Powder aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
The unfortunate reality of skiing is that, for many of us, "comfort" and "boots" are two words that rarely appear in the same sentence. Of course, there are ways to remedy that situation, like visiting a qualified bootfitter, conditioning your feet, and focusing on proper ski technique. But for most recreational skiers, finding comfortable boots that perform even remotely well has proven to be challenging. While we tend to focus on the latest and greatest high-performance ski gear here at POWDER, we're not blind to the incredible innovations that brands have come up with to cater to everyday skiers. The fact is, most folks on the mountain aren't in need of 130+ flex, 97mm-lasted freeride boots. They'd be far happier to be out on a pair of ski boots designed specifically at comfort.
Lange just dropped a new line of boots that's aimed squarely at that market, offering the tech found in their highest-performance boots (like the Suspension Blade from the Shadow 130MV) in a package suited for all-day comfort. In fact, Lange's marketing language specifically calls out "Carefree and Painless Ski Days," which should be music to the ears of many skiers.
The Lange Concept 12 and Concept 10 ski boots.
The new Lange Concept line features four men's and four women's boots, ranging from 75 to 120 flex. First launched in the mid-aughts, Lange's Concept line is coming back to cater directly to recreational, purely "for-fun" skiers.
The stiffer models use a single BOA H+i1 system to close the lower of the boot, while the softer-flexing models use a new buckle/cable system to allow for even easier entry. That buckle/cable combo, combined with a softer plastic over the instep and a specially-designed liner promise to remove the need for awkwardly prying the boot open with cold hands to get it on and off.
The boots all offer a stated 103mm flex, GripWalk soles for compatibility with any modern binding, and warm, comfortable liners. Another selling point? Price. The entry-level Concept 7.5 W boots start at $399, not bad compared to pro-level boots going for north of $1000 these days.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!