If there’s ever been a more expensive yet exhilarating way to remove a toenail than skiing, well, let’s just say, we’re not interested. As skiers, we suffer through every winter, cramming our feet into tough plastic shells, then waiting for frostbite to take over our toes while clamping down buckles and squeezing our feet as tightly as possible. But it doesn’t need to be that way. Ski boot manufacturers are doing everything in their power to make skiing as comfortable as it can be. And, if it can be comfortable, this year’s boot offerings are the ones that can do it.
Be realistic about the type of boot you purchase; make sure the style is reflective of what you do on the slopes. And though buying new boots is pricey, don’t be cheap when it comes to comfort. Go to your local boot fitter, get fitted and make sure to spring for good quality footbeds. Your toenails will thank you, and so will everyone else in the hot tub. |
Atomic RT FR 120 ($849.99) Sizes 22-29.5 |
| Atomic bills the FR in the FR 120 as freerace. As in, he who’s fastest gets the fresh tracks. And these boots are designed with powder hounds and freeriders in mind. With a huge range of flexes, the chasis gives impressive performance and comfort. This is an all-mountain boot designed to perform in all conditions on all terrain. |
 |
|
|
Dalbello Krypton Rampage ($650) Sizes 240-295 cm |
 |
The choice of Tanner Hall, the Krypton Rampage is a world-class performer developed specifically for the park and pipe. Krypton technology incorporates three-piece Cabrio Design construction—a unique shell-cuff-tongue assembly architecture. The Rampage features an ultra-plush, faux-fur-lined inner boot and inverted forefoot buckle so it won’t break or get in the way during grinds and transitions. |
|
|
Fischer Soma X-Onetwenty ($549) Sizes 25-30.5 |
| This boot is designed for backcountry freeskiers. With the Fischer fit system performance fit, double canting, removable spoiler and forward lean adjust, this boot has enough features to keep all the tech weenies happy. The boot also features Fischer’s Somatec design, which maintains the skier’s centre of gravity over the middle of the ski, providing quicker ski initiation, better power transmission, increased acceleration and control. |
 |
|
|
Head Mojo XP ($750) Sizes 25-29.5, 30.5 |
 |
The new Head Mojo XP is Jon Olsson’s signature boot, and it has the looks to, uh, boot. A “revolutionary printing process” gives these boots a raw leather look. And while, to some, looks may be everything, they also feature HeatFir Pro with anatomical footbeds, racing flex adjustment, shock bumpers and double canting—for those who care more about performance. |
|
|
Lange Freeride 130 ($699.99) Sizes 5.5-12.5 |
| Whatever the conditions, the Lange Freeride 130 has you covered. With an elastic Velcro tacking, there’s more flexion, allowing energy to be stored between one turn and the next. A freeride custom pro liner provides a more forgiving volume, yet the boot retains its aggressive, high-performance characteristics. And with the Recco System embedded in the shell, Lange has thought of your safety this year. Isn’t that nice? |
 |
|
|
Nordica Blower ($850) Sizes 4-10 U.K. |
 |
The top-of-the-line boot in the Supercharger series, the Blower combines high performance and comfort in an effort to make a perfect all-mountain boot. With an oversized booster strap and a 115 flex index, this boot is all about power transfer. A performance fit Full Shock Eraser liner aims to equal out rigidity with comfort. |
|
|
Rossignol Bandit B-Squad Carbon ($750) Sizes 3.5-12.5 |
| The Bandit B-Squad is for big-mountain skiers looking for maximum control and precision for any terrain at high speeds. With a new type of padding in the liners, the shape is more anatomically realistic, eliminating pressure points. |
 |
|
|
Roxy Black Magic ($399) Sizes 22-27.5 |
 |
With a down liner, advanced construction and five-millimetre heel lift for optimum centre of gravity, the Black Magic boots are for expert female skiers. Offering performance, precision and warmth, they also feature four micro-soft touch buckles and quick-set adjustable catches. |
|
|
Salomon Impact 10 ($679) Sizes 24-31.5 |
| Replacing the X-Wave line, the Impact offers power for strong, athletic skiers. The Impact 10 features Second Skin and shell to envelope the foot and provide lightness and sensitivity. This all-mountain boot provides versatile performance for advanced to expert skiers. |
 |
|
|
Technica The Agent 80 ($375) Sizes 220-310 MP (increments of five)
|
 |
Technica returns this year with a new lineup of steel-hued boots geared toward the freeski scene. The Agent series offers four different models, the 80 being the most flexible of the three adult sizes. Featuring aluminum buckles and an adjustable, removable rear spoiler, this boot offers a myriad of features, not to mention a sweet plaid liner. |
|
|
|