Atomic Backland Carbon Alpine Touring Boot Black/Red, 25.5

If you're the type of skier who is willing to go the extra mile for better lines, and doesn't like to be held back by extra ounces and sub-par range of motion in walk mode, then the Atomic Backland Carbon Alpine Touring Boot is everything you need. It's impressively light, weighing in at just over four pounds per pair, and a generous 72-degree range of motion in walk mode perfectly complements its light weight by actually allowing you to take full, efficient strides, whether you're in for a long, flat slog or tackling steep switchbacks. The boot comes with Atomic's stiff Quick Click tongue, which can be removed for more comfort and mobility on climbs, and easily snaps back on for the descent. The Grilamid shell is to thank for the Backland Carbon's low weight, but it that doesn't mean there's any sacrifice in downhill performance due to the carbon reinforcements, which make the boot stiff and also maintains a consistent flex in different temperatures. Atomic added a carbon spine, too, providing smooth power transfer from the boot to the ski for better control on steep, technical descents. Thankfully, all this performance doesn't come at the price of comfort. The shell and plush liner are both fully thermo-moldable so you can customize the boot to the shape of your foot for added precision, and the three-point closure system wraps your foot securely to keep it in place as you lay on your edges. Complete with rockered rubber soles for more efficient walking and a reliable grip on slick bootpacks, the Backland Carbon is ready to take you longer distances for more epic turns.

Price: $390.85 from Backcountry