Excellent boots that will change your skating style | '25-26 Pro Shop Selection

The advice of pro shops, who can compare and evaluate products from multiple angles based on their accumulated wealth of knowledge and user feedback, is persuasive. As the saying goes, "changing boots changes your skiing," so choosing boots is important. What are the excellent ski boots that pro shops have selected as "highly rated" for the 2025-2026 season?

INDEX

AR ONE 130 MV | ARMADA

Flex: 130
Last: 100mm
Weight: 2,100g (26.5cm)
Size: 24.5-29.5cm
\104,500

*There are 5 types of Flex in increments of 10, from 90 to 130.

◆ Official HP / https://armadaskis.jp/

The long-awaited ARMADA boots have finally made their debut! Although they are three-piece boots, the cuff uses the same parts as two-piece boots, making them resistant to twisting and lateral movement. And best of all, the ankle hold is exceptional. Only the second buckle is secured with wire, so the ankle is tightly fastened. In addition, there is a tech insert hole only in the toe, so if you use a heel-pressure tech binding, you can go into the backcountry without sacrificing performance.

Reviewer
Mt.Peaks
Staff/Hoshi Yamato

It's also my favorite!

ARMADA has finally launched their new boots. These hybrid 2-piece and 3-piece boots are becoming increasingly popular!
They feature three buckles, with the second buckle equipped with a wire, which simultaneously tightens the heel area, which is usually tightened by the third buckle. This unique and innovative system is a real hit!

Review War
Sanwa Sports WEBSPORTS
Staff/Shinji Oguchi

It's also my favorite!

These newly released boots feature an original shell mold, so rather than being our top recommendation, we'd say to try them out and see how comfortable they are. They're hybrid boots that combine the best of three-piece boots, which offer high ankle flexibility and are easy to adapt to various freestyle movements, and two-piece boots, which offer a snug fit and high maneuverability. They're packed

tightly inside yet still offer ease of movement, providing an unprecedented fit. They come in a range of flex settings, from soft to firm, so you can choose the one that best suits your speed and style.

Reviewer
OFF-1
Staff / Keiji Takagi



DIVERGE SC|K2

Flex: 130
Last: 102mm
Weight: 2,115g (26.5cm)
Size: 24.5-30.5cm (1cm increments)
\107,800

◆Official website/ https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/brands/k2-skis?lang=ja

This one pair of boots is perfect for not only the slopes, but also freeriding, park riding, backcountry, and other outdoor activities. It's great for park riding with jumps and rails, freeriding in backcountry areas, and hard freestyle riding (jumps, etc.).

It also has a hike mode and can be used with tech bindings. For all-around skiers who want to do everything, whether on the slopes or backcountry, these are the boots for you. The appeal of this pair of boots is that they can handle anything, regardless of the field.

Reviewer
TRUNKBASE
Owner / Mikiya Tanno


HAWX ULTRA XTD 130 BOA|ATOMIC

Flex: 130
Last: 98mm
Weight: 1,844g (26-26.5cm)
Size: 24/24.5cm-29/29.5cm
¥142,890

◆ Official HP / https://atomicsnow.jp/

With a fit and rigidity comparable to that of alpine boots, these boots offer comfortable walking in walk mode in the backcountry and excellent downhill performance. BOA technology provides a snug fit, and both the inner liner and shell are heat-moldable to accommodate a variety of foot shapes.

Reviewer Shugakuso
Hokudai Store
Staff / Climbing and Ski Manager - Mr. Minoru Kojiguchi


HAWX ULTRA XTD 120 BOA|ATOMIC

Flex: 120
Last: 98mm
Weight: 1,844g (26-26.5cm)
Size: 24/24.5cm-29/29.5cm
¥136,290

◆ Official HP / https://atomicsnow.jp/

These boots offer a comfortable fit thanks to BOA's heat-molded memory fit and a strong heel hold, allowing for a snug fit. The shell is thin and flexible, making them extremely easy to move in.

Reviewer
Ishii Sports Links Umeda Store
Staff/Yanagida Yasunari


IL MORO PRO 3DWRAPDALBELLO

Flex: 120
Last: 99mm
Weight: 1,925g (26.5cm)
Size: 24.5cm-30.5cm
¥110,000

◆Official website: https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/brands/dalbello?lang=ja

Not only is it easy to maneuver, but it also offers outstanding stability in the park and off-piste. It provides a solid base for riders with strong legs, and for skiers looking to step up their game, it's a reliable foundation for mastering skiing, making it fun to watch your progress. Of course, looks are important too! Gear that makes you feel cool will help you improve.

Reviewer
CYCLE COMMUNICATION NATURAL
Staff/Hoshiko Tsuji


Maestrale RS | SCARPA

Flex: 125
Last: 102
Forward tilt angle: 16+/-2°
Range of motion: 61°
Weight: 1,460g (27cm)
Size: 24.5-30cm (0.5cm increments)
¥123,750

◆ Official HP / https://www.lostarrow.co.jp/scarpa/

The lightweight design not found in 4-buckle boots, top-class ankle mobility, and the flexible 3-piece shell allow for leg movement beyond the specs. These are the characteristics of the Maestrale, which boasts outstanding mobility for touring, but the higher-end model "RS" further enhances its gliding performance with a strong inner lining, a rigid shell, and booster straps.

In the backcountry, the combination of mobility and gliding performance for deeper access makes it a shoe for attacking.

Reviewer
Ishii Sports Kanda Main Building
Staff Makoto Shimoyama


REVOLVE TW|K2

Flex: 100
Last: 99mm
Weight: 1,856g (26.5cm)
Size: 24.5cm-30.5cm
¥110,000

◆Official website/ https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/brands/k2-skis?lang=ja

It goes without saying that the K2 FLEX series is the most popular freeskiing boot. The three-piece boots, originally developed by Reichel, are immensely popular not only among freeskiers but also among mogul skiers. The comfortable fit provided by the heat-moldable liner made by INTUITION and the ease of handling due to the boots' light weight are also popular.

Among them, the REVOLVE TW boasts the basic performance of the REVOLVE and is packed with features such as GRIPWALK and an Elastic Cam Strap!

Reviewer
PAPASU
Owner / Mr. Toshiya Ikeda


SHIFT ALPHA BOA® 130 GW|SALOMON

 

Flex: 130
Last: 98-104mm
Weight: 1,750g (26.5cm)
Size: 22/22.5cm-29/29.5cm
¥154,000

◆ Official HP / https://salomon.jp/

These ski boots are high-level in every respect, from the inner hold to the ease of movement while skiing. The boot's flex is particularly impressive, and even during slow movements when landing in powder in cold temperatures, you can move freely without feeling too much stiffness in the front of the boot.

The boot's diagonal forward flex is particularly easy to use, and one of the attractions of the "SHIFTALPHA" is that you can transfer the skills you've built up on the slopes to the mountains.

Reviewer
Ishii Sports Yodobashi Kofu
Staff / Yuki Amari



SHIFT SUPRA BOA® 120 GW|SALOMON 

Flex: 120
Last: 100-106mm
Weight: 1,920g (26.5cm)
Size: 24/24.5cm-29/29.5cm
¥143,000

◆ Official HP / https://salomon.jp/

SHIFT's BOA-equipped boots have been selling well and receiving positive reviews for the 2024-2025 season. A new model with a SUPRA base (100-105mm last) is now available, offering a more comfortable and easy-to-wear feel. This is the BOA-compatible model in the popular SHIFT PRO series, which has been popular since its release! You can't go wrong with this!

Review War
Sanwa Sports WEBSPORTS
Staff/Shinji Oguchi


Speedmachine Series | NORDICA

Flex: 120
Last: 100mm
Weight: 1,910g (26.5cm)
Size: 24.0-31.0cm
¥92,400

◆ Official HP / https://www.tecnica-group.com/

These all-around boots feature a cushioned inner lining and a comfortable hold. They also feature a GripWalk sole for excellent comfort. While boot flex preferences vary, these boots are also ideal for freeskiing.

ReviewWorsky
Pro Shop Azumino
Owner/Fujita Tatsuya


VANDEER PRO BOOT 130 | VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports

Flex: 130
Last: 97mm
Weight: 2,251g (27.5cm)
Size: 25-28cm
¥176,000

◆Official website/ https://vandeer-redbull-sports.com/

This all-new VANDEER-Red Bull Sports boot debuts in the 2025-2026 season. Its 130° flex provides a wide range of motion, and its 97mm last width makes it comfortable for all foot types. Another unique feature is the factory 5mm lifter.

Reviewer
Xraeb sports
Staff / Taketo Yamada

INDEX