The 10 Best Backcountry Ski Touring Boots of 2024
By: Jordan Berde: Ski Buyer | September 29, 2023
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:
In the 2024 ski touring boots lineup, Atomic and K2 have honed in on elevating user experience by incorporating the BOA system into their touring boots, ensuring quick and easy transitions between runs. A standout innovation is the Backland XTD, which seamlessly blends the lightweight tourability and Range of Motion (ROM) of the Backland with the durability and skiability of the Hawx XTD. The overarching trend this year leans towards meticulous engineering to shave off a few grams from the touring ski boots, yet amplifying skiability. This fine balance aims at enhancing the touring adventure by reducing the gear weight burden while still promising a remarkable skiing performance on the descents.
This Year's Best Backcountry Ski Touring Boots:
Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 110 BOA GW
A new hybrid offering with a versatile 110 flex, the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 110 BOA GW Alpine Touring Ski Boots are a sure-fire top choice for lighter and less aggressive skiers who want a versatile option to handle both lift skiing and touring. With a smooth flexing True Flex PU shell and an all-new Boa® Fit System lower closure, the new XTD 110 Boa is arguably one of the most comfortable choices out there for narrower feet and ankles.
| Flex Rating | Last (mm) | Weight Per Boot (g) | Original Price |
| 110 | 98 | 1825 | $749.95 |
Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 95 BOA GW - Women's
With the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 95 BOA GW Alpine Touring Ski Boots, you get a sublime combination of ultra-versatility and comfort, rolled into one heat moldable package that is just at home on a relaxing groomer with the kids as pioneering a backcountry line you've been eyeing for years. A moderate 95 flex means enough support for spirited lift skiing with all-day comfort for long days out of bounds. A True Flex PU shell provides consistent flex through a wide temperature range, and GripWalk soles let you walk and boot with confidence but still use most alpine bindings. New is a BOA closure for the lower shell, which tightens and loosens incrementally and provides a smoother distribution of pressure over the forefoot and instep.
| Flex Rating | Last (mm) | Weight Per Boot (g) | Original Price |
| 95 | 98 | 1605 | $699.95 |
K2 Mindbender 130 BOA
The K2 Mindbender 130 BOA Alpine Touring Ski Boots drop weight, gain stiffness, and sport that twinkly "wow" factor when people see the BOA Fit System peaking out under your pants in the lift line. All good things, and none to be taken lightly. The BOA lower closure actually does make a difference in comfort over the forefoot, and many people with wider feet and problem insteps are completely blown away by the increased comfort. Beyond that, the proven Mindbender fit and function are still all there, so you can be confident from headwall to parking lot every day you head out.
Michael, Store Supervisor: "This boot is easy to fit to a foot, easy to get on and off, walks really well, and performs strong in all styles of terrain. This is a user-friendly ski boot that will make your outings to the mountain more enjoyable. Not only does it do it all, but it is a great looking boot, so you will look good while you're doing it which I would argue is even more important!"
Read K2 Mindbender 130 BOA In-Depth Review
| Flex Rating | Last (mm) | Weight Per Boot (g) | Original Price |
| 130 | 97 | 1945 | $899.95 |
K2 Mindbender 115 BOA - Women's
You've heard about the BOA revolution in alpine and hybrid boots for a while now, and it's here for real in the K2 Mindbender 115 BOA Alpine Touring Ski Boots. Naysayers have pooh-poohed the idea of Boa for skiing, but once you crank one down over your own foot you'll be a believer - the BOA Fit System really does distribute pressure more evenly over the top of the foot, making long days and snugger fits that much better. The new closure system is just the whipped cream and cherry on top; the classic Mindbender 115 boot lies under it all, with the best comfort-to-performance ratio in the business and a great skiing TPU and Pebax® construction that won't let you down.
Shelby, evo Seattle Sales Associate: "The BOA is a very interesting addition to ski boots, one that I think will take some time to perfect. It does give more precise control over snugness in the forefoot/instep, but will not change the heel hold. The Mindbender continues to be a classic hybrid boot, meant for people who ski resorts and do some shorter backcountry trips."
Read K2 Mindbender 115 W BOA In-Depth Review
| Flex Rating | Last (mm) | Weight Per Boot (g) | Original Price |
| 115 | 97 | 1860 | $799.95 |
Atomic Backland XTD Carbon 120
Atomic have been stirring the cauldrons furiously in Ausria, and they've managed to cook up a very special blend of two great boots - the Backland Carbon and the Hawx Ultra XTD - for your touring pleasure this year. The Atomic Backland XTD Carbon 120 Alpine Touring Ski Boots have already been hitting the skintrack with a vengeance, weighing in at 1380 grams in a 26.5 and skiing like a legit 120 flex ski boot. With a fit derived from the best-selling Hawx Prime and a plushness to the liner that seems out of place in this weight class, the Backland XTD Carbon is destined for greatness anywhere there's backcountry goods to be had.
| Flex Rating | Last (mm) | Weight Per Boot (g) | Original Price |
| 120 | 100 | 1380 | $899.95 |
Atomic Backland XTD Carbon 115 - Women's
Breaking new ground in the "fast and light" category, and soon to be breaking trail at a backcountry locale near you, the Atomic Backland XTD Carbon 115 Alpine Touring Ski Boots are here to give the other 1300 gram contenders a serious nudge and a definite run for your money. Light, powerful, and with a comfort oriented 100mm last and one of the cushier liners we've seen in this category, the Backland XTD takes some of the best of the Backland series and the polyamide Hawx Ultra and makes a run for the trailhead. Impressive in both uphill mobility and downhill precision in our testing, this boot is going to turn some heads and change some minds this season.
| Flex Rating | Last (mm) | Weight Per Boot (g) | Original Price |
| 115 | 100 | 1380 | $899.95 |
Nordica Unlimited 120 DYN
Nordica's hybrid offerings take a huge leap forward with the introduction of the new Unlimited series, and the Nordica Unlimited 120 DYN Ski Boots look to be perhaps the best-balanced of the group for expert skiers looking to plunder the backcountry and still hold their heads high in the resort. With a vastly improved walk mode and more precise 99mm last, the Unlimited 120 goes both uphill and downhill in style, and a new cable system over the top of the foot offers superior comfort.
| Flex Rating | Last (mm) | Weight Per Boot (g) | Original Price |
| 120 | 99 | 1680 | $749.99 |
Nordica Unlimited 95 W DYN - Women's
The all-new Unlimited Series of boots takes the wheel at Nordica in the hot hybrid competition, and the Nordica Unlimited 95 W DYN Ski Boots slot in at the softer end of the flex scale. With a 99mm last, much improved walk mode, and a unique cable buckle system over the forefoot, the Unlimited 95 is not only a great lift-served boot for advanced skiers but offers a fantastic touring mode for those desiring to push their horizons that much further.
| Flex Rating | Last (mm) | Weight Per Boot (g) | Original Price |
| 95 | 99 | 1530 | $749.99 |
Dalbello Cabrio LV Free 130 3D Wrap
When just getting into the line involves mandatory air and you can't afford to not execute, the Dalbello Cabrio LV Free 130 3D Wrap Ski Boots are what you want between you and your skis. The burliest offering in Dalbello's proven Cabrio lineup (formerly known as "Lupo"), the Cabrio LV Free 130 3D Wrap features top-level support and the instant response of a wrap liner in a package that you won't mind skinning or booting in to get that line.
| Flex Rating | Last (mm) | Weight Per Boot (g) | Original Price |
| 130 | 99 | 1950 | $799.99 |
Dalbello Cabrio LV Free 105 - Women's
A freeride boot that's light and mobile enough to stomp the skintrack for hours and still have energy to rip the descent, the Dalbello Cabrio LV Free 105 Ski Boots are built around a new 99mm last (right in between the previous options), feature a stout 105 flex, and weigh in at 1780 grams in a 26.5. With a new bi-injected fixed tongue for smoother power transfer and Dalbello's classic Cabrio architecture, this boot is a top choice for skiers who spend as much time and effort finding unique lines and deeper snowpacks as they do skiing inbounds.
| Flex Rating | Last (mm) | Weight Per Boot (g) | Original Price |
| 105 | 99 | 1780 | $649.99 |
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 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
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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 a 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…