Buckle up folks – it’s time to get locked and loaded in these resort-rippin’ boots of plenty with our Editors’ Choice Women’s 22/23 Alpine Ski Boots
Dalbello Veloce 85 W GW
£360
Sizes (MP) 22.5-27.5
Walk mode N
Volume Medium
Last (mm) 100
Flex 85
Weight (per boot) N/A
dalbello.it
A completely new range of boots from Italian boot maestros, Dalbello. Even though it’s a classic two-piece boot, you still feel Dalbello’s freeride spirit coming through in the smooth-flexing nature. The 85 is spot on for intermediate skiers, or lighter advanced skiers needing plenty of volume. The liner is really easy to get into and the roomy toe box ensures those important digits stay warmer. The bottom of the shell is stiffer, adding power, while the new shape and dimpled areas make boot-fitting simpler. A nice touch for the women’s-specific Veloce is the buckle design. It may seem a small thing, but Dalbello’s made the levers even easier to close; if you’ve ever struggled doing up boots, you’ll know why we think this is a welcome addition. For our money, this is the best-looking model in the entire Veloce range, and GripWalk soles make life easier about resort.
BEST FOR: Light and/or intermediate skiers looking for a style, flex and tech.
K2 Anthem 105 LV GW
£385
Sizes (MP) 22.5-27.5
Walk mode N
Volume Low
Last (mm) 98
Flex 105
Weight (per boot) 1,560g @ 24.5
k2snow.com
This boot may not have changed since last season but it still looks and, more importantly, skis super good. A heat-mouldable shell and Ultralon liner resolve many fit issues, but if you do need a bit more room there’s a wider 100mm MV version too; same boot just broader. Designed to work better for a women’s physiology, Anthems have a lower cuff, a little less volume and a narrower heel cup than the men’s Recon versions, along with an adjustable calf diameter. A softer plastic over the top of the shell helps when donning boots but, really, we’re more interested in how a 105 flex boot performs. Answer: sweet as. The cuff and shell have an interlocking Y-shaped spine connector, for excellent support and drive and a surprisingly smooth flex that ramps up as you push further forward with your leg.
BEST FOR: Advanced skiers looking for a light, powerful and precise boot with bag-loads of style.
Nordica Sportmachine 3 85 GW
£280
Sizes (MP) 22.5-27.5
Walk mode N
Volume High
Last (mm) 102
Flex 85
Weight (per boot) 1,780g @ 24.5
nordica.com
Costing less than any other boot we’ve reviewed here, without skimping on tech or features, resulting in incredible value, comfort and ski-ability. This is a broad boot, so if you have wider feet they’re worth adding to your list. Add in the ease of expansion, due to Nordica’s unique infrared-heating system, and even the inhabitants of your local duck pond may be jealous. The new Adaptive Cuff Profile caters for a broad range of calf sizes, with a simple turn of the top bolts, and it’s curved on the Belles models to match the position of a women’s calf. These boots are about way more than their volume, with construction cues from the top-performing Pro- and Speedmachines. Stiffer material at the base and rear adds power and control. Softer materials in other locations make the boot easy to get into and improve foot wrapping. Cost-conscious comfort and control, #winning.
BEST FOR: Value-conscious skiers looking to progress in comfort.
Read the full category reviews with more women’s 22/23 Alpine boots
