The 10 Best Cross Country Ski Boots of 2023
By: Jordan Berde: Assistant Ski Buyer | January 26, 2023
Cross country skiing is a fantastic way to get outside and enjoy nature in the winter months. From experienced skiers to those just starting cross country skiing, having the right gear is essential to having a great time on the trails. One of the most important pieces of gear is a good pair of cross country ski boots. With so many options available, it can be hard to know which ones are the best for you. That's why we've compiled a list of the best cross country ski boots to make your decision-making process easier. Whether you're looking for backcountry or classic boots, we've included options from top brands such as Salomon, Fischer, and Rossignol.
New This Year:
Cold feet rejoice! While you’re exercising when xc skiing and generating body warmth, there is still the possibility of cold feet. Cross country ski boots have seen advancements in insulation technologies in recent seasons to step up their warmth factor. Thinsulate with a high warmth-to-weight ratio is one material, in particular, you will see in a number of the best xc ski boots. So, whether you're planning on taking a leisurely ski or hitting the backcountry for a more challenging adventure, we've got your hooves covered. Happy skiing!
This Year's Best Cross Country Ski Boots:
Salomon Escape Outpath BC
Step off the beaten trail in the all-new Salomon Escape Outpath BC Cross Country Ski Boots. The performance fit complete with SensiFit and Thinsulate lining provides a tailored fit and ultimate comfort. A central zip lace cover and gaiter hook keep everything nice and buttoned up when the snow's deep or conditions are wet.
| Binding Type | Original Price |
| NNN | $214.95 |
Salomon Escape Plus Prolink Classic
The Salomon Escape Plus Prolink Classic Cross Country Boots tick all the boxes for Nordic skiers who care about comfort. Pairing an easily adjustable Quicklace™ system with improved ankle support and Thinsulate™ insulation, these boots combine fit and function for heavenly days on the snow.
| Binding Type | Original Price |
| NNN | $149.95 |
Salomon RC Nocturne Prolink Jr
The Salomon RC Nocturne Prolink Jr Cross Country Ski Boots are comfy and functional for long days on the trail. Their faux fur lining adds softness and warmth, while a junior fit and outsole add stability when they're learning how to stand.
| Binding Type | Original Price |
| SNS Prolink | $99.95 |
Fischer OTX Adventure
Step into the Fischer OTX Adventure Cross Country Ski Boots and take your cross country experience to the next level. With a wider profile TURNAMIC® Easy Walk sole and hinged polymer cuff construction, these boots deliver tons of stability and power transfer for adventures both on and off the track. An integrated gaiter and sealed zipper keeps the snow out out, and Comfort Guard insulation keeps it all toasty warm.
| Binding Type | Original Price |
| Turnamic | $200.00 |
Fischer OTX Trail
Step into the Fischer OTX Trail Cross Country Ski Boots and experience warm comfort and control wherever you slide your skis. With an easy entry loop and insulated liner, these wide profile trail shoes have lots of stability and power transfer. External ankle support keeps you locked while an integrated gaiter and sealed zipper keeps all the wet snow out. Slip and slide as you please! The Fischer OTX Trail Cross Country Boots are ready for your XC endeavors.
| Binding Type | Original Price |
| Turnamic | $180.00 |
Salomon Vitane Plus Prolink Classic - Women's
The Salomon Vitane Plus Prolink Classic Cross Country Ski Boots are made for a comfortable ride, all day long. A Quicklace system, ergonomic touring cuff, and 105mm women's last combine fit and function for heavenly days on the snow. A front zip lace cover protects your feet from the elements, and faux fur fleece lining hidden inside has a warm thinsulate membrane for all the coziness of fluff without the fashion statement.
| Binding Type | Original Price |
| SNS Prolink | $149.95 |
Rossignol XC-2 FW - Women's
Rossignol XC-2 FW Cross Country Ski Boots are intro boots for skiers looking to find their stride on cross country skis. These boots will keep you warm and stable while you get into your groove. The tall cuff and zip-up lace cover lock snow out so you can lock in and go for gold without the cold.
| Binding Type | Original Price |
| NNN | $159.95 |
Fischer BCX Tour
The Fischer BCX Tour Cross Country Ski Boots are ideal for cross-country explorers looking to escape the confines of their local Nordic center. Outfitted with Comfort Guard insulation for warmth on colder days, these backcountry boots have a supportive high cut upper and a BC system sole for maximum power and control.
| Binding Type | Original Price |
| NNN | $179.00 |
Rossignol XC-2
Rossignol XC-2 Cross Country Ski Boots are intro boots for skiers looking to find their stride on cross country skis. These boots will keep you warm and stable while you get into your groove. The tall cuff and zip-up lace cover lock snow out so you can lock in and go for gold without the cold.
| Binding Type | Original Price |
| NNN | $179.00 |
Rossignol X-1 Jr Classic - Kids'
Rossignol X-1 Jr Classic Cross Country Ski Boots are perfect for inspiring young skiers to explore and enjoy the outdoors. Traditional lacing makes 'em easy to get and off while the touring sole adds extra support. These boots are the first step to a life of outdoor bliss.
| Binding Type | Original Price |
| NNN | $99.95 |
Learn More With Our Other Ski Guides:
Skis - Kids' Size Chart and Buyer's Guide
Skis - Rocker Technology Explained
Ski Bindings – How to Choose & DIN Setting Chart
Ski Boots - Sizing & Buyer's Guide
Ski Boots - Boot Sole & Ski Binding Compatibility
Ski Boots – How to Make Your Boots Fit Better
Ski Poles - Size Chart
Skiing - Beginner Skiing Tips
Skiing - How to Fly With Skis
Skiing - How to Get in Shape
Ski Maintenance - Base Repair
Ski Maintenance – How to Store for the Summer
Ski Maintenance – How to Tune
Ski Maintenance – How to Wax
Gloves & Mittens - How to Choose
Goggles - How to Choose
Goggles - Wearing Goggles with Glasses
Helmets - How to Choose & Fit Guide
Outerwear - What to Wear Skiing & Snowboarding
Outerwear - How to Wash Waterproof Jackets & Clothing
Outerwear - Regional Ski & Snowboard Guide
Ski Socks - Sizing & Buyer's Guide
Avalanche Probes - How to Choose
Backcountry - Choosing an Avalanche Airbag Pack
Backcountry - Choosing an Avalanche Beacon
Backcountry - Climbing Skins Size Guide
Backcountry - Dynafit / Tech Binding Basics
Backcountry - How to Buy Alpine Touring Bindings
Backcountry - How to Buy Alpine Touring Ski Boots
Backcountry - How to Choose an Avalanche Shovel
Backcountry - How to Choose Climbing Skins
Backcountry Backpacks - How to Choose
Backcountry Basics - How to Get Started
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The Best Touring Skis
The Best Carving Skis
The Best Park Skis
The Best Intermediate Skis
The Best Freeride Skis
The Best Ski Bindings
The Best Touring Ski Bindings
The Best Men's Ski Boots
The Best Women's Ski Boots
The Best Touring Boots
The Best Ski Socks
The Best Beginner Ski Boots
The Best Value Skis
The Best Ski Poles
The Best Kids' Skis
The Best Kids' Ski Boots
The Best Cross Country Ski Boots
The Best Ski Boot Liners
The Selection Process:
Our ski buyers have an endless amount of knowledge on all things skiing stemming from years of experience in the ski industry in tandem with their countless hours spent on slopes everywhere from groomers to the remote backcountry around the world. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Jordan Berde
Jordan (she/her) is the Assistant Ski Buyer at evo. Before working in this role, she worked at the evo Denver store for two years, where she began as a bootfitter and quickly moved into Store Lead and then Store Supervisor roles. Prior to evo, Jordan worked as a bootfitter at other shops, a mountain bike instructor for kiddos in Colorado, a ski patroller in Alaska, and a liftie in Taos. She's an avid backcountry skier and ski mountaineer and recently summited Mt. Baker as a fundraiser for SheJumps, a non-profit committed to getting more women involved in the outdoors.She started sliding on snow later than most (in her late 20s), but now she’s the friend getting up at 4 am to make sure she can get a dawn patrol lap in before work! Jordan is passionate about diversity and inclusion and making outdoor activities more inclusive to all genders, races, and ability levels. When she's not skiing, Jordan is likely on her mountain bike exploring all that Colorado and Washington have to offer with her wife. Some say she never stops moving…