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: Kiichi Okayama, Ski Advisor at Alpen Outdoors Flagship Store Kashiwa

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: Junhiro Murai, COMPASS HOUSE Advisor

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

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 / Sota Unno

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: Yuki Fujino, BC Skiing Specialist at Ishii Sports Sapporo Store

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 / Mio Suegami

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
Store Manager / Minoru Takanashi

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
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

Just because the name has a "W" doesn't mean it's for women! It's actually available up to 27.5cm! In fact, apart from a few minor details, the specs are almost identical to the men's model, making it a versatile flex that we want to offer to skiers who want to enjoy skiing freely. It's also a great boot that's easier on your wallet than the men's model. Its stylish

look can be coordinated with any gender, making it perfect for this genderless era♪ And there's a secret in the inner boot... It's actually the warmest in K2's lineup ever! When your feet are warm, your body and mind will feel warm too, and it will really bring out the skier's potential☆

Reviewer:
NATURAL
Staff / Seiko Tsuji

K2｜MINDBENDER120

They support smooth gliding without stress even when worn all day

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

These boots are lightweight (1,675 grams, 26.5 cm) and feature a cleverly designed PEBAX material on the instep, making them easy to put on and take off. The 50-degree range of motion in walk mode is a welcome feature, reducing fatigue during tours. While the last is a medium 98 mm, the shell is heat-moldable, allowing for a comfortable fit even for those with wider feet.

Optionally, the sole can be changed from GRIP WALK to ALL MOUNTAIN, making them compatible with bindings that aren't GRIP WALK. While the response is less responsive than alpine boots, these boots offer unparalleled comfort, even after a full day of wear, supporting effortless and agile skiing.

Reviewer: Katsuhiko Odajima, owner of Mountain shop Niseko 343

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, Owner of

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: Yuki Amari, Staff at Ishii Sports Kofu Store

K2 ｜ RECON120

A spin-off from the incredibly popular MINDBENDER series!Maintaining the same great fit.

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

A derivative of the immensely popular MINDBENDER series, which is compatible with Pin-Tech!
While the already lightweight MINDBENDER's Walk System and Tech System have been omitted, the fit remains the same! I think it's the perfect boot for freestyle.

Reviewer
Recommendation:Websports at Sanwa Sports
Shinji Oguchi, Head of

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
Store 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

"FT," a brand that enjoyed immense popularity among freeskiers, has sadly ceased operations. However, its legacy has been carried on by the "K2 FLEX series." Among them, the "REVOLVER PRO" is the most recommended, a REVOLVER shell boot that uses a wrap-around inner boot. It

's easiest to understand if you think of it as a boot that inherits the features of last season's "DROPKICK PRO." The flex has been increased to 100, but considering the ease of ankle movement, I think it's a good flex. In terms of specifications, it's the same as the "CLASSIC PRO." We can't help but have high expectations for the "K2 FLEX series," a 3-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/

Telemark ski boots offer a limited selection to begin with. Among them, these boots are relatively accommodating to a variety of foot shapes. By molding the heat-moldable inner boot, you can create a boot that fits your foot to a high degree of degree.

Although it has a four-buckle structure, I personally like the second buckle at the ankle, which secures the foot from the ankle to the heel, preventing it from moving around inside the boot, and this is why I recommend them.

Reviewer:
OutdoorSpecialityMOOSE
Store Manager / Yoshizumi-san