Buckle up folks – it’s time to get locked and loaded in these resort-rippin’ boots of plenty with our Editors’ Choice Men’s 22/23 Alpine Ski Boots
Atomic Hawx Magna 130 S GW
£470
Alpine sizes (MP) 24.0-32.5
Walk mode N
Volume High
Last (mm) 102
Flex 130
Weight (per boot) 1,976g @ 26.5
atomic.com
The Magna is a big boot, working really well for skiers who struggle to get into many of the lower volume alternatives. This season, due to their new Prolite construction, they’re lighter and ski better too. An issue for those with bigger ankles is getting through the throat (corner) of the boot, but the easy step-in helps here. Despite its size, it still packs a punch when it comes to skiing performance; you get more drive and power than the old Magna 130. The Mimic liner further improves the skiing experience, fully moulding to the foot, leg and boot shell for supreme power transfer. If you need more room, the shell and cuff are fully heat mouldable. You can alter the cuff incline from a calf-friendly 13° through to a race-like 17°, as well as adjusting the flex. GripWalk soles improve traction and walking comfort when not skiing.
BEST FOR: High-volume feet looking for a lightweight boot with mega punch and power.
Rossignol Hi-Speed Pro 120 MV GW
£445
Sizes (MP) 25.5-30.5
Walk mode N
Volume Medium LAST (mm): 100
Flex 120
Weight (per boot) 2,010g (no size stated)
rossignol.com
Rossignol’s been tinkering away in the workshop, to bring us the fancy new Hi-Speed range of piste boots. This, the medium-lasted 120 flex version, is aimed at advanced-level skiers. The cuff pivot’s been moved up and further forward, to improve turn control, along with the way the resistance builds as you press through the cuff. The 3D structures, called Generative Design and seen on many of Rossi’s other boots, are complimented by the adaptation of their Dual Core technology, with carbon fibres added in the arch area and stiffer PU material on the inner side of the cuff. Add in their all-new, fully mouldable, Thinsulate-insulated liner and you have a recipe for pure piste pleasure. If you’re a fan of a little tinkering yourself, you’re not left wanting with flex and forward lean adjustment. Not after medium last? No worries, just plumb for their low or high-volume variants.
BEST FOR: Medium footed skiers looking for an über-customisable boot with a deliciously smooth and progressive flex.
Salomon S/Pro Alpha 120
£430
Sizes (MP) 24-30.5
Walk mode N
Volume Low – Medium
Last (mm) 98-104
Flex 120
Weight (per boot) 1,810g (no size stated)
salomon.com
Salomon has streamlined their Alpine boot nomenclature, with S/Pro now covering 98mm to 102mm lasts. The Alphas aren’t just rebranded S/Max boots though. If you’ve struggled with pressure over the instep in previous narrow Salomons, these may be the game-changer you’re after. The plastic over the top of the foot is thinned out, and the instep buckle has been moved further back towards the cuff, again to reduce pressure. Coincidentally, it also pulls you back into the heel pocket better than the S/Max and they’re easier to get on. We thought this buckle placement may interfere with the cuff flex but, although it is really close, it didn’t seem to cause an issue. The heat-mouldable shell and liner easily remedies many fit issues, creating up to 6mm of extra width. GripWalk pads improve walking comfort, but really these boots are about skiing, working so well for advanced to expert-level skiers.
BEST FOR: High-end skiers looking for a precision fit with none of the associated pain.
Read the full category reviews with more men’s 22/23 Alpine ski boots
