If you know Powder7 long enough, you’ll find out that the ski nerds here will always tell you to prioritize the ski boots in your setup. Making sure you have the right fit and an appropriate flex is key to having the best day on the hill as possible. To help you navigate the ski boot market, we’ve picked some of our boot fitters’ recommendations for the best ski boots for men.
A note about ski boot fit
If you chat with our boot fitters, they’ll tell you fit comes first. No amount of fancy features or high-end technology will help you if you’re in a dramatically different mold than the shape of your foot. If you have the chance, we recommend visiting a local bootfitter. Learn more about why we think boot fitting matters here.
That said, we understand not everyone lives in an area with easy access to skilled boot fitters. That’s why we’re here to share some of our favorites, and a guide to purchasing boots without a local boot fitter. If you’ve been in ski boots before, use that mondo size (the ski boot size, different than our usual shoe size) from those boots as a guide. Street shoe size is tricky to convert to mondo size, but should give you a general idea. Use our ski boot size chart here. Keep in mind, boot manufacturers make boots on the half size. So, if you land on a 26.0 or 27.0 for example, size up for a more comfortable fit, and size down for a performance fit.
If you know you have a particularly narrow or wide foot, look at boots in that category. LV refers to low volume, MV medium, and HV high. A “low volume” ski boot usually is somewhere in the 97mm-99mm last range. “Medium volume” ski boots have lasts around 99mm-101mm, and “high volume” is anything 102mm or higher.
When purchasing online, we usually recommend buying a few different pairs before deciding on one for sure. Wearing the boots at home for some time will give you an idea of how the boot will feel after some time skiing in it. Look out for hotspots, numbness, or cramps.
Best Ski Boots for Men Overall
Alpine ski boots are also known as downhill ski boots. These are your traditional ski boots—no tech fittings in the toe or heel, and typically no walk mode. These ski boots are often heavier and made with thicker plastics. If you just ski the resort, these are the boots for you.
Lange Shadow 120 MV GW
After being released last season, the Lange Shadow series ushers in fresh technology to the ski boot world. While other ski brands are focusing on dialing in fit with the BOA system, Lange looks to improve the flex and support of the shell. By using their dual pivot design, there are two pivot points on the shell and lower cuff connection point. That design allows for more forward power as you flex into the boot. It’s not necessarily easier to flex into, but you get more bang for your buck with every press. Our testers found this especially helpful in tough conditions, where getting into the front of the boot can be tricky. The Shadow series comes in a variety of flexes and molds, so there’s something for everyone.
Check out the Shadow 130 MV for a stiffer flex, or the 120 LV for a lower-volume fit.
Salomon S Pro Supra BOA 120 GW
The Salomon S Pro Supra BOA 120 is a long name, but a high-quality boot through and through. One of the original brands to bring on BOA, the S Pro Supra blends Salomon’s strong history in boot design with modern technology. The Supra is an average fit with a 100mm last and a slightly low fit over the top of the foot for increased heel hold. Strong heel hold means better power transfer, and more control, while the average width and roomy toe box keep you feeling comfortable for long days on the slopes. The BOA system over the lower shell gives you the most precise fit for your foot. We love the progressive flex from Salomon, and the liner is top of the line for a longer life. Salomon also uses their heat moldable plastic, for a quick custom fit process before you take your first lap.
Best Beginner Ski Boots for Men
Atomic Hawx Prime 100
The Atomic Hawx Prime 100 is a go-to recommendation for our boot fitting staff for entry-level skiers or graduating renters. The fit is versatile and comfortable, without being so loose the boot feels sloppy. The heel pocket is supportive and snug, and the width comes in at 100mm last (or an average fit). Atomic does one better by making the top of the boot (over the instep) a little roomier, which helps for an easy, out-of-the-box fit, without causing painful hot spots and numbness over your foot. Atomic also uses their heat moldable plastic, making for easy boot fitting and a quick customized fit before you leave the shop.
K2 B.F.C 100
The B.F.C stands for “built for comfort” and that sort of says it all. The K2 B.F.C. has become wildly popular. Using the same premium plastics in the rest of their line, just optimized for a softer flex, the K2 B.F.C. offers a wide fit that doesn’t fold over. With a last of 104mm and a generally very high volume fit, the B.F.C. fits the widest of feet comfortably. Our boot fitters also use the B.F.C. for skiers who prioritize comfort. There’s a walk mode in the back for increased mobility when walking to and from the parking lot. If numb feet or cramps are not in your ski day plans, and you aren’t skiing double blacks at Mach 10, the K2 B.F.C. 100 will be a great choice for you.
Like the sound of that but need a more supportive flex? Check out the B.F.C. 120.
Best Ski Boots for Experts
These boots we’ve selected for their stiffer flex and performance fit. As we mentioned above, fit is first, so even though many experts prefer a lower-volume fit for better control and power transfer, your foot shape may not be happy in an ultra snug fit. Many of these stiffer flexes come in a medium-volume fit.
Tecnica Mach1 130 LV
Perhaps the lowest volume boot in our inventory, the Tecnica Mach1 130 LV prioritizes a low volume fit not only in the last but over the top of the instep and the heel. This boot focuses on strong power transfer, both from the snug fit and the T-Drive technology on the spine. By connecting the upper cuff and the lower shell of the boot, the boot has greater lateral power transmission. Overall, you get better control from the snug fit and better power from the shell construction. To boot (pun intended), the Tecnica’s plastics are some of the stiffest and most damp. The Mach1 130 LV is the pick for technicians who value a snug fit and an ultra-damp boot that feels bombproof.
Fischer RC4 130 MV BOA
Joining the BOA team is the all-new Fischer RC4 130 MV BOA. While there are lower volume options and stiffer options in this series (offered with a custom ZipFit liner), the RC4 130 is a great option for an expert skier who doesn’t need a race performance flex or fit. It’s stiff and supportive in all temperatures and offers a relatively progressive flex that keep the boot from feeling like a brick. The fit is versatile and Fischer uses high-quality plastics that are easy for a bootfitter to manipulate. Plus, who doesn’t love highlighter yellow as a boot color? You’ll never lose it.
Best Ski Boots for Hybrid Touring
This category includes boots that feature tech fittings in the toe and heel for use in alpine touring bindings (like the Salomon Shift, Duke PT, or full tech binding like a Dynafit or ATK). You’ll also get a walk mode for easier hiking, and lighter plastics to save weight. These boots often still feature four buckles, and are heavier than ultra-lightweight boots, so we find them best for a mix of resort skiing and touring. They work just as well for skiers who prioritize a stronger boot in the backcountry. Want to shop for lighter boots? Check out our list of the lightest backcountry boots for men.
K2 Mindbender 120 BOA
The K2 Mindbender 120 was one of the first boots to come out with the four-buckle hybrid touring trend, and they keep up their innovation with being a part of the new BOA release. We particularly like the BOA system on touring boots, as it allows for quick adjustments between transitions. K2’s Powerlite shell is as it sounds—powerful and light. Despite being on the lighter side of the category, this boot packs a punch and our testers were surprised with the consistency in varying temperatures. The walk mode is sufficient for touring, and the liner is light, but supports you in all the right places. This is a great choice for skiers who are truly looking to do a little bit of everything.
There’s a stiffer and softer option in the K2 Mindbender 130 and 100.
Dalbello Cabrio LV Free 120
The Dalbello Cabrio LV Free series is a staple for riders looking for plenty of versatility. The range of motion is quite wide with the walk mode and three-piece shell design. With the tongue able to flex forward, you get plenty of forward motion, while the walk mode frees up the shell to move rearwards. The low-volume fit comes mostly at the width of the foot and in the heel pocket, as the three-piece shell leaves more room on the top of your foot to help alleviate hot spots and keep things comfortable (even as your feet may swell on long uptracks).
Find an even higher performance option in the Cabrio LV Free 130, which comes with their supportive wrap liner.
Best Ski Boots for Men with Wide Feet
Got problem feet? Looking for a more comfortable fit without sacrificing performance? There are more and more boots on the market that deliver a stiff and supportive flex with a mold that is less restrictive and accommodates different foot shapes better.
Nordica HF 110
For those of us who remember the glory days of rear-entry boots, the Nordica HF 110 is here to bring the golden days back. Standing for “hands-free” the Nordica HF is a wide boot that uses a cable system to open up the cuff and allow the throat to open extensively. That means you can slip right in. No yanking on the tongue or using pliers to open up the lower shell. The wide cuff and comfortable fit allow even the trickiest of feet to land inside, without too much trouble. We recommend this boot to anyone who “hates ski boots” and whose day is ruined by a bad morning getting into the boots. Oh, and it skis pretty darn well, too. No loss of performance for an easy entry and exit? Count us in.
Rossignol Speed 120
For riders who have wider feet or need a comfortable fit in the shell with a stiffer cuff, the Rossignol Speed 120 is a great choice. At 104mm last, the Rossignol Speed is one of the wider boots in this flex category. Rossignol has been in the boot game for a long time, and with some of the warmest liners in the market and very nice buckles and features, the trimmings on this boot are second to none. Don’t force yourself into a gnarly boot if there’s no need.
