Best Women’s Ski Boots: Top 5 of 2023

Finding the best women’s ski boots can feel like an uphill battle. You will need to find a brand that is suitable for your foot shape, while also making sure they match your ability level.

Here at SnowSunSee, we are constantly trying to improve your comfort and performance. By drawing on our vast experience of working on the mountain; we have been able to decipher the truth behind what really makes a great ski boot.

In this guide; we have combined industry knowledge with research to list our top 5 ski boots for women. Each one is ideally designed to suit a different type of skier, but they all have the quality to guarantee a superb time on the slopes.

Best Women’s Ski Boots Comparison

Name	Nordica Promachine 115	Salomon QST Access 70	Salomon S/Pro 90	Rossignol Pure Pro Heat	Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 115
Price	View on Amazon	View on Skis.com	View on Amazon	View on Amazon	View on Evo
Overview	Superb all-round ski boot that provides a perfect blend of precision, performance and comfort	High-volume ski boot that maximizes warmth and comfort. It's a solid boot for progressing beginners	Extremely popular intermediate boot with great comfort and reliable performance at all times	Feature packed ski boot that will suit a wide range of abilities while also ensuring foot warmth	Highly rated resort and backcountry crossover boot that ensures solid performance on any terrain
Best For	Overall	Beginners	Intermediate	Advanced	Backcountry
Pros	Energetic, powerful, responsive, consistent flex, comfortable, great fit for most feet	Solid for an entry-level boot, warm liner, comfortable, useful hike mode, trustworthy	Good control, comfortable, decent power transfer, plush seamless liner, predictable flex, customizable	Integrated heating system, adjustable flex, very comfortable, good control, all-rounder	Lightweight, backcountry ready, good hiking flex, solid enough for piste performance, strong design
Cons	Feel a bit bulky underfoot	Wide last detracts from performance	Big investment for an intermediate	Bluetooth heating can be unreliable	Feels soft when charging downhill
Overall Rating
Flex	115	70	90	100 (Adjustable)	115
Last Width	98mm	104mm	100-106mm	100mm	98mm
Weight (Pair)	8lbs 2oz (3.7kg)	7lbs 7oz (3.4kg)	7lbs 1oz (3.2kg)	9lbs 1oz (4.1kg)	6lbs 6oz (2.9kg)
Volume	Low	High	Mid	Mid	Low

Ranking The Best Women’s Ski Boots

1. Nordica Promachine 115
2. Salomon S/Pro 90
3. Rossignol Pure Pro Heat
4. Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 115
5. Salomon QST Access 70

Why Do I Need The Best Women’s Ski Boots?

Ski boots are probably the most important equipment item you will purchase. Finding a pair that fit your feet and match your ability is fundamental to your time on the slopes.

Every ski boot is designed for a different foot shape. Some have a high-volume fit that can accommodate large calves, while others are best suited to more slender feet or legs. If you want to ensure comfort; you will need to find one that suits your anatomy.

Comfort aside; it’s also vital to find ski boots that will support your performance objectives. Having a boot that’s suitable for your preferred type of skiing will fuel your ambitions and improve your technique.

The best ski boot for you will be the one that encompasses all of your requirements. That’s why we’ve broken our list down into categories that can simplify your decision.

How To Choose The Best Women’s Ski Boots

Ski Boot Flex

The term ‘flex’ refers to the flexibility a ski boot has. It’s a measure of how much you can bend the boot forward with your shin and is a key indicator of how the boot will perform.

Ski boot flex can be judged using a numerical index number that is provided by the manufacturer. The rating will often fall between 60-140.

Lower flex rated ski boots are softer, more comfortable and supremely forgiving. They are ideally suited to beginners or lightweight skiers.

Higher flex rated ski boots are stiffer, more powerful and offer the best control. Advanced or heavier skiers will be looking at higher numbers to improve their performance and provide stability at speed.

We have included the below table to give you a general outline of the recommended boot flex for each ability level:

Ski Boot Last (Width)

The term ‘last’ refers to the width of a ski boot across the forefoot. It’s given a measurement in millimeters, with most boots ranging from 96-106mm.

Entry-level ski boots will often use a wide last that can accommodate feet of all sizes. These boots are often supremely comfortable and accommodating; making them perfect for learning the basics.

As last width decreases; performance is generally improved. Advanced and expert level skiers will often prefer a narrower last width that offers a precise fit for maximum control.

Making sure your foot doesn’t move side-to-side within your boot is absolutely vital. Last width is highly individualized based on foot size and shape; just make sure you choose the one that’s right for you.

If you’re a skier with a specific foot width that’s looking to optimize fit; we also have guides that review the best ski boots for wide feet and the best ski boots for narrow feet. Each one covers the topic of ‘last’ in greater detail and reviews suitable products.

We have included the below table to give you an idea of how different measurements correspond to foot width:

Ski Boot Volume

The ‘volume’ of a ski boot refers to its overall size in 3-dimensional space. It will dictate how tightly your boot fits around the foot, ankle and calf.

Low-volume ski boots are usually narrow around the foot, ankle and calf. This shape will provide a snug fit that will improve control, power and performance. It’s often the choice of high-level skiers or those with slender legs and feet.

High-volume ski boots are often used by beginners, although some expert boots can also fall into this category. It’s an accommodating design that allows plenty of space around the foot, ankle and calf to improve comfort.

Ski boot volume is not given a numerical value, but it can be split into categories of low, medium and high volume. Some manufacturers even produce multiple versions of the same boot to accommodate skiers of all foot shapes.

Ski Boot Size

Choosing the right size ski boot will make a big difference on the mountain. It’s not always easy to choose the right size, with tiny changes in length often having a big impact.

Ski boot size is measured in ‘mondopoints’, which is the length of your foot measured in centimeters. It’s a precise measurement from the back of your heel to the tip of your longest toe.

In order to find your mondopoint size; you can stand on a piece of paper and trace an outline around your foot. Measure from the back of your heel to the tip of your longest toe and record the length in centimeters.

We have also included the below table that correlates shoe size with mondopoint. It provides the correct measurement for a comfortable fit, but experts may want to reduce the size by 0.5-1cm to improve performance.

Ski Boot Liner

Ski boots include a liner that is detached from the outer plastic shell. It’s key to providing comfort, insulation and performance when on the mountain.

Entry-level boots will often include liners with plenty of soft foam and insulation that will maximize comfort. Although great for learning the basics; they sacrifice control on more challenging terrain.

Boots for more experienced skiers will use a thinner liner that will give you a more precise fit. It’s a great way to improve support and power through the boot; despite often having reduced insulating ability.

Liners will generally conform to your feet as you spend time on the slopes. However, it’s also worth noting that some are heat moldable and can be adapted by a ski boot professional if you want to speed up this process.

Best Overall Women’s Ski Boots

Nordica Promachine 115

• Best For: Overall (Advanced-Expert)
• Flex: 115
• Last Width: 98mm
• Weight (Pair): 8lbs 2oz (3.7kg)
• Volume: Low-Mid
• Retailers: Amazon, Backcountry, Evo
• Alternate Version: Promachine 85, Promachine 95, Promachine 105

Performance
Comfort
Fit
Durability
Warmth
Features
Overall

The Nordica Promachine 115 is a clear winner in our search for the best women’s ski boot. It’s an all-round performer that offers supreme control and power without sacrificing comfort and fit.

The stiff shell construction, tough 3D cork liner and solid 115 flex rating gives these boots all the power you need to attack the hill with confidence. Adding to this supreme stability; they also feel flexible enough to tackle crud and all-mountain terrain without being overly punishing.

Nordica have also done an amazing job of matching performance with comfort. The Promachine uses softer plastic around the instep to improve step-in, while they are also snug yet accommodating around the arch, forefoot and heel.

The Nordica Promachine 115 genuinely has everything you should be looking for in a ski boot. Comfort, performance, durability and reliability have all combined to make it our top pick for women hitting the slopes this winter.

Best Women’s Ski Boots For Beginners

Salomon QST Access 70

• Best For: Beginners
• Flex: 70
• Last Width: 104mm
• Weight (Pair): 7lbs 7oz (3.4kg)
• Volume: High
• Retailers: Amazon, Skis.com
• Alternate Version: QST Access 60, QST Access 80 CH

Performance
Comfort
Fit
Durability
Warmth
Features
Overall

Salomon have produced the QST Access 70 to promote comfort with performance for anyone still learning basic technique. They have achieved this by using a high-volume fit and flexible shell that feels forgiving on entry-level terrain.

The 104mm last and raised instep height give the QST Access 70 a seriously accommodating shape that will suit a variety of feet. It also comes with an interior wool liner that we found to be seriously warm and comfortable.

Despite their entry-level status; the boots are surprisingly capable on intermediate terrain. They have a quality design that offers a decent amount of control that’s paired with a predictably forgiving 70 flex.

Beginners and relaxed intermediate skiers will find the Salomon QST Access 70 suits their performance needs. It’s a comfort-focussed ski boot that retains an element of quality that makes it one of our most trusted women’s boots.

Best Women’s Ski Boots For Intermediates

Salomon S/Pro 90

• Best For: Intermediates
• Flex: 90
• Last Width: 100-106mm
• Weight (Pair): 7lbs 1oz (3.2kg)
• Volume: High
• Retailers: Amazon, Skis.com
• Alternate Version: S/Pro 70

Performance
Comfort
Fit
Durability
Warmth
Features
Overall

The Salomon S/Pro range has been incredibly popular since hitting the market a couple of years ago. The latest intermediate women’s version, the S/Pro 90, is another reliable addition that proves why Salomon have been so successful.

The boots come with a very consistent 90 flex that’s support and stable enough to attack the mountain with confidence. The Coreframe shell offers superb power transfer and control with a great feel for the snow underfoot.

The newest S/Pro 90 model also comes with an upgraded seamless liner that vastly improves comfort. It’s also highly adaptable and has a last that can easily expand from 100-106mm, coupled with a snug yet accommodating mid-volume fit.

The S/Pro 90 is a true all-rounder that promotes performance without being overly aggressive. It’s a super reliable boot from a quality manufacturer that will suit the needs of a wide variety of skiers.

Best Women’s Ski Boots For Advanced Skiers

Rossignol Pure Pro Heat

• Best For: Advanced
• Flex: 100 (Adjustable)
• Last Width: 100mm
• Weight (Pair): 9lbs 1oz (4.1kg)
• Volume: Mid
• Retailers: Amazon, Moosejaw
• Alternate Version: Pure Heat

Performance
Comfort
Fit
Durability
Warmth
Features
Overall

Advanced level skiers looking to maximize comfort without sacrificing performance will love the Rossignol Pure Pro Heat. The high-tech boots use an integrated bluetooth heating system that can ensure warmth in any climate.

Inside the boots they use a merino wool liner that enhances their warmth retention and comfort. Attached to this liner you will find a control panel that offers four adjustable heat settings.

The solid, stable and responsive feel offered by the Pure Pro Heat was also impressive. We found the flex to be consistent and progressive, with a good power transfer that will keep advanced skiers entertained.

The supreme warmth, comfort, performance and adaptability offered by the Rossignol Pure Pro Heat makes it a standout women’s ski boot. If you’re serious about producing your best skiing without the risk of frozen feet; these are the boots for you.

Best Women’s Ski Boots For Backcountry

Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 115

• Best For: Backcountry
• Flex: 115
• Last Width: 98mm
• Weight (Pair): 6lbs 6oz (2.9kg)
• Volume: Low
• Retailers: Backcountry, Evo
• Alternate Version: Hawx Ultra XTD 95

Performance
Comfort
Fit
Durability
Warmth
Features
Overall

The Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 115 is a women’s crossover boot that reigns supreme across the entire mountain. By giving you the ability to easily change between hiking and skiing; they are a great choice for those looking to access sidecountry powder.

When set in hike mode; the boots provide a wide 54-degree range of motion that is more than capable of supporting your uphill ambitions. Switching over to downhill; we found them to be highly powerful and responsive in freeride conditions.

As you might expect from the high 115 flex rating; the Hawx Ultra XTD is a performance orientated boot that maximizes control through a low-volume fit. The contour hugging design is actually surprisingly warm and comfortable, while it’s also the lightest boot in our review.

The Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 115 is a super choice for those looking to find fresh snow that’s beyond the lift line. Featuring flexible hiking capability and solid downhill performance to match; they’re definitely some of the best women’s ski boots.

Summing Up

It’s safe to say that ski boots are absolutely vital. Getting a pair that provide the right blend of comfort and performance should be a top priority.

Our review of the best women’s ski boots is based on a wealth of experience working with clients on and off the slopes. Industry knowledge and hours of research have contributed to our choices; allowing us to help you make an informed decision.

Make sure you carefully assess your own ability and needs before choosing your preferred ski boot. We are confident that every option on this list has the ability to perform on the snow.

James

James is the founder of SnowSunSee. He started skiing when he was five years old and has been a qualified ski instructor for 8 years. He has taught skiing in many countries, including UK, Europe, Japan, China and Malaysia. When he’s not on the slopes, James spends his time travelling the world one trail at a time.