Testing ski boots is more difficult than testing skis for the simple reason that testers’ foot and leg shapes are all different, and some testers have more difficult boot fit issues than others. The best boot testers understand that they are not rewarding boots that fit them best, but rather boots that deliver on the intended benefits for that model’s intended user.
We test narrows, mediums and wides. We test boots that are designed to stay on firmer, smoother surfaces (Frontside category). We test boots meant to ride chairlifts and ski everywhere on the mountain (All-Mountain Traditional category). We test boots with design features intended to make skiing easier to enjoy with enhanced entry, warmth and mobility options (All-Mountain Access category). We test boots with lightweight yet stiff construction, touring mode cuffs with soles and tech fittings compatible for use in GripWalk or so-called “tech” bindings alike, on-area or off (All-Mountain Freeride category). We even test fully uphill-oriented boots with the lightest construction in both shell and liner and the longest range of cuff mobility for touring on lightweight tech bindings (Backcountry category).
So, good boot testers (and ours are) know how to assess the fit, the stance, the on-snow performance and the features specific to each of these categories and widths without allowing their personal fit or application biases to factor into each test. Not easy, but very interesting to these odd creatures—boot testers. Many of them are bootfitters and specialty snowsports retailers, but just as many are instructors and coaches, and our test team is also full of passionate and skilled skiers who enjoy staying outside the snowsports industry altogether.
Testers assess each boot in its stock form, right out of the box (literally), first for entry and initial fit, then for stance and flex feel, and then ultimately for on-snow descent performance. Boots with walk or touring modes are additionally assessed with the cuff released for walking range-of-motion and quality but are not tested in full, uphill skinning mode at our test.
Testers use America’s Best Bootfitters’ smartphone test app to record their fit and stance impressions as well as their final scores in five categories: Anatomical Fit & Initial Feel, Dynamic Balance, Edge Power, Quickness & Steering, Convenience Warmth & Features. Each criterion is awarded a score, 1-5, with a 5 being the best. Boots that receive a score of 4.50 or better are awarded a Best of Test gold medal, boots that receive a score of 4.25-4.49 are awarded a Best of Category silver medal, and boots that receive a score of 4.00-4.24 are awarded an Editor’s Choice bronze medal.
In exchange for their help, our highly esteemed, volunteer testers receive (aside from knowledge, glory and our greatest appreciation) a tester-support kit made possible by some of the very best brands in snowsports, our sponsors: Red Bull Spect goggles, Le Bent socks, Flylow outerwear and accessories, BlackStrap face gear, Level gloves, Pistil Designs hats and caps, and Pret helmets. These brands make our exacting test schedule more enjoyable—and we do our best to spread the word that they’ll make any skier’s day on the hill more successful, too.
Last, but far from least, Mt. Bachelor ski resort plays a critical role in enabling us to produce the most (and best) boot reviews, worldwide, and it has since the late 80’s! The mid-mountain Pine Marten Lodge serves as our testing headquarters, letting testers exit directly onto snow and descend to any one of eight different high-speed chairs from which they can decide where to test a particular model. Most testers utilize a similar set of runs and routes for a consistent testing protocol, but the mountain in early April is 100-percent open, with full operating hours and a vast array of snow conditions and terrain available to testers, 360-degrees around the volcano. Mt. Bachelor offers the best spring conditions in the country and the best boot testing facility we’ve found anywhere, so we’re happy and fortunate to call it home.
