How We Tested Ski Boots for Men

By Ryan Baker ⋅ Review Editor

Friday October 20, 2023

All of these products were tested in the resort and the backcountry to reduce variables for accurate comparisons. We repeated the same runs with multiple boots in succession to ascertain the subtle differences in each boot. We decided on five metrics by which to judge the boots and defined the criteria as follows.

ski boots - we tested the lineup of boots across a wide range of conditions. — We tested the lineup of boots across a wide range of conditions.
Credit: Scott Rokis

Performance

We performed short, medium, and long radius turns on groomers to evaluate boot flex and responsiveness. In steep chutes and moguls, we judged articulation and flex as well. We skied different skis with varying construction and flexes, including the Blizzard Bonafide, Black Crows Corvus, Black Crows Camox, Elan Ripstick, and Nordica Enforcer.

ski boots - consistent progressive flexion and stuff lateral flexion from... — Consistent progressive flexion and stuff lateral flexion from Tecnica give you the confidence to open it up on the slopes.
Credit: Ryan Baker

Comfort

By using multiple testers per boot to compare notes on different foot shapes and opinions, we can speak authoritatively on the ups and downs of each boot's specific shape. Everyone has different needs with boots, but we wore each pair for hours, allowing our feet to swell and find the hot spots. We took into account the materials and moldability of the shells and liners to customize each product for your specific bunyons, er, needs. We cycled the boots each day so that none had preferential treatment in our lineup. Our standards aim to remove as much subjectivity out of a very subjective metric.

ski boots - if you are a beginner or intermediate, top brands offer the... — If you are a beginner or intermediate, top brands offer the top-of-the-line boots in softer flexes to work your technique.
Credit: Scott Rokis

Materials & Durability

We give preference to polyurethane (PU) as a shell construction material and our next preference to Grilamid for its weight savings. This review is primarily for resort and mixed back/side country use, so we were not overly concerned about weight. PU is strong and excellent for reshaping and customizing the shell. It also has the best flex of materials available and is favored in racing boots worldwide.

ski boots - the hawx prime excells at moderate speeds where it handles with the... — The Hawx Prime excells at moderate speeds where it handles with the most control. As you turn it up and go faster, the soft flex starts to get out of its ideal range.
Credit: Ryan Baker

Warmth

Again, this is a rather subjective metric that we depended on meticulous testing practices to remove as much variability as possible. By paying close attention to weather forecasts and temperatures, we rode each boot in similar conditions with multiple testers, aggregating our notes to rate each boot on its ability to stay warm in the coldest weather and ventilate in the hottest.

ski boots - the panterra proved to be one of the warmest boots boasting a... — The Panterra proved to be one of the warmest boots boasting a variable last that provided for good circulation on the coldest days.
Credit: Ryan Baker

Extra Features

We gave special attention to features that contribute to functionality and safety. These include Grip Walk soles so that you don't slip in the lodge or parking lot, walk mode for ankle comfort while hiking or walking, quick-release cam straps, micro-adjust buckles, and other unique design elements. This is a low-weighted metric but worth considering for buyers who can't decide between two favored models.