The 10 Best Men's Backcountry & Alpine Touring Ski Boots of 2027


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best backcountry ski boots

Got to get up to go down.

Finding a good balance of uphill efficiency and downhill performance is no easy task. When shopping for different backcountry boots, it can be hard to tell which ones are right for your use case. To get you started we've compiled a list of our staff's and customers' favorite backcountry ski boots. These boots all feature some walk mode and tech fittings in the toe and heels to allow for compatibility with alpine touring tech bindings. But depending on what you're looking for in your backcountry ski boot, different boots offer different features.

Some boots will come equipped with more buckles and more weight for better performance on the descent, while others prioritize a greater walk mode and lighter weights for easy uphill travel.

The good news for us skiers? Boot technology just keeps getting better and better. Backcountry ski boots do both the up and the down better than ever before. Look for hybrid-style boots if you plan to ski the resort a majority of the time, with three to four buckles for more support for aggressive downhill skiing. If you're walking uphill more, look for more minimal buckles and lighter weights.

Looking for more ski boot shopping advice? Read our guide on how to shop for ski boots.

Best Men's Backcountry Ski Boots: Our Picks


1. K2 Mindbender 130 BOA $719.93

K2 Mindbender 130 BOA ski boots
The basics: If your mind is ready to bend and accept the boot revolution, the K2 Mindbender 130 BOA is ready to bring you into the future. The Mindbender series has always been leading the charge in the ski boot industry. K2's Powerlite shell constructions and Powerlock Spyne walk/ski mode bar navigate the tricky balance of efficiency for uphill travel and downhill performance like a seasoned ... learn more

2. Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 120 BOA GW $711.93

Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 120 BOA GW ski boots
The basics: ... learn more

3. K2 Mindbender 120 BOA $849.95

K2 Mindbender 120 BOA ski boots
The basics: If your mind is ready to bend and accept the boot revolution, the K2 Mindbender 120 BOA is ready to bring you into the future. The Mindbender series has always been leading the charge in the ski boot industry. K2's Powerlite shell constructions and Powerlock Spyne walk/ski mode bar navigate the tricky balance of efficiency for uphill travel and downhill performance like a seasoned ... learn more

4. Dalbello Cabrio MV Free 120 $779.99

Dalbello Cabrio MV Free 120 ski boots
The basics: Designed for freetourers, the Cabrio MV Free 120 IF means sheer satisfaction off the slopes and groundbreaking versatility. With a 120 flex and it’s wider 101 mm last (MV stands for “Medium Volume”), this boot offers extra space for those who enjoy a maximized FIT without compromising the performance. Basis for the outstanding FIT is the HIKE PRO MV liner, which excels both on the ascent and ... learn more

5. Dalbello Cabrio LV Free 120 $599.93

Dalbello Cabrio LV Free 120 ski boots
The basics: The LV FREE Cabrio with 120 Flex is designed for all free-tourers who enjoy going uphill, but who want to focus on the downhill runs that follow in open terrain without sacrificing comfort and fit. The Instant Fit (IF) Hike PRO inner boot has direct contact with the foot. Dalbello AUTOFIT technology with a memory foam tongue complements the liner for a perfect fit on any foot shape, with ... learn more

6. Tecnica Cochise 130 $849.99

Tecnica Cochise 130 ski boots
The basics: The Tecnica Cochise 130 practically spearheaded the freeride hybrid boot scene. And to this day, is still one of the most popular boots in our inventory. The Tecnica Cochise 130 is a high performance freeride boot that offers a walk mode and alpine touring tech fittings, with all the support of an alpine downhill boot. Tecnica puts the power where you need it, while shaving weight where you ... learn more

7. Scarpa Maestrale RS $898.93

Scarpa Maestrale RS ski boots
The basics: Getting an overhaul for 2023-2024, the Scarpa Maestrale RS provides aggressive skiers a powerful boot for backcountry travel. The Scarpa Maestrale RS has long been a mainstay in the alpine touring world as a strong ski boot for backcountry adventures. It offers a stiff, 125-rated flex for aggressive skiers that supports skiing at a high level in challenging terrain or variable (a.k.a. bad) ... learn more

8. Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro $979.99

Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro ski boots
The basics: Few items give you the kind of lightweight power you get with the Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro. Like, maybe nothing other than the lightsaber. With the success of the Cochise, Tecnica realized they already had a bonafide winner in the crossover resort/touring category. So, they dialed in their backcountry-specific boots, the Zero G series, and revamped the entire lineup. The Tour Pro is the ... learn more

9. Scarpa Maestrale $589.93

Scarpa Maestrale ski boots
The basics: The OG itself, the Scarpa Maestrale returns for the 2023-2024 season completely overhauled. With an all-new mold and construction, the Scarpa Maestrale is truly better than ever. The updated Maestrale is constructed with Pebax R-New - a sustainable, plant-based material that's environmentally friendly and still delivers the performance you'd expect from Scarpa. The Pro Flex Intuition liner ... learn more

10. Atomic Hawx Magna XTD 120 GW $839.95

Atomic Hawx Magna XTD 120 GW ski boots
The basics: ... learn more



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