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

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K2｜DIVERGE SC

All-around boots for those who want to do everything

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

These all-around boots are perfect for those who want to do everything from groomed slopes and parks to the backcountry. While boots with a walk mode can sometimes cause concerns about distortion or twisting of the upper and lower when you put force into your footing, the DIVERGE SC can be used without any problems, feeling just like a normal boot without a walk mode. Another

great feature is that you can remove the tongue to lighten the boot for long hikes. Removing the tongue increases the range of motion in your ankle, allowing you to walk like you're wearing regular shoes. If you want to transfer power effectively to your board, jump, and go backcountry, these boots are the perfect choice for you.

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ATOMIC｜HAWX ULTRA XTD 130 BOA® GW

This popular model, now equipped with the BOA® system, is a must-see !

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

The lower shell buckle has been changed to the BOA®system, allowing for easy adjustment of the fit by rotating the dial, providing a more overall fit than the buckle type, and making it easier to put on and take off the boots. In addition

, although the weight has increased slightly, the shell material has been changed to PU this season, which improves the grip during skiing and provides a smoother and more aggressive skiing feel.The HAWX ULTRA XTDwas already a popular model among backcountry skiers who wanted to use it for walking and skiing, as it had an excellent balance of lightness and fit and a wide range of motion in walk mode. And now it has been upgraded even further.

Get a fit you've never experienced before

The lower shell now uses the BOA® system instead of the traditional buckle type , providing an unprecedented level of fit. While previous BOA® systems only allowed you to tighten or pull the dial to release, the system used in these boots allows for fine-tuning of the fit by rotating the dial in the opposite direction. The shell material has been changed from last year's model to a more resilient PU material. Although it is slightly heavier than the initial release, the inner lining is made of a more robust material, improving the fit, and the shell has become more resilient and rigid. You can choose between the BOA type and the traditional 4-buckle type with the same shell. We encourage you to try them on and compare them in-store.

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

Here are some of the great features of the HAWX ULTRA XTD 130 BOA® GW : • Two last widths are available. Thanks to the Memory Fit system, you can choose between 98mm and 100mm last widths, allowing you to select the one that best suits your foot shape before molding. The 98mm last has a low overall volume, making it suitable for skiers who prefer a tighter fit or those with smaller feet. Heat molding can be done quickly, allowing you to easily achieve the best fit. The cant is also adjusted to your foot during heat molding. Partial molding and remolding are also possible. • Lightweight! • The range of motion in hike mode is wide, making it feel almost like wearing sneakers. It's incredibly easy to walk in and less tiring. Excellent mobility. • With four buckles, it also offers very high ride performance. Overall, considering the weight, I think it's a very well-made boot.

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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

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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

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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 most important thing about these boots is that they're stress-free. Despite having a last width of LV (98mm), the rounded shell minimizes pressure points and provides a comfortable, snug fit. The resilient shell material and ankle shape make them easy to put on and take off, even in cold weather. The resilient shell allows for easy ankle movement, resulting in a controllable skiing feel.

The forward lean angle can be adjusted from 10° to 17° using the walk mode parts and rear spoiler, allowing you to set your preferred position. The walk mode has a wide range of motion of 50°, and the wide range of forward movement makes it easy to hike up steep inclines. However, because the range of motion is so wide, the second and third buckles may interfere with each other, and although they won't break, the screw on the second buckle's catch may loosen and fall off, so be careful. Tighten them occasionally.

The shell can also be heat-molded, ensuring a perfect fit. Weighing in at 1675g (according to the catalog), its lightness is also a major draw, making it a strong ally for backcountry skiers. The 120 flex is neither too stiff nor too soft, making it easy to use and suitable for many people, but choose based on your physique and skill level. This

is a renowned boot whose high overall score is its main selling point. The MINDBENDER is the boot that customers choose first when they try it on in our store, saying, "I'll take this boot."

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 wider feet, and those who prefer a more relaxed fit. A notable feature is that even when the 3rd and 4th buckles are fastened in walk mode, there is still a relatively wide range of motion. From the '23-24 model onwards, a locking function has been added to the lever for switching to walk mode.
Also, the '23-24 Mindbender series now includes a BOA type. Since it allows for easy fine-tuning of the tightness, it is recommended for those who want an easy adjustment.

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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

Introducing the new MINDBENDER BOA®series. The low-shell BOA®systemprovides a more enveloping fit compared to the conventional 4-buckle type. Unlike snowboard boots, you can undo the BOA®onenotch at a time, so it's okay if you tighten it too much. This BOA® system ensuresaperfect fit for people with narrow to wide feet, to the point where you could say the concept of last width is no longer relevant.

It also accommodates people with low to high insteps. The heel cushion insole comes in two different firmness levels, so you can swap them out to suit your preference. The Flex 130 model also features the BOA® system in the inner liner,which will likely enhance the fit even further, but even the standard 120 model with the inner liner will give you a sufficiently new feeling.

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 adjustments, giving you an even more personalized fit. The inner shell can also be heat-molded! Enjoy comfortable skiing without any discomfort!

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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 boots, the RECON120, have been upgraded for the 2023-24 season with the adoption of the BOA® system, making them even more appealing! You might be familiar with BOA® and think that it just makes things a little easier, but the BOA® system used in these alpine ski boots is the BOA H+i1 system, which is a completely brand new system. Specifically, its performance is such that, compared to tightening with two buckles as in the past, it finds a point that tightens more evenly and wraps around the foot, so the forefoot is held more efficiently, and as a result the hold on the heel and ankle is also improved. According to BOA, the development of this system took 5 years by BOA itself and 2 years with brand partners before its long-awaited release. The RECON120 is a best-selling boot that has been gaining popularity in the freeski category thanks to its well-established last shape, lightness and fit. Personally, I think the best thing about these boots is that their basic concept isn't geared towards racing or demonstrations, but rather they're developed primarily for freeskiing and freerunning!

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 easily, but K2 boots don't restrict my width at all, and the heel hold is excellent. In addition, the BOA®systemallows for unprecedented fine-tuning of the tightness, so I would definitely recommend these boots to anyone with similar foot problems.

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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

These boots are such a classic that they hardly need an introduction. The brand changed from FT to K2 in the '22-23 season, and
going back even further, they were the original 3-piece boots under the Raichle and Kneissl brands.

Their softness and the direction in which the knees bend are effective for freeskiing. The heat-moldable liner provides a great fit. And they're lightweight! Easy to put on and take off, they're recommended not only for freeskiers but also for female skiers and middle-aged and older skiers. These boots are extremely reliable and allow you to enjoy skiing comfortably.
*Note: The liner must be molded at a specialized shop!

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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 naturally, you want to choose good boots to enjoy skiing. The RS110 SC is a basic/competitive boot. But that just means it's a good boot! Its high level of fit, high level of hold, and high level of power transfer mean it's a high-performance ski boot. I think this is also effective for freeskiing.
The flex is 110, which is a little stiff for freeskiing, but it's recommended for freeride skiers and skiers with a background in basic or competitive skiing!

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SALOMON | S/PRO SUPRABOA®Series

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

◆Official Website:https://salomon.jp/

BOA® has finally been adopted for ski boots, and these are highly recommended models, attracting a lot of attention. SALOMON's S/PRO SUPRA BOA® 120 , K2's RECON BOA® series , Atomic's HAWX ULTRA XTD BOA® series , Fischer's RC4 PRO MV, and others from various manufacturers have developed shell designs specifically for BOA® , resulting in a fit and hold that wasn't possible with buckles. With shells becoming lighter, these BOA® - equipped ski boots offer even greater comfort and performance, making the upcoming season something to look forward to.

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SALOMON ｜S PRO ALPHA Series

The new standard for lightweight, highly rigid freeride boots!

◆Official Website:https://salomon.jp/

Excellent ankle support: By changing the mounting position of the second buckle, the ankle support has been dramatically improved. The hold around the Achilles tendon is also good, so there is absolutely no stress of the heel lifting. Lightweight yet possessing the high rigidity of alpine racing boots, it can be said to be a new standard for freeride boots. Equipped with a

custom shell: Heat molding can be done in a short time, allowing you to easily get the best fit. The cant is also adjusted to fit your foot during heat molding. Partial molding and remolding are also possible with this model.

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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/

From DYNAFIT, the pioneer of TECH systems, comes the long-awaited release of a 2-piece, 4-buckle boot!
Originating in mountain racing, and still the number one brand in that field, DYNAFIT's tour models incorporating their expertise have gained popularity in the recent backcountry boom, playing a key role in igniting the trend.
Since then, numerous alpine brands have entered this category! Models that enhance skiing potential have become popular, and matching user preferences, 2-piece, 4-buckle tech boots have become mainstream.

Of course, as expected from the legendary brand Dynafit, it features a special, unique mechanism. The WALKFREE system, devised by "HOJI LOK" pro rider "Eric Hjorleifson"! This revolutionary system
allows the 3rd and 4th buckles, power band, and upper cuff to open and close simultaneously with just the ON/OFF of the heel lever! Without a doubt, this is the highlight of the 2024 season's FREESK boots!!

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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/

The UNLIMITED all-mountain touring boot, featuring a new mold for this season,
achieves a secure, wrap-around fit without compromising the boot's original shape by tightening the lower shell with wires and buckles. It feels almost like wearing alpine boots. The range of motion in WALK mode is over 60 degrees! The shell material is made of gluamide, making it lightweight at just 1,480g per boot (size 26.5cm)!

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NORDICA｜UNLIMITED 130 DYN

Highly recommended for beginner and racing skiers

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

The UNLIMITED LT130 is listed in the catalog at 1680g, and among current models of 4-buckle boots, it's arguably the lightest outside of long-distance touring and climbing specifications. However, it's made of lightweight resin Griamide, and the inner liner is also a light liner, which might be a bit disappointing for users who prioritize smooth skiing. Conversely, for users looking for a boot that's as light as possible and still allows for good skiing, this boot has considerable potential.

From this perspective, I recommend the UNLIMITED 130DYN. Even at 1680g according to the manufacturer, it's quite light. The inner liner is a cork liner, so the rigidity is excellent. The boot itself feels very responsive, and I have the impression that it's a boot I can strongly recommend to skiers with a background in basic or racing.

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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/

The boots aren't overly sensitive to lateral movement during turns, the bellows aren't too stiff, and the knee bends well, so I think it's a good idea to start by getting comfortable skiing in these boots. First up, telemark boots. They offer a secure hold, and during turns, they aren't overly sensitive to lateral movement, making it easy to use the inside leg.
The bellows aren't too stiff, making it easy to get into a proper telemark position and leading to stable skiing. First, you'll want to master telemark turns in these boots.

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