Winter 2025-26 is shaping up to be the most exciting season for new ski boots in years. The theme is clear: better fit, more customization, and downhill power without sacrificing comfort. From new Dual BOA boots to Armada’s first-ever boot, the lineup of the best ski boots for 2026 is deeper and more expansive than ever. BOA ski boots, freeride race hybrids, and refined liners are setting the tone for this season. We did quite a bit of boot testing last season. Here are some of our thoughts.
Dual BOA Takes Over
The BOA takeover is real. What started as a lower-shell convenience feature has turned into a full-blown offering, and we’re here for it. For 25/26, Atomic drops the Hawx Ultra Dual BOA with independent dials on the cuff and shell, giving skiers the ability to fine-tune fit like never before. Salomon follows with the S/Pro Supra Dual BOA, and Head dropped their biggest boot project we can think of in recent history with the Kaliber boots. Nordica introduced Dual BOA into its insanely popular Speedmachine line.
Freeride Boots with Race DNA
If you want stiffness and precision, brands are finally bridging the gap between race boots and freeride designs. Atomics’ brand-new Remedy 130 ski boot is a perfect example: a narrow 96 mm last, a race-inspired overlap shell, and enough shock absorption to offer a smooth ride regardless of terrain. Tecnica refines its Mach1 LV line with smarter shaping around the instep and ankle. Lange has also overhauled the Shadow liners for a more anatomical and precise fit without losing any ground on all-day comfort. Lange also brings the Shadow HV to the table for wider feet. K2 launches the Cortex for solid skiers who want a solid LV boot. Fischer overhauled the RC4 line to include a true LV option and improved the liners, fit, and performance. The idea is simple: take race DNA, and make it work for all-mountain skiers who demand all-mountain versatility and performance.
New Players and Fresh Ideas
The big surprise for 25/26? Armada is officially in the ski boot game. Their AR ONE MV launches as a 3-piece, Mid-Volume, cabrio boot with adjustable forward lean, a progressive flex, and a clever “Slingshot” instep buckle that locks your heel down without crushing the top of your foot. It’s built for freestyle and freeride skiers who want smooth flex without sacrificing support. K2 is also launching its Cortex boot. The K2 Cortex is a low-volume, high-performance boot that is the best skiing K2 boot we’ve seen in a long time.
Related Gear + Guides
Pair It Up: The Marker Griffon or Griffon X is the go-to binding to match with new all-mountain ski boots. Reliable release, proven retention, and built to handle everything from hardpack to pow. → Shop Marker Griffon Bindings
Need Help With Fit? Choosing the right size and last is just as important as the boot itself. Check out our Ski Boot Fitting Guide for tips on finding the perfect fit before you buy. → Read the Ski Boot Fitting Guide
Looking for Skis Too? Don’t miss our roundup of the Top Tested All-Mountain Skis for 2026 — a perfect complement to the new ski boots dropping this year. → See the Top Skis of 2026
Final Take
The best new ski boots for the 2025-2026 season are all about versatility and fit. Whether you want the locked-in, high-performance feel of the Atomic Remedy 130 or K2 Cortex, are interested in what a dual BOA boot has to offer, or the freestyle-focused Armada AR ONE, there’s something new worth trying on. This season isn’t just about lighter plastics or stiffer cuffs; it’s about boots that ski well and feel better on your feet. If you’ve been waiting to upgrade, 2026 is the year.
FAQ: New Ski Boots 2025-2026
What are the best ski boots for 2026? The standouts are the Atomic Hawx boots, Salomon S/Pro Supra Dual BOA, Atomic Remedy 130, Tecnica Mach1 boots, and Armada’s new AR ONE. Each brings something new to the table. There are plenty more options out there, check ‘em out here.
Are BOA ski boots worth it? Yes, they offer an even wrap around your foot, fit a wide variety of foot shapes, and are easier to fine-tune compared to buckles. The difference between BOA and buckles really comes down to personal preference. A good fit remains king, regardless of how you close your boots.
Which ski boots are best for freeride skiing in 2026? The Atomic Remedy 130, K2 Cortex, and Armada AR ONE MV stand out. The Remedy blends race-level power and precision with freeride comfort, the Cortex does the same, and the AR ONE is a smooth-flexing 3-piece boot perfect for freeride skiers who like to mix in park laps or creative lines.
👇 Check out our full podcast episode covering our top boots for 25-26.