Finding the right pair of ski boots is no easy task, with the process being made all the more difficult for those with wide feet. The last of a ski boot is undoubtedly one of the most important things to consider here, which is the width of the shoe. As well as this, the flex or stiffness of the boot will also have an effect upon performance, with comfort, warmth and bindings also being key features that are for all types of skier.
I have put together a list of some of the best ski boots for wide feet, which range in price, style and performance. The products discussed have all been put through rigorous testing, allowing me to offer a comprehensive and fair review on each. Let’s get things underway by looking at the first pair of ski boots in my list.
Salomon is a well-known brand within the skiing industry and their X-Access 80 boot offers excellent performance for those with a wide foot. A 104mm last helps to ensure that it is suitable for this shape of the foot, as Salomon’s TwinFrame technology delivers fantastic energy and performance whilst skiing downhill.
These boots also have a 22mm oversized pivot for additional control, along with a calf-adjuster, which I found to be hugely helpful in locking down my feet during testing. A flex liner provides both warmth and comfort, as well as forming to the shape of your calk, ankle and toes. Four adjustable buckles also allow for the perfect fit, with minimal effort required.
Removable pads can be utilised at both the heel and the toe in order to increase durability, plus aiding those looking to gain extra speed on downhill runs. The X-Access 80 is a fantastic option for both beginner and intermediate skiers, plus the price point also fits in with this notion. A simplistic design and use of high-quality materials mean that these boots should last for a significant period of time.
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Rossignol produces a wide range of ski boots, however the best suited to those with wide feet are undoubtedly the Alias 120. A last of 104mm is supported by sensor fit technology in order to keep the toe box as wide as possible. I found that these boots were perfect for my natural stance on the slopes, helping to ensure comfort and a lack of aching after a long period of testing.
An easy entry insert means that getting the boots on and off is a stress-free process, plus the boots self-shaping tongue, which will adjust to the shape of your feet after a few days in order to maximise comfort. Four buckles provide structure and stiffness, as well as crucially locking the feet down whilst skiing.
The 120 flex is perfect for beginners who do not build up much speed, however this does not mean that these boots are not just as effective for experienced skiers. The Alias 120’s weigh in at around 4400g per pair with the quality of the materials used and the technologies involved making them well worth the investment.
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The Apex MC X is undoubtedly one of the best performing ski boots on the market today, plus a 105mm last makes it hugely practical for those with wide feet. One of the standout features is the adjustable flex, not found on many boots. This allows skiers to have a flex of their choice, between anything from 105 to 125, making these boots suitable for a range of skill levels and runs.
I found that the higher flex really offered excellent control when on tougher terrain off-piste, while the EVA heat moulded liner also fitted to the shape of my feet perfectly. Thinsulate insulation has been added to keep the toes warm in cold conditions, and IceTrek outsoles provide excellent traction when walking.
Both micro and macro buckles feature in order to make these boots extremely easy to get on and off. Overall, the MC X is a boot designed for experienced skiers looking to enhance their performance, but the price point also means that they are not quite as suitable for beginners.
The Nordica Cruise 60 boot is an excellent option for beginners, both in terms of performance and price. A 104mm last again makes them suitable for wide feet, but the soft 60 flex makes them perfect for those skiing at low speeds too. I also found that the boots catered well for a natural foot stance, providing only a small amount of aching after a long day of testing.
A PFP liner allows for fantastic comfort at all times, while Nordica has added several simplistic buckles in order to ensure that getting the boots off and on is as easy as possible. These boots have both a high instep height and calf volume, accommodating a shorter, thicker leg in the process.
The Nordic Cruise 60 is perfect for beginners or those skiing on an infrequent basis, with their durability meaning that they can be used year after year too. Available in an attractive black and red colour scheme, they also suit a range of styles on the slopes.
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I have discussed a range of different products in this article, with all catering for those with wide feet. The boots are also suitable for varying abilities and terrains, which can make your decision a little more difficult. As a result, it is important to consider the following factors before making your purchase.
Ski boots are generally measured on the length of your foot, however, the product you end of buying is unlikely to be in the same size as your day to day shoes. Beginners should aim to find a pair of ski boots that are close to their size or slightly bigger, due to the fact that they will compress after use. Meanwhile, more advanced skiers are likely to want a smaller size, featuring a stiffer flex, due to the amount of control this provides.
The “last” of a ski boot is basically its width. Those featuring a wider forefoot also offering increased interior volume elsewhere too. As a result, it is hugely important to find the right fitting boot for your foot shape, as this will have an impact upon both comfort and performance.
The flex of a ski boot determines how easy or difficult it is to flex the boot in a forward’s motion. Stiffness varies hugely, with a softer feel perfect for beginners and low speeds, while advanced skiers and racers will look for a much stiffer option. The range of stiffness is at around 60-130.
The cuff shape and size are other important factors to consider, due to them having an impact on the comfort of a boot. Most manufacturers will offer options specifically for those with larger and lower calves, while some even offer adjustable cuffs that expand in order to provide more room.
Four buckle boots used to be considered as the only option for serious skiers, however, this is now not the only option. Many will be able to find a comfortable fitting boot that stabilises their feet with fewer buckles, although many high-performance individuals will prefer a stiffer and tighter fit, meaning that a larger amount may be required.
As with any purchase, your budget is likely to affect your ultimate decision. As you will have noticed from the products discussed in this article, the costs of ski boots range considerably, meaning that it is worth keeping in mind how much you are planning on using them, as well as what kind of skill level you have. Expensive pairs should provide better performance as a result of their materials and technologies, however, those skiing intermittently can find a durable boot for much cheaper.