Ski boots play an important role as the connection between your skis and your body, so finding some affordable boots that are well-matched to the shape and size of your feet is a top priority on any skier’s list. Ski boots are made of a combination of a soft liner for warmth and cushioning, and a tough outer shell for balance and support. The majority of adult ski boots have a front-entry overlap construction, and are fastened by 3 to 4 buckles. Ski boots must have an inner sponge liner which compresses and gets dense, and the correct boot will feel too tight at the beginning. There are many fine boots to choose from, but when it comes to cost, it’s important to find boots that provide a custom fit at an affordable price.
Top 5 Affordable Ski Boots
- Rossignol Evo 70 ski boots
- Nordica Cruise 60 ski boots
- Atomic Waymaker 90 ski boots
- Dalbello Aspire 65 Women’s ski boots
- Tecnica Ten.2 70 HV ski boots
Rossignol Evo 70 ski boots
For skiers who have a forefoot that is medium to wide, as well as a leg-shaft that is medium to wide, the Rossignol Evo 70 offers a wide boot that is comfortable, yet well supported. The liner is machined PU (polyurethane) that will insulate your foot and keep it in padded comfort all day. Its traditional 3-buckle overlap design is comfortable to slide into. The 70 flex rating allows a beginner to be supported, and also is good enough for intermediate skiers. This standard instep height, high calf volume, and soft flex boot can be found in the $150 to $200 price range.
Highlights:
- Boot has a medium-to-wide forefoot and leg-shaft
- Insulated machined PU 70 flex rating
- Good for beginners and intermediate skiers
Nordica Cruise 60 ski boots
The Nordica Cruise 60 ski boot is an excellent choice for a true beginner or a laidback intermediate skier requiring a comfortable boot with a wider fit in the leg-shaft and forefoot. This boot has a squared-off toe box which keeps you supported and comfortable while you hone your skiing skills. An abducted shape NFS (Natural Foot Stance) slightly turns your foot outward, so you can ski easier with your feet kept in their natural position. This boot has 2 micro-adjustable aluminum buckles and a 3-D Comfort Fit liner, and is available in the $150 to $200 range.
Highlights:
- Squared-off toe box
- Natural Foot Stance (NFS) abducted shape
- Two micro-adjustable aluminum buckles and 3D comfort-fit liner
Atomic Waymaker 90 ski boots
The Atomic Waymaker 90 ski boot is perfect for an intermediate or advanced skier that has a medium-to-wide leg-shaft and forefoot, and a tall instep. Its Live-Fit panel (an outside rubber pad which stretches when your foot is placed inside the boot) convinces you that the boot is much wider than its 101mm. This boot has a Free Lock System with a rear boot spine lever which unlocks its upper cuff from its lower shell to give you a wider range of motion. The 3M Thinsulate silver liner keeps feet warm on the windiest, coldest days. This boot carries a 1-year warranty, and can be found on sale in the $180-$200 range.
Highlights:
- Outside rubber pad stretches when foot is placed inside
- Free Lock System on boot spine
- 3M Thinsulate silver liner keeps feet warm
Dalbello Aspire 65 Women’s ski boots
The Dalbello Aspire 65 Women’s ski boot is a transparent-white boot for true beginners or laid-back intermediate skiers with medium wide leg-shaft and a wide forefoot. It boasts a low-contour Geometry Cuff with a shorter height to fit a shorter fuller woman’s leg shape. Its Easy Entry Overlap is bi-injected, and utilizes a malleable plastic over the foot instep. This boot with a Supercomfort Lady Liner can be found on sale for approximately $200.
Highlights:
- Transparent white boot
- Low-contour Geometry Cuff
- Bi-injected Easy Entry Overlap
Tecnica Ten.2 70 HV ski boots
The Tecnica Ten.2 70 HV ski boot is for beginning to intermediate skiers with tall insteps, wide forefoot, and medium leg shape. Its Quick-Instep Max Construction provides softer-shaped plastic over your instep. Its 35mm Velcro Strap wraps snugly around your shin. The Ultra-Fit Liner keeps feet insulated. This boot can be found on sale for about $200.
Highlights:
- Quick Instep
- Max Construction
- 35mm Velco Strap Ultra-Fit liner
Conclusion
Ski boots can be expensive, which is why so many people settle for gear at the rental shop. However, skiers on any budget can find affordable ski boots that fit better than what you’ll pick up on the fly. Check our our list, do your homework, and don’t give up on finding a great pair of skiboots that will make your rides down the slopes even more enjoyable.