Skiers with wide feet can choose from a range of boots designed to add room without sacrificing performance. A new guide recommends trying models with lasts of 100 millimeters or wider, though some skiers may find a medium-volume boot more comfortable than a high-volume one. The featured lineup includes seven options for resort skiing and one backcountry touring boot, with men’s and women’s flex choices available across the selection.
The models span last widths from 100 to 103.5 millimeters. They include the Rossignol Hi-Speed HV BOA and Fischer Premio BOA, both with 102-millimeter lasts; the 100-millimeter Nordica Speedmachine 3 BOA DD; and the Dalbello Veloce Space Dual and Atomic Nexus BOA, each at 101 millimeters. The Salomon S/Pro Delta BOA has a 102-millimeter last, while the Dynafit Radical Pro touring boot is the widest at 103.5 millimeters.
The guide describes different strengths across the group. Testers praised the Rossignol for its convenient entry and performance, though its fit felt snugger than expected. The Fischer offers generous room and a square toebox, while the Nordica combines space through the forefoot, instep and calf with a secure fit around the heel and ankles. The Dalbello was noted for its shin and toebox fit and strong skiing performance, although testers found it somewhat difficult to put on.
The Atomic is designed to be easy to enter and provides extra space over the foot and instep, but may be too roomy for skiers with low insteps. The Salomon pairs an accommodating fit with stronger-than-expected performance, though some very wide feet may need additional adjustments. For touring, the Dynafit offers a wide fit, progressive flex and a 60-degree range of motion; its roomy shape may feel excessive for some skiers.
Boot width is described by the last, the internal forefoot width measured on a size 26 or 26.5 shell. It also offers an indication of overall boot volume, including space over the instep and around the lower leg. Wider lasts often come with a higher instep and roomier cuff, but width alone does not determine whether a boot will fit well. Some wide-footed skiers are comfortable in medium-volume models, and individual foot shapes can make the same boot feel very different from one person to another.
The boots were assessed by 10 expert testers, evenly split between men and women, who skied 50 models over two weeks and averaged three runs per boot across varying conditions. The guide advises trying several options in a ski shop and working with a professional bootfitter, since fit depends on the skier’s particular foot and leg shape.
Sources: Outside.