The Best Alpine Ski Boots of 2016

There's no perfect ski boot. Really, the only thing that matters at the start of the day is fit. We've narrowed your picks down to six top models, from comfy cruisers to stiff racers. The rest is up to you. 

Head Vector Evo 130

Best For: Freeskiers
The old Vector was a nice racing boot. This year, Head perfected the family by making the new Evo 130 even more performance oriented, with a forward lean that encourages an upright stance, a relatively steep ramp angle, and a narrower last. 

Price $800 

Dalbello Avanti 100

Best For: Dialing In Fit
Not too soft but not too stiff, the 100-flex Avanti is the Goldilocks of the ski-boot world. Its Italian designers gave it a nearly bespoke fit with a heat-moldable liner, which can be custom-formed to your foot in five minutes flat.

Price $550

Nordica Cruise 110

Best For: Skiing Corduroy
This was the most comfortable boot we tested, with a superwide toe box and heel pocket, 104-millimeter last, and cozy liner. It’s ideal for mellow cruisers who want to arc down groomers or navigate through frontside bumps. 

Price $499 

Lange RS 130

Best For: Racers
The RS 130 borrows fit technology from Lange’s World Cup boots, with a 97-millimeter last that provides maximum control when laying down GS turns. The new liners improve circulation and warmth, while the updated buckles are easy to adjust even with mittens on. Pair ’em with stiff skis and an aggressive attitude. 

Price $850 

Salomon X Pro 120 

Best For: Wide Feet
If your ideal day involves nailing slalom turns and charging through crud, the X Pro will have you whooping with joy. A tight heel pocket gives way to a relatively roomy 100-millimeter last that allows for good power transfer in tricky conditions. Intermediate and advanced skiers with big flippers, take note. 

Price $725

K2 Skis Pinnacle 110 HV 

Best For: Climbing in Comfort
The Pinnacle 110 has the same features—­superb walk mode, meaty rubber lugs, built-in tech fittings—that make its big brother, the 130, a great AT boot. But with softer flex, it’ll play nicer with light powder boards and chill skiers. Ideal for the occasional backcountry foray. 

Price $750