What To Look For
"Soft ski boots" originally referred to a specific line of Rossignol boots introduced in 2003 that cut away some of the plastic in the boot and replaced it with leather to allow for a more flexible boot that was supposed to result in easier turns. Though several other companies, including Kneissl, introduced similar models, the soft boot revolution never really caught on.
In 2009, Apex, a company based in Colorado, announced a new ski boot to reintroduce people to the concept of a soft ski boot. The Apex design melds a softer, snowboarding-type boot that the skier laces up, at which point the skier places the boot inside a carbon chassis that locks into the ski bindings. The new design is supposed to give skiers the benefits of a soft, walking-type boot with the performance needed for downhill skiing.
Salomon also makes a boot called the X3 Lab Soft, though it is anything but a soft boot; it is designed for hard charging skiers looking for a stiff boot that they can race hard in.
Common Pitfalls
Ski boot comfort for most skiers is all about flex. Most companies offer several different flex levels of the same boot so that skiers can choose stiffer models for higher performance or more flexible for comfort.
Regardless of what flex you choose a ski boot in, getting the boot properly fitted will make it much more comfortable. This means taking it to a custom boot fitter who can add custom footbeds to the liner and mold the shell to make it feel like an extension of your foot.
Where To Buy
Recreational-level ski boots can be bought at most specialty ski retailers. Skiers looking to get a pair of the original soft boots will have to look on eBay, Craigslist or some other used venue since they have not been made in about five years. The new Apex boot is being sold at specialty ski retailers in Colorado.
Cost
Recreational-level ski boots typically cost $300-$400, though having a boot customized can run another $200-$300. The new Apex boot retails for $1,295. The X3 Lab Soft retails for $899.
Comparison Shopping
Salomon offers the Mission 4 as its comfort-oriented boot for $199. Rossignol markets the Exalt X60 at $250.
