I have a confession to make: I am super intimidated by ski boots. I have written about ski boots many times in the past decade and interviewed more than a dozen experts; I’ve skied hundreds of days in that time frame and worked as a professional ski instructor; and I still have a ton to learn about this complicated product. Without doubt, ski boots are the most challenging piece to buy in a ski kit. They also happen to be the most important when it comes to improving your performance and enjoyment on the hill.

I lucked into a pair of K2 Recon boots that worked for me in 2018, and am still using them out of fear of messing with the esoteric magic spell that delivers comfort to my misshapen feet.

Because I know I’m not the only one overwhelmed by the idea of finding new boots, I interviewed four experts to get to the bottom of what the everyday skier needs to know when shopping for ski boots. I ended up compiling 63 pages of notes and transcripts to try and demystify this piece of gear. Here’s your cheat sheet.

Related:

The Experts

The Bootfitters’ Bootfitter

Sam McDonald has been fitting boots for over a quarter of a century and his ability to distill down the nuances of the ideal fit for different feet, skiers, and body types is incredible. He has been working for Surefoot since 1997 and has been the manager of since 2010.

The Boot Tester

My friend Kelly Bastone has been my go-to personal resource for boot questions for years. She’s been a gear tester for șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű, Backpacker, and SKI for around a decade and has tested over 200 pairs of ski boots.

The Lifer

is a lifelong skier, writer, ski company marketing pro, and backcountry ski guide with deep roots in the ski industry. He’s the friend I turn to for ski gear advice because he knows a lot and tells it like it is.

The Boot Designer

is the lead ski boot engineer for K2 and a professional ski instructor. I challenge you to find someone who spends more time in or around ski boots.

4 Tips for Finding the Right Ski Boot

Flex is Tricky

The refers to how stiff the boot is and how much force it takes to get the cuff of the boot to flex forward. A higher flex number means a stiffer boot. Generally speaking, the stiffer the boot, the more a skier can crank on the skis to initiate a turn,Ìęmaking stiff boots best suited to expert skiers. Flex numbers for adult ski boots range from 80 to 130, with 80 considered soft and anything above 115 considered stiff.

Ready for a myth I am excited to bust? Stronger skiers don’tÌęnecessarily need a stiffer boot.

“Get over this whole idea of, I’m an expert skier, I should be in a 130 boot,” Bastone advised. “If you ski moguls, if you’re jumpy, if you like lots of air and lots of little landings and things, you might want to go down a little in flex because as soon as you hit something unexpected, you’re going to feel like the rodeo horse just bucked you really hard in that boot.”

Just because a stiffer boot is more expensive doesn’t mean it’s the best performing boot, Burrow added. “Typically, the stiffer the boot, the less comfort it provides.” Even though Burrow is an excellent skier, ski instructor, and has made a career designing boots, she doesn’t always prefer the stiffest option. “I’m in my boots all day and I’m also pretty small, so having a super stiff boot for me can be really challenging.”

Rather than blindly looking at a flex number, test out the flex for your body type and weight when you try boots on. “Once you put it on, do some forward flexes into it, and if you feel like you’re almost falling forward, then that boot’s probably going to be a little bit too soft,” said Burrow.

Flex is relative from boot company to boot company, so one brand’sÌę130 does not equal another’s. The first time I found that out, it made my head spin. If flex is causing you a similar level of stress, it is a good idea to go to a reputable shop to talk it out with an expert. “Flex and stiffness is hard because the numbers can be quite confusing. Going to see somebody that you trust or that your peers trust is super important,” McDonald said.

Good Fit Starts with Awareness

The best place to start is by looking down at your own feet and trying to gauge your (i.e. your food width and instep height). While a bootfitter can measure the contours of your foot to the millimeter, starting with a general idea of your foot volume and shape is going to narrow your search significantly.

These days, most boots come in three different volume options: high volume (HV in the model name), mid volume (MV), and low volume (LV). “Determining where you fall in that category can be really helpful when you’re looking at a wide range of boots, just to narrow down your selection,” Burrow said.

Trust yourself, here. “Most people know if they have a wide foot, a high arch, or narrow foot. I mean, they’ve been wearing shoes all their life,” Bastone said. Burrow agreed. “Foot volume can be determined by a bootfitter or if you just know yourself,” she said. If you’ve experienced instep pain in shoes or boots, that could indicate that you have a high-volume foot; if your foot is really narrow, chances are you belong in a low-volumeÌęboot. “So just thinking about problems that you’ve had in everyday shoes, things like that and how you want your boot to fit is really important,” Burrow said.

Starting with the right volume is a non-negotiable for Bastone.“With my tester team, I was always really careful to match up the self estimated foot volume with the foot volume that the boot promises to fit,” Bastone said. “It’s awesome that even the stiff, high performance boots are often now made in a higher volume option. So it doesn’t have to be just the skinny-footed people that get the really great ski boots.”

You Can Have Comfort AND Performance

Another myth I’m stoked to bust: Ski boots are supposed to hurt if you want great performance. That’s simply no longer the case in 2024. “It’s totally possible to get ,” Bastone said.

While the line between tight and too tight might feel like a tough one to toe, Bastone has a killer analogy she received from a bootfitter years ago that she has held on to. “A great ski boot should feel like a friend’s handshake—even, warm, and supportive, but not aggressive,” she said.

It is worth noting that boots that feel comfortable in the ski shop or your living room might not always provide the same comfort on a full day of skiing. “Ski boots are not crocs. Going for something too comfortable means you’re going to have something that’s a little too big,” Hunt said. “A boot might feel great when you’re standing in the shop or sitting in the lodge. But once you start moving, it’s too loose and your feet start rubbing.Then you’ve got blisters.”

Aftermarket Insoles and Liners Are Worth It

Hunt offered some blunt advice when it comes to a ski boot’s stock components: “The stock insoles that come in ski boots just need to be tossed immediately,” he said.

“The two things that custom insoles do is make skiing easier and more comfortable,” McDonald added. He mentioned that the key to extended comfort in a boot is proper foot positioning. “The only way to effectively change your foot position is with a good custom insole. Ski boots are designed around a foot that’s in a certain position and you have to make sure you get an insole that holds you in that position.”

If you are looking for an extra layer of personalized comfort, investing in aftermarket liners ( and Ìęare some of the most popular options) that can be easily molded to your foot and ankle shape is a good idea.

Custom footbeds and liners are pricey and might deliver sticker shock if you are already dropping hundreds of dollars on boots, but McDonald maintained that his customers are always happy they made the purchase. “Breaking in a stock liner, even the highest quality, overly engineered liner that comes from the manufacturer, can take up to 30 days,” he said. “If you are willing to invest $10,000 a week in skiing at Whistler, or Aspen, or Vail, invest in some form of custom liner. It makes things way better and way easier for sure.”

The post 4 Tips to Make Shopping for Ski Boots Way Less Intimidating appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Skiing isn’t just a pastime for you, it’s your way of life. When September turns to October, it’s time to bust out the and . You might not be racing anymore, but old habits die hard, and you’ll be damned if your carvers aren’t in race-ready shape on opening day. After all, nothing beats laying down clean railroad tracks on the ’roy. Let the yahoos cut up the snow off-piste—you stick to the groomers where conditions are ideal to master technique. Your mission in life: . With that in mind, you’re on the hunt for the latest equipment to help you maximize your skiing potential.

This list of this season’s best high-performance ski gear should get you started.

The Best Ski Gear for Carving Up Groomers

Stöckli WRT Laser Pro ($1,449)

A serious corduroy crusher like you needs a ski that knows no speed limit and rails on edge, no matter how bulletproof the conditions. The Stöckli WRT Laser Pro is the scalpel of skis, another example of Swiss precision. Hard snow, soft snow—this carving ski isn’t picky, it delivers no matter the conditions. All it demands is a skilled driver. If that’s you, read on.

Fischer RC4 Pro MV ($1,100)

You finally (and reluctantly) ditched your plug boots to let your poor, battered feet heal, but you’re not ready to give up on high-performance ski boots all together. You still want a stiff boot that will deliver the kind of energy transfer you’re accustomed to from your race boots. Enter the new Fischer RC4 Pro MV. Don’t be deterred by the BOA lacing system—your feet will thank you for it. As for performance: this boot is a real 140 flex and comes with a ZipFit liner. Need we say more?

Strafe Hayden Jacket ($519)

You hit the hill no matter the weather, so you need a jacket that will keep you warm and protect you from the elements on cold chair rides. Featuring a waterproof polyester outer shell and PrimaLoft Silver P.U.R.E. recycled insulation (60 grams in the sleeves and hood and 100 grams in the body), the Strafe Hayden is a great option for skiers like you who stay inbounds and might need a little extra insulation. Compare it with our other favorite jackets here.

Patagonia Storm Shift Pants ($400)

Long rides on wet chairlift seats are brutal when you’re wearing pants that aren’t actually waterproof—you learned that the hard way years ago. Now, you invest in a quality pair of ski pants that are weatherproof, durable, and fit right. The Storm Shift Pants are those pants. They’re waterproof, lined, and eco-friendly to boot. Check them out here.

Uvex Ultra MIPS ($225)

You don’t fall, but you know the slopes are crowded these days, and you’re not willing to take any chances. A helmet with top-of-the-line protection is an essential item on your kit list. But it should also be comfortable. Equipped with MIPS and ample padding for a secure and cozy fit, the Uvex Ultra MIPS is your best line of defense in a crash. Read more here.

Glade Adapt 2 ($149)

Good visibility is a must when you’re skiing on piste, where you can’t always rely on trees to help with definition. But you hate having to swap out goggle lenses on the go, no matter how seamless the lens-change system. In that case, the Glade Adapt 2, featuring an all-conditions, light-adapting lens, is the perfect choice for you. Check it out here.

More From the 2024 Winter Gear Guide

The Best All-Mountain Skis of 2024
The Best Alpine Ski Boots of the Year
The Best Ski Gloves and Mittens

The post If You Live for Carving Up the ’Roy, This New Gear Was Made for You appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

This article was first published by .

Looking for the best men’s alpine ski boots? You’ll find those here.Ìę

How We Test

Our test starts in the back of the boot room, where we strip and examine each boot and assess the features and biomechanics of the shell and liner. Then we determine which tester would best fit each boot out of the box and send it to them to ski. We ski each boot for a minimum of three full days with our own custom footbeds and then make any necessary adjustments and ski it for a final day.

Meet Our Boot Pro

Jake Stern is a freelance writer and professional bootfitter based in Mammoth Lakes, California. , the shop where he fits, has been a leader in custom boot fitting for four decades. Working with flipper-footed Angelenos who haven’t worn a closed-toed shoe in their lives, he understands comfort as well as performance. Stern has been testing skis and boots professionally for four years.

The Reviews: The Best °ÂŽÇłŸ±đČÔ’s Alpine Ski Boots of 2024

Flex: 115
Last (mm): 100
Volume: Medium
ISO: 23223 (GripWalk)
Size range: 22.5-27.5

Pros:

• New MV last makes this high-performance boot accessible to skiers with wider feet
• Highly customizable

Cons:

• Heel pocket is a tad generous

It’s almost a shame that Tecnica removed the Mach1 Pro moniker from its product line, because the all-new Mach1 MV 115 W feels so damn professional. The boot is a new product from the brand’s W2W (women-to-women) department, which employs a women-only development team to build product for female skiers. This boot is a benchmark medium volume, and our tester was impressed by the ankle wrap that still allowed her calf muscles unrestricted flexion. The carbon T-Drive that bolts the scaffo and upper cuff together delivers a poppy and consistent flex that is remarkably temperature stable—a huge factor in spring conditions that we greatly appreciated. The Mach1 MV 115 W is a boot for women who like to ski fast and take chances, knowing they have a stable platform under them that won’t over-flex or collapse when the going gets rough. If you want a highly customizable, rock-solid alpine boot and have a moderate to wide foot shape, Tecnica has crafted you a phenomenal option.

Flex: 115
Last (mm): 97 to 104
Volume: Low-Medium (K2 MultiFit)
ISO: 23223 (GripWalk)
Size range: 22.5-27.5

Pros:

• Great out-of-the-box fit
• Exceptionally progressive flex offers precision and suspension

Cons:

• BOA dial requires quite a bit of cinching to get a locked-in fit
• MultiFit Last is meant to accommodate a wider range of feet, but it may be too generous for skiers looking for a performance-fit

K2 is betting big on BOA for 2023-24, building all-new molds for boots that are pretty new to its lineup, and we think the brand nailed it with the Anthem 115 BOA. As an early collaborator with BOA, K2 was eager to sign on to the innovative H+i1 alpine ski boot system. The Anthem 115 BOA is K2’s flagship women’s alpine boot, and it comes packed to the gills with features. The BOA is the loudest—and it does a nice job wrapping the forefoot without pressing down on the cuneiform bones and the top of the instep. On snow, the boot punched well above its weight class. The TPU cuff and scaffo (lower shell) and the TPU spine that fuses them together provided not only a lot of power, but also an extremely progressive flex. The all-new Anthem 115 BOA skis better and fits more closely than any K2 boot we’ve skied in years. In short? The gamble paid off.

Flex: 105
Last (mm): 100 to 106
Volume: Medium
ISO: 23223 (GripWalk)
Size range: 22.0-27.5

Pros:

• Great option for skiers with a wider forefoot
• Highly customizable

Cons:

• Comfort comes at the cost of precision

Another BOA contender has entered the arena. Salomon’s new S/Pro Supra BOA 105 W boot is an energetic model that will work well for medium to wide feet. It’s an extraordinarily comfortable and lightweight boot that will please a lot of advanced skiers. We were able to test the S/Pro Supra BOA 105 W on firm winter bumps, smooth spring groomers, and overcooked mashed potatoes. This boot proved to be quick and reliable for skiers with a wider forefoot. With its solid flex and vast array of customizable features, the S/Pro Supra BOA 105 W is a worthy addition to Salomon’s fleet of fit-focused boots—by which we mean it prioritizes bootfitter-friendly adjustability over heavy, damp plastics and total precision.The spirit of customization runs deep through the S/Pro Supra BOA 105 W, and Salomon’s attention to detail here is keen. It was one of the more comfortable boots we tested in the category. The BOA allows skiers to choose the exact snugness of their forefoot. Just click in, spin, and you’re off.

How to Buy Ski Boots

Here we list the most exciting new alpine ski boots to hit the market in 2024. The boots on this list were tested by women and vetted by a professional bootfitter who considered the technology, performance, fit, and customization characteristics of each boot. While we consider the boots on this list to be the cream of the crop, they may not be the right fit or choice for you. Unless you’re an experienced skier and know your boot size, volume, flex and last, visit a professional bootfitter to figure out what boot is best for your physique and skiing style. If you determine a Low Volume boot or 130 flex isn’t right for you, consider other models of the boot families we list—more often than not, these boot lines offer a variety of volume and flex options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best alpine ski boots for women?

What’s the difference between alpine ski boots and all-mountain/hybrid ski boots?

Traditional alpine boots are designed to enhance performance for the type of skiing you’re likely to do at the resort: making turns at faster speeds, on firm and chopped up snow, and using more edging skills. Alpine boots (also known as downhill boots) are made with heavier, stiffer plastics that encourage better energy transfer when you’re doing this kind of skiing at the resort. While alpine boots may include some features you’ll see on all-mountain or hybrid boots these days, like GripWalk soles and walk/hike modes, they differ from hybrid boots in that they’re heavier and designed to be compatible with traditional alpine bindings—they do not feature the metal tech inserts in the toe that you see on hybrid or alpine touring boots designed to work with alpine touring or hybrid backcountry bindings.

How do I know my ski boot size?

Ski boots use mondopoint sizing, typically ranging from 22/22.5 to 29/29.5 for adults. Your appropriate mondopoint indicates the shell size you should be in, but there are other measurements that also factor into finding the right ski boot size for your foot. You need to know your foot sole length, the width of your foot, and your instep height, among other things. To determine your ski boot size and get the best ski boot fit, go see a bootfitter. A professional will be able to take all kinds of foot measurements to find the right ski boot size for your foot and your style of skiing. .

What is ski boot flex?

• Ski boots come in a variety of flex points, from 60-130
• Ski boot flex ratings vary across ski boot brands
• The higher the flex rating, the stiffer the boot; the lower the flex rating, the softer the boot

Flex refers to how easily you can distort the ski boot—how much force it takes to drive your shin forward. That’s based on what type of skier you are (beginner, intermediate, or expert) as well as your physical stature. Ski boots come in a variety of flex points, generally along a spectrum of 60 to 130, where 60 is considered soft and 130 considered very stiff.

What is ski boot volume?

Volume refers to how much space there is between the floor and ceiling in the instep of the boot, as well as how much space there is in the toe box. Most brands now make boots that come in three volume options: low volume (LV), ranging between a 97-99mm last; mid-volume (MV), between 99-101mm; and high volume (HV), between 100-104mm. .

More from the 2024 Winter Gear Guide

The Best Women’s All-Mountain Skis of the Year
The Best Women’s Carving Skis of 2024
The Best Backcountry Ski Boots of 2024

The post The Best Women’s Alpine Ski Boots of 2024 appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Good ski boots will make you forget you’re wearing them, but great boots will do that and help you drive your skis with precision. For that kind of greatness, you need a technologically advanced fit combined with high-performance design. And since no two feet are the same, a perfect fit almost always means a custom fit.

That’s why the team at worked alongside expert boot fitters to design a boot whose every major part—the shell, the liner, the tongue, and the spine—can be completely customized. Enter the brand-new Salomon S/Pro Alpha ski-boot line, which just might be the most customizable ski boots on the market. The unisex and women’s are hard-charging boots designed for all-mountain skiers looking for high performance in a powerful and lightweight package that fits like it was made just for them.

Here’s how it works.

The design

The S/Pro Alpha 130 EL is a unisex 130-flex boot (catering to the most advanced skiers looking for maximum stiffness) that comes in sizes 22.5 to 30.5—a range not historically seen in top-end ski boots and a huge step forward in accommodating small feet (a 22.5 is women’s size 5 street shoe). The 98-millimeter last—measured at the boot’s widest point—offers a precise fit that accommodates a narrow to normal foot, and a boot fitter can mold it to be up to 104 millimeters in the forefoot. Salomon designers knew that in order to give the S/Pro Alpha maximum customization, they’d need to innovate every part of the boot: shell, liner, last, tongue, and hardware.

“EL” stands for “Expert Line” and means the boot is packed with Salomon’s brand-new tech and its full suite of customization options. To dial in the fit, the tongue can be easily removed from the liner and all of the hardware on the boot (buckles, tooth plate, strap, oversize pivot) can come off. The women-specific model, the Alpha 110 W EL, has all the same features in 110 flex, a size run of 22 to 27.5, plus an adjustable upper cuff and a tulip-shaped liner to accommodate lower calves.

The perfect shell fit

Every ski boot has a shell, but not every ski boot has a fully heat moldable shell. With Custom Shell HD, the S/Pro Alpha’s shell material, a boot fitter can create a personalized fit quickly. “Hard-to-fit skiers have become easier to fit because the Custom Shell HD material holds its shape better than many other materials I’ve worked with. We can heat up the hard outer shell and inner liner to the exact shape of your foot,” says Randy Elles, a second-generation boot fitter at First Stop Board Barn in Killington, Vermont, with 20 years of experience. “When a boot fitter properly heats the shell, the boot can expand up to six millimeters without having to use any additional tools.” Elles says the shell material is the easiest outer shell material on the market to customize.

The feature that Chris McKearin, Salomon’s alpine commercial manager, is most excited about is the 3D Instep Shell. “The Alpha design team’s priority was to address the common pain point and hardest-to-address fit issue: the instep,” says McKearin. “The Alpha’s 3D Instep Shell facilitates less instep pain and better circulation in the foot.”

The 3D Instep Shell employs a combination of features to offer a better experience and fit. The shell’s thinner plastic, combined with an upper buckle placed at the forefoot at 45 degrees, makes the boot easier to put on and take off, which aids the boot-fitting process. The buckle positioning helps keep your heel in place to prevent forward motion. A good heel hold helps a skier maintain control and precision, which can improve performance. The strategic positioning of the second lower shell buckle puts less pressure on the top of the foot—an area that often suffers pinching or numbness.

The custom tongue and liner

Both the liner and the tongue are fully customizable on the Alphas. The My Custom Fit 4D Liner is heat moldable to your foot. The tongue of the boot can be adjusted by up to eight millimeters—a huge amount in ski-boot adjustments. This helps accommodate feet with high insteps. The tongue is removable and can be separated from the plastic so a boot fitter can drill down on every last detail.

And you can forget taking your boots off during lunch at the lodge because your feet need a break. Brit Barnes, who worked at Big Sky Resort for 20 years and is a longtime boot tester for Salomon, texted Joe Johnson (the alpine-marketing manager at Salomon) the first day he tested the boots: it was 10:30 P.M. at the local bar and he still had the boots on—he hadn’t needed to race home to take them off. The fit was that good.

It makes boot fitter Elles’s job—zeroing in on precision-fit details for each unique foot—much easier. “While boot fitting can be complicated for some skiers, the features found in the S/Pro Alpha set boot fitters up for a high success rate,” he says. “Did I mention these boots will make you feel like you have more control over any ski you try?”

With a great-fitting boot, you can shift your focus to what matters: skiing.

Born in Annecy, in the French Alps, in 1947, creates premium footwear, apparel, gear, and winter-sports equipment that are superior in function, radical in design, and obsessive in style. At the Annecy Design Center, engineers, designers, and athletes collaborate to write the future of sports by creating products that transform outside-sports experiences and enable a deeper connection with nature, allowing people to unleash the best versions of themselves so that they might positively impact the world.

The post Dial in the Elusive Perfect Ski Boot Fit appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

In 2017 I almost gave up skiing. The boots I’d loved for three solid years had failed me almost overnight. I’d hop off the chairlift and five minutes later, my feet would cramp, my toes would go numb, and pain would shoot up my arches. Blues felt like blacks. I was bailing after lunch. Embarrassment aside, the discomfort was excruciating. The longer I skied and the steeper the terrain, the worse it got.

So I sought out two of the best ski-boot fitters in New England: Lyndall Heyer and Carol Beale, two skiers with 50 combined years of experience fitting boots. They can shred—Heyer was on the U.S. Ski Team in the 1970s—and they can listen, which, in boot fitting, is half the battle. Having fitted at a dozen ski shops, Beale is now a medical athletic footwear specialist. They taught me that a boot out of the box is only a blank canvas for the perfect vacuum-seal fit, because every foot is different.

Ski boots are the most important component of your setup, so it’s worth taking the time to get it right. “Many people don’t even know boot fitting exists or how intricate it can be. They think you’re in a plastic cast so of course your feet will hurt. Not true,” says Beale. But getting fitted for the first time can be an intimidating experience. Here’s how to be sure you’ve found a good fitter and the questions you should keep in mind when you go so you can ski comfortably.

Swap Stories

• There are a lot of factors that inform the ideal fit—talk with your boot fitter and give plenty of context.
• If you need help finding a good boot fitter, ask your community for leads.

If a boot fitter puts you in a measuring device the minute you walk through the door, pump the brakes and talk. “I need to figure out who my customer is, and make sure we have a solid, trusting relationship,” says Beale. She’ll always ask for your ski story. Your level, ski goals, size, previous injuries, other sports, and current skis and boots will all inform the ideal fit.

The customer should know the boot fitter too. The credible ones, like Beale and Heyer, have taken multiple courses from Masterfit University, which sets the standard for their profession. (It’s important to remember that a single certification is not proof you’re getting a caring and skilled boot fitter.) Beale takes it a step further: at BalanceWorks in Rutland, Vermont, she’s a pedorthist, trained to modify therapeutic footwear and orthotics to support your feet and lower limbs. In this field, experience is your friend. If you need help finding a reliable boot fitter in the first place, ask around and check in with your community for good leads.

Get All Your Measurements

• A boot fitter should take five measurements.
• Make sure the fitter measures both of your feet.

After five measurements—heel to toe, heel to the ball of the foot, instep, forefoot width, and calf—I learned that for six years I’d been wearing ski boots an entire size too big. According to Beale, this is not uncommon. It’s easy to talk yourself out of a tight fit when you’re trying on a boot in the store. But remember, as your liners pack out, your boots will only get bigger from the moment you first try them on.

Boots are sized from heel to big toe in centimeters via . Mondo conversions are complicated, though. A would have a woman who wears a size eight street shoe in a 25. Beale would put her in a 24, though. But one șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű editor who likes a performance fit comfortably sizes down two mondo sizes from her recommended. All this to say: try on a few sizes, and talk to your bootfitter about what makes sense for your anatomy and ski style. And don’t forget, despite what some will try to sell you, there are no half-size ski boots, only thicker liners.

Most of us have a dominant side, and therefore a stronger turn side on the hill. This can create varying muscle strength and shape, and many of us are just born with two different size feet, so make sure your boot fitter measures both feet. Beale and Heyer have accommodated mismatched bony protrusions, lengths, widths, hammertoes and curves, claw toes, injuries, and birth defects. “One woman was born with a 23 on one foot and a 25 on the other, so she buys two sets of boots for two different skis,” says Beale.

Ask to Be Liner Fit and Shell Fit

• Look for a half-inch gap between the shell and the back of your foot.
• If your liner is too tight, your boot fitter might be able to stretch it.

At Inner Bootworks in Stowe, Heyer removed the liner to “shell fit” me in three boots. Good boot fitters won’t need make you try on a dozen pairs: they should already have an idea of what boots to pull, based on your feet and ability. And if you try on too many, you might overthink the fit. I climbed in the shell and slid my toes to the front to ensure no more than a half-inch gap occurred between my heel and the back of the boot—a ski racer should have less. Generally, the more advanced the skier, the closer the fit. If expert skiers wear their boots too loose, their exact movements won’t transfer to their skis at aggressive speeds. They may overcompensate by buckling too tightly, putting unnecessary, painful pressure on their feet.

While boot fitters don’t always “liner fit” too, Beale is all for fitting both the shell and liner. When liner fitting, with the liner out of the shell, step in to ensure a snug but comfortable fit: the artery along your instep shouldn’t be too compressed, and the liner should securely grip the back of your heel. If the liner is too tight, the boot fitter can stretch it to prevent loss of circulation in your foot.

Before you try on the whole setup, a good boot fitter will tell you what to expect: a ramp pushing your toes forward that makes the boot feel short until it’s buckled. When you flex forward, the instep buckle and ramp will push your toes back and your heels should reach the back of the boot. In my new Nordica Promachine 95—the first boot Heyer instinctively pulled for me—my narrow foot felt snug, as it should, especially after my old clunky boots. Perfect for skiing on my Black Pearls again when I’m finally out of pain.

Get Fit Right

• A custom footbed enhances performance and comfort.
• If you have balance troubles, you may need canting.

Ski boots are some of the tightest footwear you’ll ever step into. The right fit will feel painted on. “Everything should feel like it’s an extension of your leg and your foot,” says Beale.

Your boot fitter has a big bag of tricks to help dial in your fit. It’s worth it to spring for a custom footbed, which will help neutralize any imbalances from the shape of your foot or your range of motion. Mine eliminates the gap between my arch and the boot, providing great support.

Canting can help align your boot with the natural side-to-side angle of your lower leg. In some cases, this can be accomplished with by simply adjusting the screws on either side of your boot at the ankle. This is especially helpful if you’re bowlegged or knock-kneed. Other solutions include adding foam or plastic pieces to help fill space in your boot and neutralize the position of your foot.

Understand Your Range of Motion

• Your boot fitter should test your range of motion.
• Your leg and foot shapes matter.

We’re born with varying foot mobility on three planes of motion, and our boots should accommodate all of them so we can ski in a neutral stance without a fight. Limited mobility in your frontal plane, which allows your foot to move from side to side, can cause pain in your knees on the hill. If you can’t fully rotate your foot toward and away from the center of the body, along what’s known as the transverse plane, you may have balance problems while skiing. But the most important one for boot fitting is the sagittal plane: the forward flexion of your ankle joint. “If your joint can’t flex, it locks up at a certain point, so when you bend your knee, your heels come up,” says Beale.

Ski boots have varying degrees of forward lean, and you should buy one that aligns with your range of motion. If you are an intermediate skier who lacks dorsiflexion, you’ll likely be happier in a more upright boot. As boots get higher-performance, that forward angle gets more aggressive. If you prefer expert-level equipment but have limited range of motion, your boot fitter can adjust the ramp at the base of your foot to better match your natural mobility.

Consider Height—and Flex

• If you’re a woman with long legs, you may need a men’s boot.
• For newer high-quality plastics, go for a flex rating of 80 or 90 or above.

There’s a sweet spot where boots should hit on the shin and calf. ČѱđČÔ’s boots typically have taller cuffs than women’s boots. The thinking behind this is that women’s legs are typically shorter, and they also tend to have a greater curve in their lower leg due to their calf muscles. A shorter cuff may help if you find your calf muscles are being squeezed uncomfortably, and a taller one might be ideal if you’re long-legged and want more control while you ski. Beale wears a men’s boot and encourages similarly long-legged women to consider the option. “So many women come in with bloody shins because they’re in a women’s boot and they’re taller than me,” says Beale. Typically, though, women benefit from the lower cuff and snugger heel of women’s boots.

Flex rating, which inconveniently isn’t standard across boot brands, ranges for recreational boots from 60 to 130 and higher for racing boots. “The truest flex ratings for high-quality boots with good plastics should start at 80 for women and 90 for men,” says Beale. “Avoid boots under those numbers.” If your flex rating is too low, your knees will fall forward. The boot won’t bounce back coming out of one turn to prepare you for the next, causing your midfoot to bow or the tail of your skis to skid out. If your flex rating is too high, the stiffness will force your backside to drop behind your feet, into the “backseat” position. You’ll see your skis chatter, or vibrate off the snow, and you’ll lose your edge and ski out of control. “Exceptions aside, the more aggressive the skier, the higher the flex, the thicker the shell, and the denser the liner,” says Beale. When you’re trying on boots in the shop, bend your knees deeply a few times and get a sense for how much support and resistance feels right for you.

Afterward

If you’re in pain after you’ve gotten your new boots, speak up, but before you get all Princess and the Pea, ski in your boots for three days in the thinnest, longest ski socks you can find, and graduate to thicker socks as your liner packs out over time. Since the process involves some trial and error, work with a boot fitter near you who can continue to modify the boot later if necessary. (Some ski shops include the fitting with the cost of your boots.) In the end, if something still doesn’t feel right, go back and ask about it. After all, as Beale likes to say: “Boot fitting is an art, it’sÌęa science, and a little voodoo.”

The post First Time Getting Ski Boots Fitted? Keep These Tips in Mind. appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

A few years ago, —a professional dancer and skier—was dancing with her father at a cowboy bar in Jackson, Wyoming, where their footwork got a little too fancy for the venue. Once they started busting out inverted dance moves, with a dancer upside down, feet in the air, the bouncer promptly kicked them out, saying, “No boots over the brim!”ÌęEngerbretson was inspired.

In her new film, Boots Over Brim, from and , Engerbretson melds her two loves, western dancing and skiing, with the music of providing the beat for it all. Maybe dancing and skiing aren’t so different after all.

The post Country Dancing Meets Skiing in New Film ‘Boots Over Brim’ appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Gone are the days of ski boots that crush your feet and make walking a pain. Now manufacturers offer high-performance models in a range of lasts so that even wide-footed rippers can enjoy both comfort and power. And an increasing number of resort boots offer walk modes that let you loosen the cuff for short tours in the backcountry (and easy striding through parking lots). The bottom line: boots are dramatically more wearable for skiers of every stripe, from freeriders to carving purists. Here are the best of this winter.

Rossignol Alltrack 130 GW ($700)

With a 102-millimeter last and 50 degrees of cuff range in walk mode, the Alltrack 130 GW accommodates wide-footed shralpers and gives average feet some wiggle room. The 130-flex shell is stiff enough for speedsters yet progressive enough to absorb jump landings and cruddy snow. When it came time for aprùs, testers appreciated the high-traction GripWalk soles. 4 lbs, 24.5–31.5

Atomic Hawx Ultra 130 S GW ($850)

Designers updated this 130-flex boot by beefing up the polyurethane shell, adding an extra band of plastic around the ankle to reinforce the cuff and improve lateral stiffness and all-around power. But thanks to Atomic’s proprietary plastic, which is strong even in thin doses, the boot is still a featherweight: the additional plastic plumped this boot’s weight to only four pounds—just 4.6 ounces more—which is still light enough that testers never felt taxed during boot-packs to far-flung powder stashes. The resulting oomph let testers bust crud and hold an edge on hardpack. The 98-millimeter last and low overall volume provide a race-tight fit for narrow feet.Ìę4 lbs, 24.5–30.5

Dalbello Panterra 120 ($650)

Air-addicted male testers raved about this boot’s progressive flex, which softened landings and absorbed the bumps and shocks of mogul fields and pillow lines (female testers found similar bliss in Dalbello’s 115-flex Chakra Elevate, $950). Credit the three-piece cabrio shell, which provides better fore-aft sensitivity than most of the overlap designs we tested. Meanwhile, the liner boasts a new neoprene toe cap that makes this season’s Panterra warmer than before, and a low-volume, well-padded heel pocket locks you in and improves stability. The verdict, according to one tester: “It’s wicked fun in featured terrain.” 4.4 lbs, 24.5–30.5

Tecnica Cochise 130 DYN GW ($900)

Designers tweaked this boot’s 99-millimeter last to better mimic the shape of the foot, which bolsters fit and reduces weight by 10 to 15 percent depending on size. A new walk mechanism puts a longer lever shaft in the spine for better lateral power and edge control, and an improved hinge reduces friction for easier touring. (Range of ­motion is 50 ­degrees.) Rippers agreed: this resort boot rages on hardpack and puts no brakes on speed. 4 lbs, 22.5–30.5

Head Formula RS 130 ($875)

Inserting a second bolt into the spine morphs this boot from 130-flex to 140—plenty stiff to satisfy an ex-racer who also praised the low-volume, foot-hugging fit. (It has a ­98-millimeter last.) But Head tweaked this time-tested recipe by expanding the toe box to afford digits better circulation and sensitivity. “I can pressure my toes individually, as opposed to them turning into one big frozen mass,” said one tester. “I’m getting more power over the inside edge and feathering the ski more off-trail.” 4.5 lbs, 25–30.5

Nordica Speedmachine 3 130 S ($850)

This burly, 130-flex boot is all about power. A honeycomb structure made of extra-rigid polyurethane stiffens the shell and trims weight, for a good balance of agility and charge. The 100-millimeter last and insulated liner lend comfort. Both liner and shell can be customized by boot fitters using infrared light, which doesn’t degrade plastics or foam the way heat can. 4.3 lbs, 24–31

The post The Best Alpine Ski Boots of 2022 appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Boots may be the most important part of your ski kit—and the hardest to get right. Poor fit, or a profile that’s too soft or too stiff, can ruin a day very quickly. In our 2022 Winter Buyer’s Guide, we rounded up the six best alpine ski boots for various kinds of riders. But there were two other great boots that narrowly missed the cut and still deserve recognition.

Lange RX 130 ($900)

Here’s the mid-volume, 100-millimeter lasted boot for skiers who want Lange’s performance pedigree minus its vice-like fit. The liner locks down the heels and provides a comfortably snug wrap everywhere else and a new tongue made of honeycomb-molded polyurethane gives the boot a snappy, responsive feel. The dual injection shell sandwiches softer plastic between harder layers so that the boot becomes progressively stiffer as it flexes. This means the RX 130 earned props as an all-day, everywhere boot for hard-charging skiers. Why didn’t it make the cut? Each boot weighs 4.7 pounds.—Kelly Bastone, alpine boots test manager

Salomon S/Max 120 W ($700)

This year’s S/Max gives women better traction from a GripWalk sole, and more power thanks to fiberglass reinforcements in the shell that improve lateral stability for better energy transmission at higher speeds. Weighing just over 3.5 pounds per boot, it’s light enough for all-day shralping and bootpacking to distant powder stashes. And testers loved how the bump-absorbing flex softened landings and helped them stay balanced through crud. —K.B.

The post Runner-Up Review: These Two Ski Boots Almost Made Our 2022 Winter Buyer’s Guide appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

When you can’t bring the people to the gear, bring the gear to the people. Last winter, rather than our usual 60-person gear-test week at Powder Mountain, Utah, we set up six COVID-appropriate test pods in mountain towns across the U.S. Our crew consists of patrollers, guides, editors, and other lifelong skiers. Instead of five bell-to-bell days, we spent two months moving gear from one pod to another. More time meant more touring, which really let us put these backcountry ski boots through their paces.Ìę

Looking for more backcountry ski boots? Check out our newest list for the latest tech in 2023.

Dynafit Radical Pro ($800)

Dynafit’s designers took the brand’s stiff, narrow Hoji Free Tour, lightened it, and used foot-mapping technology to hone the shell’s shape for a broader fit range. Also new: a 120-flex Grilamid shell (for both men and women) that is more reliable in a wider array of temperatures. As a result, testers found it skied with all the power of its predecessor but with better snow feel. Thankfully, the brand’s proprietary transition mechanism remains: simply undo the top buckle to throw the Radical automatically into a 60-degree walk mode. The grippy Pomoca sole is ideal for ridgeline scrambles. 6.1 lbs, ​​25–31.5

La Sportiva Vanguard ($899)

The 130-flex Vanguard (115 for women) is La Sportiva’s first step in the direction of four-buckle boots. It sports a V-shaped cuff to reduce rotational twisting without limiting walk-mode range (63 degrees of it), and the integrated power strap and top buckle boost control in variable conditions. The shell, made from castor-seed based Pebax Rnew, performed consistently in a wide temperature range. 6.0 lbs, 24–31.5

Dalbello Quantum Free Asolo Factory 130 ($950)

A tongueless, ­two-piece cuff allows the Quantum to initiate turns with the power of a four-buckle model but still walk without friction. The bonded, shock-absorbing polyamide shell, with carbon fiber below the foot, means it also skis amazingly damp at speed. That damp feel gets a further boost from the plush liner and reinforced tongue. Flip the simple spring-loaded switch to activate a walk mode with a massive 65-degree range of motion. 5.6 lbs, 24.5-30.5

Scarpa Gea RS ($800)

The update to this ­120-flex boot (and the men’s 125-flex ) now boasts a stiffer material, Grilamid Bio. Otherwise, designers retained our favorite features, including a 101-millimeter last (ideal for wide feet) and a ratcheting heel strap that offers excellent downhill control and climbing security. The boot also features a reinforced Intuition Pro Flex liner that adds power in downhill mode. Articulation near the Achilles in tour mode yields 60 degrees of motion. 5.6 lbs, 22.5–27

Lange XT3 Tour Pro ($950)

A half pound lighter than Lange’s touring-specific XT3 130, the Tour Pro (also a 130 with 53 degrees of range) is for ­backcountry purists who want great downhill performance. “It skis like a Lange but walks like a Scarpa,” one veteran tester quipped. Tourability comes from the ­liner—light EVA foam with a plastic tongue—and from a ­gas-injected polypropylene boot board that’s highly shock absorbent. The XT3 Tour also has the same 53-degree touring range but walks easier than its predecessor thanks to a more rockered sole. 6.7 lbs, 24–29.5

Fischer Transalp Pro ($850)

Environmental cred aside, Pebax’s Rnew shell material is also extremely strong. Translation: the Transalp Pro stands up to the abuse of in-bounds bindings. Its liner also has tough Cordura in abrasion-prone zones around the cuff. We love that ­the walk-mode lever has a jaws-like latch that makes accidental transitions impossible. The boot doesn’t have an official flex rating, but it skis like a 120. Testers liked the ability to adjust the forward lean to 16 or 13 degrees, which you can customize further with the included plastic spoiler.5.6 lbs, 22.5–30.5

More Backcountry Ski Gear

• The Best New Ski Bindings
• The Best Women’s Backcountry Skis
• The Best Men’s Backcountry Skis

Back to the 2023 Winter Gear Guide

The post The Best Backcountry Ski Boots of 2022 appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Tecnica Mach1 MV 120 ($780)

Best All-Mountain Ripper

This season’s update pairs the Mach1’s legendary power with newfound precision. A fiberglass spine down the back provides a progressive flex that smooths bumps and landings, while a lightweight polyurethane shell enhances redirection. The anatomical 100-millimeter last yields material savings that shave 12 percent off the boot’s weight. Testers praised the boot’s sensitivity when zipping through short turns. 4.4 lbsÌę

Nordica HF 110 ($700)

Best Intermediate Cruiser

Rear-entry boots are easy to take on and off, but they also tend to be squishy and imprecise. The HF avoids that downside. The cuff opens to a gaping 40 degrees, and you can release it using a ski pole for contortion-free on and off. The 102-millimeter last and moderate interior volume feel comfy, not sloppy, and the moldable cork liner lends a responsive feel. Testers reported solid edge control at moderate speeds. 3.9 lbs

Atomic Hawx Ultra 130S ($850)

Best Lightweight Superblaster

Enhanced this year with a fully heat-­moldable liner that allows for unlimited bakes, this ultralight boot comes in a 98-millimeter last option, great for narrow-footed experts. But it’s also stiff enough for Clydesdales. A variable-thickness shell—beefier up the spine and across the forefoot, thinner everywhere else—makes it responsive but powerful enough to pilot big boards through all but the churliest conditions. 3.7 lbs

Sponsor Content
Smartwool PhDÂź Pro Ski Race Socks ($30.95)

Smartwool teamed up with the master of precision and speed, Mikaela Shiffrin, to build the ultimate ski race sock. With streamlined cushioning designed to perfectly fit race boots, a new elasticized arch for a better ‘ski feel,’ and Shred Shield durability technology for more warmth and reduced wear from toes, the PhD¼ Pro Ski Race socks will help remove distractions and discomforts as you rip down the slope.

Salomon Shift Pro 130 ($975)

Best Quiver Killer

With its supple, seamless liner, ­100-millimeter last, and 40 degrees of cuff mobility, the Shift Pro kept testers comfortable during powder pursuits beyond the rope line. A ­carbon-infused insert in the thin polyamide shell shaves weight, yet it also lends stiffness for full-throttle maneuvers. It’s a no-brainer for resort riders who log short tours. 3.7 lbs

Dalbello DS Asolo 130 GW ($900)

Best Precision Carver

Former racers praised this boot’s compressive fit and dominating power. The ­98-millimeter last and low-volume interior grip the Achilles and forefoot for surgically precise carving. It’s the heaviest boot we tested, but it commands even the stiffest all-mountain and carving skis. If high-angle arcs are your signature move, you’d be hard-pressed to find something better. 4.5 lbs

The post The Best Alpine Ski Boots of 2021 appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.