NORDICA Men's HF 100 Durable Warm Insulated Water-Resistant Easy-Entry All-Mountain Touring Ski Boots with Instep Volume Control

I loved my Salomon SX 81 rear entry boots from back in the early 80s. I hated giving them up almost two decades ago. When I saw that Nordica had reintroduced the rear entry boot, I jumped at the chance to buy them. I couldn't find a ski shop that carried them locally, so I took a chance ordering them online.While the backs do not "lower" as much as my old Salomons, they open enough to easily slide your foot into the boot without being pinched to death. I've been skiing for 55-years and at this point, I have a bit of arthritis in the knuckle of my left big toe. While I love my Dalbello boots, they can literally be a pain putting on and taking off. These Nordica boots are comfortable from the start and especially so if you have a wide foot and high instep. They are designed with a LAST of 102mm (meaning for a wide foot - many boots have a LAST of 100 or smaller). There's an adjustable buckle to tighten the boot across the top/instep of your foot. The latch to close the boot from the rear is also adjustable. This is especially nice since I have wide muscular calves and my Dalbello boots are almost too narrow at the top to close. My calves hurt at the end of a long day.Now the negative. All boots ski a bit differently and this is no different. For whatever reason, I have a slightly tougher time getting a nice sharp edge into the snow. For icy conditions, my more uncomfortable Dalbellos probably help me edge a turn a little better. I'm not quite sure why, though I admit I've only been out two days with my Nordica boots so I'm still getting used to them. I wonder if I should have purchased 110 boots instead of 100.These things said, the Nordica HF 100 is a comfortable boot that will last all day. I teach skiing part-time and I think my feet will love me for buying these.

So easy on/off and very comfortable skiing!

I have a surgically fused ankle and these were by far the easiest boots to get in and out of I’ve ever owned. Really comfortable as well

Very easy to use and sits perfectly.

As of 2022 there appears to be only 2 manufacturers making this type of boot. The other one is ALPINA R4.0 REAR ENTRY SKI BOOTS that are half the price or even lower at end of the season sales. the alpina model only comes in full sizes 265 275 285 etc... whereas this Nordica offers half sizes 265 270 275etc...by using a larger inside liner. Typically the shell is only manufactured in full sizes and a thicker inside liner allows for the 1/2 size - sort of like wearing thicker sox . Multiple nordica models HF110 HF100 note not all sizes mention free returns