As you’d expect with modern ski boots, the latest and greatest models are bursting with special features. All have micro-adjustable buckles, for a truly honed hold, with curved Grip Walk soles as standard, or available as extra. They’re just one innovation that will transform your experience on the slopes – these rubber soles are far more grippy and easier to walk in than a regular hard, flat ski boot sole.

Women’s models have also come on leaps and bounds. They are designed especially for the female form with lower cuffs, or cut-outs in the rear, to accommodate the lower position of a women’s calf. Their shape, flex and closure design can all work better for female skiers, compared to traditional unisex or male-specific designs.

This season is unusual for many reasons, but when it comes to kitting yourself out for the slopes even though brands have brought out new ski boots, like the incredible new Head Formula boot, these won’t really hit UK stores until next winter – leaving eager shoppers somewhat hanging.

However, on the flip side, following an exceedingly challenging winter for the UK ski industry last year, there is a lot of stock left over that didn’t get sold. Therefore, you’ll find a mix of old and new colours in-store and online. For example, Dalbello has a new white graphic for their women’s Panterra 95 but in the UK you can currently only get the darker Black Glitter colour. While disheartening for those skiers keen to have the latest look, it does mean, in some cases, more variety.

Here we’ve covered the crème de la crème of the boots you can currently get from British retailers.

Women

Best for freeriding femmes

K2 Mindbender 90 Alliance, £405

A killer boot for those wanting to hike for powder tracks and ski hard. Excellent skiing performance combined with low weight and good range of motion in walk mode.