Apex Ski Boots Review: Walkable Ski Boots Do Exist

Caroline Morse Teel is the Executive Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Caroline has a passion for adventure travel and has hiked to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the bottom of the Grand Canyon in pursuit of a good story. Follow her around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

See recent posts by Caroline Morse Teel

Every skier knows the struggle: the awkward clomping down the stairs at lunchtime, the stiff-legged shuffle to the après-ski bar, all while imprisoned in rigid, unforgiving ski boots. But what if there was another way?

Imagine this: you glide to a stop at the bottom of the hill, unclip from a high-performance ski boot frame, and stride away in the plush comfort of a snowboard-style boot. This isn’t a skier’s daydream—it’s the reality Apex Ski Boots aims to deliver.

With their innovative two-part boot system, Apex is boldly attempting what many deemed impossible: a perfect union between the cozy embrace of a snowboard boot and the precise control of a ski boot.

Curious about these new ski boots, I stopped into Sun & Ski Sports to test the Apex Blanca VS and see if they lived up to the hype.

Apex Blanca VS All Mountain Ski Boot Overview

The Apex Blanca VS is a high-performance ski boot with a radical design departure from traditional ski boots. It consists of two main components:

An inner boot: Similar to a comfortable snowboard boot
An external chassis: Provides the rigidity and support needed for skiing

This design allows skiers to walk comfortably in just the inner boot when not on the slopes, addressing one of the biggest complaints about traditional ski boots.

Pros:

Comfort: The heat-moldable liner and anatomical shell design provide a snug, comfortable fit that minimizes pressure points and fatigue.

Performance: The medium flex offers a good balance of responsiveness and forgiveness, suitable for a variety of skiing styles and terrain.

Versatility: The boots perform well on groomed runs and in powder, making them a good option for skiers who enjoy exploring the whole mountain.

Walk mode: The walk mode makes it easier to get around the resort without compromising downhill performance.

Customizable fit: The BOA lacing system allows for a precise and adjustable fit.

Warm: The inner boot provides excellent insulation.

Cons:

Price: The Blancas are significantly more expensive than many traditional ski boots. They cost $720, but at the time of writing, they were on sale at Sun & Ski Sports for $649.

Less responsive: Some advanced skiers may find them less responsive than traditional boots.

Learning curve: The unique Boa Double Cross closure system requires a bit of time to get used to.

Final Review

The Apex ski boot’s innovative design successfully addresses many long-standing complaints about traditional ski boots, most notably the discomfort of walking. However, this comes at the cost of added weight, complexity, and a higher price point.

The Apex Blanca VS could be a game-changer for skiers who have struggled with boot comfort or those looking to extend their time on the mountain without sore feet. Personally, I don’t think I’ll be able to go back to traditional ski boots after experiencing these.

Where to Buy

Ski boots are definitely not something you want to buy online. You’ll have the best results if you go to a professional boot fitter who can ensure you get the right size and model ski boot for you. When I was considering the Apex boots, I went to Sun & Ski Sports, a well-stocked store with expert boot fitters on staff.

Pick a store like Sun & Ski that has a variety of ski boot brands available so you can try on a bunch to see which fits your foot the best. The boot fitter there explained that ski boots use a Mondopoint size chart, which is based on the length of your foot in centimeters. He also noted that the conversion is approximate, and ability level, how often you ski, and foot shape all factor into your Mondopoint size—which is why you shouldn’t just use a chart online to convert your shoe size into ski boots.

Ski boots that are even slightly too big or too small can cause severe discomfort on the slopes, so getting the right size is crucial if you want to ski all day without pain.

Editor’s Note: Sun & Ski Sports provided the author of the story with a pair of Apex ski boots to review. All opinions are the author’s own.

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