Gear Review: Rossignol BC X-11 Nordic Boots

“These boots provide serious warmth and ankle stability,” said our tester after skiing Colorado’s Indian Peaks Wilderness in the three-pin adaptable X-11s. Comfort comes from a plush, padded tongue, heat-moldable liner, and a nifty inner lace-up cuff encapsulated in a zippered neoprene outer one. Not one drop of melted snow penetrated the system, meaning our tester’s feet stayed dry all day. (Flagrant creek-splashing is not recommended, as water will eventually soak through.)

Stability comes from two ratcheting buckles which prevent heel slippage; and plastic stays along the inner and outer ankle provide power to finesse tele turns in soft snow. Tip: They run slightly small, so size up by a half size. $280; 2 lbs. 6 oz. (43); unisex 36-48; rossignol.com