2016 Head Raptor 140 RS
Flex: 140
MSRP: $800
Width: Narrow
This perennial powerhouse returns unchanged. Request a direction change and it complies with lightning quickness. It’s tight everywhere, but with enough anatomical shape to avoid hot spots. It’s surprisingly comfortable for such a powerful drive. Flex is adjustable, from 130 to 150. We tested it at 130 and found it to be ridiculously strong. Kipp: “Quick, stiff, precise, with an amazing feel for the snow.”
2016 Rossignol Allspeed Elite 130
Flex: 130
MSRP: $850
Width: Narrow
Unanimous approval of a new boot is rare. Rossi’s flagship narrow-class rip machine is light and lively. It puts a stiff ski on a rail and crisply guides it through the turn. Its combination of neutral power (strong but not over-edged), intuitive maneuverability, and snappy flex feel out-classed the field. The liner is custom-moldable but didn’t seem to need it. Gabriel: “Perfectly balanced and powerful as is.”
2016 Tecnica Mach1 130 LV
Flex: 130
MSRP: $840
Width: Narrow
This new low-volume version of the acclaimed Mach1 took the test by storm. It fits the way a 98-mm boot should—liner and shell both closely sculpted to the foot. The grindable liner and punch-prepped dimple zones of the shell make it especially malleable in the hands of a bootfitter. And it skis well: dynamic and well balanced, with a flex that invites commitment. Haight: “Great fit. Power that instills confidence.”
2016 Lange RS 140
Flex: 140
MSRP: $900
Width: Narrow
The RS 140 remains ridiculously easy to ski blindingly fast. Testers said it was up to any task, no matter what pitch or snow surface they encountered. The shell is unchanged from past versions but the lace-up liner has been modified with a slightly thicker and denser foam and flow-cork moldability. Stewart: “Getting into an F1 race car takes a little effort, but who wouldn’t want to drive one?”
2016 Tecnica Mach1 130 MV
Flex: 130
MSRP: $840
Width: Medium
The original medium-volume Mach1 is still what testers call a “medium-fit benchmark.” As with the LV version, liner and shell are prepped for easy bootfitter tweaks. On hill, it’s unflappable. Perfectly flat and neutral-feeling underfoot, it rolled up on edge like magic and hooked into fat carves with absurd confidence. It’s easy to ski but powerful and agile. Rafferty: “Big energy with an anatomical fit.”
2016 Rossignol Allspeed Pro 120
Flex: 120
MSRP: $700
Width: Medium
Medium-fit, 120-flex boots are highly popular with today’s comfort-minded experts. The good ones, like this Rossi, ski like narrower boots and don’t pack out too quickly. The Allspeed is easy to put on yet race-boot strong on edge. The initial fit is cushy but still effectively contains foot movements. It’s content to cruise but competent at warp speed too. Wiksten: “Great fit and flex. I felt confident to charge from the get-go.”
2016 Lange RX 130 LV
Flex: 130
MSRP: $850
Width: Narrow
This one is still the essential narrow-fit boot. It combines racer-ready power and precision with the off-road suspension and dampness required for crud, bumps, and flat landings. It defines narrow-class fit tension (snug everywhere) and sets the standard for stance angles—neutral fore and aft, dead-flat side to side. Bradley: “Still the category benchmark for out-of-the-box fit and skiability.”
2016 Lange XT 2.0 130
Flex: 130
MSRP: $850
Width: Medium
Testers said the XT is noticeably improved. The lower shell now fits higher across the midfoot and instep. The fit is open in the forefoot, progressively tighter toward the heel, yielding surefooted command of the ski. Team that with rock-solid lateral strength and you’ve got an agile, reactive boot with racy edge hold. Blaylock: “Lange RS frontside capabilities with backcountry versatility.”
Also Consider: XT 120, $750
2016 Salomon X Pro 130
Flex: 130
MSRP: $850
Width: Medium
We put heavy mileage on the X Pro 130 in off-the-rack mode and then again after custom-molding it. Testers said it rocked both ways. They liked its starting position, with its modern, upright cuff, tipped slightly outward for strong inside edging. They also liked the flex feel. It’s solid but with long enough travel for supple flexing movements. Cohen: “Hugs the foot with all-over surety. Well-centered stance.”
2016 DaleBoot VFF Pro
Flex: 120
MSRP: $795
Width: Medium
Salt Lake-based DaleBoot does fully custom jobs (liners and shells), using measurements, tracings, and customer preferences. Testers said their personalized VFFs put the ski on edge and held as well as any boot in the group. The torsionally rigid, dense-but-thin shell wall and three-quarter-length boot board put the foot in direct connection with the ski. Stewart: “Its painted-on fit gives it remarkable snow feel.”
2016 Rossignol All Track Pro 130 WTR
Flex: 130
MSRP: $800
Width: Medium
The Alltrack is a great out-of-box match for the average foot, with sculpted curves for the fore- foot, navicular, ankle, and heel. Testers loved the well-padded and progressive flex feel against the shin. That’s key to its power. As hybrids go, it’s still more alpine than AT, but this year’s version comes stock with rockered Walk-to-Ride (WTR) soles for easy base-area mobility. Hoffmann: “Cool liner features and ankle-pocket fit.”
2016 Tecnica Cochise Pro 130
Flex: 130
MSRP: $840
Width: Narrow
The Cochise effectively combines skiability, fit, and sidecountry mobility. The focus on foot-shape-driven design is apparent. Testers lauded the contouring at the navicular bone, the asymmetrical ankle pockets, the groove for the Achilles, and the tall, squared-off toe box. The cuff release is simple, intuitive, and sturdy. Testers loved the solid flex and high-torque power. Cohen: “Disciplined power—goes right to edge.”
2016 K2 Spyne 130 HV
Flex: 130
MSRP: $800
Width: Width
The HV (high-volume) Spyne feels roomier than the medium-fit K2s, but medium feet will be plenty happy here. Experts who usually go narrower but want more comfort will love the fit, flex, and winning combination of quick-turn agility with haymaker power. It’s fully ripped for all-mountain demolition. Harper: “Stiffer than most; instant energy transfer; warm too.”
Also Consider: Spyne 110 HV, $650
2016 Salomon X Max 120
Flex: 120
MSRP: $725
Width: Narrow
Custom shells work best when the original fit is close. Here’s an ideal starting point for slender feet. This year’s X Max sports a pre-molded liner that’s thin and dense. It grabs the instep, ankle, and heel with a grip that’s perfect for ripping. Testers loved the close communication from foot to ski. Hoffmann: “New liner is a great addition to an already plus-plus boot.”
Also Consider: X Max 130, $850
2016 Atomic Hawx Magna 130
Flex: 130
MSRP: $725
Width: Wide
The Magna is a wider version of the already generous Hawx (and it’s heat-moldable), but its fit is accurate and precisely contoured for a thicker ankle, heel, and instep. Its skiability is equal to many narrower boots’. It has more torque than quickness, but with plenty of forgiveness and shock absorption for off-piste detours. Blaylock: “Race-boot power in an all-day fit.”
Also Consider: Hawx Magna 110, $600
2016 Nordica GPX 130
Flex: 130
MSRP: $799
Width: Narrow
Quickness, power, feel: The all-new GPX delivers the goods. Every element of the line has been redesigned. There’s more room at the forefoot, but fit tension is still good from midfoot back. The stance angles are somewhat forward-leaning, good for crisp ski response and quick reaction. Its painted-on fit is tough on bony spots but precise. Gleason: “Thin-footed chargers will love the snugly molded contours.”
2016 Atomic Redster Pro 130
Flex: 130
MSRP: $850
Width: Narrow
Testers liked how it skied and how it fit, frequently praising the Redster’s ability to store and release energy. It’s snug at the heel and ankle pockets but has one of the more accommodating forefoot and toe-box shapes in the category. The quick-cook Memory Fit shell process opens it up to skilled skiers with thicker feet. Fisher: “The molding was incredible—took all my scores from 8s to 10s.”
2016 Atomic Hawx 130
Flex: 130
MSRP: $850
Width: Medium
No wonder this boot is so popular. Testers again found it comfortable and warm, yet it still shreds. The stance angles are a bit upright—relaxed enough for autopilot cruising. And the custom-moldable shell personalizes an already no-problem fit. There’s nothing not to like here, especially if you’ve got a meaty enough foot to fill it up. Gleason: “Predictable snap between turns. Good awareness of the ski.”
2016 Zay ZR 130
Flex: 130
MSRP: $850
Width: Narrow
Instead of buckles, Zay uses a forefoot-wrapping cable to secure the foot and govern flex. This was testers’ second time trying out the still-new brand, and they found it better mannered after a year of seasoning. The new liner fit eliminated many of the hot spots they found last year. It’s certainly different, but it added up to snappy, stable, high-performance skiability. Evans: “Superior dynamic balance and edge feel.”
2016 K2 Pinnacle 130 LV
Flex: 130
MSRP: $850
Width: Narrow
Testers liked the two key refinements of the flagship Pinnacle. The cuff-release mechanism is stronger. And new optional AT soles—rockered and tech-compatible—open up more backcountry doors. Range of motion is exceptionally long in hike mode. But ski-mode performance is what testers liked most. Several said it skied as well as the best of the fixed-cuff alpine boots. Gabriel: “Quick. Fits great, skis better.”
2016 K2 Spyne 110
Flex: 110
MSRP: $650
Width: Medium
Here’s the top scorer among Value boots. The 110 crams almost everything the 130 offers into a condensed power pack that will sell for about $500 in many shops. Testers said its stability and muscle exceed its 110 flex rating. The lower shell is snugger than most mediums, and the cuff, though a little short for big guys, is well balanced front-to-back and side-to-side. Wiberg: “A smooth-flexing lateral powerhouse.”
2016 Fischer RC4 130 Vacuum Full Fit
Flex: 130
MSRP: $950
Width: Narrow
The RC4 wowed testers with its crisp precision and effective customization system. A roomier toe box and seamless tongue boosted fit scores this year. It’s still shorter, closer through the instep, and lower in cuff height than average. Post-molding, its scores for both fit and performance were among the highest. Bradley: “After the Vacuum process it was much more comfortable and the stance was awesome.”
2016 Lange SX 120
Flex: 120
MSRP: $650
Width: Wide
The 102-mm SX certainly fits wider feet, but testers said it’ll be good for average to narrow feet that get cold or go numb easily too. The key fit zones—instep, ankle, and heel—are tailored for proper fit tension. Testers with all different foot shapes skied it happily, partly due to its comfy grasp of the rear foot, but mostly because its stance angles are on the money. Costales: “Best fit and performance of the wides.”
2016 Scarpa Freedom RS
Flex: 130
MSRP: $829
Width: Medium
Scarpa kicks up the horsepower in the RS, a beefier, taller version of its estimable brother, the SL. The fit in the lower is identical to the SL’s but paired with an upright and stout polyamide/ carbon cuff. Lightest in the category, it’s a stiff, strong hybrid that skis like a race boot but tours with enthusiasm. Gleason: “Smooth and in charge. Best blend of skiability and tourability.”
Also Consider: Freedom SL, $779
2016 Nordica NRGy Pro 1
Flex: 130
MSRP: $749
Width: Medium
Here’s comfort and performance in the same package. Testers said the NRGy was stupid-easy to put on, soft and warm inside, and roomier than others in the category. Yet it totally ripped. Testers with the thickest feet found the most agility, unlocking the boot’s snap by filling up its gaps—especially over the midfoot and instep, where it offers high ceilings. Dardani: “Lots of room up front. A quick boot for big guys.”
2016 Dalbello Avanti 120 LF
Flex: 120
MSRP: $650
Width: Medium
One tester said putting the Avanti on felt like slipping into a marsupial pouch. But it sports a surprisingly strong backbone. It promotes a tall stance, which helped it bang out confidence-inspiring medium and longer arcs. It’s not snappy—the cushy liner saps some quickness—and it takes a thick foot to fill it. But testers said the comfort outweighed its shortcomings. Brian Elling: “A solid, predictable setup. Comfortable.”
2016 Rossignol Allspeed 100
Flex: 100
MSRP: $500
Width: Wide
Testers agreed this Value entry skied above its 100 flex rating, with a balanced stance and an even, well-distributed feel. Most placed it dead center in the width spectrum of the wide-last grouping. It exerts a proper hold on the back of the foot while maintaining front-end freedom. If you think the best thing about boots is taking them off, this one might win you over. Smith: “Rossi quickness pedigree for big-boned guys.”
2016 Fischer Hybrid 12+ Thermoshape
Flex: 120
MSRP: $650
Width: Wide
Given the hoopla surrounding Fischer’s Vacuum custom-molding technology, testers were sur- prised by how much they liked this reasonably priced, non-Vacuum boot. The initial fit was soft but even, and it skied well both on- and off-piste. It has a stout but slinky feel from turn to turn, its stance is upright, and it flexed progres- sively throughout its range, promoting smooth moves. Korman: “Amazingly easy to ski.”
2016 Dalbello Boss
Flex: 110
MSRP: $550
Width: Wide
The wide-fitting Boss tested well regardless of what shape of foot testers stuffed into it. It remains one of their favorite three-piece boots ever. The bottom buckle lets you adjust for higher or lower fit at the instep (above the arch). The middle buckle adjusts closure through the throat of the boot. Everyone felt secure enough to get the job done. Stewart: “So comfortable, but still delivers a clean, stable ride.”
2016 Head Vector Evo 130
Flex: 130
MSRP: $800
Width: Medium
The Evo 130 is so comfortable you won’t want to leave the lodge, but it skis with Head’s signature precision, slashing smooth and predictable turns. Its fit is a generous medium with plenty of forefoot room, but it’s snug enough in the ankle, heel, and calf to enable quick moves, and Head’s new shell-molding system allows additional customization. Rafferty: “Smooth and cushy yet powerful. Goes where you point it.”
2016 Head Hammer 130
Flex: 130
MSRP: $800
Width: Narrow
Here’s Head’s first three-piece design. Cabrio boots aren’t generally very stout, but the Hammer’s shell is stiff and reactive and it’s heat-moldable for personalized fit. The result is a destroyer-class boot. Testers liked its flex adjuster and said most skiers should use the soft setting to lengthen the flex range. Gleason: “Smooth contours and an athletic stance.”
Also Consider: Hammer 110, $650
2016 Scott G2 130 Powerfit
Flex: 130
MSRP: $700
Width: Narrow
The G2 is modern in last shape, construction, and liner technology, but it fits like high-performance boots of days past: shorter, tighter at the forefoot, aggressively forward-leaning. In short, awesome. It skied strong with rapid response. Serious skiers will appreciate its ability to drive at speed directly at the trickiest terrain. Mark Elling: “The link between synapse and skis. A direct-drive destroyer, contoured and tight.”
2016 Tecnica Ten.2 120 HV
Flex: 120
MSRP: $660
Width: Wide
It’s no bucket boot. Slim-footed testers often struggle to stay centered in wide boots, but the Ten.2’s sweet spot is easy to find. Its stance angles are balanced, and its construction is well tuned for attacking. The instep ceiling is vaulted and the calf is flared, so high-volume feet and legs will find plenty of room. And the 120 flex is legit, built to support big guys. Dardani: “Super plush. Room for the thickest feet.”
2016 K2 Pinnacle 110 HV
Flex: 110
MSRP: $750
Width: Wide
The 110 is shorter, chunkier, and softer than the 130 version, but only slightly. It doesn’t really lack much other than some macho stiffness and the convenient quick-release hook on the power strap. But it’s $100 less, and good skiers who have average to somewhat wider feet but don’t need a 130 flex should give it a look. Bradley: “Good, consistent fit and awesome stance.”
Also Consider: Pinnacle 100, $650
2016 Nordica Dobermann GP 110
Flex: 110
MSRP: $599
Width: Narrow
The racy Dobermann line has a new shell. The lower is shapelier, hugging the foot’s contours. The 110 had the best power-to-price ratio among our Value-class entries. Testers liked its solid yet lively feel underfoot and its flex feel, which is smooth and progressive against the shin. They deemed it a good choice for lighter skiers with lower-volume feet. Dardani: “Seamless fit top to bottom. Strong and agile.”
2016 Fischer Ranger 12 Vacuum Full Fit
Flex: 120
MSRP: $900
Width: Medium
Testers liked the Ranger’s revised fit, and it continued to earn top marks for agility. The Vacuum shell-molding process works: Testers all noted both fit and stance improvements. The boot moves well laterally and is precise and powerful with sensitive snow feel. It’s light, easy to get on, and smooth through its respectable range of cuff movement in hike mode. Evans: “Applies even pressure to the entire ski.”
2016 Dalbello Panterra 120
Flex: 120
MSRP: $650
Width: Wide
The Panterra has lots of fit and function features, and they all work. It’s a solid performer that checks the key boxes for fit, flex feel, stance, and skiing strength. Testers ranked it tops for edge power and stability among wide rides. They loved the simple hike switch. There’s also an effective flex adjuster, whose soft setting gives an appreciably longer flex range. Millslagle: “I could turn my brain off and just ski.”
