The 10 Best Backcountry Ski Touring Boots of 2022-2023
By: Jordan Berde: Assistant Ski Buyer | September 28, 2022
One of the central frustrations when it comes to shopping for new touring boots is that it can be hard to settle on a universal description of the best backcountry ski boots. Some folks want ultralight slippers that can barely drive a ski, but that are easy to scamper uphill all day in. Others are looking for something burly that can do double duty inbounds, while also walking uphill occasionally. Still, others are looking for a well-rounded unicorn.
New This Year:
But, in recent years, most brands have finally managed to create a complete picture of what they think the best touring ski boots should look and ski like. It’s never been a better time to shop for new touring boots, there are more lightweight and capable options on the market than ever before. And the best part is, more and more of those boots can work with alpine bindings as well, thanks to the Gripwalk standard. And small people rejoice, Atomic is making touring boots in shell sizes as short as 22.5, a first in the industry. So if you’re looking for new ski touring boots, this list is a great place to start.
This Year's Best Backcountry Ski Touring Boots:
Salomon Shift Pro 130
The Salomon Shift Pro 130 Alpine Touring Ski Boots are built for the hard-charging freerider who plunders the goods both in and out of the resort but doesn’t want to deal with multiple pairs of boots. Seamless race liners and heat moldable Custom HD shells combine for an incredibly precise and comfortable fit, with a Surelock walk mode delivering smooth action and impressive range of motion for easy skinning. The Core-Frame construction mirrors that of Salomon's dedicated resort boots, meaning there are zero compromises on downhill power and response when things get puckering. Whatever your goals in the backcountry, the Salomon Shift Pro 130 Alpine Touring Ski Boots are sure to get you there and back with a smile on your face. This is a very capable downhill boot, that won’t frustrate you on the climb.
| Flex Rating | Weight | Original Price |
| 130 | 1690 g | $799.95 |
Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 105 W CT GW - Women's
Looking for a charger boot with touring capability? The Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 105 W CT GW Alpine Touring Ski Boots (wow, that's a mouthful) are staring you in the face. With a legit 105 flex, super solid and trouble-free Free/Lock 4.0 walk mechanism, and Atomic's incredible Memory Fit HD heat molding system, this is all the boot you'll need wherever your turns may take you. An average width, generous volume 100mm fit works well for most average and wider feet, and the Prime XTD 105 skis well above it's nominal flex rating so you won't be under-gunned when your partners want to fly.
| Flex Rating | Weight | Original Price |
| 105 | 1697 g | $649.95 |
Salomon Shift Pro 110 - Women's
Your thirst for powder can’t be quenched - you need it all and you need it now! With the Salomon Shift Pro 110 Alpine Touring Ski Boots on your feet, you can squeeze every last drop out of the resort before scampering up the mountain to draw some fresh lines of your own. These hybrid rippers are lightweight on the up, sturdy and responsive on the down, and easy to tailor to your foot shape, allowing you to perform at your best day in and day out. Treat yourself to the Salomon Shift Pro 110 Alpine Touring Ski Boots, you deserve them. These versatile boots can handle just about anything you might throw at them.
| Flex Rating | Weight | Original Price |
| 110 | 1570 g | $699.95 |
K2 FL3X Diverge SC
A skier like Sammy Carlson demands a special kind of boot. He spends most of his time in the backcountry, bringing park moves to the powder, so he needs a boot that can do it all. The K2 FL3X Diverge SC Alpine Touring Ski Boots bring touring capability to the send squad with tech fittings, Gripwalk soles, and a sturdy walk mode. But that's not all. They feature the signature K2 FL3X ribbed tongue for park-style springiness, and a stout 120 flex to give them the power to drive big powder planks down the fall line. Paired with a customizable Intuition Pro Tour Wrap liner, the Diverge SC is ready to help you blaze your own trail. If you like three-piece boots that ski well and earning your turns, this is the boot for you.
| Flex Rating | Weight | Original Price |
| 120 | 1940 g | $649.95 |
K2 Dispatch Pro
New for this year, K2 has created the Dispatch line of touring-specific ski boots. The K2 Dispatch Pro Alpine Touring Ski Boots are the crown jewel of the line, with a freeride-ready 130 flex plus a skin track ready 1530 gram weight. K2's new Powerlock 2.0 walk mode allows for a whopping 60 range of motion in walk mode, and a BOA-power liner keeps your foot locked in place for the downhill. If you're looking for a premium uphill boot that charges hard on the way down, this new offering from K2 might be just what you've been waiting for. This is a great do-it-all boot for skiers who like to get into a little bit of everything.
| Flex Rating | Weight | Original Price |
| 130 | 1525 g | $899.95 |
K2 Dispatch W - Women's
Backcountry skier, meet your new climbing partner. K2 Dispatch W Alpine Touring Ski Boots, meet the feet that are going to take you to new heights. Together, you are going to climb mountains, descend couloirs, and skip through frosted glades. For you, skier, these boots are going to provide you the lightweight performance, awesome range of motion, powerful downhill handling, and dependable grip you need to stand steady and move through jagged, icy terrain. For you, boots, these feet are going to put in the work, and provide the muscle and drive to take you far from your comfy shipping box and into a world of majesty, gravity, and awe. Have fun together, and enjoy the ride. These boots will get you there with a minimum of fuss.
| Flex Rating | Weight | Original Price |
| 105 | 1445 g | $699.95 |
Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 95 W HT GW - Women's
The Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 95 W HT GW Alpine Touring Ski Boots are the logical starting point for experienced skiers who want to try their hand at touring or plan to tour a minority of their days on the mountain and don't want to give up downhill performance. Based on the fit of the best-selling Prime series alpine boots and featuring the amazing Memory Fit heat molding process, the Prime XTD 95 gives you the comfort AND performance for a true backcountry experience and still rips the groomers with ease. The classic Hawx line gets even better with the introduction of the Prime.
| Flex Rating | Weight | Original Price |
| 95 | 1758 g | $499.95 |
Salomon S/Lab MTN Summit
For most, touring isn't about being the fastest, lightest, or even reaching the top. But when you're out on the big trips and weight really matters, look no further than the new Salomon S/Lab MTN Summit Alpine Touring Ski Boots. Developed with input from professional masochist and evo ambassador, Cody Townsend, the Summit boots are stacked with features to make life on the skin track more efficient. Crafted with Salomon's heat moldable Custom Shell and a Boa at the instep for easy adjustments, there's nothing these boots can't attempt. Even if you DO turn around during the bushwhack. These boots are a great compromise between big mission walkability, and big line skiability.
| Flex Rating | Weight | Original Price |
| Not Listed | 1050 g | $799.95 |
Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro
The Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro Alpine Touring Ski Boots lead the pack for skiers seeking equal parts touring efficiency and downhill power. Whether you're finessing turns outside the ski area boundary or scouting historic first descents in the Himalayas, it's safe to say your backcountry objectives are in good hands. That's all down to an excellent 55˚ ROM walk mode, fully-rockered Vibram® rubber soles, and a true 130 flex that rivals your alpine boots for precision and power transmission. If you're seeking the best in lightweight backcountry performance, look no further than the Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro Alpine Touring Ski Boots. They’re lightweight, but so, so capable.
| Flex Rating | Weight | Original Price |
| 130 | 1345 g | $899.95 |
Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 CT GW
Re-introducing the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 CT GW Alpine Touring Ski Boots, a super stiff freeride touring boot, made for demanding backcountry riders of any size. A high-performance narrow width, fully customizable shell, and Mimic 3D liner mean there's plenty your favorite bootfitter can do to make your toes snug as a bug in a rug, and ready to roll out on the skin track. With a low cuff in sizes 23.5 and smaller, the XTD 130 is specially made to accommodate different bodies without sacrificing performance. Get ready to grip it and rip it, the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 CT GW Alpine Touring Ski Boots have the tools you need to succeed. The Hawx Ultra XTD is still a class leader for skiers who need a boot that does everything well.
| Flex Rating | Weight | Original Price |
| 130 | 1599 g | $849.95 |
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
Discover Our Favorite Gear:
The Best Women's Skis
The Best Beginner Skis
The Best All Mountain Skis
The Best Powder Skis
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…