Recommended ski boots | 2022-23 season highlights! These are the boots with "highly rated" reviews from pro shops!

The strength of pro shops is that they can evaluate products from multiple angles and compare numerous brands based on the wealth of knowledge and user feedback they have accumulated. So we asked pro shops about the best ski boots that they highly recommend, saying, "You should definitely try them on at the store at least once," and "They rate them highly." Which are the "recommended pairs" for the 2022-23 season from pro shops filled with expertise and a love of skiing?!

Recommended ski boots for the 2022-2023 season

TECNICA｜COCHISE LIGHT DYN GW

This light weight makes it suitable for any situation

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

Despite its light weight, the boots are highly responsive and can be used in any situation. The wide range of motion in walk mode also reduces stress when hiking

Reviewer:
AlpenOutdoorsFlagshipStore Kashiwa store
SKI advisor/Kiyuji Okayama

K2｜ DIVERGE SC

Sammy Carlson's signature model for those who want to do everything

◆Official website: https://k2snow.com/ja-jp

This is Sammy Carlson's signature model. It features a walk mode and is compatible with tech bindings. Even though it has a walk mode, it's perfectly fine for park riding. I recommend these boots for anyone who wants to do everything. The fact that they rarely break down even when used hard is a plus

Reviewer:
TRUNKBASE
Owner / Mikiya Tanno

ATOMIC | HAWX ULTRA XTD 130 CT GW

Four-buckle tight fit recommended for those with narrow feet

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

Despite its four-buckle design, it's lightweight and offers a tight fit, making it recommended for those with narrower feet. It's a great choice for skiers who want to ski with confidence in the HIKE & RIDE style. Flex options include 130, 120, 115, and 95, but if you're looking for a high-level experience, you'll want to choose the 130 or 120. Those with wider feet should choose the HAWX PRIME XTD

Reviewer
COMPASS HOUSE
Advisor / Masahiro Murai

ATOMIC | HAWX PRIME XTD 130 CT GW

It provides solid support for skiing from long tours to the slopes

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

The wider PRIME provides a better hold from the ankle down

With this lightness and this level of support, I felt it was almost perfect for use with backcountry skis. I thought the "Ultra" would be a better fit for my slender feet, so I tried them out, but the wider version held my feet better below the ankles, and I felt like the skis were transmitting their power to me. The switch between walk and ski modes was also secure, giving me a sense of security

Reviewer:
PeakPerformance Sapporo
staff member/Mikami Daiki

Perfect for those who want to walk while sliding firmly!

The weight and stiffness of these boots are ideal for those who want to walk while skiing. The Mimic inner has a high molding ability, providing a firm hold. The shell can also be heat-molded, allowing for trouble-free use. The range of motion in walk mode is also sufficient for snow climbing

Reviewer:
SKI SHOP VAIL
Staff / Umino Sota

Enjoy all types of snow with this one device

At 1599g for a size 26.5cm, this is a relatively lightweight model, but it has a solid rigidity that supports both long tours and downhill runs. The MIMIC inner boot, which is neither too heavy nor too delicate, has an excellent balance between holding power when skiing and being lightweight when hiking. Its heat-moldable shell, called "MEMORYFIT," demonstrates its power and will fit the foot shapes of many skiers

Reviewer:
Ishii Sports Sapporo store
BC ski manager / Hiroki Fujino

DALBELLO ｜ KRYPTON 130 TI ID

It's good that it's specialized for gliding but also has tech support for approaches

◆Official website: http://www.mdvsports.co.jp/

These freeride boots are tech-compatible and designed specifically for skiing. Unlike the "LUPO," the tongue cannot be removed, so the flex and rebound are solid, giving the impression that they place emphasis on skiing! And yet, the fact that they're tech-compatible is even better when approaching!

Reviewer:
Ishii Sports Links Umeda Store
Staff / Suegami Mio

SCARPA | MAESTRALE XT

Perfect for climbing and skiing in the backcountry

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

These boots are perfect for backcountry skiing, where you can enjoy climbing and skiing. Lightweight and comfortable, they won't lose their comfort even during long periods of activity. They also offer a firm hold and rigidity when skiing, making them suitable for any type of skiing

Reviewer
TOYRU
Manager / Takanashi Jo

K2 ｜ METHOD

Extremely easy to put on and comfortable with a wide shell!

◆Official website: https://k2snow.com/ja-jp

This is an entry-level model of a three-piece boot popular in the freestyle genre. Its incredibly easy-to-put-on design and wide shell provide exceptional comfort. The easy-to-move ankle design and soft-flex tongue allow for great freedom of movement, while still allowing for easy ski control, even at lower speeds. Both the inner and outer layers are heat-moldable. For advanced skiers, we recommend the higher-end model with a stiffer flex

Reviewer
OFF-1 (Off One)
Staff / Keiji Takagi

K2 | METHOD PRO W

The warmest in the K2 lineup. The design is perfect for the genderless era

◆Official website: https://k2snow.com/ja-jp

It's nonsense to assume that just because the name has a "W" it's for women. They're available in sizes up to 27.5cm! In fact, apart from minor specifications, they're almost identical to the men's specs, and offer a versatile flex that's perfect for skiers who want to enjoy skiing freely. These wonderful boots are also easier on the wallet than the men

's model. The cool look that can be coordinated with both men and women is perfect for this genderless era♪ And there's a secret to the inner boots... They're actually the warmest in the K2 lineup! Warm feet warm your body and mind, bringing out the full potential of skiers☆

Reviewer:
NATURAL
Staff / Hoshiko Tsuji

K2｜MINDBENDER120

They support smooth gliding without stress even when worn all day

◆Official website: https://k2snow.com/ja-jp

Lightweight (1,675 grams, size 26.5 cm), and with the PEBAX material in the instep, they are easy to put on and take off. A 50-degree range of motion is ensured in walk mode, so you won't tire out on tours. The last is a medium size (98 mm), but the shell is heat-moldable, so it can fit people with wider feet.

As an option, you can change the sole from GRIP WALK to ALL MOUNTAIN, so it can be used with bindings that are not compatible with GRIP WALK. While the response is less than alpine boots, these boots offer support for effortless, smooth skiing, even when worn all day.

Reviewer:
Mountain shop Niseko 343
Owner / Katsuhiko Odashima

A tour boot compatible with pins that is both smooth and dynamic

Highly recommended for those who want a touring boot that's perfect for both skiing and active riding, but also compatible with pins. The excellent fit accommodates a wide range of foot shapes. The lightweight yet comfortable outer shell. The subdued colors and design. This one pair is perfect for everything from the slopes to the backcountry

Reviewer
Recommendation:
ski & snowboard shop Narrows / Takao Ban

SCARPA | 4-QUATTRO XT

Great for those who want a secure fit around the ankles and want to skate well

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

I think these boots are very promising. With a range of motion of about 60 degrees, a stiffness equivalent to 140, and a forward lean angle of 17 degrees, they are already quite powerful. They will be particularly effective when riding big lines! I think they are very user-friendly boots for users with a background in alpine and basic skiing. On the other hand, the specifications are likely to make it very clear whether they suit you or not, so if you are considering buying them, be sure to consult with knowledgeable staff at a shop

Reviewer:
Ishii Sports Kofu Store
Staff / Amari Yuki

K2 ｜ RECON120

Derived from the hugely popular MINDBENDER series! The same fit.

◆Official website: https://k2snow.com/ja-jp

This boot is derived from the immensely popular MINDBENDER series, a pin-tech compatible boot!
It omits the already lightweight MINDBENDER's walk system and tech system, while maintaining the same fit! It's the perfect boot for freestyle.

Reviewer
Recommendation:
Sanwa Sports Websports Manager / Shinji Oguchi

It's comfortable, lightweight, and provides a firm hold

These boots are extremely comfortable, lightweight, and provide a firm hold. The last is 100mm, which is comfortable. A 98mm last is also available for those with slimmer feet. The inner lining feels secure　

Reviewer
Recommendation:
D-RIDE Manager/Taisaku Nishimura

K2 | REVOLVER PRO

Our top pick from the K2 FLEX series, which inherits the FT boots!

◆Official website: https://k2snow.com/ja-jp

The "FT" was hugely popular among freeskiers. It was sadly discontinued as a brand, but the "K2 FLEX Series" inherited its legacy. The "REVOLVER PRO" is the most recommended of the series, a REVOLVER shell boot with a wrap liner.

It's easy to understand why it's a successor to last season's "DROPKICK PRO" model. The flex is now 100, which I think provides a good flex considering the ease of use of the ankle. The specs are the same as the "CLASSIC PRO." We can't help but have high hopes for the "K2 FLEX Series," a three-piece boot popular among freeskiers.

Reviewer:
PAPASU
Owner / Toshiya Ikeda

SCARPA | TX PRO

High-level telemark boots that can be customized to fit your feet

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

There are few options for Telemark ski boots to begin with. Among them, these boots are relatively adaptable to a wide variety of foot shapes. By molding the heat-molding inner boot, you can create a boot that fits your foot to a high degree.

It has a four-buckle structure, but I personally like the fact that the second buckle at the ankle holds your foot in place from the ankle to the heel, preventing your foot from moving around inside the boot. This is why I recommend them.

Reviewer:
OutdoorSpecialtyMOOSE
Manager/Yoshizumi-san