FrankySSPank Blogger

Specs

Flex: Soft
Skiing Type: Downhill
Toe Style: Alpine
Heel Style: Alpine (ISO 5355) & GripWalk (ISO 9523)
Experience Level: True Beginners
Boot Liner: Non-Moldable
Flex Index: 70

Features

Available In 2 Colors
Designed With Comfort And Control In Mind
Adjustable Buckle System Helps You Dial In The Right Fit

BEST FOR: BUDGET-CONSCIOUS BEGINNERS

At just about $200, the Rossignol Evo 70’s are an absolute steal when it comes to ski boots. In fact, these boots aren’t just for budget-conscious beginners attempting to stop their wallet from hemorrhaging, they’re for any true beginner.

If you’ve never set foot on a pair of skis, these boots are for you. The soft flex is both comfortable and forgiving, allowing you to ease into the sport. They feature a wide “last width” (widest part of the boot) of 104mm which aids circulation and comfort.

These Evo 70’s are an outstanding downhill ski boot worthy of attention.

Rossignol Alltrack 90

Specs

Flex: Medium
Skiing Type: Downhill & Backcountry
Toe Style: Alpine
Heel Style: Alpine (ISO 5355) & GripWalk (ISO 9523)
Experience Level: Intermediate Beginner
Boot Liner: Non-Moldable
Flex Index: 90

Features

Freedom To Ski Any Type Of Snow
Reduced Weight And Thickness Translates Into Performance Gains
50° Degree Range Of Motion When Using “Walk Mode” For Uphill Ascents

BEST FOR: EARLY INTRO TO BACKCOUNTRY SKIING

You may be thinking, “Backcountry?! But I’m a beginner!”

It’s never too early to begin practicing your uphill skills or getting the conditioning in to tackle backcountry skiing. As you’re hitting Green runs and making your way into Blues, you can forgo the line at the lift and ascend the mountain with the Rossignol Alltrack 90’s.

You’ll need to pair these boots with backcountry bindings to help you go uphill, but this is a great way to get you familiar with off-piste ascents while honing your descents on groomed runs. Once you’ve hit the advanced beginner stage, you’ll be glad you put in the practice.

Best part about these boots is that they have a “walk mode” that allows you to feel as if you’re hiking normally up a mountain. The range of motion is 50° degrees for maximum comfort and power.

Dalbello Panterra 90 GW

Specs

Flex: Medium
Skiing Type: Downhill
Toe Style: Alpine
Heel Style: Alpine (ISO 5355) & GripWalk (ISO 9523)
Experience Level: Intermediate Beginner
Boot Liner: Thermoformable
Flex Index: 90

Features

Mostly Black With Red Accents
Features A “Power Strap” Ankle Wraparound For Extra Support
50° Degree Range Of Motion When Using “Walk Mode” Around The Ski Resort

BEST FOR: VERSATILITY

If you desire the hybridization of comfort and versatility, look no further than Dalbello’s Panterra 90 GW ski boots.

One feature of notable importance is that these boots comes pre-equipped with GripWalk soles. Rather than having the slick, hard plastic bottoms of most traditional Alpine ski boots, the Panterra GW’s have textured, rubber soles that perform more like a hiking boot when walking around the ski resort.

It’s also worth pointing out that the liners inside the boots are thermoformable, meaning that they will form to your foot with heat and pressure. They typically only take about one full day of skiing to form to your feet and break in comfortably.

Salomon QST Access 90 CH

Specs

Flex: Medium
Skiing Type: Downhill & Backcountry
Toe Style: Alpine
Heel Style: Alpine (ISO 5355) & GripWalk (ISO 9523)
Experience Level: Intermediate Beginner
Boot Liner: Custom Moldable
Flex Index: 90

Features

Lightweight Materials Reduce Weight For Increased Performance
45mm Strap Adds Extra Support For Custom Flex Increase/Decrease
Spring-Loaded Release Allows “Walk Mode” For Hiking And Resort Walking

BEST FOR: STAYING WARM

The second worst time to have cold feet (other than right before your vows) is on the mountain*, but now you don’t have to wait for that cozy fire at the lodge to warm up! The Salomon QST Access 90 CH (Custom Heat) ski boots will keep your feet toasty and performing well.

It does this by adding a liner inside the boot that’s able to deliver up to 18 hours of continuous heat to your feet. This can be especially helpful when ditching the comforts of a ski resort to trek into the backcountry where cold temps abound.

In addition to keeping you warm, you have the option to engage “walk mode” to free your ankles for increased range of motion. Not only will this help you walking around off your skis but will help you trek uphill when in back country environments. These boots also feature 45mm thick straps for extra support when hitting big runs.

Salomon Quest Pro 100 Cruise

Specs

Flex: Medium
Skiing Type: Downhill & Backcountry
Toe Style: Alpine
Heel Style: Alpine (ISO 5355)
Experience Level: Intermediate Beginner - Advanced Beginner
Boot Liner: Thermoformable
Flex Index: 100

Features

Lightweight Construction Never Sacrifices Performance
Hybrid Buckle System Facilitates Good Circulation And Comfort
“Walk Mode” Allows Easy Trekking For Off-Piste Hiking And Walking Around The Lodge

BEST FOR: ALL-MOUNTAIN SKIING

Groomed runs, fresh powder, off-piste, and the terrain park. For beginners who want to try it all, the “All-Mountain” moniker is the way to go. The Salomon Quest Pro 100 ski boots are a true All-Mountain boot that can ride anywhere you take them. Just make sure to match them with All-Mountain skis and bindings.

The medium flex of these boots are perfect for intermediate and advanced beginners that don’t quite need as much flex as a true beginner boot but instead desire a little more stiffness for increased performance. Still comfortable for all day use, the medium flex can be worn all the way until you reach the Expert level, meaning these boots will also be a good investment lasting you years to come.

The Quest Pro 100’s also come with thermoformable liners inside the boots, which only take a day to break in. Say goodbye to sore feet and long break-in times!

Apex Ski Boots Crestone

Specs

Flex: Medium
Skiing Type: Downhill
Toe Style: Alpine
Heel Style: Alpine (ISO 5355)
Experience Level: Intermediate Beginner - Advanced Beginner
Boot Liner: Thermoformable
Flex Index: 95 / 105 / 115

Features

14 Points Of Closure For Boot Tightening For Custom Fit
Ergonomic Insoles Provide Custom Fit And Long Lasting Comfort
Separate Upper And Lower Lacing Allows Independent Adjustment

BEST FOR: PROGRESSING WITH SKILL

The Apex Crestone may be the best long term investment for an Intermediate to Advanced Beginner as it will scale up in stiffness.

Starting with a lower flex rating of 95, these boots are a great step up for Intermediate Beginners. As you progress to an Advanced Beginner, you can stiffen them up to a flex rating of 105 and eventually top them out at a 115 stiffness when you’ve graduated to the Experienced Skier level.

This will help you save money down the road as they are essentially 3-boots-in-1. In addition to having 3 buckles, Apex Crestone’s also have a “boa lacing system”, typically seen on snowboard boots. These laces are pre-threaded and tighten with a single turn of a knob making adjustments super easy, especially with a single gloved hand.

In addition to providing variable flex settings, these boots fall into the All-Mountain category, letting you ski all over the mountain regardless of the terrain.

Salomon S/PRO 100 W

Specs

Flex: Medium
Skiing Type: Downhill
Toe Style: Alpine
Heel Style: Alpine (ISO 5355)
Experience Level: Intermediate Beginner - Advanced Beginner
Boot Liner: Thermoformable
Flex Index: 100

Features

Available In 2 Different Colors
Fully Customizable Liners, Cuffs, And Shell For Truly Personal Fit
Thin Design Enhances Real Time Feedback For Improved Performance

BEST FOR: DOWNHILL COMFORT

If downhill skiing at resorts is your jam, then the Salomon S/PRO 100’s are a fantastic choice for shredding comfortably.

Not only are the boot liners custom moldable, but so are the cuffs and exterior hardshell. This type of customization is groundbreaking and makes for a supremely comfortable ski boot. Even better, it only takes 10 minutes to custom fit! Sore feet are sooooo last ski season.

Along with increased comfort, the S/PRO 100’s feature a thinner exterior shell which sheds weight and provides increased feedback so you can feel the snow as you enter each turn. This translates into increased performance gains through every run. These boots also sport an ankle strap that provides extra support for downhill speed and mobility.

Rossignol Alltrack Pro 100

Specs

Flex: Medium
Skiing Type: Downhill & Backcountry
Toe Style: Alpine
Heel Style: Alpine (ISO 5355) & GripWalk (ISO 9523)
Experience Level: Intermediate Beginner - Advanced Beginner
Boot Liner: Thermoformable
Flex Index: 100

Features

Lightweight Construction Never Sacrifices Performance
Compatible With GripWalk Soles For Safer & Easier Walking
“Walk Mode” Allows Easy Trekking For Off-Piste Hiking And Walking Around The Lodge

BEST FOR: OFF-PISTE EXPLORATION

Perfect for the adventurous beginner, the Rossignol Alltrack Pro 100’s are All-Mountain ski boots that have the design capabilities to perform well on both groomed runs as well as off-piste (ungroomed terrain). Use them with traditional Alpine bindings for downhill skiing or mate them with a backcountry binding for backcountry skiing.

The Alltrack Pro 100’s come with a “walk mode” with a 50° degree range of movement that not only makes it easier to walk around the resort but gives you the necessary freedom to tackle uphill ascents. They are also compatible with GripWalk soles (not included) that make walking and hiking much easier and safer.

These boots are also super comfortable and mold to your feet after a single day of skiing. The heat and pressure that occurs from wearing them will thermally mold the liners to your feet for a custom fit.

K2 Mindbender 100

Specs

Flex: Medium
Skiing Type: Downhill & Backcountry
Toe Style: Alpine & Tech Fit
Heel Style: Alpine (ISO 5355) & Alpine Touring (ISO 9523)
Experience Level: Advanced Beginner
Boot Liner: Thermoformable
Flex Index: 100

Features

Forward Lean Adjustment Let’s You Change Your Stance
Features Both Tech And Alpine Fittings For Compatibility With Most Bindings
Flip-To-Walk Mechanism Offers 50° Degree Range Of Motion For Hiking And Walking

BEST FOR: BACKCOUNTRY TOURING

The K2 Mindbender 100’s are an outstanding choice when it comes to touring in the backcountry. Focusing more on the hiking/backpacking aspect, touring involves both uphill ascents as well as downhill skiing.

As a beginner, it’s never too early to begin learning your backcountry skills. You can start by practicing off-piste (ungroomed trails) at resorts and taking day hikes on snow packed trails in national parks before moving up to more advanced overnight/multi-day trips.

These boots are also highly versatile and will match with a wide range of bindings, both Alpine (for downhill skiing) and Backcountry. They also feature custom moldable liners for a precise fit.

Salomon QST Pro 100 TR

Specs

Flex: Medium
Skiing Type: Downhill & Backcountry
Toe Style: Alpine & Tech Fit
Heel Style: Alpine (ISO 5355) & Alpine Touring (ISO 9523)
Experience Level: Advanced Beginner
Boot Liner: Custom Moldable
Flex Index: 70

Features

Fully Customizable Liners, Cuffs, And Shell For Truly Personal Fit
Thin Design Enhances Real Time Feedback For Improved Performance
Features Both Tech And Alpine Fittings For Compatibility With Most Bindings

BEST FOR: BACKCOUNTRY PERFORMANCE

Advanced beginners that are hungry to push their limits will love the Salomon QST Pro 100 TR ski boots. They are the perfect match performance-wise to give you that extra edge when hitting backcountry trails.

The medium flex of these boots mated with a “power strap” for custom ankle adjustments gives you the support necessary to handle backcountry conditions but can also be loosened for more casual groomed runs. They also have GripWalk soles for enhanced hiking performance on ascents.

The QST Pro 100 TR’s feature tech fittings for backcountry specific bindings but are also compatible with Multi-Norm Compatible (MNC) bindings that Salomon also makes.