Ski gear, and in this case alpine boots (aka downhill boots), have changed dramatically over the years. The alpine boot you’re trying on at a local 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 podiatrist/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.” And oh is our feet thankful for increased comfort and more lightweight boot models.
How to pick the best ski boots
First things first is ski boot sizing. 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 wide and narrow 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.
The biggest update in boot technology in recent years is the addition of BOA models. BOAs are traditionally found on snowboard boots and are comprised of a dial that, when turned, tightens a cable and locks it into place. At present, BOA dials are mainly replacing the two buckles traditionally found on the top of the foot. The addition of this technology provides a more even wrap around the foot to create a more secure and locked-in feel without added pressure. Most major brands have added a BOA model to their lineup, while still keeping the buckle version as an option. There is no right or wrong answer in the great buckle vs. BOA debate. Remember, the best boot for you is the one that fits your foot the best.
Without further ado, let’s get to our list of some of the best ski boots for the upcoming season.
Tecnica Mach1 MV 120 GW (Advanced)
MSRP: $700
The Mach1 MV from Tecnica has stood out amongst the pack of alpine boots for being powerful and having a great fit that skis like a dream. The 120 flex has enough force to drive any ski in your quiver. The Mach1 lineup comes in various 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. For the 24/25 season, the Mach has more room on top of the foot and the HV model has the addition of new BOA tech.
“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 GW (Advanced)
MSRP: $750
The BOA Fit System you likely know from snowboard boots has now come to ski boots. Last season was more of its first foray, while BOA is now available across the market in full force, with most major ski boot brands having introduced 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. Additionally, the S/Pro line has a narrow model (the S/Pro Alpha) and a wider model (the S/Pro HV) in the same flexes, but those do not yet feature the BOA tech.
Atomic Hawx Prime 120 BOA GW (Advanced)
MSRP: $750
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 top of the foot sits rather high. This space is furthered by the addition of the BOA system on the new 24/25 model. 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. The Hawx Prime 120 is available in a BOA and traditional buckle version.
Lange Shadow 130 MV GW (Advanced/Expert)
MSRP: $850
Introduced by Lange last season is the Shadow — a high-performance boot that elevates the way energy transfers from your foot to boot to ski. The Lange Shadow 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 that the performance is akin to that of an aggressive fitting, low-volume boot, which those with wide feet can particularly appreciate. 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 BOA 110 GW (Intermediate)
MSRP: $650
Nordica’s flagship boot for years now, the Speedmachine series has gotten an upgrade. Jumping on the BOA bandwagon, the bottom two buckles on the Speedmachine have been replaced with a BOA dial. Traditionally, the Speedmachine can sit pretty tight on top of the foot, so new BOA tech will allow users a wider range of fits for the instep. Crank it down or leave some room to breathe; the Nordica Speedmachine gives you options. The 110 flex is great for intermediate and progressing skiers, and can still handle a wide variety of skis. The Promachine is their narrow model and the Sportmachine the wider model, with each available in a range of soft to stiff flexes.
K2 BFC 100 BOA GW (Intermediate/Comfort)
MSRP: $500
For those with wider feet looking for a boot that prioritizes comfort, the K2 BFC will be your best friend on the mountain. 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. The new BOA version turns up the dial (pun intended) on comfort and adjustability.
According to the experts at K2, ” the brand new Cushfit Plus liner and slimmed-down heat-moldable shell combine to create a boot that accommodates a wide variety of feet without sacrificing the support and responsiveness.” 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 GW (Hybrid)
MSRP: $800
Not only does Tecnica make a killer downhill boot, but these hybrid touring boots smacks it out of the park, too. Hybrid boots are great for people looking to build a setup that can take them from the ski 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 and a High Volume model to accommodate wider feet.
Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 120 BOA GW (Hybrid)
MSRP: $850
Atomic boasts that the Hawx Prime XTD 120 BOA GW can do it all. 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 introduction of the BOA dial system provides a more evenly wrapped fit across the top of the foot and helps keep you locked in without being overbearing.
The Free/Lock 4.5 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 Power Ankle Lock tech 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. The Hawx Prime 120 XTD is available in a BOA and traditional buckle version.
Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro GW (Touring)
MSPR: $900
For those looking for a backcountry boot, it doesn’t get much better than the Zero G series from Tecnica. With a 99 mm last and a flex index of 130, it’s one of the lightest boots on the market that can still pack a punch in the performance department. For the 24/25 season, the Zero-G series was totally redone. A newly designed lower shell, updated liner shape and 10% increased range of motion up the ante on an already stellar AT option. The C.A.S. shell is also fully customizable so you can the optimal performance out of your boot. The walk mode has also been updated to the T-Hike, a lighter, more secure version of the previous system. For going uphill, downhill, and everything in between, you can count on the Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro to lock you in.
See more of our gear guides below, including our round-up of the best women’s ski boots.
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January 12, 2025
