OutdoorGearLab

The Lange XT3 120 is the best we've tested for downhill-optimized performance. For someone who spends most of their time riding chairs or other mechanized access, it's a great choice. It's also optimal for those that typically engage in short tours, boot packs, and "sidecountry" touring. It is one of a few available that will work with tech-style touring bindings and with resort alpine bindings &#40;the resort bindings must be "GripWalk" compatible&#41;. Our lead test editor and full-time backcountry ski guide has used them for day-to-day guiding, where comfort, downhill performance, and warmth are his biggest considerations.
The weight and lack of touring mobility will narrow the appeal of these boots. They don't tour nearly as well as any other option we assess. We do not recommend them for big days or technical tours. That said, if you're a fan of going into the backcountry for short jaunts and want excellent downhill performance, where the uphill isn't as much of a concern, this is a top recommendation. We've seen people take these exact boots on 8000 vertical feet walkabouts. It isn't recommended and is more a testament to those testers' grit than to the efficiency of the boot. Nonetheless, almost anything is possible. 

The Lange XT3 120 is the best we've tested for downhill-optimized performance. For someone who spends most of their time riding chairs or other mechanized access, it's a great choice. It's also optimal for those that typically engage in short tours, boot packs, and "sidecountry" touring. It is one of a few available that will work with tech-style touring bindings and with resort alpine bindings &#40;the resort bindings must be "GripWalk" compatible&#41;. Our lead test editor and full-time backcountry ski guide has used them for day-to-day guiding, where comfort, downhill performance, and warmth are his biggest considerations.
The weight and lack of touring mobility will narrow the appeal of these boots. They don't tour nearly as well as other options we assess. We do not recommend them for big days or technical tours. That said, if you're a fan of going into the backcountry for short jaunts and want excellent downhill performance, where the uphill isn't as much of a concern, this is a strong recommendation. We've seen people take these boots on 8000-vertical-foot walkabouts. It isn't recommended and is more a testament to those testers' grit than to the efficiency of the boot. Nonetheless, almost anything is possible. 
Read more: Lange XT3 120 review

Best for Most

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Switchback Travel | Lange XT3 130 Ski Boot (2021) Review

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2021-2022 Lange XT3 130 | Blister

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The top-scoring Scarpa F1 LT is exactly tied for our highest award. As a result, we grant two of these highest awards. We couldn't pick one over the other if we tried. Both boots are excellent and carefully balanced, and both fit a broad array of foot shapes. Both are also suitable for all-around, day-to-day backcountry skiing. The F1 is for those that lean towards uphill efficiency, while the Tecnica is optimized slightly more for downhill. The F1 is among the lightest and most nimble in our test but performs on the downhill like the bigger kicks. 
The Tecnica will go downhill better, be a little warmer, and is more durable. The F1 is lighter and goes uphill better. Either one is an excellent choice. Choose the F1 LT for optimal uphill performance and realize that your ski pairing might be limited. The F1 LT is nimble enough to climb rocks and drive a stick shift &#40;not that we'd recommend either&#41; and then ski down, at a metered speed, anything you might encounter out there. 

The top-scoring Scarpa F1 LT is tied with the the Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro | Zero G Tour Pro for our highest award, so we are putting both at the top of our ratings. Both boots are carefully balanced, and both fit a broad array of foot shapes. Both are also suitable for all-around, day-to-day backcountry skiing. The F1 is for those that lean towards uphill efficiency, while the Tecnica is optimized slightly more for downhill. The F1 is among the lightest and most nimble in our test but performs on the downhill like bigger kicks. 
The Tecnica will go downhill better, be a little warmer, and is more durable. The F1 is lighter and goes uphill better. Choose the F1 LT for optimal uphill performance and realize that your ski pairing might be limited. The F1 LT is nimble enough to climb rocks and drive a stick shift &#40;not that we'd recommend either&#41; and then ski down, at a metered speed, anything you might encounter out there. 
Read more: Scarpa F1 LT review

Upgrade Pick

2021-2022 Scarpa F1 LT | Blister Ski Boot Review

Spawn of the Alien and F1 - Scarpa F1 LT Review - The Backcountry Ski Touring Blog

The unicorn of ski boots, the Nordica Promachine somehow checks all the ski boot fantasy boxes. This boot performed well across the board in fit, comfort, and performance. It excelled in all types of terrain and conditions and had an unexpectedly comfortable out-of-the-box fit. We even found ourselves changing back into the Promachine for relief from boots of lesser comfort. The boot's ability to charge hard on groomers and maintain a balance of playful and stiff in off-piste pursuits was impressive. 
While it's not the lightest or the most affordable boot in the lineup, we found the value to be very worth the happy feet. The thick PU-coated Tri-Force Shell and 3D Custom Cork liner construction are designed to support the most aggressive skiers while maintaining a snug fit that is built to last. At the end of the day, we felt super confident in this boot and gave it two thumbs up, and of course, our top overall honor. 

The unicorn of ski boots, the Nordica Promachine somehow checks all the ski boot fantasy boxes. This boot performed well across the board, earning high marks in fit, comfort, and performance. It excelled in all types of terrain and conditions and had an unexpectedly comfortable out-of-the-box fit. We even found ourselves changing back into the Promachine for relief from boots of lesser comfort. The boot's ability to charge hard on groomers and maintain a balance of playful and stiff in off-piste pursuits was impressive. 
Though it's not the lightest or the most affordable boot in the lineup, we found these caveats to be very worth the happy feet. The thick PU-coated Tri-Force Shell and 3D Custom Cork liner construction are designed to support the most aggressive skiers while maintaining a snug fit that is built to last. At the end of the day, we felt super confident in this boot and gave it two thumbs up, and of course, our top overall honor. 
Read more: Nordica Promachine review

Budget Pick

2021-2022 Nordica Promachine 115 W | Blister

The Tecnica Mach1 is an aggressive boot built to drive any ski in all types of terrain by an experienced skier. The 130 Flex model that we tested felt the stiffest of all the boots in our lineup. It also offers a consistent flex throughout the cuff without any collapsing at the ankle. We love polyurethane &#40;PU&#41;, as do most boot fitters, as the premier material to mold the boot to your unique foot shape. PU can be molded and remolded multiple times, and although it is heavier, it is a superior material for an all-mountain boot. The CAS liner is unbelievably comfortable and heat-moldable as well. The cam strap at the top of the cuff holds snug and adds stiffness and stability while turning compared to other models tested. 
The price tag of the Mach1 may drive some consumers away but is a solid investment for those who are ready to take their skiing to the next level. Also, for those who like a looser style or spend time in the terrain park, this may not be the boot for you. Tricks and landings usually benefit from a more moderate flex. This boot is perfect for the ski racer or just the Olympic GS wannabe in the rest of us. Whether booting out on groomers or dropping steep chutes, this expert/advanced boot wants to go fast. If your palms are sweating, keep reading, our testers have found the right boot for you.

The price tag of the Mach1 may drive some consumers away but is a solid investment for those who are ready to take their skiing to the next level. Also, for those who like a looser style or spend time in the terrain park, this may not be the boot for you. Tricks and landings usually benefit from a more moderate flex. This boot is perfect for the ski racer or just the Olympic GS wannabe in the rest of us. Whether booting out on groomers or dropping steep chutes, this expert/advanced boot wants to go fast. If your palms are sweating, keep reading, our testers have found the right boot for you.
Read more: Tecnica Mach1 MV review

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2022-2023 Tecnica Mach1 MV 130 & Mach1 LV 130 | Blister Review

The Dalbello Panterra ID offers easy access with its Cabrio three-piece design. The PU tongue easily folds up out of the way, making for the most inviting instep we tested. The soft liner detracts from the performance but makes this the warmest boot we tested. The variable last width from 100 to 102 millimeters makes this boot great for those with a wider or higher volume foot. The lower hinge point in the cuff creates less ankle friction. Integrated walk mode makes for more smiles at apres ski and finding your car in the lot. The opposed forefoot buckle design pulls the boot nicely over the top of the foot.
The same attributes that make for easy entry also diminish the responsiveness and performance of the boot. The extra material in the tongue and three-piece construction make this the softest 130 flex boot in our lineup. If you prefer a softer flex or spend time in the park, this could be the perfect boot for you. The soft ID liner is great for walking or hanging out but doesn't perform as well in high-speed turns as firmer liners. All that said, if you have a large foot or a park style, this boot is built with you in mind. The walk mode and Cabrio design also would suit a frame binding in the side-country, but this boot is not compatible with backcountry tech-style bindings. 

The same attributes that make for easy entry also diminish the responsiveness and performance of the boot. The extra material in the tongue and three-piece construction make this the softest 130 flex boot in our lineup. If you prefer a softer flex or spend time in the park, this could be the perfect boot for you. The soft ID liner is great for walking or hanging out but doesn't perform as well in high-speed turns as firmer liners. All that said, if you have a large foot or a park style, this boot is built with you in mind. The walk mode and Cabrio design also would suit a frame binding in the side-country, but this boot is not compatible with backcountry tech-style bindings. 
Read more: Dalbello Panterra ID review

Our testers agree the Lange RX LV is a fantastic boot all around. It provides stability and confidence on and off-piste and charges head-on into just about any type of terrain or snow condition. Lange upholds their reputation for high-performing, ultra sensitive, and responsive ski boots. 
The RX series uses a molding process that utilizes two different plastics that are strategically placed to provide torsional rigidity in places you need rock-hard support and more forgiveness in places you want the flexibility. The boot's smooth, plush liner contoured nicely around our ankles and heels and provided a solid amount of warmth. Thanks to a low cuff height, this boot was easier to engage with and maintain an aggressive stance throughout the day. For the skier who wants a reliable boot to take them anywhere on the mountain, the Lange RX LV is the one for you. 

Our testers agree the Lange RX LV is a fantastic boot all around. It provides stability and confidence on and off-piste and charges head-on into just about any type of terrain or snow condition. Lange upholds their reputation for high-performing, ultra sensitive, and responsive ski boots. 
The RX series uses a molding process that utilizes two different plastics that are strategically placed to provide torsional rigidity in places you need rock-hard support and more forgiveness in places you want the flexibility. The boot's smooth, plush liner contoured nicely around our ankles and heels and provided a solid amount of warmth. Thanks to a low cuff height, this boot was easier to engage with and maintain an aggressive stance throughout the day. For the skier who wants a reliable boot to take them anywhere on the mountain, the Lange RX LV is the one for you. 
Read more: Lange RX LV review

walmart

Looking to step up to a more aggressive boot or a comfortable all-day boot for a price that doesn't break the bank? The Atomic Hawx Prime offers roomy comfort in a moldable polyurethane shell. The Prime is not as stiff as other boots in our lineup, falling somewhere in the middle of the pack of boots with a 130 flex rating. The Mimic customizable liner stays warm in sub-freezing temps using Thinsulate technology. We especially liked the quick-release cam strap, though it was not as intuitive to use as other models tested. We also favored the Grip Walk outsoles for walking to and from the lifts.
This boot didn't score as highly in the performance category due to its softer and less consistent flex. Driving through the boot, our testers noted that most of the flex increased as the boot was pushed through high-speed turns. We prefer a boot that will offer consistent flexion throughout the turn so that the skier is not surprised. The 100-millimeter last width feels wider than other models, but the PU construction is moldable for those with larger feet. Check out the similar Hawx Ultra version with a 98-millimeter last if you have a narrower foot. This boot is perfect for less aggressive or lighter skiers. Those who are on a budget will find that the Hawx Prime offers nearly the same performance and qualities of a far more expensive boot.

trustpilot

We like to think of the Rossignol Pure Pro Heat as the perfect apres-ski boot. It is a fantastic boot for intermediate to advanced skiers who will stay mostly on-piste but will go anywhere the mountain moves them. We were surprised at how stiff the boot felt compared to its flex rating. The fancy exterior finish boasts pink and rose gold accents and faux fur on the cuff of the liner. It may be hard to take the style seriously, but the boot surpassed expectations and performed well across all disciplines.
The Rossignol Pure Pro Heat did not necessarily compete regarding downhill power, but it maintained a great torsional flex that made for a playful yet stable boot. It did not have as snug of a fit which limited control over our skiing ability. However, the boot still handled well on and off groomers. For those who prioritize mind-blowing warmth and comfort but still want confidence-boosting stiffness and stability, this is the boot for you. 

We like to think of the Rossignol Pure Pro Heat as the perfect apres-ski boot. It is a fantastic boot for intermediate to advanced skiers who will stay mostly on-piste but will go anywhere the mountain moves them. We were surprised at how stiff the boot felt compared to its flex rating. The fancy exterior finish boasts pink and rose gold accents and faux fur on the cuff of the liner. It may be hard to take the style seriously, but the boot surpassed expectations and performed well across all disciplines.
The Rossignol Pure Pro Heat did not necessarily compete regarding downhill power, but it maintained a great torsional flex that made for a playful yet stable boot. It did not have as snug of a fit which limited control over our skiing ability. However, the boot still handled well on and off groomers. For those who prioritize mind-blowing warmth and comfort but still want confidence-boosting stiffness and stability, this is the boot for you. 
Read more: Rossignol Pure Pro Heat review

Ski Boot Comparison