Whether you’re a newbie or an expert, skiing is an exhilarating activity where the thrill only increases with every destination. As the skiing season dawns upon you, If you’re an expert ticking off the best ski resorts in the world one-by-one, then your equipment has to be top-notch. And the most important piece of your gear is ski boots. Ski boots are vital because they’re what channel your body’s intention and energy as you edge around the curves. The best ski boots for men ensure not just a good fit for your feet, but also for your skiing abilities. It’s for this reason that purchasing ski boots is an activity that demands not just time and money, but also energy and a lot of thought. We’ve made that process a bit easier for you by listing out the 13 best ski boots for men you can find.
How To Choose The Best Ski Boots For Men?
Whether you’re summer skiing in ski resorts in Vermont or in the thick of winter in Utah, a skiing boot is the most essential part of your gear, notwithstanding the season. Like choosing ski boots for women, you need to look for quite a few aspects to get that perfect ski boot for your adventures. Here are some factors that eliminate the guesswork part of the process.
Type And Levels Of Skiing
It’s but obvious that ski boots will differ according to whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or expert skier. So, you first need to determine your skiing skill levels prior to choosing boots, especially if you’re between levels. In fact, even you and your friend at the same skiing level won’t choose similar boots because your skiing styles and comfort are completely different. Additionally, you need to determine what kind of skiing you usually perform, like on-trail, free-ride, freestyle, all-mountain, alpine touring, off-piste, or others.
Ski Boot Size or Mondopoint
The most basic aspect is to choose the size of your ski boot. In skiing terms, the measurement os the ski boot size is known as “Mondopoint,” which is the length of the foot in cm. however, there are a few points you need to bear in mind while measuring mondopoint accurately. First, your toes shouldn’t be touching the tip of the boot. Secondly, the liners will definitely compress after the first few uses. Next, your feet with expand as they warm within the boots, so you need to have some margin around them. Finally, the correct size can only be determined when you’re wearing a sock.
Boot Liners
The cushioned mid-sections on the inner side of the boots are called the boot liners. Broadly speaking, there are mainly three types of boot liners – the custom moldable ones, the non-moldable ones, and the thermoformable ones. The non-moldable ones are the least expensive but only offer generic padding and support. The Thermoformable ones are a bit more expensive than the non-moldable ones. However, they conform to your feet within a day of use. Finally, the custom moldable ones are the most expensive and are fitted only by professional boot fitters.
Width/Last
Men usually have wider forefeet, that’s why most ski boots for wide feet are built for men. So the width of the boot also matters. In skiing terms, the width of the forefeet in ski boots is known as the “last.” Usually, the last width in men’s ski boots ranges from 97 mm to 106 mm. While choosing the last, you need to keep a few more things in mind. One is that your toes should have room to move and your foot shouldn’t feel compressed. In addition, the pressure must be uniform around the entire foot.
Flex
Flex essentially symbolizes the strength of the boot. The smaller the flex, the more tolerant, comfortable, and softer the boot is. On the other hand, a larger flex means that the boot is more responsive and rigid. Undoubtedly, the flex of a ski boot is vital. For men, the flex range is generally such – 120-150 for the experts, 80-110 for those in the intermediate-advanced level, and 60-70 for those in the beginners-intermediate level.
Tecnica Cochise Pro 130
13
The Tecnica Cochise 130 Pro is a strong, performance-centric boot that can tackle huge mountain descents with proficiency. The freeride boot rips any line that you point it towards and can be worn on both short ski hikes/tours and inbounds as well. In short, the Cochise Pro 130 is a high-end boot that’ll do whatever you tell it to do.
As an adventure-style ski boot, the Cochise 130 Pro’s walk mode allows you to gain range of motion for hiking and touring. What’s more, it boasts a whopping 42-degree large range of motion. The ski boot works perfectly well for short downhill descents. What we personally liked about the boot is the alpine/tech binding-compatible sole blocks. They essentially do away with requiring to purchase aftermarket soles. But, the absolute highlight of the boot is its warmth factor. Its thick microcell foam liner offers excellent warmth when you take the lifts on cold days. Moreover, they don’t overheat the feet on short hikes for getting to sidecountry terrain. Also, the liner wicks moisture away from the feet during hiking. The thicker liner material and the expansive toebox get credit for this. Ultimately, the slightly larger toebox even allows for enough wiggle room to keep them warm when you’re sedentary.
Pros:
- Compatible with both tech and alpine bindings.
- Top-notch performance.
- Good value.
Cons:
- Minimal walk mode.
Dalbello DS 130
12
There’s so much to love about the Dalbello DS 130, which is amongst the best ski boots for men this year. Firstly, it makes for an excellent alpine touring boot and is one of the best alpine ski boots for 2020. If that wasn’t enough, it also sits on the list of the best all-mountain, medium-volume boots for 2020!
The boot is a beast that combines robust skiing capabilities with all-day comfort, wowing you with its all-mountain appeal. No matter your skiing level, the ski boot is sure to impress you with its plethora of invaluable features. To begin with, the boot features a traditional, four-buckle design that ensures a fit so close that men with wider feet might just love the fit right out of the box. Thus, it’s a great buy if you feel that your feet feel cramped in narrower boot models. However, its winning feature is probably the polyurethane Powercage spine with a sturdy backbone that positions you perfectly in onerous terrain, no matter your skiing ability level. Although its flex is a bit stiff, what makes it so great is that it’s one of the most spacious boots in its flex category.
Besides staying true to its flex rating, the boot boasts a flexible and pliable lower section that wraps around the foot snugly, lending stability. This becomes evident when you go speedily down the slopes, irrespective of whether its a groomed run or otherwise. Finally, the adjustable boot board angle and canting systems allow for bettering the fit further. Undoubtedly, there’s very little about the DS 130 that you won’t like.
Pros:
- Excellent overall performance.
- Comfortable.
Cons:
- Lack of walk mode.
Rossignol Alltrack 130
11
If you’re a beginner or intermediate skier looking for performance and comfort in one boot, then the Rossignol Alltrack 130 is a good choice. Part of a growing trend, the all-round ski boot is compatible with multiple binding systems. These include a stiff, four-buckle system for resort skiing, tech bindings for out-of-bounds touring, and even a walk mode.
Firstly, the Alltrack 130 comes with a power strap and four micro-adjustable buckles. That combined with its relative stiffness ensures a secure fit. If that wasn’t enough, the shell’s Generative Grid Design ensures that power is transferred well edge to edge. Since it has tech fittings as well as a GripWalk sole, skiing in the resort is possible only with GripWalk-compatible bindings. Although it has only one forward lean setting, the canting is adjustable. Don’t be put off by the 100 mm last, as it easily fits a medium-volume foot very well. A 50-degree range of motion is excellent for short touring the bottom of a backside run, or a side country hike, or even getting to the lifts. All-in-all, the Rossignol Alltrack 130 is a user-friendly ski boot for men that works predictably in most resort ski conditions.
Pros:
- Great liner.
- Has a walk mode.
- Comfortable.
Cons:
- Heavy.
K2 Recon 120
10
If you’re on a budget, then the best boot for you is the K2 Recon 120. This fantastic intermediate ski boot is light on both the wallet and the feet. When you put it on, you’ll immediately feel the difference between it and any other ski boot you’ve ever worn. The lightweight capabilities translate to excellent on-hill enjoyment and performance both. In addition, its medium-volume shape will fit you right out of the box, which seals the deal.
There’s much to love about the Recon 120. It has well-defined features that not only allow for but also ensure a customizable fit. For instance, something as simple as a plastic wedge gives you the option to choose between two degrees of forward lean. Plus, the shell offers to adjust the canting for optimizing lateral alignment. Even though the power strap is enough, the boot still features the four traditional buckles with micro-adjustments that secure the shell. Moreover, the power strap is a 45 mm-wide Power Cinch one that offers additional stability around the cuff. The most surprising part of the boot is the out-of-box comfort, even to the extent of being spacious. With a 100 mm last, it feels wider than even some 102 mm boots, especially in the toe box area.
Finally, the alpine soles that are included can be replaced. They can even be exchanged with alpine rockered soles congruous with GripWalk bindings.
Pros:
- Inexpensive,
- Comfortable last.
- Lightweight.
Cons:
- Power strap is a bit hard to operate with gloves on.
Scarpa Maestrale XT
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The downhill-oriented Scarpa Maestrale XT is one of the best boots for freeride adventures. Designed for the discerning human-powered skier, the men’s ski boot is a real boon to the dedicated Maestrale fans. Essentially, it’s a stiffer version of what is the bestselling boot from Scarpa.
The Maestrale XT is the most dynamic boot from Scarpa’s freeride lineup. It can dextrously handle both resort riding and out-of-bounds ski touring. Furthermore, it stays true to its 130 flex rating proves its intrepidity in extensively snow conditions. Given its stiffness, the boot is incredibly lightweight due to the Grilamid and Pebax shell. Even though it has three buckles, that coupled with a dual-injection overlap cuff makes it as good as a four-buckle boot. In addition, the ski boot allows you to easily slip in and get out. While it fits narrower than the 101 mm last would register, it’s still a great choice for a men’s ski boot for a snug fit. Finally, the Speedlock XT ski-walk mechanism lends the boot an unbelievable, 56-degree range of motion.
What works for the Scarpa Maestrale XT is that although it’s amongst the heaviest boots, it’s downhill-oriented and sturdy. As compared to similar-weighing big guns from big manufacturers, the Maestrale XT is more comfortable and warmer too.
Pros:
- Intuition liner.
- Comfy fit.
- Stiff enough.
Cons:
- Heavy.
Atomic Hawx Ultra 130
8
If you’re looking for a lightweight, all-mountain alpine ski boot that won’t weigh you down, then the Atomic Hawx Ultra 130 is your best friend. Although it’s only been out for two skiing seasons, it’s been generating a buzz for its serious performance and lightweight abilities.
So, what are all its features that make this boot so sought-after? For one, it has all features we’d usually see in high-end ski boots. It features a four-buckle system that is central to its custom fit. The boot’s forward lean is adjustable with three different angled settings, as is the canting. Plus, the boot board is removable and can even be shaped. Besides the Memory Fit liner being custom-fitted, the shell is also incredibly moldable, assuring a custom fit. And although it doesn’t require additional boot fitting work, we’d recommend it anyway to get the best fit possible. The boot can handle most extreme conditions admirably well, including tight turns and steep chutes.
Getting in and out of the boot is a breeze due to the Memory Fit Platinum liner providing a smooth inner. Finally, the boot has a 98 mm last, which is one of the narrowest lasts ever! So, men with narrow feet will greatly appreciate the close-fitting Atomic Hawx Ultra 130.
Pros:
- Easy to walk around in.
- Highly customizable.
- Flex is both forgiving and stiff.
Cons:
- Narrow last might not suit all men.
Lange RX 120
7
What makes the Lange RX 120 is that you simply cannot go wrong with it. The elegant workhorse boot boasts everything from an approachable design to a stiff, progressive, top-of-the-class flex. All-in-all, it offers top-tier performance for most intermediate and advanced skiers and works in almost any skiing condition. It’s no surprise that it’s also one of the best ski boots for beginners.
Perhaps the most defining feature of the Lange RX 120 is its shell. The alpine boot features a well-defined overlap design, atop which sits the traditional four-buckle design. It might look all the same as other boots in its class but when compared to them, it stands out. Moreover, its 120 flex index sits differently than other boots with the same flex. The Lange RX 120 is stouter with an erect posture and a 12-degree forward lean. Even though it’s a no-frills boot, it even boasts an adjustable canting.
That’s not all the Lange RX 120 has. It has two versions, a medium-volume, broader version with a 100 mm last and a lower-volume, narrower one with a 97 mm last. Aside from top-notch out-of-the-box edging ability, it also allows close-to-snow action for quicker turns. What’s more, its liner, even though non-moldable, is still comfortable. To sum up, the Lange RX 120 makes for an excellent downhill alpine skiing boot for men.
Pros:
- Great medium-volume and low-volume fit.
- Fantastic downhill performance.
- Exceptional features.
Cons:
- Some users say that the soles wear out quickly.
Fischer Ranger One 130
6
The Fischer Ranger One 130 is one of the most widely-recognized best ski boots for men. The durable do-it-all boot boasts a remarkable walk mode for its class. Also, many models try to be both touring and alpine boots, but few pull it off as well as this one. The hybrid boot boasts a laundry list of features and is perfect backcountry skiing as well as resort laps.
To begin with, the boot has a power strap and four buckle boots. However, it also features a phenomenal 55-degree walk mode. That’s close to twice the range of other ski boots in the same class. The downhill performance of the Ranger One is spectacular to boot, pun intended. It also works equally well on day tours with tons of descents as many in the touring category. Moreover, the unusual walk mode lever sits flush beneath the upper buckle. Although it’s different from traditional buckles, the design doesn’t clog with snow easily. The sole of the boot is compatible with tech bindings and Grip Walk both. However, you’ll need to buy extra soles for using them with standard alpine bindings.
Finally, the high-quality 3D liner ensconces the foot and keeps it toasty on colder days. Plus, the boot has a 99 mm last, which fits most low-medium volume feet.
Pros:
- Works for both ski tours.
- Great walk mode.
- Lightweight.
Cons:
- A good fit takes some time.
Atomic Hawx Prime 120 S
5
The Atomic Hawx Prime 120 S is an all-around performer that’ll impress you with its range of ski conditions. The boots perfectly fit medium-volume feet right out of the box and don’t even require boot fitting. In fact, if you require minor adjustments, the brand’s easily available Memory Fit molding process makes it a breeze. Plus, if you’re an intermediate skier and want to progress to advanced level, then the Hawx Prime 120 S is the boot that’ll be your Pole Star.
The mid-range last on this boot allows for fitting a wide range of foot shapes. What’s more, the included shims beneath the footbed allow lessening and augmenting the volume. The tongue of the liner has plush, soft fibers that offer a nice cushioned feel. Aside from this, the versatile boot has tons of other features. It also has a Memory Fit shell molding process, customizable liner, and even multiple adjustments to aid alignment and stance. For instance, the boot’s forward lean alone has three settings. The lateral angle and canting can also be adjusted, and the boot offers maneuverability as well.
A bonus perk is that its flex can also be adjusted, which shifts its flex up to 10 points softer or stiffer. So, this makes the Atomic Hawx Prime 120 S is a boot you can grow with as a skier too.
Pros:
- Excellent performance in every condition.
- Medium volume fit right out of the box.
- Flex adjustment.
Cons:
- Not meant for lighter users.
Salomon X Access 70
4
If you’re just beginning to ski and have wider forefeet, then the Salomon X Access 70 makes for excellent ski boots for men. These competitively priced boots are worth every penny for many reasons. They feature the brand’s signature Twinframe Technology and has the right amount of softness and rigidity in all specific areas. Also, its plastic sole makes it highly reactive, especially during higher downhill speeds. An oversized 24 mm pivot directs the power precisely to the sole of the boot. A last of 104 mm is what you’ll like since they provide wriggle room for your toes without your feet feeling cramped. Adding to the comfort is the heat-moldable liner that can be fully-molded to conform to the shape of your feet.
You might think that a forgiving flex of 70 is super-soft, but it provides comfort without taking away the control from you. Apart from the one-year manufacturer’s warranty, the ski boot boasts a four-buckle micro-adjustable system. That, combined with the 28 mm power strap directs energy to the edge of the skis while providing a snug fit.
Pros:
- Affordable.
- Excellent quality.
- Wide 102 mm last.
Cons:
- Comes in just one color.
Salomon QST Pro 120 Ski Boots
3
The incredibly lightweight Salomon QST Pro 120 is one of the best ski boots for men due to more than one reason. First of all, it boasts a fully customizable liner and shell and a revolutionary and intuitive tongue design. The plastic tongue’s shape ensures a wider opening that allows you to easily slip on the boot and get it off. Further, the Twinframe 2 shell has a polyamide chassis and polyurethane upper that assures excellent performance and drives the power to the ski edges. The shell also has 360-degree heat-moldable adjustability that can fit in lasts between 100 and 106 mm. If that wasn’t enough, the 100-106 mm width allows for perfectly wrapping for easy accommodation and added comfort.
The high-performance flex range is both responsive and stiff if you’re an all-mountain skier. Further, the waterproof textile gusset keeps the water away from your feet, keeping you warm and dry in wet conditions. Plus, the boots are compatible with both tech and alpine bindings. Above all, it also has a beefy 24 mm oversized pivot, a custom-fitted liner, and a tough Sensifit shell design too. Finally, a 45 mm Velcro power strap and three micro-adjustable, lightweight aluminum buckles ensure a customized, secure fit.
Pros:
- Works for a lot of foot types.
- Great price and value.
Cons:
- Virtually none.
Nordica Cruise 60
2
Nordica’s Cruise line has been around for quite a while, and it only betters its legacy with each passing year. Whether you’re an expert, an intermediate skier, or a beginner, you’ll surely appreciate ski boots from these series. And, one of its best offerings is the Nordica Cruise 60, which are nothing less than a blessing if you’re a beginner-intermediate skier. With a 104 mm last, these boots are ideal if you have a high instep or wide forefeet.
The best part of Cruise 60 is perhaps the Comfort Fit Liner that offers both padding and insulation for comfort and warmth. A SEBS shell and Natural Foot Stance not only deliver comfort but also allow you to stand naturally. The NFS also augments the amount of efficiency and control required to transfer the energy to the ski edges. Moreover, the four buckle design with velcro power straps and adjustable cuff buckles ensure easy handling and closure.
A one-year manufacturer’s warranty and true-to-size nature make these boots perfect for racing and downhill runs. Overall, these high-quality, well-built boots possess a high-end boot’s features sans breaking the bank.
Pros:
- Good build quality.
- Value for money.
- Relaxed, comfy fit.
Cons:
- Not suitable for big runs.
Rossignol Evo 70
1
You’d think that no excellent ski boot for men would cost less than $300 minimum, but the Rossignol Evo 70 proves you wrong. The nifty ski boot costs just about $200-250 and is an absolute cheap buy when it comes to ski boots. If you’re making your way to the slopes for the first time or are just beginning to enjoy skiing, then this boot is part of the perfect starter set. If that wasn’t enough, then this entry-level boot offers the softest flex and widest last at one of the cheapest prices.
This boot is similar to other beginner boots in the same category, but it does away with all sorts of irrelevant extras. To begin with, it gets all its basics spot on. This includes a smooth, super-soft flex of 70, robust yet stylish aluminum buckles, and a power strap to cinch down for a snug fit. The adjustable buckle system is what helps you get the right fit, even if it doesn’t fit you perfectly right out of the box. What’s more, the wider-than-usual last allows for more comfort and better turns. Plus, the machine PU liner provides excellent warmth, keeping your toes toasty and yet not overheating them. Furthermore, it features the perfect amount of padding that keeps your feet from paining after skiing from sunup to sundown.
What makes it even better is that it’s available in two colors. Overall, it’s the flex of 70 and comfort that makes this downhill ski boot an absolute value-for-money buy.
Pros:
- Value-for-money ski boot.
- Soft yet comfortable flex.
Cons:
- Liner’s a bit basic.
