Last March, our testers tried the best skis, boards, boots, bindings and apparel that we could get our hands on at our 13th annual Gear Test Week. After months of working remotely from our basements, guest bedrooms and kitchen counters, our editors are ready to reveal the top picks to help you get remote on the skintrack with 34 Editors’ Choice awards. Below, you’ll find the seven standout boots that won an Editors’ Choice Award.
Hagan Core Pro
$699 – haganskimountaineering.com | LAST WIDTH (mm): 102 | AVAILABLE SIZES: 23-30.5 | WEIGHT/PAIR: 4.9 lbs.
“Wow—Hagan has nailed it with the comfort and walk-mode capability on the Core Pro. Liner fit out of the box is like a glove, with arch support and heel cup molding. Walk mode lever couldn’t be better placed for simple and quick function. Don’t let this two-buckle design fool you—among the stiffest cuffs of the lightweight class. Readily powers skis of all dimensions and girths with a perfect forward lean to efficiently drive the ski’s edge without any loss of power.” —Marla Bailey, Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Atomic Backland Carbon
$950 – atomic.com | LAST WIDTH (mm): 98 | AVAILABLE SIZES: 24.5-30.5 | WEIGHT/PAIR: 4.8 lbs.
“Super easy entry and exit facilitated by the Boa closure knob on the lower. While medium volume down low, the uppers of these slippers will accommodate chicken-leg skiers readily. Excellent turning performance with adequate downhill chops. It’s not really a negative, but fit is about half a size shorter than advertised…. Size up accordingly.” —Shaggy Bailey, Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Scarpa F1 LT
$799 – scarpa.com | LAST WIDTH (mm): 100 | AVAILABLE SIZES: 24-31 | WEIGHT/PAIR: 4.8 lbs.
“The versatility of the F1 makes it a perfect choice for the dedicated touring skier. Amazing comfort, solid liner and simple approach to the systems. The adjustable Velcro strap helps dial in the fit pending changing conditions. This boot stayed true and stable in all ranges of skis.” —Pat Gilroy, Victor, Idaho
La Sportiva Vega
$679 – sportiva.com | LAST WIDTH (mm): 102.5 | AVAILABLE SIZES: 25-31.5 | WEIGHT/PAIR: 6.4 lbs.
“They’re a versatile design that does great in all but the biggest of tour scenarios. La Sportiva nailed the walk mode lever on this boot…easy to manipulate with gloved hands through my ski pant leg; minimal fuss factor; simplicity is always a virtue. The Vibram soles provide Velcro-like grip on firm snow and ice. I’d call these a four-buckle daily driver.” —Shaggy Bailey, Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Scott Freeguide Carbon
$900 – scott-sports.com | LAST WIDTH (mm): 101 | AVAILABLE SIZES: 25-29.5 | WEIGHT/PAIR: 6.4 lbs.
“The Freeguide Carbon has a lightweight feel with solid construction for driving those larger freeride skis. The buckles functioned well and sat exactly where I would place them. Transitions from ski to walk mode were seamless, which led to smooth ROM while touring. Of the top freeride, 130-ish flex boots, the Scotts with the Boa system was the top of its class.” —Patrick Gilroy, Victor, Idaho
K2 Mindbender 130
$850 – k2snow.com| LAST WIDTH (mm): 98 | AVAILABLE SIZES: 24.5-30.5 | WEIGHT/PAIR: 7.6 lbs.
“A true sidecountry boot with its weight, stiffness and traditional four-buckle design. Surprisingly ample range of motion in walk mode. Comfortable fit and finish to liner and sufficiently warm.” —Damian Riddle, Lunenberg, Massachusetts
Lange XT3 130
$900 – lange-boots.com| LAST WIDTH (mm): 100 | AVAILABLE SIZES: 24.5-29.5 | WEIGHT/PAIR: 7.8 lbs.
“For those looking for a touring boot that doesn’t compromise on the alpine-boot feel, the Lange XT3 belongs on your foot. You’ll be able to get on top of any line and not have to second-guess about performance on this boot. It skis like a true 130 flex, provides you with great feel; comfortable right out of the box; and has a very capable uphill mode for being a real ski boot. —Austin Johnson, Carbondale, Colorado
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Very useful information I have read about different types of boots and especially the products I like the most.
The categories of boots you mentioned on your blog are especially noteworthy, it was very helpful and informative. I look forward to buying this type of shoes in the future, as I’m able to select the best quality material and post blogs like that.