Best Ski Boots For Wide Feet: Men & Women
Looking to buy your first ski boot or a seasoned pro but fed up with all those generic lists of best ski boots that don't match up with your foot shape? After many hours of painstaking research, I've narrowed down this year's best wide ski boots for men and women in 2022.
Best Men's and Women's Wide Ski Boots
Here is a rundown of our top picks in each category. Scroll down this page to read the full reviews of each.
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- Nordica Cruise 75 Ski Boot (Best Wide Beginner Ski Boot)
- Salomon QST Access 70 Ski Boots Mens (Best Wide Early Intermediate)
- Atomic Hawx Ultra 120 S Ski Boot (Best Wide Expert Ski Boots)
- Dalbello Panterra ID GW 110 Ski Boots (Best wide Advanced Intermediate)
- K2 B.F.C. 90 Ski Boots
- Nordica Sportmachine 80 Ski Boots
1. Nordica Cruise 75 Ski Boot
(Best Wide Beginner Ski Boot)
Best Wide Beginner Ski Boot
- Flex: 75
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Width: 104mm last
- Level: Beginner
The Nordica Cruise boot comes in a soft flex of 75 - perfect for new skiers. It is a medium to wide boot with a width of 104mm (size 26) - It best fits a wide forefoot and medium shaft of the leg. Designed for the true beginner to mellow intermediate skier who has a wide forefoot and medium to wide-leg shape.
Main Features:
- Micro-adjustable buckles (more precise fit)
- High traction soles (easier to walk)
- Wide forefoot / wide shat of the leg
Where to Buy:
2. Salomon QST Access 70 Ski Boots Mens
(Best Wide Early Intermediate)
- Flex: 70
- Width: 104mm last
- Level: Beginner/Intermediate boot
The Salomon QST Access comes in a range of flexes from 60-80 - perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers - but no flex option for expert skiers. It is a wide boot with a width of 104mm (size 26) and will comfortably fit most wide feet for all-day comfort and great performance.
Main Features:
- A very comfortable liner that forms the contours of your feet from your toes to your calves.
- 4 buckles with micro adjusters for a precise fit.
- Replaceable toe and heel which extends the life of the boot shell.
- The calf adjuster allows the boot to expand or contract to fit different calves' sizes.
- An oversized Pivot means the boot delivers excellent precision and energy transfer which requires less weight transfer for turning and carving.
Where to Buy:
3. Atomic HAWX Ultra 120 S Ski Boot
(Best Wide Expert Ski Boots)
- Flex: 120
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Width: 98mm last
- Level: Intermediate/Advanced boot
The Atomic HAWX Ultra 120 S Ski Boot comes in one flex of 120 - perfect for advanced intermediate skiers. It is a wide boot with a width of 98mm. It best fits a wide forefoot and medium shaft of the leg. This ski boot is designed for all-mountain use and will work well paired with all-mountain skis, from groomed slopes to off-piste.
Main Features:
- i-Rebound Construction which improves the responsiveness of the boot by fixing the upper and lower cuff.
- 45mm Velcro power strap to lock your leg/shin into place.
- Designed for all-mountain use, from the park to backcountry skiing.
- Quick instep max which makes it easier to get in and out of the boot.
Where to Buy:
4. Dalbello Panterra ID GW 110 Ski Boots
(Best wide Advanced Intermediate)
The Dalbello Panterra ID GW 110 boots are excellent for intermediate and advanced skiers. We liked how the tongue has consistent contact with your shin to help you feel stable and in control. Furthermore, the shell has been heat-molded which works well with the liner to provide you with a comfortable fit.
- Flex: 110
- Rating: 4/5
- Width: 102
- Level: Intermediate/advanced
Main Features:
- The combination of the Cabrio construction and the tongue design allows you to ski with incredible control and power. You can also expect any shocks to be absorbed by the shell of these boots.
- With the instant-fit liner, you can be sure to wear these boots comfortably. Furthermore, the Ultralon foam cushions that have been implemented provide you with more support for better transmission of power.
- The ramp angle feature means that you’re able to adjust the angle of the footboard between three and four degrees. As a result, you can find the best ramp angle that improves your performance.
- With the Dynalink heel retention system, you can ski with flexibility. The system works to minimize your feet sliding inside of the boot for better control.
Where to Buy:
5. K2 B.F.C. 90 Ski Boots
The K2 B.F.C. 90 Ski Boots come in a medium flex of 90 - perfect for intermediate to advanced skiers. It is a medium-wide boot with a width of 102-103mm. Great for skiers with a medium to wide forefoot and leg shape. This boot will accommodate a high instep and a larger calf volume.
This boot makes use of K2 Powerfuse Spyne technology which adds reinforcements to the back of the boot allowing it to flex forward more powerfully and rebound at speed. These boots have a ramp angle and natural skier stance that is optimized for use with rocker-style skis.
- Flex:90
- Rating: 4.3/5
- Width: 103
- Level: Intermediate/advanced
Main Features:
- Easy foot entry & exit - tongue comes out far.
- More natural upright stance for less fatigue and more control over rocker skis.
- K2's Powerfuse Spyne: more forward flex power and rebound at speed.
Where to Buy:
6. Nordica Sportmachine 80 Ski Boots
- Flex: 80
- Rating: 5/5
- Width: 102/3 mm last
- Level: Intermediate/Advanced Intermediate
The Nordica Sportmachine 80 Ski Boots is a great first-time boot for women skiers that want a comfortable ski boot with a medium to wide last of 102mm (size 26) - it has a medium to wide forefoot and medium to wide-leg shape. It has a cushy liner and a wider cuff shape designed to accommodate a woman's lower calf.
It has four micro-adjustable buckles for a precise fit and an upper cuff adjustment for a really comfortable fit without feeling like you swimming around inside your boot. The boot also comes in a men's or a unisex version with a stiffer flex of 80, which would be more suited to a stronger or heavier skier.
Main Features:
- Upper cuff adjustment
- Thicker liner for warmth and comfort
- Women-specific foot shape
Where to Buy:
That’s a wrap - good job for reading this far! Below are some follow-up questions related to ski boots and my final thoughts on the topic.
What Is A Wide Ski Boot?
Ski boots' widths can be categorized into three main lasts; narrow, average, and wide. Based on the reference size of 26 (26cm length) a wide ski boot would be 102mm or wider.
A ski boot last refers to the width and the volume. Wider lasts have more internal space within the boot (vertically as well as horizontally) while narrower are slightly lower in volume.
[wptb id=5836]How Do I Know If My Boots Are Too Narrow?
If you're wearing boots that are too narrow for your feet you may feel one of the following:
- The edges of your feet are uncomfortably squeezed;
- Aches and pains across the foot;
- Burning sensation around the forefoot area.
To check if your feet are too wide for your ski boots, measure your feet and measure the width of your ski boot liner and shell minus the width of the material. Your foot should fit and have room to sit within that space without being squeezed or your boots are too narrow for you.
You Might Need Arch Support Rather Than Wider Boots
If you already own a pair of ski boots and feel squeezing or pressure it may be because your feet are not being supported enough by the standard footbed and so are splaying out sideways into the shell of the boot.
This alone can cause foot pain and it might not be because your feet are too wide. This is the number one reason why people mistakenly think they have wide feet or that their boots are too narrow. Before going out and buying new boots, try to stabilize your foot by using a custom footbed with arch support.
After reviewing many brands, one of my favorites is Superfeet GREEN - High Arch Orthotic Support which will evenly re-distribute your weight across the foot and reduce stress on the feet, ankles, and knees.
If you've tried arch support or discounted this possibility then it's time to look at wide boot options. I've reviewed all the best wide ski boots for different levels of skiers from beginners to experts below.
How To Choose A Wide Ski Boot?
There are a few things to be aware of when choosing a new ski boot:
- The correct boot last
- The correct boot stiffness (flex rating)
- A boot that matches your budget and level of skiing
The flex rating of a boot refers to how stiff or flexible the materials are. New skiers or beginners will benefit from a soft or low flex which makes it easier to transfer energy into the boot and ski at slower speeds and with less movement.
Key Takeaway: The better skier you are, the more you weigh, and the more you move your weight as you ski the more you will benefit from a higher flex.
Choosing the right flex boot will make learning to ski or improve your skiing technique much easier. Choosing the wrong flex is limiting and will make it much more challenging to progress and enjoy your time on the slopes. I cover flex in more detail in my main boot-buying guide.
[wptb id=5837]How Long Do Ski Boots Last?
Ski boots last typically last between 5-6 years or 5-200 skiing days before their performance diminishes significantly. The final number depends on how much you use them, how aggressive your skiing is, and if you have walked long distances without wearing ski boot tracks that protect the soles (I recommend Yaktrax which are light, cheap, and do a great job at protecting your shiny new boots).
When these become too worn down it makes the connection between your boots and the bindings less secure. This reduces your energy transfer and skiing performance and can be dangerous in case of extreme wear as you could be ejected from your bindings at high speed.
Read this If you’re interested in learning more on the topic of ski boot lifespan.
When Should I Replace My Boot Liners?
Boot liners wear out nearly twice as fast as ski boot shells because the materials aren’t as strong and they take the brunt of your foot’s movements. Expect 40-100 full skiing days before optimum performance diminishes.
When they get compacted out and unevenly shaped it’s time to replace them. Not only will your feet suffer but so will your skiing ability and enjoyment. Reward yourself with a nice new pair of boot liners to get the most out of your ski boots.
Here are three great options for liners that I would recommend exploring:
- Intuition Liners
- Zipfit Liners
- Foam Injected Liners (i.e Sidas )
More on this over at When to replace ski boot liners?
Can My New Boots Be Stretched?
Possible. Beginner and early intermediate boots tend to be much harder (and therefore more expensive) for a boot fitter to stretch while advanced or expert ski boots tend to be manufactured in a way that makes it easier for the boot fitter to relieve pressure points in specific places.
Stretching a ski boot involves heating the plastic shell and warping it into a precise shape by beating and pulling the materials. You can learn more about the process and the costs involved over on Will my ski boot stretch?
Do Ski Boots Fit All Ski Bindings?
Generally YES, most alpine (downhill) ski boots are compatible with downhill skis. If the ski boot is more than one size larger or smaller than the ski bindings are set to then the bindings may need to be remounted so the boots sit in the right place along the ski (for skis with bindings already mounts).
Otherwise, if it is just one size then you can adjust the position on the bindings without removing it. If you’re buying brand-new skis then you can get them mounted to the right place the first time.
Check out my other article on the subject If you want to know more about re-mounting ski bindings and how many times it can be done.
How Long Does It Take To Break In New Ski Boots?
Around 5-6 full skiing days but it depends on how aggressive you ski and the construction of your boot liners.
Wide Ski Boots For Women
Women's specific ski boots have a shell and liner profile that more closely matches the shape of the average woman's foot. They also tend to have more padding at the rear and a different cuff shape to accommodate the average women's lower calf muscle.
Women's boots are typically available in lower flexes (boot stiffness) so that it is easier to transfer power through to the ski with less muscle mass or weight relative to your boot size.
Not all women will benefit from a women's specific ski (as it depends on your individual body structure), but many women will. More on the differences between men's and women's ski boots are at the bottom of this page.
Difference Between Men and Women's Ski Boots?
All boots are ‘unisex’ and can be worn by men or women, but women-specific boots tend to have a lower flex and a wider cuff.
"Women on average have calves that are lower and wider, with feet that have a narrower heel profile and wider forefeet. Men’s ski boots can limit blood flow by putting too much pressure on the calves."
The Real Difference Between Men (Unisex) & Women’s Skis: Boots
Women’s specific boots also tend to have more white & blue or more feminine graphics. Not all women benefit from wearing a women's specific ski boot and some may prefer the fit and feel of a unisex ski boot.
The same is true for men with lower and wider calves - they can benefit from a women's specific boot or one with a suitable cuff shape. Where possible I have tried to link out to the Women's version of the wide ski boots reviewed above.
Most Rental Ski Boots Are A Wide Fit
If you’ve rented ski boots before and are considering buying new boots for yourself you might not be aware that most rental ski boots are a wide fit. This means that if you are wide-footed you might not have realized because the boots fit you fine.
If you buy medium or narrow width (and your feet are wide) then you will be extremely discomfort and your new boots may be unusable. So it’s really important to check what category of boot width you fit into before buying a pair.
Final Thoughts
That's a wrap. I hope you've narrowed it down to the best wide ski boot for your level of skiing. Be sure you're picking a boot with the right flex and within a width range that matches closest to your foot shape.
Comment below if you have any questions, and if you want to check out my other reviews or skiing tips feel free to browse.
Bonus: How To Keep Your Feet Warm?
- Wear thin & dry ski socks!
- Don’t over-tighten your lower buckles; cuts circulation
- Wear the correct size ski boots - not too big or too small!
- Don’t clench your feet - reduced blood flow.
I cover all this and much more in my full article. Read my full guide to keeping feet warm.
P.S Best Narrow Boots
If you've realized you're a narrow fit or know someone who is, then I have a duplicate of this page but specifically for narrow boots. Read Best Ski Boots For Narrow Feet.
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Hello, I'm Simon & I love skiing. I started skiing in 2007 and I founded this website to help new skiers learn everything there is to know about skiing. NewToSki.com has grown to be a trusted resource for over a million skiers to plan their ski trips each year and learn more about every aspect of skiing. Be sure to join my email list for the best tips and handpicked deals each week.
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