Ski Boot Review Index

Thanks to stiff competition, performance-oriented backcountry skiers enjoy a range of boot choices that seemed unthinkable only a few years ago. New overlap-construction designs from Garmont and Black Diamond have set the standard for downhill performance while maintaining a viable walk mode for climbing and skinning.

Black Diamond's Freeride/Frontcountry-oriented Factor easily sits atop the performance chart, offering an Alpine-quality ride—albeit for quite a lot of weight. Garmont's Radium isn't far behind on the downhill, and its weight is far more competitive for true Alpine Touring adventures. For ski mountaineering and big mountain tours, Scarpa's Maestrale is the new King of the Hill.

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