6 Best Ski Boots for Beginners

Just because you are a beginner skier doesn’t mean you should use subpar equipment. Skiers of all ability levels need to consider quality with their gear choices, and ski boots are important for every beginner. 

Hi, I’m Christine, and I created TheSkiGirl.com to provide resources and information to every skier out there. I’ve been skiing for decades but started as a beginner, just like everyone else. I know what boots are the best options with that in mind. 

My pick for the best ski boots for beginners is the Dalbello Panterra 90 GW. These will give you a good starting point to help you learn all of the basics of skiing while keeping your feet warm and comfortable along the way. 

In this post, I’ll show you a handful of other great boot options for beginners. It’s essential to pay attention to a few critical considerations when shopping for good boots, and the models here all have features that newbies can use to their benefit. 

Let’s get rolling. 

Who Should Get This

The boots in this guide are obviously geared towards beginners. Not only are they easy to use and operate, but they are much more forgiving than advanced options. 

If you’re just starting on blue and green runs or getting used to the snow, the options you find here will help you out.

It is also worth noting that beginner ski boots tend to have more insulation and comfort than rigid advanced options. As such, skiers who get cold feet or find their current boots uncomfortable can utilize the following models to their advantage.

Top Picks of Best Beginner Ski Boots

Here are my picks for the best beginner ski boots. Every model that you’ll find in this section is built to be a little more forgiving and comfortable – traits that are ideal for people learning how to ski. 

1. Dalbello Panterra 90 GW 

• Best for: Overall
• Key features: Comfortable, warm, forgiving flex, variable last, IF Sport liner, low cuff hinge point, micro-adjustable buckles
• Flex: 90
• Last: 100-102 mm variable
• Cost: $$$

The top spot on this list goes to the Dalbello Panterra 90 GW. These are the best overall beginner ski boot and provide a solid mix of comfort and warmth while helping you improve your skiing abilities. 

The boots have a flex rating of 90, which is the ideal spot to provide you with enough comfort and give while still staying performance-focused. They also come with an IF Sport liner that is heat-moldable for a customized fit.

A low cuff hinge point lets the boot move naturally, whether exploring a new run or walking around the resort. This is another comfort feature that beginners will appreciate. 

Micro-adjustable aluminum buckles add another level of personalized comfort that will give you a little more flex or performance, depending on your preferences.

These are a somewhat expensive beginner option, but they are more than worth it for any skier looking for quality and comfort.   

2. Tecnica Mach Sport 85 HV 

• Best for: Women
• Key features: Comfortable fit, women’s specific design, CAS shell, sport liner, Celliant insulation, double-quick instep, lift lock buckles. 
• Flex: 85
• Last: 103 mm
• Cost: $$$

The Tecnica Mach Sport 85 HV is the best beginner ski boot for women. This is an excellent women’s specific model that lady skiers will enjoy. 

They have a very comfortable fit thanks to a CAS shell that is built with an anatomical shape that mimics your feet naturally. The result is immediate comfort and a limited break-in period, which are great features for beginners. 

The boots also have a sport liner that provides a lot of cushion and comfort to keep your feet cradled throughout a long day on the mountain. Celliant insulation gives you a ton of warmth and utilizes body heat to keep the circulation running strong. 

A double quick instep makes the boots easy to step into and get out of. You won’t be struggling to buckle up with these in your bag. Lift lock buckles add another beginner-friendly level of adjustment and security. 

This is another reasonably expensive option for beginners, and they have a wider last, so they aren’t the best for narrow feet. 

3. Salomon X Access 80 Wide 

• Best for: Wide Feet
• Key features: Wide last, calf adjuster, flex sport liner, Twinframe design, micro-adjustable buckles
• Flex: 80
• Last: 104 mm
• Cost: $$

Any beginner with wide feet will love the fit and feel of the Salomon X Access 80 Wide. These come with a 104 mm last, which is ideal for a wider and more roomy fit. 

The boots also have a calf adjuster that fits quickly and easily around many different leg shapes for firm support and added comfort. 

A flex sport liner provides additional comfort, and even though it’s not heat-moldable, the break-in period is short to give you a great fit after a few days on the mountain. 

The X-Access 80 also comes with a Twinframe design that is built with performance in mind. This gives you extra response in a flexible frame, a nice touch for beginners who want to learn. 

These are definitely a wide and roomy option, so they aren’t recommended for anyone with narrow feet. 

4. Rossignol Alltrack 90

• Best for: Budget Option
• Key features: Affordable, beginner flex, custom T4 liner, dual-core technology, ski/walk mode, micro-adjust buckles
• Flex: 90
• Last: 102 mm
• Cost: $$

The Rossignol Alltrack 90 is the perfect option for any beginner skier on a budget. Even though they are highly affordable, you’ll still get a lot of comfort and performance. 

These have a beginner flex rating of 90, providing plenty of give for added comfort while still allowing you to get enough power transfer and response to ski effectively. 

A T4 customer liner gives you a lot of support while providing enough cushion and hold to keep your feet firmly in place at all times. 

I also like the dual-core technology that the Alltrack 90 is built with. This uses two layers of plastic to create a sandwich-like construction that gives you good performance characteristics while maintaining a lighter flex. 

They might be a little less durable than more expensive options, but the added savings is an easy tradeoff. 

Read More: Best Budget Ski Boots

5. Salomon S/Pro 100 

• Best for: Progression 
• Key features: Great model to grow with, custom shell HD, Sense Amplifier Cuff, custom liner, micro-adjust buckles
• Flex: 100
• Last: 100 mm
• Cost: $$$

The Salomon S/Pro 100 is a good option for any beginner skier who wants a boot that can help them progress to intermediate levels. 

These boots are more performance-focused than most of the other options on the list, while still giving beginners plenty of comfort and warmth. 

The boots come with a custom shell HD tech that gives you an easy-to-activate heat-moldable shell that can be put into action to deliver increased control when you are on the mountain. 

A Sense Amplifier Cuff is another feature that can help you ski better and utilizes a strap for increased performance. The custom fit liner adds another level of customization and performance. 

The S/Pro 100 is a bit too stiff for complete newbies and is better suited for beginners with a bit of experience.  

6. Atomic Savor 80 

• Best for: Style
• Key features: Looks great, comfortable, easy on and off, single buckle, warm
• Flex: 80
• Last: 104 mm
• Cost: $$

The Atomic Savor 80 is the best beginner ski boot option with style in mind. 

This model has a throwback look that would stand out on the slopes several decades ago while delivering modern levels of comfort and performance. 

It has a rear entry design that is easy to put on and take off, which most beginners will quickly learn to appreciate. 

It’s also a lightweight option that results in an easy fit for lasting comfort you can rely on when learning how to carve, stop, and all of the other basic skills. 

The Atomic Savor 80 isn’t a high-performance option, and the retro design isn’t for everyone. 

How to Choose the Best Ski Boots for Beginners

Keep the following factors in mind when looking for the best beginner ski boots. These all play a role in how your boots will perform on the mountain and fit your feet. 

Comfort

First and foremost, you want your boots to be comfortable. Beginner skiers, or those just starting out on the mountain, do not need to worry about stiff boots packed with special features. 

Focus on options that won’t cause any discomfort or pain as you learn the ropes. Prioritize models that come with special padding, warm lining, or an advanced fit. Make sure they are also roomy without being too loose.

Flex

Beginner ski boots have a low flex index, which means they are much more relaxed than stiffer options. Though they do make your skis harder to control, low-flex boots tend to be both comfortable and warm. 

They are also perfect for groomed green or blue runs. Some people want all of the bells and whistles that come with a stiffer flex, but that’s unnecessary when you’re just starting out.

Appearance

Though it’s not as important as other aspects, there’s nothing wrong with getting a sleek-looking boot. Your shoes are a part of your ensemble, and you want to look good. That goes double if you’re taking to the slopes for the first time. 

Pay attention to color, style, and certain patterns that large companies may offer. In addition, note the overall aesthetic. While a boot may have the right style, it might be too slim or bulky for your tastes.

Useful Tips & Resources

The above sections touch upon what to look for when buying your first ski boot. However, there is nothing wrong with too much information. If you want to get more tips before making your purchase, or if you want to know how to make an informed decision, check out the guide here.

When buying a ski boot, it is critical that you get the correct fit. That not only makes your runs more comfortable, it also allows you to ride for a long time with no discomfort. The steps in the video below will help with that process.

Final Verdict

The Dalbello Panterra 90 GW is my pick for the best overall ski boots for beginners. This model is an excellent option for newcomers to the sport because it will help them improve their abilities while keeping their feet warm and comfortable. 

Choosing a good set of ski boots is an important thing for every ability level of skier. The beginner options listed here are all highly recommended and will work well for anyone just starting to get comfortable on the mountain.