The Best Ski Boots of Winter 2024 (plus what 'Flex', 'Gripwalk' & BOA means)

Iain and Al pick the best new ski boots for winter 2024, plus we explain the difference between the cuff, shell and liner, demystify ‘Flex’, powerstraps and GripWalk, and cover why you shouldn’t buy ski boots to match your outfit!   This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has been made possible by Ellis Brigham - the winter sports specialists.   They have 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for this winter. Alternatively, simply go to their website at ellis-brigham.com to buy online now. SHOW NOTES Listen to our Ski Boot Special Episode with Al and Colin Martin (2:00) Don't buy to match your outfit (“They’re tools not jewels”) Work with a bootfitter “Like a wand in Harry Potter, the ski boot chooses your foot" (3:00) What is the difference between the cuff and the shell? (3:45) What is the liner? (4:30) Why is a footbed important (5:00) How important are the buckles and what is BOA? (7:00) Find out more about the BOA system in Episode 187 (7:30) What is a powerstrap? (9:00) What is ‘walk mode’? (10:00) What is ‘Gripwalk’? (11:00) What is ‘Flex’? (12:00) Sustainability trends in ski boots (13:45) How are men’s and women’s ski boots designed differently? (19:15) What is a hybrid ski boot? (33:00) THE BEST SKI BOOTS OF WINTER 2024 Nordica Speedmachine 3 85 GW (18:00) A women’s boot with excellent technical features for just £320. A perfect first boot for an aspiring skier. Nordica HF 110 GW (20:00) Nordica have nailed with this ‘rear entry’ boot, making it so easy to get in and out of (the HF stands for ‘hands free’), but without compromising on performance. £430 Salomon S/Pro Supra BOA 95 (23:30) Al’s pick as the ‘best looking ski boot out there’, but using the new BOA cable system to cinch your feet in place perfectly. £430 K2 Recon 120 BOA GW (25:30) K2 ‘puts a lot of fun into skiing’, according to Al. The positioning of the BOA has made a big difference, making this a great option for advanced skiers. £550 Atomic Backland XTD Carbon 120 (29:00) The ultimate option for ski touring. £700 There are links above to all the boots we mentioned here today, all of which are available at Ellis Brigham - the winter sports specialists. They have 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for this winter. Alternatively, simply go to their website at ellis-brigham.com to buy online now – however, please note that we do not recommend you buy ski boots online. Please do go to a store and get fitted properly.  Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email [email protected]  If you like the podcast, there are two things you can do to help:    1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it genuinely helps other listeners find us 2) Subscribe – so you never miss an episode   You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast