The Best Men’s Ski Boots of 2024

Buying Guide

Before settling on a pair of ski boots, take a look at some of the points below to make sure you’re getting the best men’s ski boots for your needs. For more advice, visit our companion article on how to choose ski boots.

Type of Boot

There are a few varieties of men’s ski boots out there. For those who want to spend most or all of their time at resorts, it makes sense to buy a downhill-focused boot. The boots may be a bit heavier than other options, but that is less of an issue because you’ll be using chairlifts.

Alpine touring boots are specialized boots that fit into tech bindings for use in the backcountry. Hybrid boots represent the best of both worlds and can operate seamlessly in both. Hybrid boots are designed to fit a wider variety of bindings and setups.

Types of Boots for Skiing Level

If you’re a beginner or lower intermediate skier, the best boot to get is a downhill-focused boot with a softer flex. A good range is from 80-100. The stiffer the flex, the more uncomfortable the boot and the harder it will be to control. For those still mastering the art of skiing, it helps to increase your proficiency in an area that’s avalanche controlled, patrolled and has ski lifts.

Advanced skiers and expert skiers hunting for the best men’s ski boots will want a stiffer flex boot. A great range is from roughly 100-130. In this range, you’ll be able to ski aggressively on many different slopes without fearing that your boot won’t support you. Higher-level skiers are also more likely to look at hybrid and alpine touring boots to increase their skiing exploration.

Types of Flex

Flex is a measurement of how easy or difficult it is to push against the liner of your boot. A lower flex means a lot more flexibility, which makes it easier to turn and maneuver at lower speeds. However, when you start going faster, a softer flex can feel unsupportive, which will affect your body position and could lead to injury. Expert skiers will want a stiff flex.

In general, flex ratings are measured numerically and follow a few ranges. Beginner flex boots run from roughly 60-90. Intermediate boots can run from 80-110. Advanced ski boots run from roughly 100-120, and expert boots have a flex from 120-140. The categories do overlap a bit, and boots in those areas can work for multiple ability levels while staying supportive. 

Boot Length

When searching for the best men’s ski boots, size matters; anything too big or small will create uncomfortable sensations and may lead to pain. Ski sizes also change depending on where you are skiing.

Ski boot length relies on a system called mondopoint. It was developed to take different sizing scales from different countries and create a universal standard. 

To find your mondopoint, measure your foot from heel to toe in cm. An easy method is to stand on a piece of paper, trace your foot length with a pencil, then measure the line. Ski boot sizes should be written on the outside of the cuff of the boot you’re looking at. 

Boot Width

The last width is a measurement of the forefoot of the boot. It’s important because it’ll tell you what type of foot the boot accommodates. A last width under 100 mm will fit average and narrow feet. A last width over 100 mm is designed to support people with wider feet.

Boot Fit

The best men’s ski boots should fit snugly. You should be able to tighten the boot without cutting off circulation or experiencing pain. Your heel, once set in the boot, should not be able to move. If it does, the boot may be too big. Conversely, if you can’t even wiggle your toes and your foot feels consistently cold, the boot is too small.