About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the ski boots, which I purchased with my own money in February 2019.

My take

The Tecnica Mach1 120 ski boot fits my style of skiing, fast and aggressive, and gives me the comfort and support I need for a full day on the mountain. I use the mid-volume boot which has plenty of room for my slightly wider feet. This boot is geared for an advanced skier who likes to charge at the resort.

About the gear

• Model: 2020 Tecnica Mach1 120 Ski Boots
• Size: 28

About me

• Height: 5’9”
• Weight: 160 lbs
• Street shoe size: 10
• Experience: 25+ years

Test conditions

• When I bought these: February 2019
• Days tested: 50 days
• Skis: Blizzard Bonafide, Nordica Enforcer
• Bindings: Marker Griffon 13
• Where I’ve used it: Vail, Aspen, Beaver Creek, Copper, Winter Park, Breckenridge, Steamboat, Jackson Hole, Telluride
• Terrain: Groomers, bumps, trees, bowls

How they perform

What I was looking for

I have used Tecnica boots for the past 15 years and have found them to be very reliable. I am always looking for gear that will last many seasons and allow me to get the most out of my skiing. In my search, I was looking for a stiffer boot that does not pinch my foot and calf because that discomfort can make the days out skiing feel long and uncomfortable.

Why I chose this gear

I find Tecnica boots to be both durable and comfortable. I found the Mach1 120 boot to be stiff enough and not uncomfortable for skiing all day anywhere on the mountain. I also considered boots from Dalbello as they make high performance boots, but I was not as impressed with the fit and the buckle system that the company uses.

What I love about them

• Accuracy of Claimed: This is a 120 flex boot. I find it to be a slightly softer feeling on warmer days which occurs with most boots, but nine out of ten days it is true to the 120 stiffness where I can push as hard as I want and have the support I need.
• Accuracy of Claimed Fit: For me, the fit runs slightly larger. I use the mid-volume version to allow more within the feet so this may be the reason for the extra room I have not had before
• Comfort: I am someone with slightly wider feet, and with the Tecnica Mach1 LV 120, I can keep my boots buckled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and have no pain points.
• Flex: 120 flex which is on the stiffer side for boots. I like to be able to push as much as I can and make aggressive turns without feeling like I will fall on my face. This boot provides great support for my skiing.
• Ease of use: The shell is not too stiff so these boots are on the easier side of accessibility. This is a traditional four buckle boot with a sturdy velcro strap.
• Resort: This is a great resort boot allowing for aggressive skiing, but comfortable enough to take it easy if I need to.
• Grip: The boot’s hard rubber with tread is great for those slick spots and walking on pavement and cement. I have had no issues walking to and from the lift in these boots.
• Durability: I have had these for three seasons now and there is little to no scuffing on the toe or heel

Issues I’ve encountered

• Comfort: I would not recommend this to someone with large calves. They may feel too snug and be uncomfortable throughout the day.
• Weight: Standard weight for a high performance resort boot. It’s not the heaviest and certainly not the lightest boot, but I do not feel the need to rest my feet or legs having these on all day.
• Park: There are better options for a true park boot. These boots are more for all-mountain skiing where a park boot is generally softer.
• Other: I have found the boot can get a little damp, but not from sweat. Snow may creep in at the crease toward the toe of the boot.

Favorite moment with this gear

Having boots that do not need to be constantly adjusted throughout the day, or in the lift line, has made my days on the hill more enjoyable. It is great when there is fresh snow on the ground and I can take run after run with no concerns. One moment that comes to mind is when 17 inches of snow fell in Jackson Hole and I was able to ski all day without any discomfort or reason to go in!

Value for the money vs. other options

I have had no issues with this boot’s construction or durability. I have not had any wear on the heel or toe of the boot, no fraying of the velcro, and zero issues with the shell or buckles. I believe this boot is worth the money for an advanced skier looking to have them for multiple seasons. I looked at Dalbello and Salomon boots of equal caliber, but found they did not fit what I was looking for. The Dalbello was more complex to access and buckle, and the Salomon was a little narrow for my foot.

Final verdict

For those who are ex-racers, this boot is more comfortable than a race boot and slightly softer, but still provides the performance needed for carving groomers. It also feels soft enough in bumps and trees where I can maintain control and not have to push in order to get the response I am looking for. I recommend this boot to any advanced skier looking to do a little bit of everything.