The Best Ski Boots for Wide Feet—From Resort to Backcountry
Overview: Wide feet often need a high-volume ski boot, meaning a last of 102 millimeters or wider, though some wide-footed skiers do fine in medium-volume boots with lasts of 100- to 101 millimeters. We highlighted seven boots with lasts from 100 millimeters to 103.5 millimeters, including men’s and women’s options and one backcountry touring boot.
Wide feet are a problem for skiers. Take it from someone whose bootfitter once called hers “platypus feet.” My forefoot is wide, I have basically no arch, and my heel, ankle, and calf are skinny. That wide forefoot points me toward a wider last and “high volume” boots, but my flat foot swims in them, with way too much room between my instep and the boot ceiling and around my ankle and calf. So what do I do? I stuff my platypus feet into low-volume boots that keep them snug, then work with a bootfitter to stretch and grind out the toebox.
For skiers with more typical wide feet (a wide forefoot, a higher instep, and proportionally bigger ankles and calves), the fix is usually far simpler: try on a few boots with a last of 100 millimeters or more, either a generous mid-volume or a high-volume model, and see what fits.
Why do so many of these boots all have BOA dials, you ask? Because whether you like them or not, you can’t argue that BOA makes it easier to fine-tune the fit and wrap above the instep. Here are our testers’ favorite boots for skiers with wide feet, high insteps, and thicker calves, all available in multiple flexes for men and women. And remember: boot fit is highly specific to your foot shape. To find the best boot for you, visit your local ski shop and work with a professional bootfitter.
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