How to Shop For A Pair of Ski Boots
Once you dive in, you’ll realize that there are a ton of options for ski boots. Finding the perfect pair for your feet is tough. Here are some things to look for while shopping so you can narrow the options down.
Cost
The price of a pair of ski boots depends on a few things. One is how aggressive the flex of the boots is. Another is how technical the boots are. Adding a walk mode, pin binding compatibility, and higher stiffness will increase the cost.
In general, downhill boots range from $200-$600. Backcountry touring boots often range from $600-$1100. Ski mountaineering-specific boots are the most expensive, often priced well over $1000.
Fit
Fit is the most important part of your ski boot purchase. You want ski boots that mold to your feet perfectly, without cutting off blood circulation. When you find the right fit, they will feel too tight the first few times you use them.
But as your new boots break in or “pack out,” they will become roomier. For wide boots, the best way to find the right pair is to learn your last size and then find a boot with a matching last.
Some boots like the Atomic Hawx Prime are also made to accommodate a higher instep. Other boots have higher or lower arches, narrow or wide forefoot (or toe box), and different calf shapes.
So there’s a lot more to finding comfortable ski boots than just the right boot size. Heat molding will adjust some of these measurements more than others. For example, wide calves are easy to work around through molding, where foot length (boot size) is not.
Discipline
Are you skiing only at the resort? In the backcountry? Are you more focused on the uphill than the downhill?
These are all questions you need to think about. Downhill boots have the fewest features, and are the heaviest. Touring boots are lighter, and have a release-able “walk mode” for moving uphill. They also often have divots in the toe piece to conform with technical pin bindings.
Stiffness
Usually, if you’re going faster, you want a stiffer boot. Stiff boots let you lean forward harder while supporting your weight. Heavier skiers will also prefer stiffer boots. Freestyle boots are the exception to this rule. Many freestyle or park skiers prefer a softer, more forgiving boot flex.
Flex ratings are measured on a scale of 0-130, with 130 being the stiffest. But flex ratings vary between brands.
That is to say, an Atomic boot with a flex rating of 120 may be softer than a Dynafit with a 120 flex. It’s not a hard metric for comparing boots, but more of a rough reference of how stiff or flexible a boot is.
Reputable Ski Boot Brands
There are many brands that make ski boots. Some brands stick to certain disciplines within skiing. For example, Full Tilt is primarily a freestyle boot company. La Sportiva and Scarpa make boots for touring and ski mountaineering.
Others like Dynafit, K2, Nordica, Lange, Dalbello, Atomic, and Salomon make lots of different kinds of boots. All these brands are reputable and make high-quality boots.
Working With A Boot Fitter
You should not buy boots based entirely on what you see online. Finding the right fit takes too much tweaking to get right without trying them on. So when in doubt, go to your local ski shop and talk to a boot fitter.
Boot fitters can help you find a boot with a fit that works. They can also mold your boot’s liners and shells to dial the fit even further.
Summary
We find the best pair of wide ski boots for beginners and intermediates is the K2 BFC 100.
The best wide boot for aggressive downhill skiing is the Atomic Hawx Prime.
For ski touring, the Dynafit Hoji Free 130 is the best wide boot.
For beginners with wide feet on a budget, the Dalbello DS MX 75 is the best.
