Freeride skiers who earn some of their turns will want to look at the Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 120 BOA. It blends a stiff 120 downhill flex with a real walk mode and a generous range of cuff motion, all on a medium-volume 100mm last. Inbounds or in the backcountry, it is built to climb decently and ski hard.

Why we like it:

The Free/Lock 4.5 walk mechanism and Frictionless Pivot open up a 54-degree range of cuff motion, which is a genuine stride for a boot that still skis at a 120 flex. We also like the Investment Cast Tech Inserts in the shell, which add structure right where a freeride boot takes a beating.

Who it's for:

This is for advanced and expert skiers who split their time between lifts and skinning and refuse to give up downhill performance for it. The 100mm medium-volume last fits an average-width foot. It suits anyone who wants one boot for resort laps and the occasional tour rather than two separate setups.

Highlights:

The walk mode is the centerpiece: Free/Lock 4.5 with a Frictionless Pivot delivers 54 degrees of cuff motion for the climb, then locks down solid for the descent. A BOA H+i1 Single Pull dial closes the lower shell evenly, while 7000-series aluminum tour buckles handle the cuff. Prolite construction with Investment Cast Tech Inserts keeps the build light but reinforced, and Memory Fit lets a bootfitter heat-mold the shell to your foot. The Mimic Platinum liner is fully heat moldable with a Power Ankle Lock and an Achilles Flex Zone for easier striding. GripWalk-compatible Complete Tech soles, a 40mm velcro strap, and adjustable forward lean across 13, 15, and 17 degrees complete it.

Things to consider:

This is a freeride-touring boot, so the climbing focus means it gives up a little outright stiffness and power to a pure alpine 120. There are no pin-style tech toe fittings here, so it pairs with GripWalk-compatible alpine and hybrid bindings rather than lightweight tech setups. The walk mode adds a moving part that a strictly resort skier simply will not use.

Fit & sizing considerations:

The 100mm last is a medium-volume fit for an average-width foot. As a stiff 120-flex boot, it is worth working with an experienced bootfitter to get the heat-moldable shell and liner dialed. The BOA shell closure also gives you room to fine-tune fit over the forefoot.