Photo: Frank Shine
Here’s a summary of our Women’s Alpine Ski Boot Test for 2013-14, conducted by Megan Michelson. Check out the full reports by clicking on the link following any boot.
Black Diamond Shiva MX 110
The women’s-specific version of Black Diamond’s Factor MX 130, the new Shiva MX 110, offers a resistance-free walk mode with 40 degrees of range of motion for the easiest uphill movement we’ve found. And 110 flex for a precise ride down. If you spend a majority of your time backcountry skiing with the occasional visit in-bounds and you only want to own one pair of ski boots, the Shiva MX 110 would be a smart choice. Otherwise, keep this as your touring boot and then get a traditional alpine boot for resort days. Retail Price: $769. Gear Institute Rating: 71
To read the full report, check out our Women’s Alpine Ski Boot Test.
Scarpa Freedom SL
The women’s version of Scarpa’s new Freedom SL boot, the women’s version has a lower calf height and the liner is made to fit a woman’s foot. This is an alpine-touring boot with supreme downhill performance. Female backcountry skiers who are tired of flimsy, soft AT boots will appreciate the stiffness and power that comes with the 120-flex Freedom SL Women’s. If you’re a charger both uphill and down, you’ll go even faster in this boot. Retail Price: $769. Gear Institute Rating: 77
To read the full report, check out our Women’s Alpine Ski Boot Test.
Dalbello Mantis 95
The top end of Dalbello’s Mantis line for women, the Mantis 95 is a mid-performance and comfortable boot for intermediate to advanced female all-mountain skiers. Hard-charging, big-mountain girls will likely be underwhelmed by this boot. But for ladies who ski all over the resort and want something that handles everything with a high degree of comfort, you’ll be happy with this option. Go for the 95 if you’re expert-level, or 85 or 75 flex for more intermediates. Retail Price: $625. Gear Institute Rating: 74
To read the full report, check out our Women’s Alpine Ski Boot Test.
Lange RX 100
This Lange RX is a low volume, high performance race-bred boot for women, with a 97-millimeter last and 100 flex. It comes in both narrow and wide options and you can also get the RX in 80 or 90 flex if you want something softer. Get Lange’s RX model—in your flex rating of choice, from 80, 90, or 100—if you love ripping around the resort or you’re an ex-racer who now appreciates comfort. Or opt for Lange’s XT model if you want a walk mode and more backcountry-friendly features. Retail Price: $625. Gear Institute Rating: 74
To read the full report, check out our Women’s Alpine Ski Boot Test.
Tecnica Inferno Fling
This low-volume boot for advanced to expert female skiers offers a comfortable, customizable fit for inbounds, all-mountain skiing. You spend most of your day cruising packed powder and back bowls and want a boot that will hold up to that. But you also want warm toes and a fuzzy fur liner? Yep, this is your boot. Retail Price: $575. Gear Institute Rating: 77
To read the full report, check out our Women’s Alpine Ski Boot Test.
Atomic Waymaker Tour 100
The Waymaker is a lightweight three-buckle shell combined with lugged soles and a walk mode that make this an ideal women’s alpine touring boot for backcountry skiers. A stiff carbon fiber spine and 100 flex give it power for the downhill. Female backcountry skiers who don’t want to give up good downhill performance for a lightweight boot, your feet have found their match. Retail Price: $599. Gear Institute Rating: 81
To read the full report, check out our Women’s Alpine Ski Boot Test.
Rossignol All Track Pro
A high-performance freeride boot for all-mountain female shredders, Rossignol’s All Track Pro 110 W is comfortable but also stiff and high-powered, meaning it provides the best of both worlds. A strong, big-mountain boot but with some feminine touches. It’s not a touring boot by any means, but it’s got a walk mode so you could take it out of bounds. Retail Price: $700. Gear Institute Rating: 74
To read the full report, check out our Women’s Alpine Ski Boot Test.
Salomon X Max 90
An updated version of Salomon’s Instinct boot, the new X Max 90 W is a mid-level performance boot with a 90 flex, designed for high intermediate to advanced women skiers looking for a boot that prioritizes comfort. Intermediate skiers will find this boot comfy and spacious—wide and roomy in the toe box and ankle and easy to flex through the turn. High-level advanced to expert skiers will find the 90 flex shell too mushy, but good thing Salomon also offers the boot in a more advanced 110 flex, the Salomon X Max 110 W. Retail Price: $599. Gear Institute Rating: 71
To read the full report, check out our Women’s Alpine Ski Boot Test.
