. Top-rated boots in this category will sit between the feeling of a comfort fit and a high-performance fit. In other words, you aren’t going to sacrifice performance and you aren’t going to sacrifice all feelings of comfort. When you stand straight up in these types of boots, your toes should press against the tip and still barely touch the tip of the shoe.
For the best technical performance, you’re going to have to sacrifice some of the wiggle room of a comfort fit boot. In fact, when you buy these types of ski boots, they’ll run about a full size smaller than standard ski boots. No matter if your standing or bending down, you’ll want to feel your toes pressed against the toe of the shoe. These will feel comfortable when you ski but they aren’t going to be very comfortable to walk around in. It can also take longer to break these types of boots.
Related Post: Ski Boot Stretching
Type of Skis
If you’re looking into ski boots, it’s best to match them with the skis you have or will buy. For instance, if you’re a casual skier with a comfortable fit, you don’t need to shell out for top-of-the-line skis made for professionals. You’re safe in using a looser binding.
On the other hand, if you are buying high-performance ski boots, it’s a good idea to match these boots with an equally high-performance set of skis. In these cases, look for skis with tight bindings. This way, when you put on your boots and skis, you have a tight fit that gives you complete control over how your skis move.
Quality
Obviously, you aren’t going to want to buy ski boots that will fall apart quickly or show low quality in general. Unfortunately, if you only look at what a manufacturer says about their boots, you’re likely to only find positive language because they are trying to sell you something.
The best place to get an idea of the quality of the ski boots you’re considering is with ski gear reviews like the one we’re offering you here. This will give you a genuine opinion on the boots you’re looking at and help you sort the best boots from lower quality options.
Value
Quality is constantly juxtaposed with value. Finding top-rated downhill boots is great. If you can’t afford the price tag on those boots, though, it can be pretty disheartening. The best boots will give you a high level of quality as well as plenty of value.
You don’t need to sacrifice quality for your budget or vice versa. There are plenty of top-notch choices that will allow you to get what you want while staying within your budget. You should never have to choose cheap, low-quality shoes over high-quality, budget-friendly ones.
Boot Liners
The liners you might find in the best boots aren’t that different from the liners you’d find in your regular shoes. They slip into your boot and create a more comfortable fit. Unlike standard liners in shoes, these have the same shape of the shoe rather than just sitting on the sole. In ski boots, they are of heat moldable. In other words, as your body heat warms the liner up, it molds to your foot. This creates a customized fit that will work for your feet in particular.
Buckle and Straps
The design of the buckles and straps on boots don’t vary too much between brands. They’re a pretty standard part of a boot and it’s incredibly important that they’re durable.
When you’re looking for the best boots, you’re going to see that most of them have four buckles. Two of these buckles sit across your foot while another crosses your ankle and one more across your shin. Some lightweight ski boots might cut out the buckle at the ankle to reduce the weight of the boot. Downhill boots don’t need to worry so much about weight, so they don’t need to worry as much about reducing weight. Removing this buckle does reduce the support a bit as well.
Aside from buckles, boots for skiing also have straps. The most critical one is the strap at the top of the boot which is often referred to as the “power strap.” This will keep your leg and boot locked into place without the weight of a fifth buckle.
When you’re taking a look at boots for skiing you might want to buy, it’s crucial to look for durable straps and buckles. For instance, investing in ski boots with metal buckles are going to last longer than plastic buckles.
Type
There are multiple types of boots for skiing you can choose from with their own features, pros, and cons.
Alpine boots are also called downhill boots. These have a stiff, often plastic shell that will hold your foot firmly in place and they shouldn’t shift around on your foot so much. With this boot, you’ll want to choose the smallest size that you can wear.
Interestingly enough, Alpine boots can be further broken down into four subcategories. This includes freestyle boots, freeride boots, race boots, and piste boots.
Piste boots are a little more relaxed and are made to be comfortable and used at resorts and lodges rather than more high-intensity skiing. There are tighter versions of a piste boot meant for higher performance but these bleed over into the category of race boots.
Race boots are stiff and tight because they are specifically dedicated to performance. These are pretty uncomfortable if you’re just walking around, so wearers typically wait to buckle the boots until they’re ready to start to ski.
Freeride boots are made to handle different terrain styles. Because of this, they have more lateral give. This side-to-side flexibility helps you adjust to different terrain types. The gripping sole also helps them adjust to packing or uphill skiing.
Related Post: Buy Ski Boots
Freestyle boots are pretty flexible too. This is because they’re made to give extra control and absorb impact while the skier is hitting jumps and rails.
Related Review: Freestyle Snowboard Boots
Getting away from Alpine boots, the next type is touring boots. These are unique because they have a switch on them that allows you to flip between touring mode and downhill mode. They have a large range of motion and they’re a very lightweight style. Touring bindings will allow you to free your heel for easier uphill movement and lock your heel back into place for downhill movement.
Cross-country boots are another type of ski boot where you need more movement for your food. You’ll want to be able to bend your heel while you ski in these. However, the sole needs to be pretty stiff laterally. This helps you to not make awkward moves with your ankle and it adds to the longevity of these boots. If you’re planning on racing, you’ll want to invest in the more expensive lightweight versions of these boots.
Related Review: Cross Country Ski Boots
Telemark boots were once just a heavy-duty version of cross-country but this isn’t really the case anymore. Now, telemark boots for skiing are more similar to downhill boots. When you’re skiing in lift-access areas, your boots should be taller and stiffer. If you’re using your telemark gear for touring, it should be a lighter weight telemark design.
With these boots, you’ll want to feel your heel firmly held but allow your toes to move around a bit. These will fit securely around your calf but, interestingly, your toes shouldn’t ever sit pressed against the toe of the boot. These boots will feel a little looser than an Alpine ski boot. Standard telemark boots measure in at 75 mm across the front of the sole so they’ll fit 75 mm bindings.
Size
Ski boot sizing isn’t always exactly like the standard boot size we’re used to. Most notably, downhill boots use mondo sizing. This uses the length of the sole of the boot in centimeters rather than conventional numbered sizes. Even still, the measurements can vary slightly from brand to brand.
This is often considered an easier size to deal with than standard sizing methods. For one, it offers a concrete measurement. In addition, it’s a unisex measurement that makes things clear for any skier. For instance, in the United States, a women’s size 7.5 and a men’s size 6 both come in at a mondo size 24.
Remember, when you’re choosing a size, take last into consideration as we discussed earlier.
You’ll also want to keep in mind that some boots for skiing might stretch as you wear them. This is why many styles suggest you get a ski boot size smaller and tighter than you think you might need.
Related Post: Ski Boot Size Chart
Walk/Hike Mode
Walk or hike mode is available in most high-end and even medium-end boots for skiing. This allows you to separate the lower part of the boot from the upper shell. This lets you walk while the show is separated and it quickly latches back together when you’re ready to ski downhill. This is particularly useful to backcountry and beginner skiers.
Related Reviews: Backcountry Ski Boots & Ski Boots For Beginners
FAQs
Q:Â What should my ski boot flex be?
Your ski boot flex depends on a few factors. We already discussed that ski boot flex ratings are broken up into difficulty levels. For example, a beginner skier might want a lower range flex like 50 or 60. On the opposite hand, an experienced skier who’s looking to challenge themselves might want a stiffer boot in the 110+ range.
It can also depend a little bit on size. If you’re a pretty small woman, you might find that lower flex fits you better than a man over 6 feet tall.
If you aren’t sure what flex you want exactly, it’s better to use a low estimate instead of a high one. This will help you avoid pain and discomfort on the slopes.
Q:Â How long does a ski boot last?
Of course, you’re going to want boots for ski that last you a long time rather than ones that will only carry you through one or two seasons. How long a ski boot lasts, though, depends on both the quality of the ski boot you wear and the frequency with which you wear it.
The average ski boot can last anywhere from 50 to 200 days of full skiing. This might not sound like much but if you were to ski for 20 days each year, that’s up to 10 years of use. Lower-end quality boots for ski are going to lean towards the shorter lifespan while high-end boots will lean toward the long side of the lifespan scale.
You’ll know your skis are reaching their maximum lifespan by a few identifiers. If they aren’t detaching from their bindings easily, this means they’re fairly worn down and it can prevent a safety issue. You’ll also notice that the liners pack out which means you should either repair the boots or ditch them. There are also standard signs that you’d see in your boots as any other failing pair of shoes. For instance, if your feet are cold in what was once your warmest boots, it might be time to upgrade to a new pair. You might also see cracking in the shell of the boots.
When you’re looking at stiff flex boots, in particular, you’re going to eventually notice the flex softening when they near the end of their lifespan.
Related Post: How Long Do Ski Boots LastQ:Â What to do with old ski boots?
The obvious answer here is to throw your old boots away. Just toss them in the dumpster and wait for the trash company to do its part. However, there are better, greener ways to handle old ski equipment.
If your boots aren’t completely ruined, you might be able to donate them. You can look around for organizations that might be interested such as local recreational centers or even the ski lodge you frequent. This can give your boots a new life rather than just giving upon them.
Unfortunately, by the time many of us are ready to retire our favorite boots, they’ve been run into the ground. Don’t worry, these can still be taken care of in a greenway as well. Hard plastic skis aren’t going to fit into your standard recycling fare. You’ll want to find someone who will take these items as a recyclable.
One such example is the Snow Sports Recycling Program by the Snow Sports Industries of America. Earth911 is also a great resource for finding a place for recycling unique waste products.
Q:Â How to clean and dry ski boots
The most important part of the ski boot when cleaning them is the liner of the boot. The shell of the boot doesn’t need as much cleaning but can be wiped off if it gets dirty.
The liner should be cleaned routinely rather than just done at the end of each season. Yet, you can get away without cleaning them with every use but you’ll want to clean them often enough that you don’t have to worry about dirt and odor buildup.
The manufacturer of a boot usually suggests whether their product should be machine or hand washed.
If you’re machine washing a boot liner, you should pull the liner from the boot and toss them in the washing machine. Be sure to use a mild detergent and set the machine on a gentle cycle.
When you’re handwashing liners, start by filling your sink up with warm water and a healthy squirt of dish soap. If your liners are particularly odorous, add about ¼ of a cup of household ammonia to the mix.
Place the liners into the sink and let them sit for about five minutes. Then, you can use a sponge or soft-bristle brush to scrub the liners.
No matter if you machine or hand washed your liners, do not put them in the dryer. Instead, stuff them with paper towels so that they keep their shape and sit them out to air dry. Any excessive heat runs the risk of shrinking the liners.
Related Post: How To Dry Ski BootsGloboSurf Overview
Boots for skiing are an essential and basic part of your winter ski gear. So, you’ll want something that offers you quality and will last you a long time. So, you’ll want to consider the important features of your boots for ski and make a careful choice.
If you’re looking for the perfect boots for skiing, you’re sure to find something that suits your needs on this list. These boots for ski are all great choices with unique features that make them valuable to individual skiers’ needs.
More Snow Reviews:
- All Mountain Snowboard
- Ski Pants
- Heated Jacket
- Thermal Underwear
- Snowboard Goggles
- Snowboard Bindings
- Snowboard Jackets
- Snowboard Helmet
- Base Layer
- Ski Socks