Black Diamond Equipment Push Ski Boots
BEST ALL MOUNTAIN (TELEMARK)
Last year, BD updated the with an improved Boa liner and a plastic tongue for more forward support. It remains BD’s do-it-all boot, with good lateral rigidity and smooth range of motion on the way up. 8.6 lbs
Dynafit Vulcan TF Ski Boots
BEST FAST AND LIGHT (ALPINE TOURING)
With a carbon-fiber cuff and three buckles, the ’s stiffest boot. The free-floating cuff makes for effortless strides when touring. Our only gripe: getting it on and off is a bit tricky. 7 lbs
Scarpa Terminator X Ski Boots
BEST BIG MOUNTAIN (TELEMARK)
The touring-oriented , redesigned specifically for the Freedom NTN binding, is reasonably stiff and laterally powerful. Smart: tech-compatible fittings allow you to pair it with Dynafit-type alpine-touring bindings. 7 lbs
Garmont Kenai Ski Boots
BEST FAST AND LIGHT (TELEMARK)
remains one of the lightest telemark boots out there. Its low-cut Pebax shell helps minimize weight and maximize comfort. But it can only drive lightweight touring skis under 100 millimeters. 7.2 lbs
Scarpa Maestrale RS Ski Boots
BEST ALL MOUNTAIN (ALPINE TOURING)
This year’s four-buckle is stiffer and heavier but otherwise unchanged, with a comfy walk mode and a moldable liner. It can drive all but the fattest skis. “Exactly the same boot only better,” said one tester. 6.9 lbs
Lange XT 130 Ski Boots
BEST BIG MOUNTAIN (ALPINE TOURING)
Lange finally embraces the sidecountry with the . It’s stiff enough to drive any ski but is designed to go up, too, with a hike mode, lightweight buckles and liner, and a grippy rubberized sole. Available in two widths. 9.3 lbs
Psst, hard-charging resort skiers who hike a lot and occasionally head into sidecountry: the Lange XT 130 is designed for you.