Lange

XT 90 Ski Boot - Women's

Backcountry exploration has officially blown up, so Lange's not offering one BC-capable boot, or even two—we haven't even counted, but it seems like it's serving up at least 340 different hike-mode-equipped kicks, and the XT 90 Women's Boot might be the most versatile of the bunch. For starters, it's built with a 100mm last that's slightly narrower than the XC 90, so you can enjoy a slightly snugger fit for more precision on the descent. 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, too, 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 XT 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 around, 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, allow us to mention the XT 90's not-so-secret weapon: the Power V-Lock 2.0 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. V-Lock 2.0 features a new metal-on-metal locking mechanism, too, so there isn't any sacrifice in downhill performance when you lock it down. That way, you don't have to worry about feeling sloppy or imprecise when you hit your secret stash after a quick hike or skin.