2027 Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 120 BOA Ski Boots

Freeride skiers who earn some of their turns will want to look at the Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 120 BOA. It blends a stiff 120 downhill flex with a real walk mode and a generous range of cuff motion, all on a medium-volume 100mm last. Inbounds or in the backcountry, it is built to climb decently and ski hard.

Why we like it:

The Free/Lock 4.5 walk mechanism and Frictionless Pivot open up a 54-degree range of cuff motion, which is a genuine stride for a boot that still skis at a 120 flex. We also like the Investment Cast Tech Inserts in the shell, which add structure right where a freeride boot takes a beating.

Who it's for:

This is for advanced and expert skiers who split their time between lifts and skinning and refuse to give up downhill performance for it. The 100mm medium-volume last fits an average-width foot. It suits anyone who wants one boot for resort laps and the occasional tour rather than two separate setups.

Highlights:

The walk mode is the centerpiece: Free/Lock 4.5 with a Frictionless Pivot delivers 54 degrees of cuff motion for the climb, then locks down solid for the descent. A BOA H+i1 Single Pull dial closes the lower shell evenly, while 7000-series aluminum tour buckles handle the cuff. Prolite construction with Investment Cast Tech Inserts keeps the build light but reinforced, and Memory Fit lets a bootfitter heat-mold the shell to your foot. The Mimic Platinum liner is fully heat moldable with a Power Ankle Lock and an Achilles Flex Zone for easier striding. GripWalk-compatible Complete Tech soles, a 40mm velcro strap, and adjustable forward lean across 13, 15, and 17 degrees complete it.

Things to consider:

This is a freeride-touring boot, so the climbing focus means it gives up a little outright stiffness and power to a pure alpine 120. There are no pin-style tech toe fittings here, so it pairs with GripWalk-compatible alpine and hybrid bindings rather than lightweight tech setups. The walk mode adds a moving part that a strictly resort skier simply will not use.

Fit & sizing considerations:

The 100mm last is a medium-volume fit for an average-width foot. As a stiff 120-flex boot, it is worth working with an experienced bootfitter to get the heat-moldable shell and liner dialed. The BOA shell closure also gives you room to fine-tune fit over the forefoot.