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Dalbello Visio 7/W

$350

This is another great value Dalbello. The open throat lower is co-molded with thinner, softer plastic on both sides of the forefoot to minimize pressure on sensitive bony protrusions. A hidden fabric band zig-zaging across the forefoot area of the open throat from medial side to lateral and back is attached to the lower buckle. When closed, the buckle draws the two sides together for excellent forefoot hold down. A soft-hard flex adjuster (plus free hinging walk mode) and a heel inclinator complete the features package. The Visio 7 is pre-wired to accept Therm-ic boot warmers.

On the Hill

Despite using only two ratchet buckles for closure, our testers judged this best performing in class with top marks in seven of 10 categories. At moderate speeds on cruising terrain it provides high energy control and a comfortable fit. The flex adjuster provides demonstrable differences in resistance. It is an excellent transitional boot that will take a beginner well into the intermediate ranks.

Beware: Instep is a bit low.

EASE OF ENTRY/EXIT: Slippery material on spine makes for smooth entry and exit.

EASE OF ADJUSTMENTS: Ratchet buckles require a little wrasslin', especially to macro set.

EFFECT OF ADJUSTMENTS: Double ratchet over forefoot provides for long, effective range of adjustment

LINER: Conforms nicely. Ladies boot has toasty fleece. Pre-wired heating is nice touch.

CLOSURE SYSTEM: A bit tedious but functional.

LATERAL QUICKNESS: Snappy. On groomed terrain turns were charged.

REAR SUPPORT: Soft. If you venture into the dark side you will need to work to stay centered.

FORWARD FLEX: Stay out of the junk. It has a long range of uninhibited travel.

STEERING POWER: Lateral strength gives it solid control in appropriate conditions.

DYNAMIC COMFORT: Quite comfortable but those with high insteps will take a bruising.

Salomon Verse 6.0/W

$385

Salomon calls the open throat shell design it uses on the Verse ‘Cabriolet construction.' The name seems appropriately evocative of Volkswagen's quirky Cabriolet convertible automobile that women especially seemed to fall for. The 6.0, at the top of the Verse collection, is unabashedly aimed at the comfort cute market. It has a radically different look and cosmetics that people seem to either hate or embrace with verve. With two buckles and a speed lacking liner creating retention, it is not a boot designed for those who ski fast, far or long. There are a couple of basic adjustments: the buckles are micro spinners, the spoiler sets in one of two positions; a ‘bar switch' (ski/walk mode) truly eases standing when you're knocking back cocktails apres ski.

On the Hill

You gotta love its personality and gizmology because simplicity and looks aren't going to make this relationship work.. Said one female tester, “Ugly, so ugly. Color, material…I guess the shape is OK.” Still she said she would highly recommend it to the rental shop where she instructs as it does everything a comfort boot should. The speed lacing gives it a snug feel even though it is a bit cumbersome to realign the Velcro matrix back into place. It has an even, smooth flex and carefree transfer from edge to edge. Just don't expect a lot of control.

Beware: Loosen forefoot laces before entering or you'll feel like your forcing square peg into round hole.

EASE OF ENTRY/EXIT: A matter of personal preference. Many felt it easy but several testers complained the speed-lacing was too cumbersome. “Worse than lacing skates,” said one.

EASE OF ADJUSTMENTS: Buckles engage solidly and spin easily, speed lacing snugged effectively. Walk/ski mode requires significant force to engage.

EFFECT OF ADJUSTMENTS: No question you can toss down a Cosmopolitan with ease when set in walk mode. Macro-set buckle requires furnished Allen key to move.

LINER: There's that speed lacing thing again. Tab on tongue makes boots easy to carry.

CLOSURE SYSTEM: Power strap is flimsy. Lace system does give liner very good sense of close fit.

LATERAL QUICKNESS: Shell is spongy soft but transfer is smooth.

REAR SUPPORT: Adequate to finish turns at moderate speed skiing.

FORWARD FLEX: Soft with long travel. Easy to get forward for beginners.

STEERING POWER: Like a stubborn dog, will not be pushed to do its business quickly. At its best in a slow stroll.

DYNAMIC COMFORT: Even the princess couldn't complain about this pea. Super-easy to loosen on chairlift if you're hyper-sensitive.

Tecnica 7 Senses 7.5

$400

It's called 7 Senses but let's face it: all that really counts in ski boot design is touch. Tecnica has identified seven critical boot fit areas (hence the name) and addressed them to maximize comfort and convenience. It ‘windows' construction (no Microsoft collaboration involved) replaces shell plastic with patches of fabric in sensitive areas like the ankle, forefoot, instep and heel base. That eases the possibility of pressure points without compromising shell integrity. The three-buckle boot uses an open throat design with no frills beyond Tecnica's hinged Rapid Access cuff for a welcoming entry.

On the Hill

Our tester loved the simplicity (there's nothing to fiddle with beyond the three micro-adjustable buckles) and cushy comfort. A wide last combined with the soft zones make this boot a magnet for skiers with wide forefeet and ankles who put comfort at the top of their prerequisites. It does not want to go fast or move through turn shapes quickly but it is exceptionally easy on the feet and has more than enough to let you enjoy a day on the hill with the kids.

Beware: Fits big and wide.

EASE OF ENTRY/EXIT: Like its been greased.

EASE OF ADJUSTMENTS: Plug and play. Nothing except buckles to adjust.

EFFECT OF ADJUSTMENTS: Lack of macro-adjust on top buckle makes it difficult for skiers with thin calves to snug.

LINER: Plush, heavily padded.

CLOSURE SYSTEM: Range of adjustment not wide enough to accommodate bulk of bell curve.

LATERAL QUICKNESS: No quick cuts permitted. Adequate for getting along on moderately tilted groomers.

REAR SUPPORT: Soft and forgiving. Will not provide correction if you get in back seat so stay centered.

FORWARD FLEX: Soft, easy, promotes turn initiation.

STEERING POWER: At intended speed will get you nicely from points A to B.

DYNAMIC COMFORT: Remarkably cushy but high in overall volume. Only for those with meaty feet.

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