Alpine boots, aka downhill boots, have changed dramatically over the years. The ski boot you’re trying on at a ski shop is a far cry from the ski boots your parents had. “I believe the ski boot world is in a golden age,” says Adam Greenier, owner of Gravity Jones Orthotics, and certified pedorthist/boot fitter for Sport Thoma in N.H. “The last few years have offered amazing new developments in boot technology, including lighter plastics, AT capabilities, advanced customization options, and increased comfort.”
How to pick the right ski boots
First things first is ski boot sizing. In order to find the best ski boot for your physiology and ability level, every industry pro recommends that you visit a qualified boot fitter, as we discuss in our guide to buying boots. They will ask you about your ability level, where you like to ski, and whether you have any injuries. After they identify which category of ski boots to work with, they will start by finding the correct size and inner shape of the boot that best fits your feet.
Narrow-fitting ski boots have lasts, otherwise known as widths, around 96mm to 98mm, and are usually the choice for advanced skiers who favor a tight fit and stiff flex for power and precision. These boots are known as low-volume models. Mid-volume or average-fitting boots have lasts around 100mm and wider boots, for high-volume feet, have lasts that are 102 mm or above.
Some companies offer the same boot model in two or three different last sizes to cater to these categories of feet. These widths are all measured at the average size, 26.5 for men and 24.5 for women. The volume of the boot is also proportional to the width, so as you go up in size, boots get a little wider and vice-versa. Boot fitters also look at the instep height, heel anatomy, and calf muscle position when deciding which boot is best.
Boot fitters like Greenier have championed customization features in boot models because it allows them to work at a micro-level to improve comfort and downhill performance between the skier’s body and their equipment. “We want to meet you and be a part of your skiing support team,” says Greenier. “It’s no longer about having the best gear; it’s about having the most appropriate gear customized to function most efficiently with the skier.”
The top men’s alpine ski boots
Before you go into the ski shop, however, educate yourself by reading the following downhill boot roundup of some of the best men’s ski boots. You can learn a lot about categories, boot features, and offerings, which will help with your initial discussion at a shop. This roundup of the top men’s ski boots features a wide range of boots in the all-mountain category.
Skiers shopping in this category ski the entire mountain—frontside and backside—and need a boot that can handle a variety of snow conditions. Some of the boots lean toward the freeride side, with a hike/walk mode, and offer freedom of movement in the cuff for occasional trips off-piste or out-of-bounds. Others have features that blend performance with comfort, including combinations of plastic density designed to offer power without adding weight.
Every boot manufacturer has a variety of boot models to suit a range of ability levels and snow conditions. Think of boot fitters as matchmakers — and the boot-to-foot match they recommend can result in a season full of great turns and happy feet. Each boot listed will fall under the mid-volume category, with other options mentioned for narrower and wider feet.
Each boot will also come in a variety of flexes ranging from softer to stiffer and more aggressive. MSRP prices are noted according to the listed boot flex. Without further ado, let’s get to our list of some of the best ski boots for the upcoming season.
Tecnica Mach1 MV 120 (Advanced)
MSRP: $700
The Mach1 MV from Tecnica has stood out amongst the pack of alpine boots for being a powerful boot that fits great and skis like a dream. The 120 flex has enough force to drive any ski in your quiver. The Mach1 lineup comes in a range of flexes, all with a low, mid, and high volume option. This boot is ideal for those who prioritize a strong heel grip and a roomier forefoot compared to other fits out there.
“The Mach 1 MV 120 is a high-performance ski boot designed for advanced level skiers with medium-volume feet who are looking for all-mountain performance, a comfortable but precise fit, and a high level of customization,” said Christian Avery, North American Product Manager. “The C.A.S. shell and liner provide for the best out-of-the-box fit, industry-leading customization capabilities, and the T-Drive —a unique shell-to-cuff connection technology that accounts for stiffness — allows the boot to function in a much more efficient way, resulting in a smoother more consistent flex, better performance and less energy required to ski at a high level.”
Salomon S/Pro Supra BOA 120 (Advanced)
MSRP: $750
That’s right, BOA ski boots. The BOA Fit System you likely know from snowboard boots now comes to ski boots. After a few years of testing, they have been brought to the market full steam. Salomon, Atomic, Fischer, and K2 have rolled out models featuring BOA technology. Of those, the Supra from Salomon is one of the best for true downhill performance. The BOA replaces the two buckles positioned over the top of the foot on a traditional ski boot. The BOA allows for a more dialed, even fit across the instep. The wrap of the shell gives it a snug feel without the common overbearing pain points of a regular buckle.
The 120 flex helps drive the ski effectively and is great for a range of foot shapes and skier abilities. Salomon also makes this boot in a 110 and 130 flex. The S/Pro line also has a narrow model (the S/Pro Alpha) and a wider model (the S/Pro HV) in the same flexes but not yet featuring the BOA tech.
Atomic Hawx Prime 120 (Advanced)
MSRP: $700
The Atomic Hawx Prime 120 is a great boot for progressing and advanced skiers. The Hawx series is super dialed and offers a wide range of boots for different foot types including the Hawx Ultra for narrower feet, the Hawx Prime for mid-volume feet, and the Hawx Magna for wider feet. This layout also translates to their hybrid boot lineup (see below). The Prime 120 is great for skiers with a high arch or instep, as the area above the front of the foot sits rather high. The 120 flex is powerful enough to drive any recreational ski out there with ease. The average fit and relatively snug heel allow for it to work for a range of skiing types without feeling overly aggressive. Each model is also available in a range of soft, medium, and hard flexes.
Lange Shadow 130 MV (Advanced/Expert)
MSRP: $850
New from Lange for the 23/24 season is the Shadow — a high-performance boot that updates the way energy transfers from your foot to boot to ski. This boot is offered in a low and mid-volume model, with a range of flexes. The benefit of the mid-volume Shadow at a 130 is the performance is akin to that of an aggressive fitting, low-volume boot, so wide feet can relax and rejoice. Lange changed up the typical two-rivet system holding the cuff to the shell. The Shadow eliminates the rear rivet and instead utilizes a suspension blade attachment above the heel — promising to add a smoother power transfer without the harshness that came from the previous RX series. This is seriously a boot to check out if you are a hard-charging, demanding skier.
Nordica Speedmachine 3 110 (Intermediate)
MSRP: $600
Nordica’s flagship boot for years now, the Speedmachine series offers “unrivaled power and control,” according to their experts. “Nordica’s 3 Force technology maximizes the transmission of energy from the leg and foot to the liner and shell. This also enhances efficiency.
The boot’s slightly softer flex provides all-day comfort without sacrificing precision. And for a truly personal fit, its liner and shell can readily be customized.” The Speedmachine will fit snugger over the instep than other mid-volume models, which can irritate some but really feel locked in for others. The 110 flex is great for intermediate and progressing skiers, and can still handle a wide variety of skis. The Promachine will be their narrow model and the Sportmachine the wider, each available in a range of soft to stiff flexes.
Salomon S/Pro 100 (Intermediate)
MSRP: $500
The Salomon S/Pro 100 is a medium-stiffness ski boot that can cater to both powerful and playful skiing, great for the all-around intermediate skier. This boot is not overly aggressive but still has enough oomph for hard cuts and carves on groomers while rebounding and absorbing shock in choppy terrain.
The S/Pro 100 features a fiberglass Coreframe that increases lightness, sensation, and power. Salomon also boasts that this is an easy-on-and-off boot due to the soft PU Sensifit inserts. The My Customfit 3D seamless liner is built without any seams or stitching, which improves your foothold and boot insulation. With a thicker liner, the S/Pro feels cushy while still feeling powerful.
Look out for a narrower cuff, as Salomon boots tend to fit snuggly around the calf. However, it’s still locked in on the heel and will break in nicely around the toebox. It fits like a true mid-volume boot. The S/Pro also comes in a 120 and 130 flex, all with a low (S/Pro Alpha), mid, and high volume (S/Pro HV) option.
K2 BFC 100 (Intermediate/Comfort)
MSRP: $500
For those with wider feet looking for a boot that prioritizes comfort, the K2 BFC will be your best friend. The wide toebox and soft plush liner are ideal for those with wide, flat feet. They are extremely easy to take on and off, and still provide great power for beginner and intermediate skiers.
According to the experts at K2, “The BFC 100 features a fully heat moldable shell, Hand Free Entry, a wide 103 mm last and an updated Après walk resulting in a boot that will keep you focused on skiing, not your feet.” If you want the same comfort with a little bit more oomph, the BFC also comes in a 120 and 130 flex.
Tecnica Cochise 130 (Hybrid)
MSRP: $800
Not only does Tecnica make a killer downhill boot, but their hybrid touring model smacks it out of the park, too. Hybrid boots are great for people looking to build a setup that can take them from the resort to the backcountry with ease. At a 130 flex, this boot is as stiff as it gets for also being able to go uphill. The walk mode on the back is user-friendly and provides an excellent range of motion.
The Cochise is powerful enough to handle pretty much any ski out there and is ideal for those with a demanding ski style, but it’s also light enough to take uphill. If you prioritize skiing performance but still want a boot with a walk mode, this one is perfect. The Cochise also comes in a variety of softer flexes including a 110 and a 120.
Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 120 (Hybrid)
MSRP: $800
Atomic boasts that the Hawx Prime XTD 120 GW “blends all-mountain and freeride touring for limitless performance.” This hybrid boot can rip groomer laps all day but doubles as your best friend out-of-bounds as a versatile touring boot. It features Prolite construction that gives support right where you need it, providing ultimate power and control on any terrain.
The Free/Lock 2.0 ski-to-walk mechanism and tech binding compatibility allow you to ski uphill to reach those steep and deep backcountry turns. In addition to being an all-around solid boot anywhere in the mountains, the Mimic Platinum Liner and Achilles Flex Zone molds to your foot shape for idyllic comfort. The Prime version will fit like a true mid-volume boot, while the Hawx Prime Ultra XTD boasts a more narrow fit — both are available in a range of soft to stiff flex options.
More reading:
December 24, 2023
