The Best Backcountry Ski Boots of 2024-2025

Looking to glide beyond groomed trails and experience untouched backcountry powder this season? If so, choosing the best backcountry ski boots is just as important as picking your adventure destination. But, don’t stress. Here’s your go-to guide for the best backcountry ski boots.

We don’t just tell you about each product; we dive deep to empower you with the knowledge to choose equipment that elevates your backcountry skiing experience, ensuring safety, enjoyment, and performance.

Lead tester Ryan Kempfer, a ski tech, boot fitter, and avid backcountry enthusiast who has skinned over 100-plus days per year for the past decade, put these boots through the wringer during winter and spring conditions. As a boot fitter, he has sized, fitted, and molded almost every boot on the market to various feet, so he knows the ins and outs of ski boots better than anyone we know.

With help from editor Chris Kassar (also a backcountry powder hound), we tested these boots on day-long adventures in the steeps of Wyoming’s Teton Range, on the groomers of Snow King and Monarch Mountain, and on fourteeners and mellow glades throughout the Colorado Rockies to see how they performed on the uphill and the downhill. Our assessment considered comfort, weight, warmth, types of use, and performance.

Whether you’re searching for the best overall performer, like the Scarpa Maestrale, or need something that fits your budget a bit more, like the Roxa R3 130 TI I.R., we’ve got you covered.

So, lace up (or should we say BOA up?), and let’s find your perfect match for those unforgettable mountain moments. After perusing our selections, check out our comparison table, buyer’s guide, price & value, and frequently asked questions for a comprehensive look at everything you’ll want to know when considering a new pair of backcountry ski boots.

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on December TKTK, 2024, adding the Fischer Travers CS and the Scarpa F1LT to our line-up.

The Best Backcountry Ski Boots of 2024-2025

Best Overall Backcountry Ski Boots: Scarpa Maestrale
Best Budget Backcountry Ski Boots: Roxa R3 130 TI I.R.
Best Backcountry Ski Boots for Light and Fast Missions: Dynafit TLT X

Specs

Weight (per pair): 2800 g
Last: 102 mm
Flex: 110
Binding Compatibility: Tech, Alpine
Best For: One boot to do-it-all, all-day missions, everyday skier looking for a boot that performs in all areas.

Pros

Ultimate balance between uphill performance and downhill power
Innovative redesign features
Eco-friendly
All-day comfort
Intuition liner for added warmth and comfort

Cons

Not enough change and range of motion in the walk mode

Take a legendary boot, add an innovative redesign, and you will get a masterpiece. We’ve been using the Maestrale ($850) since they first came out in 2010, and they’ve been our go-tos for just as long. This year, the Maestrale got its biggest redesign since its debut. Redesigned from the “ground up,” according to Scarpa, it’s now made of planet-friendly materials throughout (Scarpa’s bio-based plastic) and is the lightest iteration of the boot to date.

But don’t worry. Scarpa did all of this without compromising exactly why we love them: their ability to perform well in all conditions and the power to drive a range of planks through all sorts of terrain and conditions. We didn’t think our daily driver, a boot we’ve taken heli-skiing in Alaska, touring in the Tetons, and cruising on groomers in Colorado, could get much better. But, Scarpa outdid itself!

By choosing the Maestrale, you’ll get the ultimate balance of comfort and performance, which means you can charge hard all day long. Even though this is a true backcountry boot, it’s extremely versatile and switches seamlessly from groomers to deep pow and everything in between.

What we immediately noticed about this version was the comfort delivered by the wider last (increased from 101 to 102 mm), the wider toebox, and the expansion of the shell at a previous pinch point for many feet. Plus, a narrower heel cup allows for a more precise, dialed-in heel fit.

These thoughtful parts of the redesign increased our comfort immensely, removed any heel lift, and ultimately allowed us to enjoy all the other great features of this boot for longer. A wider buckle strategically placed over the middle of the foot, the HRS strap, and a cuff buckle and power strap combine to deliver heel stability and the ultimate freeride feeling. These boots continue to come with the best liners in the business from Intuition, so the warmth-to-weight ratio is solid, and the comfort (and moldability) is top-notch.

Scarpa also updated the transition mechanism from walk to ski mode. This one comes with a sweet pull tab and is cleaner and simpler to use than former generations. Even on -20 dawn patrols at Snow King or early morning high alpine Teton tours, this mechanism didn’t have as much trouble with snow and ice build-up as past versions. But we’ll continue to test that feature this winter as well. A new cuff and tongue design is meant to make walk mode feel more flexible and free.

However, even with all the great features that make this boot excellent, we feel Scarpa could have worked a bit harder to increase the range of motion available in walk mode. The new cuff definitely increases downhill power; ranked at a modest 110 flex rating (the same as previous generations), we found the new tongue and cuff gave a tighter, more responsive feel while carving turns.

But, we would like to see the Maestrale become even more tour-friendly; we still want a bit more flexibility on our uphill stride so we can glide and boot pack with less effort and more efficiency, something that’s especially necessary on long, hard days (Tetons, we’re talking to you!).

While there are more tour-friendly boots like the Dynafit TLT X, the Maestrale strikes the best balance between touring ability and downhill power. And, if you love the Maestrale but want a bit of a stiffer boot, then the Maestrale RS has all the same amazing features and performance of the original, with a 125 flex.

This ski boot earns our highest honor as the best overall backcountry boot. We loved it the moment we stepped into it (over 10 years ago), and it just keeps improving. If you’re looking for a quiver-killer in an eco-friendly package (relative to others), the all-new Scarpa Maestrale is for you. If you’re the type of skier who wants to crush lift laps one day, climb a peak the next, and then start the morning with coffee and dawn patrol laps before work, this workhorse can do it all and do it well.

Specs

Weight (per pair): 3160 g
Last: 99 – 101 mm
Flex: 130
Binding Compatibility: Tech, Alpine
Best For: Backcountry touring with a downhill focus, a quiver-of-one boot for a mix of touring and resort skiing

Pros

Lightweight and high performance
High-quality Intuition liner
Heel lock buckle

Cons

Limited range of motion hindered performance
Dual tongue means lots of plastic moving around vigorously in cold temps

Created with maximum performance in mind, the latest Roxa R3 130 TI I.R. ($750) is a well-designed ski boot that combines stiffness with comfort, all at an affordable price. When we first put them on, we noticed how the 3-piece construction of the shell, cuff, and tongue (called a Cabrio design) hugged our foot, lower leg, and ankle. This gave us the stability and power we desire, progressive flex, and quick rebound.

As a result, these powerhouses performed well in varied terrain and snow conditions, swallowing up almost anything the mountains could throw their way. And, despite our wide feet, the Roxas felt relatively comfortable right out of the box.

We appreciated the simplicity of switching from skiing to touring mode and vice versa. The mechanism is easy to grab with gloves on and doesn’t ice up or have tiny parts where snow builds up easily. Though we didn’t get to test both liners, you can choose from two different options: the tongue style liner gives more flex in walk mode, while the wrap liner delivers extra structure for a stiffer, more responsive boot.

This means you can customize this boot to your priorities. We also dug how easy it was to get locked in; the top strap and buckle combo was extremely simple and effective.

With a 130 flex, we were skeptical about how they would perform in the skin track, and we were right: there was a limited range of motion on the morning skin track. Even with buckles wide open, we struggled to flex the boot forward or glide well, which degraded our uphill climb (and we love the uphill!).

As skiers who look forward equally to the climb and the descent, we were disappointed with the boot’s lack of forward stride, even with the ultimate easy stride buckle. If you’re looking for a boot that allows more efficient uphill travel, try the Scarpa Maestrale or the Dynafit TLT X.

To be fair, these are not true touring boots or marketed as such. Roxa’s website says, “The 130 is geared for big mountain chargers who may use “Tech” and/or Alpine bindings and often hike or skin to find their lines.” They are a bit heavier than dedicated touring boots like the Tecnica or Scarpa but lighter than some 50/50 crossover boots like the Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 130.

For many skiers, the 130 flex might be excessive, and the dual tongue, while user-friendly, got caught in the buckles. The stiff plastic layers were not enjoyable, especially on cold days. However, we were completely ready for fast turns and totally in control in downhill mode. The boots’ flex can be adjusted using an Allen wrench (there are 2 settings: hard and soft), so you can customize this to your ski style and priorities.

After just a couple of long tours — one in the Tetons and one on a fourteener in Colorado – we decided these boots wouldn’t be our first choice for big days with long approaches simply because we need more efficiency and range of motion for hours and hours of climbing. However, we appreciated the confidence and performance they gave us on the steep ski down.

We understand that cost is also a factor, especially these days when everything seems expensive. For this reason, most people want one boot to do it all. The Roxa T3 can be that boot if you split your time between riding lifts and earning your turns, and if most of your backcountry endeavors are shorter days where skinning efficiency won’t be a deal breaker. The Roxa T3 are an affordable, lightweight (relative to others in their class) powerhouse designed for skiers seeking stiffness and downhill performance over anything else.

Specs

Weight (per pair): 2150 g
Last Width: 101 mm
Flex: Not reported
Binding Compatibility: Tech
Best For: Longer tours, light and fast missions, multiple short laps, skiers who want a balance between uphill and downhill performance.

Pros

Tour mode offers the ultimate range of motion
Roomy toe box comfortable for most foot sizes
Hold heat relatively well for their weight
Cable and knob fit system dials for most adjustable fit

Cons

Lightweight shell can be too soft for that bigger, aggressive skier

Do you know that feeling when you sink into a boot, and it feels good right away? Maybe not, since it’s so rare in ski boots these days. Well, the Dynafit TLT X ($800) first got our attention for exactly this: it delivers an out-of-the-box feel-good fit.

The wider last (aka the width of the widest part of the boot), previously lacking from Dynafit boots, helps contribute to this immediate comfort. At 101 mm, the TLT X fits more like a comfy street shoe than a vice-gripping, lightweight ski boot, so we stayed comfortable even on long tours exploring the slopes of the Tetons in Spring.

Plus, the Twistfit closure system, comprised of an easy-adjust dial and a full-wrap cable, placed directly over our forefoot helps us lock in the perfect fit because it distributes the pressure around our foot instead of delivering the traditional “push down “ pressure that toe buckle boots do.

The closure system eliminates those dreaded pressure points we usually experience in ski boots with buckles while keeping our feet securely at the instep and heel. And, the innovative top buckle/power strap combo is a simple yet effective way to boost comfort and performance without added weight.

On long tours where we were tired at the top and on mornings full of short and fast hot laps at the resort where we transitioned 3, 4, or even 5 times in frigid temps, we fell in love with the Ultra Lock 5.0 system that sets Dynafit boots apart. With just one lever flick on the top buckle, these boots switch from uphill to downhill mode and vice versa. This one-move transition saves time and energy and is easy to do with giant gloves on. Do you know what this means? No more frozen fingers at transitions.

We also greatly appreciated — and noticed — the much-improved liner (compared to past TLT boot versions) that retains heat better and keeps our feet warmer for longer. Let’s be clear, though; these boots are not as warm as the Maestrales, but they aren’t meant to be either since lightweight performance is their strong suit. So, if you always have super cold feet, you’ll want to choose one of these other options.

Despite their performance, these boots aren’t for everyone. Aggressive skiers who prioritize the downhill may gripe that they are too soft. If you’re a hard-charging adrenaline seeker who needs a stiff boot for making turns above all, you’ll want to check out something like the K2 Mindbender 130 instead. However, if you’re looking for a comfy but extremely light boot that delivers an ideal balance of uphill speed and downhill performance, then the TLT X will not disappoint.

Overall, we enjoyed the fit of the shell with no noticeable rub points and pinch points. Thanks to the innovative design (no tongue and a built-in sleeve), we had a full range of motion when in tour mode, which meant we skinned efficiently on any type of terrain, even super steeps. This meant we could be faster, go longer, and have more fun (which is the goal of all of this, right?).

Through all our adventures, whether climbing uphill or skiing downhill, whether on groomers, in powder, doing quick dawn patrols, or full-day epics, the TLT X offers the perfect combo of uphill flex and downhill stiffness for its weight ratio, making this one of the most comfortable and versatile boots we tested.

Specs

Weight (per pair): 4030 g
Last: 100
Flex: 130
Binding Compatibility: Tech, Alpine
Best For: Skiers who prioritize downhill performance, lift or snowmobile-accessed skiing with some touring thrown in, one lap at the resort before riding lifts for the day

Pros

BOA fit system offers precise adjustment
Heat-moldable liner, shell and cufff
Compatible with most bindings

Cons

Heavy for touring
Even though the liner has cushion, it did not offer much warmth
Expensive
Need to flex hard in walk/tour mode

As soon as you step into the Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 130 ($1,050), you feel locked, loaded, and ready to drop with confidence and style. Combining its 130 flex, two upper buckles, and a BOA fit system, this boot will have you charging downhill with the best of them.

Even on some gnarly terrain in the Teton backcountry, the Hawx Prime gave us added confidence in our abilities. Such a stiff boot allowed us to push the limits of our bodies, our skills, and our skis while charging down steep slopes we may have been more nervous about and/or otherwise avoided. We immediately felt the dialed-in performance and comfort we’ve come to expect from having a BOA closure system as well.

While we may have felt like superheroes on the downhill, cruising uphill in the Hawx Prime was a bit of a slog for several reasons. First of all, these boots are the heaviest on our list. Second, we felt very limited in walk mode. There is a little range of motion, but these boots are so stiff that you must flex hard to achieve that forward motion.

On anything longer than a dawn patrol lap at our favorite ski hills (Snow King and Monarch Mountain) or on something extremely steep, this lack of ability to articulate through the full range of motion impacted our efficiency. As a result, we got tired out more quickly in the Atomics than in other boots we tested like the Dynafit TLT X or the Maestrales, which have a lot more flex and are built more for the uphill.

(Note: If we had tested a lower flex (they come in 95, 110, and 120), they likely would have been easier to flex forward but could have had slightly less downhill power.)

Another concern: when we tested these ski boots in extremely cold temperatures, for example, a -14 degrees morning on Teton Pass, we definitely noticed that the cushy-looking liners didn’t offer as much warmth as we expected or needed. The Maestrales and Roxas performed much better on this front.

Whether you’re carving turns or skiing deep pow, this boot outshines most others on the list in terms of downhill performance. In this realm, the Hawx Prime XTD 130 will boost your skiing ability and confidence so you can reach the next level. Due to the power needed to flex it and drive it, this boot will perform best for the expert-level skier who consistently charges hard.

However, we wouldn’t classify this a true backcountry boot; we consider it more of a crossover boot that shines more in a resort setting but can do double duty if you occasionally dip into the backcountry or if you enjoy a sunrise lap at the ski resort with friends before diving into a day full of lifts.

Specs

Weight (per pair): 3632 g
Last: 97-100 mm
Flex: 140
Binding Compatibility: Tech, Alpine
Best For: Expert level hard-charging, hybrid use (a mix or in and out-of-bounds), shorter tours, skiers who prioritize downhill performance and comfort

Pros

Extremely high performance on the downhill
Warm and comfortable
Versatile
Micro-adjustable buckles and features allow for precise fit

Cons

Overall height of boot may catch shorter skier’s in the back of calf

If “Rocket Man” was a skier, he would use the K2 Mindbender 140 BOA ($950) to get down the mountain. A new addition to the lineup, these hybrid boots are the stiffest ones released by K2 to date. With a flex of 140, they deliver all the power you need when dropping into sketchy couloirs or rowdy terrain.

Thanks to a host of features, the Mindbenders will give you the ultimate joyride on the way down and the comfort and speed needed for the long traverse required to reach the peaks beyond the ropes. These are a must-have for any serious skier on the mountain looking for a relatively lighter-weight boot that still delivers stiffness and performance.

We were mind-bent on how well this boot fit and how comfortable it felt. Thanks to the roomy toebox and the fact it comes with our favorite liners (Intuitions), we felt warm, supported, and comfy from the start. We skied this boot in some really challenging conditions (frigid cold blizzards) and on some tough terrain (gnarly chutes), and no matter how long or far we pushed, the comfort never lessened, making this one rank as one of our favorites in the hybrid boot category.

The addition of BOA closures on the liner and the shell made it possible to dial in the precise fit and the exact level of support we needed based on what the conditions and lines dictated. This means you have greater control over your performance and comfort, which adds versatility to these boots.

Undo the BOA on the shell and engage that walk mechanism, and this boot will allow you to tour with warmth and comfort for those all-day-long springtime tours. Even though it has a higher flex and a seemingly stiffer liner, it toured well and has a similar (or even slightly better) range of motion than the Atomic Hawx XTD 130.

Its grip walk sole with tech inserts allowed us to use both types of ski setups, increasing our ability to be versatile even further. And, this boot comes in a few different flex categories so you can definitely get this boot with even more uphill performance (i.e., the K2 Mindbender 130) if you’re willing to sacrifice a tiny bit of downhill performance.

Because they are designated in the “free tour” category(as opposed to just the touring category) and designed to be crossover boots, these are heavier than others we tested. If you’re most concerned with uphill performance or moving quickly for light and fast missions, the Dynafit TLT X will better suit your needs.

We wouldn’t pick these first for extremely long tours or epic ski mountaineering objectives, but we would choose them for exploring side country terrain or backcountry missions complete with big lines, deep pow, fat skis, and a few hours of climbing uphill. That’s where the Mindbender will shine.

Specs

Weight (per pair): 2560 g
Last: 99mm
Flex: 130
Binding Compatibility: Tech, Alpine
Best For: Longer tours, the experienced skier who likes lightweight traditional fitting ski boots, ski mountaineering

Pros

Lightweight feel
Skis well

Cons

Outdated 4-buckle design
Thin liner means cold feet quickly
Limited range of motion in walk mode

When using the Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro ($900), the first question you’ll ask yourself is: “Did I even put them on?” We appreciated this boot’s weightless feel (it’s the second lightest on our list), especially during the uphill part of the game.

They’re so light that we actually felt like we could run with them on, allowing us to enjoy those longer days with big miles. But, the Zero-G also offered plenty of support and stability on the downhill, which we took full advantage of during a ski of the well-known “25 Short,” a backcountry tour in Grand Teton National Park, and during multiple dawn patrol laps at Snow King. This combo of lightweight performance makes these a favorite for guides, pro athletes, and ski mountaineers who prioritize speed and ounce counting over comfort. Though the 2024/2025 version received an upgrade in design, fit, and range of motion, we still didn’t fall in love with these boots for overall use.

Out of the box, they were uncomfortable even compared to other lightweight boots like the Dynafit TLT X and the Scarpa Maestrale RS. The narrow last (99 mm) only works for people with “normal” width and volume feet. Wider feet were squeezed and put under pressure from the get-go. Perhaps with some boot work (i.e., a punch or something similar), we could have found more comfort, but it’s our practice to first test boots directly out of the box so that we can report on initial overall comfort.

A couple of weeks into testing, temps dropped steeply in our hometown of Jackson, Wyo. The lightweight liner, which was updated and supposedly warmer than previous versions, fell short, and our feet froze even on short morning laps at the resort. And four buckles? In today’s ski boot world, the four-buckle backcountry boot is outdated. Plus, four buckles put unequal pressure across the top of the toes and forefoot, allowing more discomfort as you hike uphill.

We were a bit disappointed over the lack of forward flex that the walk mode option offered and felt trapped as we tried to glide forward. We did not expect this lack of range of motion and forward flex from a high-performing, touring-built boot.

Overall, this boot didn’t “wow” us like others we tested, but we wanted to give it a shot and include it in our guide since it’s a favorite of so many experts in the field. We’ll continue to test this winter and see what else we can learn. These will work best for you if you have narrow feet and don’t get cold or are a speed demon wanting to go quick and light.

These are also perfect for multiple dawn patrol laps on warmer spring days, and we suspect that if they fit you right, they’d be ideal for long missions with big traverses and epic climbs. The Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro is a lightweight, nimble boot ideal for the uphill skier or ski mountaineer focused on moving quickly and minimizing weight.

Backcountry Ski Boots Comparison Chart

Backcountry Ski Boots	Price	Weight (per pair)	Last	Flex	Binding Compatibility	Best For
Scarpa Maestrale	$850	2,800 g	102 mm	110	Tech, Alpine	One boot to do-it-all, all-day missions, everyday skier looking for a boot that performs in all areas.
Roxa R3 130 TI I.R.	$750	3,160 g	99 – 101 mm	130	Tech, Alpine	Backcountry touring with a downhill focus, a quiver-of-one boot for a mix of touring and resort skiing
Dynafit TLT X	$800	2,150 g	101 mm	Not reported	Tech	Longer tours, light and fast missions, multiple short laps, skiers who want a balance between uphill and downhill performance.
Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 130	$1,050	4,030 g	100	130	Tech, Alpine	Skiers who prioritize downhill performance, lift or snowmobile-accessed skiing with some touring thrown in, one lap at the resort before riding lifts for the day
K2 Mindbender 140 BOA	$950	3,632 g	97-100 mm	140	Tech, Alpine	Expert level hard-charging, hybrid use (a mix or in and out-of-bounds), shorter tours, skiers who prioritize downhill performance and comfort
Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro	$900	2,560 g	99mm	139	Tech, Alpine	Longer tours, the experienced skier who likes lightweight traditional fitting ski boots, ski mountaineering

The Tetons (and the Colorado Rockies) were an ideal testing ground to find the best backcountry ski boots; (photo/Elk Raven Photography)

How We Tested Backcountry Ski Boots

As backcountry addicts ourselves, we completely understand the varied demands of backcountry skiing. We also know that your boots are perhaps the most important piece of gear (other than you’re avy and safety gear) you’ll take with you.

If they don’t fit or perform well, an epic pow day can turn into a terrible one pretty fast. We put in months and months of time in the best backcountry ski boots on the market so you don’t have to. Our recommendations take out the guesswork so you can get on the snow faster and with less effort.

Our Expert Testers

At 18, Ryan Kempfer moved from Wisconsin to Steamboat Springs, where the mountains — and skiing — captured his heart. Since then, the places he’s traveled — from Grand Teton to Great Sand Dunes National Park and many spots in between — have brought great adventures on skis, bikes, and by foot.

For over two decades, Ryan worked in the ski industry, first working his way up to a base services manager at a ski resort and then as a boot fitter and a ski tech in a backcountry-focused ski shop where he helped people find the perfect gear for their adventures. He prided himself on dialing in the balance between comfort and performance so that people could enjoy their adventures all the more.

Now, he works as a wildlife guide in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. But, when he’s not out guiding or writing about the latest outdoor gear, he’s out using it. He skis over 100 days yearly, mainly in the backcountry, so he knows what works and what doesn’t. And, he loves hucking off of rocks, dropping into steep couloirs, and pushing his limits by skiing hard.

Editor Chris Kassar, a backcountry skier who first started on telemark gear over 20 years ago and reluctantly (but gratefully) transitioned to AT 4 years ago, also assisted in testing. She, however, is a bit more of a tentative skier who really loves the uphill part and appreciates powder days and mellow slopes. Having two wildly different perspectives and ski styles helps give our reviews a wide perspective sure to help skiers from beginners to experts.

Ryan cranks out a sunrise dawn patrol lap at Monarch Mountain in Colorado; (photo/Elk Raven Photography)

Our Testing Grounds & Process

We’ve put these backcountry ski boots through their paces by skiing — uphill and down — in every type of terrain and all snow (and ice) conditions nature could throw our way. From dust on crust to 3 feet of fresh powder, from steep couloirs to open glades, the Tetons to the Rockies, and everything in between, we gave it a go in these boots to get all the info you need to decide what to wear this winter.

These boots carried us through steep uphill dawn patrols at Monarch and Snow King Mountain, long, all-day tours in the Tetons, remote hut trips in the Colorado Rockies, and up a few peak summit missions in the Sawatch Range. We also even skied lifts at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King, and Monarch Mountain to get some extra repetition on the downhill so we could really see how these boots performed on multiple downhill laps in varied conditions and terrain.

Also, given the move in the industry to have one boot that does it all, we felt it important to give the “crossover” boots a true test to see how well they did transitioning from lifts to backcountry and back again.

While testing the best backcountry boots, we considered comfort, weight, warmth, types of use, and performance. We thought about what type of skier and conditions are best for each boot. At first, we tested each of these out of the box without making any modifications like getting a boot fit or adding footbeds. However, as we continue to test over the next couple of seasons, we will make modifications so we can test longer term. (We highly recommend working with a local bootfitter to get fitted and to make sure your boots fit you as well as they can — see Buyer’s Guide).

A critical aspect of any ski boot is its fit and the comfort it provides during long days on the slopes. Our team evaluated each boot for its fit, ease of putting on and taking off, adjustability, and the quality of internal padding and insulation.

We pushed these boots (and will continue to do so over the next couple of seasons) to evaluate their resistance to frequent use, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and overall wear and tear. We wore them in a range of temperatures, from 20 below freezing in January to warm spring days in May and June. We dove deep into the technical aspects of the boots, including the effectiveness of their locking mechanisms, the flexibility range for uphill movements, and the boot’s stiffness for downhill control.

Once you find the ideal boot for your needs, be sure to consult our guides to the best backcountry ski bindings, and best backcountry skis to round out your setup. You’ll also want to check out our guides to the best avalanche beacons and best climbing skins.

Editor Chris Kassar on a spring backcountry adventure in the Sawatch Range; (photo/Spencer Hereford)

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Backcountry Ski Boots

Choosing what to wear on your feet all winter long is incredibly important. We prioritize comfort, fit, priorities, performance, warmth and weight for backcountry ski boots.

Comfort and Fit

Focusing more on performance or the latest advancements can be tempting when choosing a backcountry ski boot. However, we believe that finding a boot that fits your foot well is most important. Because if the latest and greatest boot doesn’t work for your specific foot, none of the features or technology that come with that boot will benefit you. And, if you’re in pain, you won’t enjoy all the reasons (time out in nature exploring with friends, untracked pow turns, etc.), backcountry skiing is so special.
Try on a variety of boots. If you don’t know where to start, consider “last” or toebox width. We tested everything from 99mm to 104mm lasts. If you have a wide foot (D or higher), start with a 100 mm last or higher, like the K2 Mindbender. If you have a narrow foot, start with a 100 mm last or lower, like the Tecnica Zero G.
Hit up a local shop with experienced staff who can help find the right boot for you (and who can help you dial in the perfect fit). Demo days at your local mountain are also an awesome way to try a variety of boots. Or, you can always rent a couple of different pairs of boots to see what works best for you.
No matter where you end up buying your boots — online or at a shop — you’ll always want to go back to a local ski shop with a master boot fitter who can get you the right footbeds, can heat mold your liner if needed, and make any other custom tweaks to customize your boot for your foot.

Choose the **K2 Mindbender 140 Boa**, a crossover boot that delivers a comfortable fit if you have a wider foot; (photo/Rafael Sandoval)

Type of Boots

What type of backcountry skier are you? Are you a casual skier who goes out a couple of days a year or are you in the skin track almost every day from November to June? Do you tackle high peaks on all-day endeavors, or are you more into fast and light dawn patrol adventures? Or, do you prefer a quick skin lap at the resort before skiing lifts all day? The answers to these questions will determine the best backcountry ski boot for you.

True Backcountry Boots

If backcountry skiing dominates your winter, you’ll want a true backcountry ski boot like the Scarpa Maestrale that hits the sweet spot and balances almost all the qualities (fit, comfort, uphill and downhill performance, warmth) of a high-quality boot.

This is especially true if you enjoy a range of backcountry adventures, from all-day tours up peaks to hot laps at your local mountain and everything in between. If you’re more of a fast and light skier who doesn’t need the comfort and warmth of the Maestrale, the Dynafit TLT X or Tecnica Zero G Pro might be ideal for you as long as they fit your feet well.

Crossover or Hybrid Boots

However, if you dabble in the backcountry (or sidecountry/aka hike-to or skin-to terrain) but also want your boot to crush for a full day of lift riding, then you’ll want more of a crossover or hybrid boot like the K2 Mindbender or the Roxa R3 130. One thing to consider is that flex (or stiffness) is important, but when it comes to backcountry skiing, it’s not just a numbers game.

Just because you ski aggressively and fast, doesn’t mean you need a flex of 140 to get the kind of performance you desire. We’ve found that boots with less flex still perform extremely well on the downhill while still allowing us to be comfortable and efficient on the uphill. Again, trying boots is really the best way to determine what works for you and your needs.

The **Scarpa Maestrale**, our best overall pick, can tackle long tours and terrible snow like Ryan encountered here on a spring mission up a Colorado fourteener; (photo/Elk Raven Photography)

Uphill Touring Performance

There’s nothing like setting the skin track in a foot of freshies. Or, starting a frigid climb guided only by the glow of your headlamp. If you’re like us and love the uphill, you’ll want to ensure the boot you choose prioritizes climbing efficiency and comfort.

What does this look like? It looks like a lightweight boot that offers a wide range of motion so you can maximize each stride and move uphill with less effort. A wide range of motion and lighter boots also allow you to climb steeper terrain efficiently, adding longevity to your ski tour.

Another feature to consider when choosing a boot is how easy it is to transition from walk mode to ski mode and vice versa. Some mechanisms, like the one found on the TLT X, allow you to transition with one flick of a lever, while others require more time and effort.

If uphill skiing performance is a main objective, the Dynafit TLT X and the Scarpa Maestrale will allow you to enjoy the movement in your body and soul as you climb.

Consider your priorities and primary use when choosing a boot. The **Dynafit TLT X i**s perfect for light and fast missions where uphill performance is #1; (photo/Elk Raven Photography)

Downhill Skiing Performance

Skiing is the art of making turns on a white frozen canvas, leaving your signature as you enjoy face shots. To make that experience even more exhilarating, consider the downhill performance of all boots. Downhill-performance-oriented boots typically use stiffer and heavier plastic overall. Flex is a big factor, but it’s not all about numbers. It’s more about what works for you.

A stiff boot will give you better downhill performance by offering less flexibility and a much stiffer, tighter fit overall that will most likely impact your uphill flow and overall comfort. Larger downhill boots allow the skier to drive the ski harder into each turn, allowing for quicker edge-to-edge movement.

While heavier and stiffer boots may limit freedom during uphill movement, consider the state-of-the-art design of our budget pick, the Roxa R3 130 for a stiffer downhill boot that also allows for efficient uphill movement. Alternatively, a ski boot like the Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 130 offers power, stiffness, and comfort in a high-performance downhill boot that will be ideal for shorter tours or exploring the off-piste areas at your resort.

Our top budget pick, the Roxa R3 is perfect if you want a crossover boot that works well on shorter tours, but crushes on the downhill; (photo/Rafael Sandoval)

Weight

The weight of your boots plays a significant role in your overall performance and comfort, both on the ascent and descent. Generally, backcountry ski boots are designed to strike a balance between being lightweight for easier climbing and heavy enough to provide support and power transfer for safe and controlled descents.

The ideal weight for backcountry ski boots varies depending on personal preference and the specific type of backcountry skiing you plan to do. For those focused on light and fast missions, where speed and efficiency are paramount, a lighter boot, like the Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro and the TLT X from Dynafit can be a game-changer.

These boots typically have a minimalist design, with less material and simpler mechanisms that reduce weight without sacrificing the essential functionality needed for climbing and skiing. They are, however, typically not as warm as others.

The feather-light Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro is a favorite of ski mountaineers and guides who need to move fast; (photo/Rafael Sandoval)

For skiers who prioritize downhill performance and may tackle more aggressive terrain, a heavier boot may be more appropriate. These boots are constructed to offer more support, durability, and power during descents so you can drive your skis where you want them to go. Although this may add weight, advancements in materials and design have allowed manufacturers to create boots that are both strong and relatively light, offering a compromise between uphill efficiency and downhill capability.

The weight of a ski boot directly affects your endurance and energy expenditure. However, the lightest boot might not always be the best choice. The construction, fit, and features of the boot, such as the range of motion in walk mode and the boot’s stiffness (flex), play crucial roles in overall performance and comfort.

Weight is important, but it’s not everything. You still need to be comfortable and warm enough or you won’t be able to stay out and enjoy the beauty of backcountry skiing; (photo/Elk Raven Photography)

Warmth

We don’t know about you, but once our feet get cold while we’re out skiing, the fun ends – immediately, regardless of how long we have left on our adventure. Pay attention to the liner that comes with your boot and replace it with a better one needed. The warmest and most durable liners are made of closed-cell foam, which offers excellent heat retention.

If you can, buy a boot that comes with an Intuition Liner. They’re top-of-the-line game-changers in warmth, stiffness, and overall performance. The Scarpa Maestrale, Roxa R3, and K2 Mindbender come already equipped with Intuitions.

However, if the boot you choose doesn’t, you can often replace the stock liner with an Intuition. Check with your local boot fitter because some boots can not accommodate thicker (aka warmer) liners. A closed cell foam liner also allows you to heat mold the liner for another custom fit opportunity.

Some boots that prioritize uphill performance, like the Tecnica Zero G Pro, weigh less than most but also offer a very thin liner, so you must be OK with sacrificing warmth and comfort to save weight. Others, however, like the Dynafit TLT X achieve the holy grail: a super lightweight boot with a relatively warm feel thanks to a high-end liner that retains heat well.

When conditions turn gnarly, like they did for our editor on this ski tour, you need to have boots that will keep you warm enough for the long haul; (photo/Elk Raven Photography)

Price & Value

There isn’t a huge amount of variation when it comes to the price of backcountry ski boots. The ones tested range from $750 to $1,050. And, we found that price doesn’t necessarily reflect quality or number of features either. As we’ve mentioned a few times, the most important thing is finding a boot that works for you – your foot, style, and priorities.

All of these backcountry ski boots are a solid investment, but this is the part of the ski quiver that you don’t want to skimp on because no matter what new ski or binding you choose, if your feet hurt from your boot choice, everything else goes “downhill.”

Budget

Two of our top picks, the Roxa R3 ($750) and the Dynafit TLT X ($800), fall on the lower end of our price range, showing that more doesn’t always mean better. Our best budget pick, the Roxa, impresses us with its low price tag even more given that it comes with an Intuition Liner (our fav!), is relatively lightweight (3rd on our list), and performs extremely well on almost all levels. Frequently, in the outdoor world, a lighter-weight product will be pricier. However, the TLT X is the lightest on our list and one of the least expensive.

Note: We get that it may be laughable to deem an $750 or $800 product as a “budget” option. However, this is the typical cost of backcountry ski boots at the moment. Keep your eye out for sales or consider buying last year’s models in spring if you’re looking for a bargain.

Mid-Tier

The majority of our options fall in this class with prices between $850 and $950, including our best overall pick, the Scarpa Maestrale. Made of the highest quality materials and boasting the Intuition Pro Flex Tour liner, which keeps its shape and cushioning longer than many, you can expect the Maestrale to last (depending on how often you ski, of course).

Plus, its eco-friendly materials, lightweight construction and perfect performance on the up and down make it worth every penny. The other two mid-tier options, the K2 Mindbender 140 Boa ($950) and the Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro ($900), had mixed reviews. But, we did notice that prices sometimes rise with stiffness or flex ratings due to the different materials and designs needed to make a stiffer boot.

Premium

The Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 130 ($1,050) is the highest-priced boot in our guide. As a true crossover boot meant to shine at the resort and dabble in the backcountry, this price tag isn’t as shocking if you’re just buying one boot to do it all.

However, we aren’t sure why it comes in higher than the other crossover boots we tested. If you want a true backcountry boot, we’d recommend a lower-priced option designed to perform equally well on the up and the down.

The **Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 130**, a true crossover boot, ranks most expensive on our list; (photo/Rafael Sandoval)

Frequently Asked Questions

Backcountry ski boots have two modes: one for touring (uphill) and one for downhill. They have a tour/walk mode that allows a wider range of motion and a more comfortable forward stride than traditional downhill ski boots. They also have a ski/downhill mode for those descents.

Nothing. These are terms used interchangeably.

Backcountry skiing, also known as off-piste skiing, includes skiing any sort of terrain that does not fall wihtin the boundaries of a patrolled ski area. It can involve skiing steep, remote bowls, couloirs, or high peaks, or can also include skiing mellow, low-angle glades and meadows. It’s usually done with alpine touring or telemark gear, using climbing skins and bindings with a free heel so you can skin uphill and then lock your heel into ski down.

Cross-country skiing, also known as XC or Nordic skiing, is typically done on gently rolling landscapes. The skis are long and skinny. There are two primary styles of cross-country skiing: classic, which can be done on groomed nordic ski areas or ungroomed terrains like a road or open field, and skate skiing, which uses slightly shorter skis than classic and is always done on a groomed track.

In skate skiing, skiers propel themselves forward by kicking their skis out to the side, similar to ice skating. If you want to learn more, check out our guide to the Best Cross Country Skis.

Backcountry skiing is very different than cross country (aka Nordic) because you can climb steeper pitches and get more remote than skinnier XC skis typically allow; (photo/Elk Raven Photography)

It depends on what kind of bindings and boots you have. There are a few common styles of bindings. Tech or pin bindings are designed to hold your boot in the ski by means of two pincers that fit into holes in the toe of your boot. The heel of the boot — in most cases — sits on two pin inserts. As a result, they release in a totally different fashion than traditional alpine bindings.

When in touring mode, your toe stays hooked in, but your heel comes free of the heelpiece, so you don’t end up lifting additional weight. The point where the toe pivots gives you optimal leverage when skinning, which also saves energy. Tech bindings require a boot with molded-in toe fittings and a slotted plate at the heel. If you have these bindings, you need a boot with these fittings.

Alpine bindings have two pieces and do not have a walk mechanism, therefore you can’t tour/travel uphill in them. Many alpine bindings will work with alpine touring and regular alpine ski boots. However, you will only be able to use them on the downhill. Frame bindings look like the normal downhill alpine binding everyone grew up with, except that they have a base plate underneath the bottom of your boot (like a riser).

When in “touring mode”, which is the mode you switch them to when you want to walk uphill, the heel of the binding lifts up off the ski with your boot, while the toe stays attached by a hinge. Because they’re basically just a normal binding, you don’t need special boots to use them.

Not all backcountry ski boots are compatible with all backcountry bindings (see above) so always check before you buy. If in doubt, ask an expert at a local ski shop.