The Best Freestyle Ski Boots for the 2021 Season [A Top 5 Review]

Renting boots at ski lodges doesn’t always result in getting what you need. More or less, you’re stuck with hand-me-downs. Your best bet is to buy your own if you want boots that are going to give you the precision and response you need when riding fast.

So today, we’ll be taking a look at the best freestyle ski boots that you can count on and feature the following:

Tough outer shell to support your feet and ankles but soft and cushioned insoles for warmth and comfort.
Nothing less than a perfect fit.
A boot’s flex index according to your skills. The higher the flex index the stiffer the boots feel.

Keep in mind that your regular shoe size does not apply to ski boots. Instead, a ski boot measurement is determined by the mondopoint, which is the measure of your foot in centimeters.

Let’s get started.

1. Salomon S/Pro 80 Ski Boots Men’s – Best Overall

The Salomon S/Pro is our choice for the best overall freestyle ski boots. They are the best seller in both the US and Canada for a good reason. The S/Pro boots are part of Salomon’s new line of freestyle boots. They provide a winning combination of powerful performance, comfort, and lightness.

The polyurethane shell and a polyolefin cuff make the S/Pro 90 lightweight. These two materials send energy between the boots and skis when you’re going downhill. It has a soft flex of 80, which will provide a lot of comfort to the wearer. This is the boot of choice for advanced and intermediate skiers.

The inside of this boot is lined with a preformed sports anatomical liner by My Custom Fit 3D. The liner is seamless to provide pressure relief, accuracy, and warmth. The average foot width for this boot is 100 mm.

Wearing and taking off the S/Pro 80 is aided by a revised boot geometry construction. Putting them on feels as easy as sliding on a slipper. Your feet will be held securely by four aluminum buckles and a 360° strap.

Pros

The 360° power strap is for adjusting the boot to fit your unique calf size.
Large Pivot and Twin Frame tech enhance energy transfer between the boots and the skis.
S/Pro 80s are light boots. Each boot weighs approx 3.63 pounds.
Lightweight boots mean more fun with less initiative.
The Twin Frame construction is instrumental for controlling the skis by creating a responsive boot.

Cons

These boots may not be the best fit for skiers with slimmer or smaller feet.
There is an adjustment period required for heating and breaking in these boots before you hit the slopes.

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2. Rossignol Evo 70 Ski Boots Men’s – Best Budget

If you need an affordable pair of freestyle ski boots, the Rossignol Evo 70 offers a lot of comfort at a low price. The shell of the boot comes from polyurethane material. It has high tensile strength that makes it resistant to tears and abrasion. Polyurethane plastic is also resistant to water, oil, and grease.

The Evo 70 adds an exciting Sensor Matrix shell technology to these boots. The matrix system transfers power between the shoes and the skis. The Rossignol Evo 70 attempts to address these fitting problems for people with wider forefeet and leg shafts. It is a loose-fitting 104 mm last.

Once you wear this pair of ski boots, you can get a custom fit using three buckles and one calf bone cuff. The flex index of this boot is 70. Beginners and intermediate skiers should consider purchasing this boot as their first pair.

Pros

The Evo 70 is stiff outside to provide foot and ankle support while the insides stay roomy and comfortable.
The boots do not require a break-in period.
It has minimal soreness and zero blisters.
It’s typically challenging to find wide-fitting ski boots. Evo resolves this problem.
For such a reasonably priced pair of boots, it exhibits a high-quality construction.
These are great bargain boots for beginners.

Cons

The insole moves around when you are taking off the boots. However, this is such a minor issue that has no bearing on the skiing experience you will get with the Evo.
The boots are for people looking for wider fittings. But some skiers still felt that it was somewhat tight around the ankles.

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3. Fischer Cruzar 100 PBV Ski Boots Men’s – Best Runner-Up

Fischer usually makes ski boots with screaming colors. It seems like the Cruzar line is the only exception to this rule. The Cruzar 100s are professional skiing boots meant to stay in the shadow of the person wearing them.

Vacuum Fit technology allows the boot to mold to your feet. For example, Fischer’s Vacu-Plast material makes the boot shell and inner liners adjust to each foot’s structure.The Fischer Cruzar 100 adapts to the shape of the foot and doesn’t impede performance. They did this by eliminating pressure in the problem areas that usually get sore.

The aluminum clips will secure your feet in a comfortable shell of polyurethane and Vacu-Plast.These boots are for advanced-level skiers. The rigidity index of 100 is an indicator of that. The Fischer Cruzar 100 provides an even wider fit than the Rossignol Evo 70. Metatarsals of 103-110 mm last will comfortably slide in and stay that way as you ski.

Pros

The Cruzar 100s have a thick power liner to warm and cushion the feet and ankles.
Vacuum Fit technology is quite revolutionary as far as fitting techs go. It adapts to the contouring of the feet.
The Active Fit Zones liner provides targeted relief to pressure areas of the feet.
100 flex index creates a stiff but responsive boot.
The seamless tongue opens a space to slide your feet in and out.

Cons

We didn’t find much fault with these boots unless you are looking for a higher flex index than this boot can provide.

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4. Dalbello DS MX 65 Women’s Ski Boots – Best Under $300

The Dalbello 65 is for the ladies only. It is a friendly boot that beginners can also use for their first ride. This pair of boots capitalizes on comfort, performance, and value.

There is enough room inside the boot to wiggle your toes. The Dalbello DS 65 is a 105 mm forefoot last. The comfort liner inside the boot is plush, and cushioning foam layers sit on pressure points.

Four aluminum and Hyperlite buckles create a snug fit once you slip in the boots. The straps do not weigh down the boot.We particularly like the GripWalk binding on the sole of these skiing boots. It’s helpful for someone learning how to walk in the snow. It also secures the wearer when walking on slippery surfaces.

Dalbello’s low 65 flex rating makes it soft enough for learners and hobby skiers. These boots are for lightweight skiing work.

Pros

Dalbello DS MX 65 provides an ideal fit for women with broad feet.
The foam contours sit on four pressure points in the boot.
Soft and comfortable enough for all-day wear
You get a lot of perks found in pricier ski boots without the hefty price tag.
It’s an ideal budget for light skiers who do not spend a lot of time skiing.

Cons

These aren’t ideal for heavy skiing activities.

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5. Apex Ski Boots Antero XP Topo Edition – Best Alternative

Named after one of the highest points in Colorado, these Apex ski boots go the extra mile. The Antero XP Topo edition is for expert skiers looking for quality ski boots. These boots have a carbon-reinforced heel on the outside frame. Its goal is to amplify the power and control on skis.

The Antero XP ski boot has two parts: a rigid frame and a soft walking boot within the chassis. You can detach this boot from the frame and walk in it. Unlike traditional Alpine skiing boots, the Antero XP uses a Boa lace system, which provides 20 points of closure.

The Nanolite Carbon Chassis cuts down the weight of the frame without affecting the boots’ performance.Inside the XP Antero, high-resilience Q-Plush Foam melts into the folds of your feet after a few minutes of body heat transfer.

Thinsulate insulation adds an extra layer of protection against bitter winters.

Pros

The inner boot has support from the Boa Lacing System.
Vibram IceTrek sole for traction while walking on slippery ice.
The external frame is adjustable to a natural forward flex. It’s three times stiffer than an average skiing boot.
Stability and edge control are outstanding.
Boa reel and stainless steel cables tighten around the foot to a custom fit.
The lacing system does not apply pressure on the foot, unlike conventional skiing boots.
The boots match the energy of adventurous and powerful Alpine skiers. The shoes can handle unpredictable variables.

Cons

There is a hefty price tag attached to these skiing boots. It’s a worthwhile investment if you’re a serious skier.

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FAQ

Q: Why Do My Ski Boots Hurt My Feet So Much?

A: The apparent reason why ski boots hurt is that they’re the wrong size. Many people assume that only smaller size hurts. But getting a bigger boot than your correct size will hurt even more. Too much room will make your feet slide and bang inside the boot, causing blisters and bruises.

Other reasons why your ski boot hurt your feet are:

Layering too many socks

Loose shin clips

Incorrect skiing technique

Putting thermals in your boot

Q: How Tight Should My Ski Boots Fit?

A: Ski boots should fit as tightly as possible with minimal foot movement inside. There should be room for circulation and wiggling the toes, but that’s it. A close fit means your boot is moving with your foot and the skis. You get the most control over your skis this way.

If your feet can slide around in the boots, you will have less control of the skis, especially going fast.

Final Thoughts

This buying guide has compiled five of the best freestyle ski boots brands that you should be wearing. Keep in mind that measuring your foot is vital for finding the proper freestyle ski boots for you. Take into account your budget, experience level, and other needs that may affect the kind of ski boot you choose.

If you’re interested in more skiing-related products, feel free to check out our other guides!