For light weight, good fit and strong performance while skating, try out one of these new 2024 models.
Fischer Carbonlite Skate
$500 | fischerskis.com | 1,080g/pair (42; unisex) | 950g/pair (38; women’s)
One step down from Fischer’s World Cup–level Speedmax Skate but built on the same two-piece outsole, the Carbonlite Skate has several redesigned features, most notably a new carbon-fused cuff and chassis that decreased weight by 50 grams per pair and increased energy transfer. “I felt a strong connection to the ski,” agreed one reviewer. Overall, testers praised all aspects of the boot: fit, comfort, warmth, easy on-and-off, the snug lacing system and stiff sole. “Excellent flex and lateral stability,” said a tester, while another called the boot “supportive in all the right places.” For the expert skier who wants near top-line performance without the top-line price, this boot has their number. As one tester summarized, “If you want a good all-around boot without spending $800, get this one.”
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Atomic Redster S9 Carbon
$740 | atomic.com | 920g/pair (42)
The brand-new Redster S9 Carbon is Atomic’s lightest skate boot ever, and it’s also the lightest overall in this year’s test. It has the same single-piece carbon outsole that Atomic introduced in its top-tier classic boot last year and an all-carbon cuff, too. Fans of this specialty boot appreciated its stiffness, snug fit and energy transmission, though some disliked the traditional tie-down lacing system. It takes a certain skier to love this boot—racers more concerned with shaving off seconds than reveling in comfort—but love it they will. “Performance-wise, it’s excellent,” said one tester. “Yes, it lacks the comfort of other skate boots in this category, but it excels in sheer power transfer.” Another reviewer enthused, “One of my favorite skate boots.”
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Rossignol X-ium Skate
$400 | rossignol.com | 1,060g/pair (42)
In many ways, this overhauled boot resembles its top-tier sibling, the X-ium WCS Skate. Both have an asymmetrical support system, which has extra carbon injected into the cuff and heel counter on each boot’s inner side, to better withstand the strong forces during push-off. And fit and weight are now similar. Testers noticed the upgrade. “Fits really well, much more comfortable than in prior years,” wrote one. Another appreciated the “nice tight heel pocket.” That said, testers found the boot hard to get on and off. The lower-priced X-ium Skate isn’t as stiff as the World Cup version, and its heel counter is injected, rather than full, carbon. Nonetheless, for advanced skaters, it’s, per a tester, “a very stable boot that gives a lot of support.”
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Rossignol X-10 Skate
$350 | rossignol.com | 1,110g/pair (42)
This long-running performance boot, a step below the expert race category, has been updated with a new inner boot that better cradles the foot. (The women’s-specific X-10 is also narrower from the heel through the mid-foot.) The difference is palpable. “These were nice to have on,” reported a tester who said Rossignol boots haven’t fit him well in the past. In general, testers liked the X-10 Skate’s comfort, power transfer and easy lacing system. Where the boot fell short for some was in torsional stiffness (“bigger skiers will want more stiffness in the sole,” noted one, while another called the boot “too soft”). But that shouldn’t deter recreational skaters. Said a reviewer, “For the non-racer or rec racer, this is all the boot they need.”
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Salomon RS8
$260 | salomon.com | 1,020g/pair (42)
Introduced last year but not available in time to test, the RS8 was redesigned with a slightly-less-stiff two-piece sole. Reviewers noted the comfortable fit (including a big toe box), easy on/off and grippy sole for easy walking. The RS8 includes a Thinsulate lining of recycled fibers, another feature testers liked. “Super-comfy and warm, if a bit heavy,” commented one. One step below Salomon’s race line, the RS8 is not as torsionally stiff as those higher-end skate models, and a few testers bemoaned that lack of lateral support. For the recreational skater, though, the boot’s comfort and ease of use are a compelling draw. The cuff on the women’s-specific RS8 Vitane better accommodates wider calves and a microfleece lining adds warmth.
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Atomic Redster S9
$500 | atomic.com | 1,060g/pair (42)
A tier down from its new carbon sibling, the Redster S9 is for racers who are reluctant to shell out for the World Cup version but still demand premier performance. This boot was rebuilt from the ground up and significantly streamlined; like the S9 Carbon, it has a one-piece carbon outsole that wraps around the sole and heel, but the cuff is carbon infused. “A high-performance race boot that lives up to the category,” lauded one reviewer. “Good control and power transfer,” said another. Fit was an issue for some. A couple of testers found the boot too narrow, while others had trouble cinching down the lacing system and adjusting the cuff for comfort. So try before you buy, but if the boot fits, it could be a winner.
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Atomic Redster S7
$300 | atomic.com | 1,140g/pair (42)
The third boot in Atomic’s Redster line (there is no S8), the redesigned S7 has improved fit and performance. The biggest change is the sleek new carbon-infused cuff, which significantly boosts lateral support. Additionally, a higher inner boot provides more support and warmth, and a slightly wider forefoot delivers a roomier fit. Unlike the high-end S9 boots, this one has a Prolink racing outsole. Nonetheless, the sole and heel counter are stiff enough to provide plenty of energy transfer and stability for sporty skaters and aspiring racers. Testers called the boot comfortable and a cinch to get into, thanks in part to the new quick-lace system that helps dial in fit. “A good boot for recreational skiers,” summed up a tester.
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