Recommended Ski Boots | 2023-24 Season Must-See! 16 Boots with Highly Rated Reviews from Pro Shops

Pro shops are very helpful when choosing new gear. They can compare and evaluate products from multiple angles by integrating their extensive knowledge and user feedback, so their advice is persuasive. It's said that "changing boots will change your skiing," so choosing the right boots is important. What are the excellent ski boots that pro shops have selected as "highly commendable" for the 2023-2024 season?

TECNICA｜COCHISE 130 DYN GW

A model that combines the rigidity of alpine boots with the comfort of walking

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

Among the boots compatible with tech bindings, these ski boots offer particularly excellent glide performance. They combine the rigidity of alpine boots with the comfort of walking thanks to their Hike Mode, and the heat-moldable shell and inner lining provide a perfect fit. They are recommended for those looking for versatile boots that can be used on both the slopes and in the backcountry, or for those who want to perform powerful skiing in the backcountry

---

K2｜DIVERGE SC

All-around boots for those who want to do everything

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

This all-around boot is perfect for those who want to do everything from the slopes to the park and backcountry. Boots with walk mode can raise concerns about distortion and twisting of the upper and lower parts when stepping down hard, but the DIVERGE SC can be used without any issues, just like a normal boot without walk mode. Another

plus is that you can remove the tongue for longer hikes to make the boot lighter. Removing the tongue increases the ankle's range of motion, allowing you to walk with the same feeling as in a regular shoe. If you want to transfer power to your board, jump, or explore the backcountry, these boots are for you.

---

ATOMIC｜HAWX ULTRA XTD 130 BOA ® GW

This popular model now comes equipped with the BOA® system - don't miss it !

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

The lower shell buckle has been changed to the BOA® system , allowing for a freely adjustable fit with the turn of a dial, resulting in a better overall fit than buckle-type boots and making it easier to put on and take off. Although this season's

shell material is now PU, it offers improved grip during skiing, resulting in a smoother, more aggressive feel. The HAWX ULTRA XTD , already a popular model for backcountry skiers seeking a balance of lightness and fit, a wide range of motion in walk mode, and a solid feel for both walking and skiing, has now been further upgraded.

Get a fit you've never experienced before

uses the BOA® system instead of the traditional buckle type, providing a fit unlike anything you've ever experienced before. While previous BOA® systems only allowed you to tighten or pull the dial to release, the system used in these boots allows you to fine-tune the tightening or loosening by turning the dial in the opposite direction. The

shell material has been changed to a more supple PU material since last year's model. While the boots are slightly heavier than when they were first released, the liner is now made of a firmer material, improving the fit and the shell is now more supple, resulting in a more rigid and rigid boot. You can choose between the BOA type and the traditional four-buckle type, both with the same shell. We encourage you to try them on in store.

So many great features! Considering the weight, these boots are very well made

Here are some great features of
the HAWX ULTRA XTD 130 BOA® GW - Two last widths available. The Memory Fit system allows you to choose between 98mm and 100mm last widths, allowing you to select the one that best suits your foot shape before processing.
The 98mm last is low volume overall, making it ideal for skiers looking for a tight fit or those with smaller feet. Heat molding is quick, making it easy to achieve the perfect fit. The cant is also adjusted to fit your foot during heat molding. Partial molding and remolding are also possible.
- Lightweight!
- The wide range of motion in hiking mode makes them so easy to walk in and less tiring that they almost feel like sneakers. Excellent mobility.
- Four buckles provide excellent riding performance.
Considering the weight, I think these boots are extremely well-made.

---

K2 | METHOD

Easy to put on and take off and easy to walk in, perfect for skiers new to freeskiing

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

We want you to start skiing freely, so we recommend METHOD to skiers making their freeskiing debut. The ease of putting on and taking off and walking in these boots is great for beginner skiers, and they won't make you think, "Ski boots are so stiff and bothersome." These boots are perfect for anyone

---

K2 | METHOD PRO

Boots with everything you need to bring your creative ideas to skiing

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

If you want to enjoy skiing freely, these are the boots we recommend! The most important points for boots that will allow you to convey your creative ideas to your skis are stability, maneuverability, lightness, and comfort... We recommend the METHOD PRO, which has all of these

---

K2 | MINDBENDER 120

These are the boots that customers say "I'll buy these boots!" the first time they try them on in store

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

The key to a boot is a comfortable fit. Despite the LV (98mm) last width, the rounded shell provides a comfortable, non-irritating fit. The resilient shell material and ankle contours make it easy to put on and take off, even in cold conditions. The resilient shell allows for easy ankle movement, allowing for easy body movement and a controlled, gliding feel.

The forward lean angle can be adjusted from 10° to 17° using the walk mode parts and rear spoiler, allowing you to find your preferred position. The wide 50° range of motion in walk mode, combined with the wide forward range, makes it easy to hike up even steep slopes. However, if the range of motion is too wide, the second and third buckles may interfere with each other. While not breaking, the screw on the second buckle's catch may loosen and fly off, so be careful. Retighten occasionally.

The shell can also be heat-molded for a perfect fit. Its attractive lightness, weighing just 1675g (listed in the catalog), makes it a great choice for backcountry skiers. The 120 flex is neither too stiff nor too soft, making it easy to use and suitable for most skiers, but you should choose it based on your build and level.

Its high overall score is its selling point. MINDBENDER boots are the first boots that customers say "I'll buy these boots" when they try them on in the store.

Both the inner and shell are heat moldable to fit a variety of foot shapes

The boots are very easy to put on and take off, making them stress-free. The wide width allows for all-day comfort. The boots are also highly rigid, providing excellent gliding performance. Both the inner and shell are heat-moldable, making them suitable for a variety of foot shapes

Recommended for those who want to enjoy both sliding and climbing, and who have a wide foot and want a comfortable fit

Recommended for those who enjoy both skiing and climbing, those with wide feet, and those who prefer a relaxed fit. Another feature is that you can still enjoy a relatively wide range of motion even when in walk mode with the third and fourth buckles fastened. The 2023-2024 model adds a locking function to the walk mode switch lever. The
2023-2024 model also adds a BOA type to the Mindbender series. Fine-tuning the tightness is easy, so it's recommended for those who want a comfortable fit.

---

K2 | Mindbender 120 Boa®

There is no longer any concept of last width! It is perfect for people with low to high insteps!

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

The new MINDBENDER BOA® series . The low-shell BOA® system provides a more snug fit than traditional four-buckle systems. Unlike snowboard boots, you can undo the BOA® system one link at a time, so even if you overtighten it, it's fine. This BOA® system allows for a perfect fit for both narrow and wide feet, eliminating the concept of a "last width." It's

also perfectly suited to those with low to high insteps. The heel cushion in the insole comes in two different firmness levels, allowing you to choose your preferred type. The 130 flex model also features a BOA® system inner liner , which provides an even better fit, but even the standard 120 liner is still a great way to experience the new sensation.

You'll be sure to enjoy skiing comfortably without any discomfort to your feet!

The popular MINDBENDER series now features the BOA system!
The BOA system allows for fine-tuning, allowing you to customize the fit to your liking. The inner shell is also heat-moldable! Enjoy skiing in comfort without any discomfort!

---

K2 | RECON 120 BOA®

A best-selling boot with a proven last shape, lightness, and a great fit

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

Last season's recommended ski boot, the RECON120, now features the BOA® system for the 2023-24 season, making it even more appealing! While many people are familiar with BOA® and may think the addition of BOA® just makes BOA® used in these alpine ski boots, known as the BOA H+i1 system, is a completely new system.

Specifically, rather than the traditional two-buckle approach, the system seeks to tighten the boot more evenly, enveloping the forefoot for more efficient support, resulting in improved heel and ankle support. According to BOA, this system took five years of development by BOA itself and two years with its brand partners to achieve this long-awaited release.

The RECON120 is a best-selling boot that has gained recognition in the freeskiing category thanks to its acclaimed last design, lightness, and fit. Personally, I think the greatest advantage of these boots is that they are not based on the basic concept of RACE or DEMO, but are developed solely on FREESKI and FREERUN!

This is also recommended for those who suffer from wide, unruly feet that tend to cause heels to float!

I have wide feet and my heels tend to lift, but K2 boots don't cause any stress with their width and provide excellent heel hold. Plus, the BOA® allows for precise adjustment of the tightness like never before, so I'd definitely recommend these boots to anyone with the same problem.

---

K2 | REVOLVE PRO

The original 3-piece boot recommended for freeskiers, women, and middle-aged and older skiers alike

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

This boot is so classic it needs no introduction. The brand changed from FT to K2 in the 2022-2023 season, and
going back even further, it is the original three-piece boot from the Reichel and Kneissl brands.

Its flexibility and the direction in which the knee bends are ideal for freeskiing. The inner liner is heat-moldable, so it fits well. And it's lightweight! It's easy to put on and take off, making it recommended not only for freeskiers, but also for female skiers and middle-aged and older skiers. These boots offer very few wear-related issues, allowing you to enjoy skiing comfortably.
*The inner liner must be molded at a specialized shop!

---

LANGE | RS110 SC

Although it is a basic and competitive boot, its high performance as a ski boot stands out

◆Official website: https://rossignol.co.jp/

Skiing is a sport where you enjoy "gliding," so to enjoy skiing, you want to choose good boots. The RS110 SC is a basic/competitive boot. But that still means it's a good boot! The excellent fit, hold, and power transmission mean high performance as a ski boot. I think this is also effective for freeskiing. The flex
of 110 is a little stiff for freeskiing, but I recommend it for freeride skiers and skiers with a basic or competitive background!

---

SALOMON | S/PRO SUPRA BOA® Series

Achieves a comfortable fit and hold that cannot be achieved with buckles

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

BOA® been adopted for ski boots, and this is a highly recommended model, garnering attention. Each manufacturer, including
the SALOMON S/PRO SUPRA BOA® 120 , the K2/RECON BOA® series , the Atomic/HAWX ULTRA XTD BOA® series , and the Fischer/RC4 PRO MV, has a shell designed specifically for their BOA® boots , providing a fit and hold that simply can't be achieved with buckles.

Shells are becoming lighter, so with the addition of BOA®, these ski boots offer even more comfort and performance, making this a great season to look forward to.

---

SALOMON ｜S PRO ALPHA Series

The new standard for lightweight, highly rigid freeride boots!

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

Good ankle hold By changing the attachment position of the second buckle, the ankle hold has been significantly improved. The hold around the Achilles tendon is also good, so there is absolutely no stress of the heel lifting. Lightweight yet with the high rigidity of an alpine competition boot, it can be said to be the new standard for freeride boots.

Equipped with a custom shell It can be heat-molded in a short time, so you can easily get the best fit. The cant is also adjusted to fit the foot during heat molding. This model can also be partially molded or reshaped.

---

DYNAFIT｜ TIGARD 110 BOOT UNI

Finally, the 2-piece, 4-buckle design is definitely the highlight of the '23-24 FREESKI boots!

◆Official website: https://rexxam.com/dynafit/

DYNAFIT, the pioneer of tech systems, has finally released a two-piece, four-buckle boot!
Originating from mountain racing, they remain the number one brand in the field. However, with the recent BC boom, their touring models incorporating their expertise gained popularity and played a key role in igniting the boom.
Since then, numerous alpine brands have entered this category! Models that offer enhanced skiing potential have become popular, and as a result, two-piece, four-buckle tech boots have become mainstream, matching user preferences.

Of course, being a legendary brand, DYNAFIT also features a special, unique mechanism. The WALKFREE system, invented by professional rider Eric Hjorleifson of "HOJI Lock,"
features an innovative system that simultaneously opens and closes the third and fourth buckles, power band, and upper cuff with a simple ON/OFF of the heel lever! This is undoubtedly the highlight of the 2024 FREESKI boot season!

---

NORDICA｜UNLIMITED LT 130 DYN

It provides a secure hold that wraps around your feet without changing the original boot shape!

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

This season's all-mountain touring boots, the UNLIMITED, feature a new mold.
The lower shell's wire buckles securely hold the foot in place without compromising the boot's natural shape. It feels like wearing alpine boots. The WALK mode offers a range of motion of over 60 degrees! The shell is made of Gluamide, making it lightweight at just 1,480g per boot (size 26.5cm).

---

NORDICA｜UNLIMITED 130 DYN

Highly recommended for beginner and racing skiers

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

The UNLIMITED LT130 weighs 1,680g in the catalog, making it exceptionally light compared to other four-buckle boots and current models other than those designed for long-distance touring and climbing. However, it's made of the lightweight resin griamide. The liner is also light, so it may not be quite enough for skiers who are primarily interested in skiing. Conversely, it's a very powerful boot for those looking for a boot that's as light as possible and skiable.

From this perspective, I recommend the UNLIMITED 130DYN. Even at the manufacturer's listed weight of 1,680g, it's quite light. The liner is made of cork, providing excellent rigidity. The boot itself has a solid feel, making it a highly recommended boot for skiers with a background in basics and racing.

---

SCOTT｜VOODOO NTN

First of all, it's best to get used to skiing with these boots

◆Official website／ https://www.scott-sports.com/jp/ja/

They're not too sensitive to the left and right when turning, but the bellows aren't too stiff and the knees fit in well, so I think it's best to start by learning to ski well with these boots. First, the telemark boots. They have a good hold, but aren't too sensitive to the left and right when turning, making it easy to use your inside foot.
The bellows aren't too stiff, so it's easy to get into a good telemark position and lead to stable skiing. First, I want to nail a good telemark turn with these boots.

---