Curated experts make thousands of recommendations to skiers every season taking into account key factors, such as skill level, preferred terrain, and skiing style. This list brings together their most recommended ski boots under $500. Note, however, that we don't believe in "best of" lists here at Curated – everyone is different and we believe in finding the best gear for you and not generally for the masses. Don't forget to chat with a Ski Expert here on Curated for free, personalized advice and recommendations on finding the best boots for your needs.
- Atomic Hawx Prime 100 Ski Boots · 2022
- Dalbello Prime 80 Ski Boots · 2022
- Rossignol Allspeed Pro 100 Ski Boots · 2022
- Dalbello DS AX 80 GW Ski Boots · Women's · 2020
- Atomic Hawx Prime 110 S Ski Boots · 2021
- Dalbello Panterra 90 GW Ski Boots · 2020
- Dalbello Panterra 100 GW Ski Boots · 2021
- Dalbello DS MX 90 GW Ski Boots · 2023
- Salomon Select 80 Ski Boots · Women's · 2023
- Fischer My Ranger Free 90 Walk Ski Boots · Women's · 2019
Atomic Hawx Prime 100 Ski Boots · 2022
Anyone wanting to escape the long line nightmare at the rental counter and invest in a superb boot for all-mountain skiing. This boot focuses on shedding the weight by starting with the slimmest possible profile and then building up reinforcement in key zones around the foot like the energetic backbone at the heel, and extra cushioning at the tongue and toe box. This one is ideal for lighter-weighing skiers and those who like to get rad in the air at the park.
The Hawx 100 is an all-mountain ski boot perfect for the intermediate skier with a medium build! The Thermo moldable liner will ensure that you can get the perfect fit with an easy heat mold appointment at your local shop. These boots are comfortable and manageable to ensure that an intermediate skier gets the most out of every day without any foot discomfort!
Dalbello Prime 80 Ski Boots · 2022
A solid beginner-intermediate boot for all-mountain skiing and comfort. These ski boots are a wider boot. At 80 flex, they offer a lot of room in the calf area and will provide a lot of flexibility when skiing and walking around, which again translates to comfort and relaxed skiing.
Nice and wide boots with a 104mm last. These are comfortable to wear all day, and the 80 flex is supportive for beginner to intermediate skiers.
Rossignol Allspeed Pro 100 Ski Boots · 2022
Anybody from intermediate and above with an average foot shape that wants an equal parts blend of comfort and quality performance. One of the biggest highlights for you in this boot will be the ability to take the stiffness up or down a notch with the flex adjustment system, allowing you to crank it up or down by a value of 10, depending on your style and how you're feeling that day! This is a killer choice to a owner boot pair that's in it for the long haul!
An all mountain boot that delivers great performance. With a 100 flex, this boot walks the line between performance and comfort. A 100 mm last also provides enough room for your feet, while maintaining a tight fit for performance. The walk mode will also make the boot pack up to your favorite stashes way more enjoyable.
Dalbello DS AX 80 GW Ski Boots · Women's · 2020
Dalbello DS AX's are an awesome entry-level ski boot for beginner to intermediate skiers. The rubber soles help when walking to the lift. With a power strap and a four-buckle design to keep your foot secure, these are comfy boots for an intermediate skier. They have a 101mm last width which is ideal for average to wide feet. Easy pull straps are included for putting these boots on.
The Dalbello DS AX is a great all-mountain boot that has a flex of 80-- not too stiff and not too soft! These boots are specifically optimized for the structure of a women's foot and constructed with lower pivot points to make it easier to walk and flex the boot. They also have buckles that are super adjustable for maximum comfort!
The Dalbello DS AX 80 flex is great for beginner to intermediate skiers. It's not too stiff to learn in but stiff enough to tackle some more advanced terrain with great control. Heat moldable liners allow you to get an even more precise and comfortable fit!
Atomic Hawx Prime 110 S Ski Boots · 2021
One of the best boots on the market. Coming in a 110 flex this offers plenty of support while still having a forgiving nature. Its the best of both worlds for a great all mountain boot. Being lightweight these boots will let you ski longer. Atomic's Memory Fit heat moldable liner give you the options to get the fit and comfort dialed to 11. Toss in some adjustable geo in the forward lean (13,15 and 17 degrees) and flex you are sure to find that perfect fit.
This boot was designed with 3D Gold 3M Thinsulate with heat moldability for a memory fit that will keep you comfortable all day. The flex is adjustable by +/- 10 to dial back the stiffness for a more comfort fit.
Dalbello Panterra 90 GW Ski Boots · 2020
With a 90 flex and 100-102 last these boots are the perfect blend of comfort and performance! The powercage design reduces weight while still keeping the boot strand and stable to easily control the skis. The variable sole with canting angle and adjustable cuff volume design makes these skis easy to adjust to your feet. With grip walk soles and included walk mode these will be extremely comfortable to walk around the resort or local hill!
The gripwalk sole combined with the walk mode make these great to get around in, but you will love them when you are heading downhill in comfort.
Dalbello Panterra 100 GW Ski Boots · 2021
The three-piece (aka cabrio) design allows for really consistent flex throughout the entire range of motion as you apply pressure to the front of your boot. It also makes for a really comfortable boot. A regular boot will be made of 2 pieces, the lower "shoe" and the bootcuff, whereas this design has the lower "shoe", a partial cuff around the back of your calf and ankle, and a plastic tongue piece, which really makes these boots adjustable. In boots, adjustability = comfort. These also have a walk mode, which makes the boot flex/hinge very easily when you are walking around in the ski lodge or to the parking lot.
100 flex is perfect for intermediate to advanced skiers! It has a walk mode to make life easier when you aren't skiing. Great 4 buckle design for precision and power! Micro adjustment on the buckles. 100-102 width for average feet.
All-mountain skiing with comfort - great liner and 4 buckle construction will give you good control on the hill!
Dalbello DS MX 90 GW Ski Boots · 2023
Great choice for skiers hoping to improve their technique. Lightweight, easy to step into, and has GripWalk soles for easy walking to and from the car or the lodge. Good for a newer skier who is hoping to get to intermediate level gear. Still a comfortable boot with a 104mm last so you won't have to worry about aching feet.
With a 104 last this is great for a wider foot and has a heat-moldable liner to make this a super comfortable boot. Great for all-mountain skiing, they have a 90 flex that's a little softer allowing for a lot more forgiveness. With that heat-moldable liner you can get it customized to your foot.
Dalbello makes high-quality boots that are known to last a long time. These ones come with four buckles and a Velcro strap up top to get a perfect fit. A wider fit makes these comfortable too.
Salomon Select 80 Ski Boots · Women's · 2023
Meant for someone with a medium-wide forefoot (slightly wider than average) and provides extra space and comfort in the calf volume meant for a medium calf. The high-volume fit is made for high instep and helps deep with any uncomfortable spots in the boot. The auto stretch foam liner is meant to contour to any foot.
Fischer My Ranger Free 90 Walk Ski Boots · Women's · 2019
Fisher makes very comfortable and highly customizable boots! A 90 flex rating which would work well for your height and weight, these boots offer a customizable shell and have limitless adjustability in their four buckle design. A mid-range width to accommodate average size feet and will give you a feeling of comfort while still giving you great control on your skis.
A nice all around boot. Moderate flex makes it forgiving, but it still performs well when pushed. An all mountain boot that offers a load of comfort and high edge to edge sensitivity.
Dalbello Ultra 65 W Ski Boots · Women's · 2022
Coming in with plenty of room and comfort on this boots. This boot as a 65 flex point which is great for beginner to intermediate skiers. This boot will be generally more comfortable and lighter in weight compared to a stiffer. This boot will help you ease into each turn you take
Easy to slip on with Dalbello's supercomfort liner and can adjust to the right fit with micro-adjustable aluminum buckles. This boot is light weight and great from beginners ready to progress their skills to the intermediate level!
An excellent boot for beginner to intermediate skiers. A 65 flex will be responsive and comfortable. A 105 last is great for a wider foot or to get that thicker sock in there.
Head Edge Lyt 90 Ski Boots · 2023
These are the perfect ski boot for the ambitious intermediate. They are high-quality boots that won't break the bank, and will last you forever. They come in a progressive 90 flex that is reactive and elastic. The more pressure you apply, the stiffer the flex will get. This will give your turns more power than ever!
Featuring Form Fit technology, this boot can also be heat molded to gain more space if required. A graphene infused shell that has very thin shell walls, gives a responsive flex and nearly unmatched weight to power capacity!
Dalbello Boss 110 Ski Boots · 2023
These are notoriously comfortable and super easy to take on and off with their three-piece shell design. They have a heat-moldable liner that can adapt to your unique foot shape and help with flat feet. I would certainly recommend a footbed for any purchase you make as it will definitely alleviate any pressure points you may experience by keeping your foot supported and locked in while flexing the boot.
The Cabrio design built from three pieces rather than two, eliminates overlap and the pressure points associated with that. Also gives you a more consistent forward flex and power transfer. A heat-moldable liner allows you to dial in the fit. The extra buckle location on the forefoot is another added feature that will also help you customize your fit.
Atomic Hawx Prime 95 W Ski Boots · Women's · 2022
One of Atomic's best-selling boots for the intermediate skier with and medium foot volume. With a memory fit liner and adaptive cuff system, these boots are comfortable yet provide the stiffness for intermediate riders to control their skis with ease!
Dalbello DS MX 80 GW Ski Boots · Women's · 2023
The DS MX 80 GW is a comfortable, low volume boot that runs a bit narrower than other boots; which is great for smaller feet. The Hyperlite material works to reduce the weight and make skiing more enjoyable on and off the slopes. The easy in and out make getting the boot off at the end of the day a breeze and make getting in comfortable and streamlined. Its 2 piece architecture is a traditional overlap design and offers precise control and great energy transference from boot to binding to ski.
Dalbello Panterra 85 GW Ski Boots · Women's · 2023
The brand with the best performance and comfort combined in a boot geared towards intermediate skiers! The 85 flex will be the goldilocks zone for your preferred boot stiffness at that upper mid-range. These have a revolutionary MyFit system that expands the range and accommodates virtually any foot in a comfortable liner wrap that feels like a hug and skis like a champ! Has a removable women's cuff insert to really tailor the boot opening and nail the perfect fit. It has a flex control option on the back spine of the boot to uptick or downturn your flex depending on how you are feeling on that particular run or day, and a Cabrio design for a ski/hike mode that lets you functionally get around when in the lodge or in the parking lot.
These are highly recommended boots for any intermediate or advanced woman skier. A good all-terrain boot that would allow for some quality days on the hill. These provide a responsive and consistent flex, along with great lateral and rear support. Women-specific liners allow for an extra stretch at the top of the cuffs. The cuffs themselves are lower and scalloped for a better fit. It has a last fit adjustment where you are able to adjust from 99-101 mm width, really helping acquire the overall perfect fit. Definitely for someone who likes a medium-stiff flex, but still manages the wide range of motion to make it a quality choice.
Dalbello Panterra 85 GW Ski Boots · Women's · 2021
This boot comes with a ton of great features. The boot has a walk mode to make walking around the base area and lodge easy and comfortable, and the grip-walk soles keep you from slipping. The toe buckle can be adjusted for different widths (width of the forefoot). The liner is designed to keep you comfortable and warm, and the cabrio design gives you a more progressive flex pattern for power transfer to the ski. Buckles are micro-adjustable to dial in fit.
Dalbello boots are almost always the best-fitting boot out of the box. The shells are already stretched in most of the places where there is often tightness, like the toes and the ankle. The three-piece shell also makes them very easy to get in and out of, without sacrificing any sort of performance. These are 85 flex (this determines how easy they are to bend). Great for enjoying the mountain without worrying about blisters, cold toes, or bone spurs.
Head Nexo Lyt 110 Ski Boots · 2021
Light boot with grip-walk to make walking around comfortable. The perfect balance of comfort and performance. The Nexo Lyt is the tool to dominate the mountain. Form-fitting heat customizable shell to the Liquid fit liner can gets the boot to your exact foot shape! Duo flex provides a progressive and reactive flex for precise control. The shell is also really lightweight from the graphene Smart Frame Shell which also provides dynamic rebound.
Middle ground, 100mm last for an average foot. These are really great boots, not too soft, not too stiff, with a premium plush liner and full customization capability. If you enjoy both skiing hard and taking it easy, this is the boot for you.
Tecnica Mach Sport HV 85 Ski Boots · Women's · 2022
The intermediate skier who is looking for a comfortable boot that will allow them to progress quickly onto more difficult terrain. This boot is also built for comfort and will not give your feet any fits!
This is a great boot to ski in all sorts of conditions, it is stiff enough to help you progress, but also comfortable for slow and steady runs.
If your foot is wide you will love the volume and comfort of this boot. Great for a day exploring the resort!
Head Edge Lyt 100 Ski Boots · 2023
Lightweight, easy entry and progressive flex to keep you comfortable while getting the most out of your skis! Head's new liners called the "perfect fit" liners fit amazing straight from the box and can be heat molded for an even ore precise fit.
Nordica Speedmachine 110 Ski Boots · 2022
Made for medium feet and calves. These are fully customizable boots with heat molding and custom hardware placement on the liners. They feature Thermaloft liners for added warmth. Weather shield helps your feet stay dry.
This is a boot designed more for performance. It is meant for an advanced skier who wants to go fast, yet is still easy to handle. This boot offers better control on black diamond and moguls.
Salomon S/pro HV 80 IC Ski Boots Women's · 2021
The 80 flex is an accessible stiffness that is accessible and provides good comfort. Built out of light weight material this boot is light to keep you skiing hard all day. The liner features Salomons instant fit technology for comfort and the dual inserts on either side make this boot a breeze to step in and out of. Alpine ISO 5355 certified to fit into most standard alpine bindngs.
Fischer RC One X 85 Ski Boots · Women's · 2022
A great all-around boot for skiing those groomers and mixing it up in the soft stuff occasionally. Balanced flex and quality liner make it a great fitting boot that is responsive and supportive. Recommended for moderate skiers looking to develop their skills, or just happy with where they are and those enjoying days on the slopes that are often fun cruisers, but also jumping into some mixed snow and terrain from time to time.
Salomon Shift Pro 120 AT Ski Boots · 2022
Hiking up fast and skiing down with max comfort and stability.
Dalbello DS MX 75 Ski Boots · 2023
Anyone that prioritizes comfort when they're first starting out! The DS super liner hugs your foot with plush comfort and the 2-piece Hyperlite shell design offers a consistent and a reliable flex that powers a good energy transmission into the bindings.
Roxa R/Fit 100 Ski Boots · 2022
Great all-mountain boot meant for wider feet. They have that more flex feel in the calf so they won't be super tight throughout the day. Intermediate to advanced boot. They have slip resistant soles for when you are walking on an icy sidewalk or parking lot.
Salomon S/Max 120 Ski Boots · 2022
The Salomon S/Max 120 is a great boot option with an easily customizable fit. It has a 98mm last, so it's a lower volume boot, but the entire shell is heat moldable, so it will stretch around your foot for a full custom fit and can be blow out to approximately 104mm. Salomon's core frame construction stiffens key areas of the boot to improve power transfer. These have GripWalk soles, so they're easier to walk around in than a typical alpine boot. They have some rubber for traction and a little rocker to the toe for a more natural stride.
Rossignol Allspeed 100 Ski Boots · 2022
This boot has a comfort fit designed for wider feet with a last of 102mm. Great intermediate to advanced boot that will be great all day!!
All conditions, intermediate flex, better for a little bit wider feet with a 102mm width.
Tecnica Cochise 85 Ski Boots · Women's · 2023
With a female-specific fit, lower cuff, 85 flex, and asymmetrical power construction, this boot is perfect for intermediate and advanced skiers who want high performance and comfort. Combined with its walk/hike mode and Gripwalk soles, this boot provides the best of both worlds: solid downhill capability and the ease of walking around parking lots and the lodge with up to 50 degrees range of motion.
Salomon S/Pro X80 CS Ski Boots Women's · 2021
Comfort, control, performance - this boot is the best balance of smooth power and control without being too stiff or too tight! It's also completely customizable from the shell to the liner so you can address any fit issue you might have right away or down the line! Fantastic boot.
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