Which Ski Boot is Right for You? What to Know Before You Buy or Rent

Buying ski boots can be intimidating with endless options and price points. Let’s walk through some of the best brands and options to help keep your feet comfortable all winter long.

Depending on your style, skill level, and overall needs on the slopes, some boots can benefit you significantly more than others. For example, a new skier has plenty of options from well known brands like Dalbello, K2, or Salomon. An important factor of a boot that will keep your feet dry and comfortable include the amount of flex, (or the amount of movement your boot allows) which typically ranges from 60-80 for men and 50-70 for women in beginner boots. The more flex the better for beginners. In addition to flex, plush liners keep your feet warm, and easy entry and exit into the boot are things to look for. It can be frustrating to struggle putting your boots on before you even get on the ski lift! One of the boots that we would recommend for beginners who want comfort and convenience would be the K2 BFC 80. This boot is great way to get into skiing and be comfortable while doing it!   

When it comes to an intermediate boot, the above brands have options for that as well, but other brands like Nordica, Atomic, and Head come into the picture. Now we get into a little less flex for more aggressive skiing. The flex index for intermediate boots ranges from 90-110 for men and 80-95 for women. Less flex allows skiers to hold higher speeds more easily and have more control without being overly tight. Now, odds are that skiers in this sector have a better idea of what they want out of a boot. Being able to carve edges and stay at speed without being in a locked position allows for more flexibility with a higher ceiling of ability and aggression. Some of our favorite boots in this sector include the Salomon S/Pro 100, Nordica Speedmachine 3 100, Tecnica Cochise 120 DYN, or the Rossignol Alltrack 80. These boots all have different benefits as well as price points. Salomon S/Pro 100 ranges from $380-$550 while the S/Pro HV 100 ranges from $285-400. Now these boots aren’t going to make your wallet happy, but finding a pair on sale during the off season can save you money and your boots will last for a long time, unless you want to upgrade to a more advanced boot.

Now we get into the the more aggressive skier. These boots are for people who want to shred all day and get the most out of the boots on their feet. These boots prioritize performance and and precision. The following boots have the stiffest flex (110-130) that requires technical skiing and punishes less fluid form. Some of these advanced boots include the Atomic Hawx. A boot that is lightweight but allows full performance for all mountain skiers. The Nordica ProMachine is stiff and aggressive which caters to skiers who want more of a speed and racing boot. The Salomon S/Max 130 Carbon is another lightweight boot that focuses on precision and promotes aggressive carving. Being such serious boots, means they command a serious price. Prices usually range from $500-$800 for a boot of this caliber. 

It’s tough to find a boot that is comfortable yet precise. These are just some of the boots and brands that we find are the best in the biz. It is important to be realistic with yourself and your needs so you can get the most out of your boots, and your trip to the mountains!

Boot Comparison Table