2015's Top 26 Boots With Hike Mode
We tested the newest backcountry and adventure-worthy ski boots. Here are the winners.
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It’s that time of the year: when leaves start to fall, snow flies in the high country, ski areas test snow-making equipment, and we, as skiers, start thinking about new gear. Enjoy this collection, and the many others, of the best new skis and boots for 2015.
LAST 98 mm
FLEX 130
MSRP $750
It’s not one of the narrower 98-millimeter boots we tested, but it fits snugger than it looks—a testament to the dense and fully moldable Perfect Fit liner, which fills fit gaps efficiently.
See the full review here.
LAST 100 mm
FLEX 130
MSRP $800
The Pro 130 remains a distinct tester favorite.
Get more info on this boot, and others we tested, here.
LAST 102 mm
FLEX 120
MSRP $700
The Alltrack’s target market is probably not serious out-of-bounds trekkers, but that doesn’t mean it shrinks from sidecountry adventures.
Get the full review here.
LAST 102-100 mm
FLEX 120
MSRP $650
Mechanical engineers will love the tuning options.
See the full review here.
LAST 102 mm
FLEX 100
MSRP $650
It is not stiffer than billed, but it more than holds its own on the hill against boots with flex ratings that are 10 and 20 points higher.
Get more about this boot here.
LAST 97 mm
FLEX 130
MSRP $850
This boot was at the top of the category chart with three other strong contenders.
See more about this boot here.
LAST 102 mm
FLEX 120
MSRP $700
Strong bloodlines made this a favorite going in, and it played to form.
Get more info on this boot here.
LAST 100 mm
FLEX 130
MSRP $850
The XT is as good as it gets when it comes to skiing performance and comfort.
See the full review here. Check out all the boots we tested here.
LAST 101 mm
FLEX 120
MSRP $769
The extra-versatile Freedom SL scored both as an all-mountain adventure boot (with optional DIN alpine soles) and as a backcountry boot (with its standard lugged, tech-compatible soles).
Get more info on this boot here.
LAST 103.5 mm
FLEX 125
MSRP $800
Great Scott! No, really…testers loved it.
Read the full review here.
LAST 100 mm
FLEX 120
MSRP $735
The revised Cochise 120 is immensely improved.
Get more info on this boot here.
LAST 98 mm
FLEX 130
MSRP $850
The 130 Pro sports a floor-to-ceiling redesign, including a shell that’s more anatomically shaped to prevent fit problems.
See more about this boot here.
LAST 100 mm
FLEX 130
MSRP $600
This versatile star was beloved by both Adventure and Backcountry category tester, but don’t be fooled by its ultralight feel—it drives a ski with firm authority.
Get more info on this boot here.
LAST 100-106 mm
FLEX 130
MSRP $700
The Quest name still reigns, but this boot is all new.
Get more info on this boot here.
LAST 100 mm
FLEX 110
MSRP $750
Salomon took what works for so many alpine skiers—its 100-millimeter Pro series lower shape—and fashioned it form lighter plastic.
Get more info on this boot, and other we tested, here.
LAST 101 mm
FLEX 120
MSRP $699
Scarpa added power and convenience to an already well-balanced, impressive backcountry performer.
See the full review here. Check out all the boots we tested here.
LAST 104 mm
FLEX 120
MSRP $550
Backcountry skiers who end up riding lifts for part of the day know what lightweight boots often don’t have the horsepower to drive burly boards on firmer surfaces well enough to keep the posse in sight.
See more info on this boot here.
LAST 99 mm
FLEX No. 10 tongue
MSRP $800
There’s no hike mode on this boot, but it has sure traction for hiking, is light, with a nice flex feel, and it’s Seth’s boot, so of course it competes with boots in the Adventure category.
Get more info on this boot here.
LAST 98 mm
FLEX 105
MSRP $700
The sum of the new Cochise Pro W’s parts is a categorical success.
See more info on this boot here.
LAST 102 mm
FLEX 95
MSRP $650
We changed things up and sampled the spiral-wrapping Intuition Thermo liner version of the Kyra 95 this year.
Get more info on this boot here. See all the boots we tested here.
LAST 97 mm
FLEX 110
MSRP $750
Everyone liked this boot. Everyone.
Get more info on this boot, and all the boots we tested, here.
LAST 101-99 mm
FLEX 100
MSRP $600
Like to lock down your fit in the morning and ease it up a bit late in the day when your feet need a break? Head’s Adaptive Fit shell is the only one that can physically change width with the twist of an Allen screw on the boot sole.
Get more info on this boot here.
LAST 100 mm
FLEX 110
MSRP $700
The Alltrack Pro has rock-star moves. It stands tall and flows smoothly, with a progressive but pliant flex.
See the full review here. See all the boots we tested here.
LAST 100 mm
FLEX 110
MSRP $770
This hybrid performs inbounds with horsepower and precision, yet it’s light enough for trekking and boasts a wonderfully wide and friction-free range of motion in tour mode.
See more about this boot here.
LAST 100 mm
FLEX 100
MSRP $750
K2’s new tower of power, the Minaret was universally applauded for its balanced, stacked stance and strength.
See more about this boot here.
LAST 101 mm
FLEX 120
MSRP $699
Strong descent capabilities and an impressive power-to-weight ratio mate with a best-of-category touring range of motion in this tester favorite.
Get more info on this boot here. See 2015’s best boots for frontside ripping here.
