Getting in and out of a ski boot has always been the worst part of the day, and the Atomic Nexus 120 BOA is built to fix that. It pairs a genuinely easy entry-and-exit design with a stiff 120 flex and a roomy 101mm last, so convenience does not come at the cost of real skiing performance. For skiers who want a high-performance boot without the parking-lot struggle, this new model delivers.

Why we like it:

NexStep construction with its QuickFlip rear lever is the reason this boot exists, and it works: flip the lever, step in, flip it back, and you are locked into a true overlap-shell fit. The Set-and-Forget buckle is the other nice touch, adjusted once for cuff volume and then simply left alone.

Who it's for:

A boot for intermediate to advanced all-mountain skiers who want strong performance but are tired of fighting their boots at the car. The 101mm last and high-volume fit make it a natural home for wider feet and higher insteps. It also suits anyone whose hands or back make wrestling a stiff overlap boot a chore.

Highlights:

NexStep is the foundation, connecting an overlap-shell construction, which is what gives the boot its skiing performance, to a QuickFlip rear lever that opens the boot wide for step-in and step-out. A BOA H+i1 Single Pull dial closes the lower shell with even, micro-adjustable tension, while the Set-and-Forget buckle handles the cuff with a one-time adjustment. The shell uses Prolite construction for a strong-but-light build and Memory Fit so a bootfitter can heat-mold it to your foot. Inside, the Mimic Platinum liner is fully heat moldable with a Power Ankle Lock to keep the heel planted. A 40mm velcro strap and GripWalk soles round it out.

Things to consider:

The Nexus is a brand-new concept for Atomic, so it is worth trying on to see how the entry system suits you. At a 101mm last with a high-volume fit, narrow-footed skiers may find it too generous through the forefoot and instep. And while the 120 flex is genuinely stiff, the easy-entry focus means hardcore racers chasing the last few percent of response may want something more traditional.

Fit & sizing considerations:

This is a high-volume boot at heart, with a 101mm last that favors wider feet. As a stiff 120-flex model, it is worth working with an experienced bootfitter to take full advantage of the heat-moldable shell and liner. The BOA shell closure gives you additional room to fine-tune fit over the forefoot.