Lange

XC 90 Ski Boot - Women's

Pretty much every company has a boot with a hike mode these days, but Lange's XC 90 Women's Ski Boot is right out at the front of the pack. It's a Lange, so you know it can ski hard, but that doesn't mean it's exactly like the Langes you know. For starters, it's built with a 102mm last, which provides extra room to keep your feet warmer and more comfortable, whether you're skiing in bounds or out, and Lange also hooked the liner up with Thinsulate insulation, so your toes will stay cozy when you're tearing up resort powder, zipping through tight trees, or hiking to the back bowls for some creamy turns. The Thermofit liner is also fully heat-moldable, so you can heat it up and have it conform to your foot for a killer custom fit that will improve comfort and precision at the same time.

With a flex rating of 90, the XC 90 isn't the burliest boot out there, but it'll still give you a precise, reliable ride that most hiking-capable boots can't match. Like Lange's pure alpine boots, it's made with a mono-injected shell for the smoothest, most reliable flex out there, and it locks down with four micro-adjustable buckles for a killer fit with tons of hold. The Power Wrap Tongue prevents shin bang, increases blood flow, and provides a reliable feel for the front of your boot no matter the temperature. Lange also built in a shorter women's cuff to fit comfortably around your calves and included Ultra Grip soles and a grippy arch pad to help you scramble over rocks on the way to your favorite lines.

If you're not already jazzed, take a look at the XC 90's not-so-secret weapon: the Power V-Lock ski/hike system. With the flip of a switch, you can release the cuff from the shell for easy ankle articulation, which makes hiking and skiing way easier than it would otherwise be. Of course, there isn't any sacrifice in downhill performance when you lock it down, so you don't have to worry about feeling sloppy or imprecise when you hit your secret stash after a quick hike or skin.