The best ski boots in 2024, tried and tested

It doesn’t matter if you’re a hardcore skier with 100 days per year on the slopes or a beginner learning how to snowplow: Ski boots are the most essential piece of ski gear. “We say date your skis but marry your boots,” says Austin Nelson, a 15-year boot fitter and manager at Surefoot, a ski boot store in Aspen, Colorado. “They are the connection between your body and your skis, allowing you to ski better and more comfortably.”

Well-fitting boots feel better on the slopes while also helping you shred harder by transferring energy to your skis. These days, there are more options than ever with various fits, plenty of flex offerings, customizable liners and even new BOA enclosures.

That’s why we spent several months testing 11 pairs of ski boots while scoring powder runs at Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort. With more than 50 days of combined testing, we compared their performance and fit, eventually arriving at the best downhill and hybrid ski boots. Here are the two best ski boots we recommend.

Best downhill ski boots: Tecnica Mach1 MV 120

Ski boots aren’t known for comfort, so it’s a pleasant surprise when a pair fits nicely straight out of the box. That was our experience with the Mach1 ski boots, our top pick thanks to their unparalleled combination of coziness and bomber performance — even before we had anything customized.

First, you’ve got options. The Mach1 boot series is available in three different widths: LV (low volume), MV (mid-volume) and HV (high volume), all designed to work with various foot shapes. The LV models have a narrower last — or foot width — at 98 millimeters, while the HV boots (103 millimeters) are best for wider tootsies. Thanks to our hobbit-esque feet, we tested an HV model but also popped our feet into the MV boots (100 millimeters) to gauge the difference and found both incredibly comfortable.

We also credit this to Tecnica’s anatomically shaped outer shells. There isn’t a skier alive who considers their clunky plastic boots plush and cozy, but the Mach1 shells gave us one of the best-in-test fits from day one. After a week of skiing, we took the boots to get fitted at Surefoot. Thanks to customizable liners, shells, footbeds and tongues, we dialed in the final details for a best-in-class fit — for traditional buckle boots.

The trade-off is that the Mach1 boots don’t have the newly launched BOA system found on many other boots we tested like the Salomon S/Pro Supra BOA or the Fischer RC4 MV 120. In our testing, we preferred the minuscule adjustments afforded by the dial system and found the BOA fit to be generally better. However, the Tecnica Mach1 boots still took the top spot, thanks to their variety of available widths and overall fitting options (combined with their stellar performance but more on that below). Though, we certainly wouldn’t be mad if they launched a new version next year with BOA.

Fit is only half of the equation, and the Mach1 boots ski well too. Tecnica uses a carbon spine that connects the cuff to the shell. Ski boots all have a flex, or stiffness, that transfers the energy from your legs to your skis, and this carbon spine helps regulate that flex so the boots are predictable and precise while shredding. In testing, this predictability coincided with a 42% increase in our balance while turning, as shown by our Carv data (more details in the “How we tested” section below). The Lange Shadow 130 LV was the only boot in our test that felt more precise in its performance but had a less versatile and very different fit.

In addition to a 130 flex, the Tecnica Mach1 boots are also available in a 110 flex for smaller or less-experienced male skiers. For women, you can find them in a 95, 105 or 115 flex.

Ultimately, the Tecnica Mach1 MV 120 ski boots took our top spot for downhill ski boots because of their powerful performance on various terrains combined with a crowd-pleasing fit that will work for a large number of intermediate and advanced skiers.

Best hybrid ski boots: K2 Mindbender 120 BOA

To many skiers, the prospect of a single-boot quiver is more elusive than Bigfoot. But the 2023-24 ski season brought to market many new hybrid ski boot options. Our favorite were the K2 Mindbender boots since they ski like traditional downhill ski boots from a chairlift but are still plenty comfortable when taking the occasional walk up a mountain.

Unlike downhill ski boots like the Tecnica Mach1 boots, hybrid ski boots are designed with two things in mind: They need to be stiff enough to shred on the downhill yet light and flexible enough to agreeably ski tour or uphill ski at a resort. This is where the phrase “single-boot quiver” comes into play — we want one pair of ski boots to do it all. To that end, the Mindbender boots do a great job, particularly for skiers who emphasize downhill skiing.

While BOA enclosures have been successful in the snowboarding market for a while, this is the first year they’ve been used on ski boots. The Mindbender boots have one dial that replaces the two lower buckles, and we enjoyed the precise fit. We found it easier to dial in the wrap around the top of our feet and never experienced any hot spots that have become the norm with traditional buckle boots. The dials are also easy to use while wearing mittens, so we could bend over mid-mountain to tweak our fit without removing any hand coverings (we also tested two other hybrid boots with this same BOA dial, the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 BOA and the Fischer Ranger 115 DYN). If we cinched the boots too tightly, it was easy to turn the dials a tick or two backward to slightly loosen without having to readjust the whole thing.

Unlike more performance-oriented boots like the Lange Shadow 130 LV or the Rossignol Hi-Speed Elite 130 LV, the Mindbenders have a relaxed, higher-volume fit that will please intermediate to advanced skiers. But don’t fret if you have narrow feet. Thanks to the BOA dials on the bottoms, it’s easy to cinch down the bottoms of the boots to get a snugger fit. And if a flex rating of 120 isn’t right for you, the K2 Mindbender BOA boots are also available in 95, 115 and 130 options.

In downhill mode, the Mindbender boots ski nearly as well as traditional alpine boots — and they weigh nearly as much at over 4 pounds per boot. We skied the Mindbender boots for six days of resort skiing, and they handled choppy snow, powdery drifts and icy slabs just as well as the alpine boots in testing. We enjoyed skiing them before any customization, but we found them especially powerful after the boot fitting at Surefoot.

The downhill prowess comes with a trade-off: uphill performance. They’re the heaviest hybrid boots in our test, and we felt the added ounces while slogging up 1,800 vertical feet at Aspen Snowmass Resort. K2 says the boots have a 50-degree range of motion when in uphill mode, but they felt less mobile and stiffer than that. The Mindbenders have GripWalk and an easy-to-reach (albeit huge) Walk mode lever on the back of the boot.

Still, skiers have to choose when it comes to hybrid boots: emphasize downhill performance or uphill performance. No single pair of hybrid boots will be the best in both categories. The Mindbenders prioritize the descent. If you spend most of your time skiing from a chairlift and simply dabble in the backcountry a few times per year, these are a great bet.

If you are a backcountry skier who wants to go light and fast while ski touring and will only occasionally ski a lift-served lap, we’d recommend either the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 BOA or the Scarpa 4-Quattro XT. Both have excellent uphill performance and are great on the descents, but we wouldn’t reach for these during resort days.

How we tested

To determine the best ski boots, we objectively evaluated many factors, such as comfort, performance, durability and temperature performance. To do this, we divided our testing into five categories: comfort, ski performance, durability, features and temperature regulation. From there, we directly compared the features of each pair of ski boots through nearly two months of field testing while skiing at Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort.

Here’s the breakdown of our process:

Comfort

Performance

Durability

Features

Temperature regulation

We also aimed to find a standardized set of data so we weren’t completely reliant upon subjective tester feedback. To do this, we enlisted the help of Carv, a digital ski coach that gathers data from inside your ski boots. According to Carv, some of its measured data points like stability and pressure, edging and balance can be a reflection of the ski boots. Knowing this, we gathered this data while testing the ski boots, ensuring that the same skier skied the same run in the same ski while wearing different ski boots. As a result, the boots were the only measured variable that changed.

The Carv app lets us chart our growth in various areas based on when we started using a pair of ski boots and when we stopped. For example, if we tested more responsive boots, we might see an uptick in our scores for stability, pressure and balance. We didn’t base our feedback entirely on the Carv data, of course, because it’s inconclusive as to how much of this performance growth ties to the boots and how much ties to the skier. However, we first looked at anecdotal testing feedback to get a pulse on the ski boots. Then, we looked at the data to see if it confirmed what we felt during field testing.

Everything you need to know about ski boots

Skis have flashy designs but your ski boots are easily the most important piece of gear in your kit. “With a well-fitting boot, the transfer of energy from your body to your ski is more efficient,” Nelson says. “For beginners, a well-fitting boot allows you to progress much faster because you have better control and use less energy, making skiing easier.”

But ski boots are also confusing and most skiers are actually wearing the wrong size. That’s why it’s helpful to understand ski boot construction — and see a boot fitter before making any big purchases.

We also used Carv to obtain data pre- and post-bootfitting. All ski boots were tested out of the box for at least a week, obtaining baseline data with Carv. Then we took them to Surefoot for a boot fitting to learn how the boots’ performance may or may not change when properly fitted.

Downhill versus touring versus hybrid ski boots

First, it’s important to understand the difference between downhill, touring and hybrid ski boots. Alpine (or downhill) ski boots are the traditional ski boots seen all over a ski resort, and they click into bindings with toe and heel pieces attached to the skis with bindings. These ski boots are the heaviest and the most rugged and are designed for chairlift skiing only.

Touring (or backcountry) ski boots are much lighter and have more flexibility in the cuff so you can comfortably walk uphill while wearing them. Touring boots typically work with tech, or pin, bindings, so you’ll see small holes on either side of the toe piece and in the heel. Touring boots aren’t compatible with traditional downhill ski bindings and are often too light to be fully enjoyable while skiing at the resort.

That’s where hybrid boots come into play, as they aim to split the difference between alpine and touring ski boots. They’re usually heavier than touring boots but have more flexibility and comfort for climbing than alpine. And they often work with both downhill and tech bindings. In this test, we only looked at alpine and hybrid ski boots.

Proper fit is crucial

Next, consider fit. According to Nelson, alpine ski boots should feel snug and support your feet without any movement around the ankles, heel and forefoot. “When you’re trying them on, bend your knees and flex forward,” he says. “If there is any movement at all or you can’t feel the front of your boots with your toes, they’re too big.” He also notes that a good rule of thumb is to go down a size in your ski boots when looking at the sizing charts.

Of course, ski boot sizing doesn’t operate like the sizing for street shoes. Instead, ski boots often use Mondo (or Mondopoint) sizing. This is the length of your foot measured in centimeters. And while you may see Mondo sizes like 24.0 or 24.5 that appear to be half sizes, don’t be fooled: Ski boot shells only come in whole sizes, so a 24.5 ski boot shell is the same size as a 24.0 ski boot. (A few boot brands like Scarpa round up on the half size, so a 24.5 shell is the same size as a 25.0 shell. Again, another reason to see a boot fitter.)

Some ski boot brands will make their liners slightly smaller or bigger to more closely resemble a half-size, but the shells will still be the same. It’s also important to note your Boot Sole Length or BSL number. Measured in millimeters, this is the length of a ski boot from the tip of the toe to the end of the heel. Since Mondo sizing can vary between brands, BSL is a more precise measurement of your size (and it’s also what they’ll ask when getting your boots fitted to your bindings).

Another factor to consider is your footbed width, as it dramatically varies from skier to skier. Narrow lasts typically range from 96 to 98 millimeters while average lasts are roughly 99 to 102 millimeters. Many boots, such as the Tecnica Mach1 or the Lange Shadow, come in a variety of lasts to accommodate more feet.

Flex plays a major role in comfort and responsiveness

Beyond fit, take a look at a boot’s flex. Lower numbers are softer and more comfortable but less responsive. Boots with a higher flex are stiffer and less cozy but respond better and transfer energy to your skis more efficiently. Typically, lower flex numbers are used with beginner skiers, and higher flex numbers are better for experienced skiers.

However, weight and size are also factors, as larger bodies can drive stiffer boots better than smaller ones. In general, beginners often prefer a flex in the 70 to 90 range, intermediate skiers may like a flex of 90 to 110 and experienced skiers may opt for a flex of 115 or higher. As Nelson notes, some boots — like the Head Formula 95 W — have a bolt that can adjust the flex.

Soles and liners are important, too

Make sure to glance at the boot’s soles to confirm they are compatible with your bindings. These days, many new boots have GripWalk, a rubbered-and-rockered sole technology that makes it easier to walk around in alpine boots. If you have very old bindings, this technology may not be compatible, so check with your boot fitter or local ski shop.

Liners are another critical component of ski boots. Often filled with foam, the liner is the removable interior piece that sits inside the hard plastic shell of a ski boot. Some liners are plush and soft; these are designed for beginners who are less concerned about performance. Intermediate and advanced skiers often prefer a firmer foam since it molds to your feet and offers better performance. Many boots come with heat-moldable liners that can be taken to a boot fitter to be fit for your specific feet. For folks who spend a lot of time in ski boots or are ready to invest in a top-tier fit, boot fitters usually offer fully custom liners built from the ground up to accommodate your foot anatomy.

Not all buckles are created equal

Lastly, look at the buckles on your boots. Historically, alpine ski boots use aluminum buckles to secure a snug fit: two on the upper of each boot and two on the lower. However, the 2023-24 season saw BOA enter the ski boot world by swapping the lower two buckles with a BOA cable enclosure.

In addition to the K2 Mindbenders, we tested a handful of other boots with BOA like the Salomon S/Pro Supra BOA, Fischer RC4 MV BOA, K2 Anthem 115 BOA and the Fischer Ranger 115 DYN. We strongly preferred the BOA fit in testing, thanks to its evenly dispersed pressure and overall secure fit, two data points that were confirmed in this peer-reviewed study on BOA in ski boots. Nelson notes that some skiers with limited dexterity may prefer BOA to buckles. But he adds that skiers have fit preferences — like one loose buckle and one tight buckle — that BOA can’t accommodate.

Other ski boots we tested

We came within a millimeter of awarding the Hawx the spot of best hybrid ski boots in our test. They are fantastic boots. We loved the use of BOA and found it exceptionally strong on the uphill. While they come stock with a narrow design best suited for low-volume feet, the team at Surefoot told us they can be easily customized to pretty much any foot shape, making them great boots for a large number of folks (as our wide-footed tester learned when these became his favorite).

The K2 Mindbender boots edged them out for the top spot simply because they are better on the downhill at a lower price point, which is a priority for our audience. But if you want boots that excel in the backcountry (and have the money for a custom fitting if you have wide feet), the Hawx boots are a great choice.

These Supra BOAs were one of the more comfortable downhill boots we tested this year, second only to the Head Formulas. We found the 105 flex a sure bet for solid intermediate to advanced female skiers. A nicety was the numerical marking on each lower boot so you could adjust the BOA system to the same point every time you ski.

The cushioned liners were cozy but not plush, and there was plenty of space inside for higher-volume feet. However, we felt the overall comfort came with less responsiveness than the Tecnica Mach1 boots. They are also available in a 95, 110, 120 or 130 flex.

Similar to the Salomon boots, the Fischer RC4s are another offering with BOA and built with comfort in mind. The MV fit is a slightly wider last that works for average feet, but we felt it had a bit more wiggle room than the MV fit on the Tecnica Mach1 boots. However, we struggled with ankle fit and could never find a sweet spot that didn’t irritate our skin.

The BOA enclosure did not have any marking points, so we weren’t sure if we were cinching it down to the same spot, which could be the cause for the hot spots. Also available in a 130 or 105 flex.

These women-specific boots will probably fit many female skiers — just as K2 designed them. The pre-punched ankle bone areas were a nice touch that felt good on our feet (which was noteworthy, as those bones are especially finicky in ski boots). The 115 progressive flex felt fun and powerful, especially while carving turns on groomers or bouncing through mogul fields.

The trade-off, however, is the roomy fit. K2 designed these with a multi-fit last, meaning you can cinch down the BOA to fit anyone with narrow to wide feet. But they still felt spacious and too comfortable, often sacrificing precision in tight spots. They are also available in a 105 and 95 flex.

In terms of performance, you’ll be hard-pressed to do better than the Lange Shadow boots. They’re powerful on any terrain, thanks to a unique dual-pivot technology that allows skiers to drive harder without expending more energy — and it was noticeable in testing as we arced turns and bombed steeps without breaking much of a sweat.

But the boots aren’t designed for recreational skiers; they are a performance fit for advanced shredders who care more about carving than comfort (and don’t mind spending extra cash). For recreational skiers, the Shadow boots are overkill. They are also available in flexes ranging from 85 to 120.

At just over three pounds per boot, the 4-Quattro XT boots are killer hybrid ski boots. With an advertised 61 degrees of ankle mobility, these featherweight boots felt amazing while climbing over 3,000 vertical feet near Aspen. The four cabled buckles are easy to use, and the power strap adds more stiffness to the 115 flex on the downhill.

The Quattros can be used with tech or GripWalk alpine bindings, and we had no problem clicking into our Marker Griffon bindings. On the downhill, they skied well on groomers and through the trees, but they didn’t have the powerful performance of the K2 Mindbenders. Still, if you’re a skier who more evenly splits your time between ski resorts and the backcountry, the Quattros are a great bet. Also available in a 130, 120 or 100 flex.

With a middle-of-the-road 100-millimeter last and an extended toe box, the Formula boots took the top spot as the most comfortable boots we tested (the furry cuffs didn’t hurt either). The 95 flex can be adjusted up to 105 with a specialized bolt, so these are softer boots meant for beginner to intermediate skiers — and that’s how they skied too.

The ankles had more wiggle room than the Tecnica Mach1, which helped with comfort but also felt sloppy as the terrain became more challenging. They are also available in low volume (LV) designs with an 85 and 105 flex for women, as well as a 110, 120 and 130 flex for men.

Like the Lange Shadow boots, the Rossignol Hi-Speed Elite boots are built for hard-charging skiers who go full-send, no matter the day. Like other boots we tested, they have a progressive flex that gets stiffer as you flex deeper, but they felt firmer than the Shadow boots (the other 130 flex we tested).

They have a low-volume fit, and we had a nagging pain in the arch that we couldn’t eliminate until we went to Surefoot. Ultimately, they could be great boots if you’re an advanced skier, but they are more boots (and money) than the average weekend warrior will need.

FAQs

Meet our experts

For this article, we consulted the following expert to gain their professional insights:

Why trust CNN Underscored for ski boots

We love winter sports here at Underscored. Our editors and writers have evaluated ski and snowboard helmets, bindings and gloves (though some might prefer mittens). We inform our recommendations by actually hitting the slopes and testing every product included in our guides. This data-informed and thorough testing method is how we serve our readers. For us, transparency and hands-on testing are at the center of our ethos. For this guide, our writer skied with ten ski boots and spoke to experts so you are confident in your purchase. We’re here to support your buying power, breaking down details and sharing our experience along the way.