If there’s a skiers’ Hell, its boot room will be full.
Many of you have written to complain that your boots don’t provide good support; they’re too cold; you have to tighten them until your feet go numb. They have you thinking about ending your skiing careers.
There’s no other piece of equipment that stimulates as much discomfort and emotion. 
For those of you who suffer, I have these words of advice: either seek out a professional bootfitter or try Apex.
Really good boot fitters can be found in some ski shops, not all. Some are more skilled than others, and finding a good one can be hit or miss. America’s Best Bootfitters.com lists those who have gone through an important training certification program.
Fantastic Experience!
But many of you have problem feet that even the most skilled bootfitter won’t be able to help. Fortunately, I’m not among your ranks. But I am curious. So, last season I spent time skiing the Apex boot. A fantastic experience!
The Apex system is a hybrid of a soft and comfortable walkable boot and a stiff open chassis. You slip the soft boot on with ease – even on cold days – and turn a knob that controls a thin cable snugging the boot to the contours of your foot. Walk from the lot or around the lodge with these super-comfortable boots. When it’s time to ski, step into the chassis, close the three buckles, and step into your bindings. It’s as simple and as comfortable as that.
I skied them in the Rockies and in the Alps, and they did what any well-fitting boot should do. They transferred my movements to my skis, provided proper and comfortable support, and kept my feet comfy, even on some brutally cold mornings. I used the Anterro model ($899), which is Apex’s top of the line Big Mountain edition. It’s available in a women’s model (Antero-S; $799), as well. The other two choices are the Crestone (All Mountain; $749) and the Blanca (Ladies All Mountain; $649).
Different Look
Since they’re different looking, they serve as an ice-breaker, which got me into a variety of conversations. I ran into people who were aware of Apex but skeptical about them. Understandable, but not fair. The boot skis very nicely (and COMFORTABLY). A few fellow riders knew some Apex converts and reported they were pleased. After I wrote a brief article about the boots (That was before I skied them), several Apex owners wrote in to report how much they love them. A few outliers emailed admonishments that I should know better. I’d refer them as well as anyone interested in how other skiers respond to Apex to the user reviews on the Apex website. People with all kinds of foot conditions explain how Apex resolved them.
My only criticism is that it took a while to get accustomed to managing the two components. But, really, not that long.
Bottom Line
Here’s the bottom line: If you want a solution for uncomfortable or underperforming 
conventional ski boots, invest in a pair of Apex boots. You can get them fitted in ski shops stocking the boot. Or you can purchase them directly through the manufacturer’s website. I spoke to one of the Apex executives while preparing this article. Readers ordering the boot directly (Discount code SENIOR3000) will get free shipping in the lower 48, a ski boot bag from Kulkea (value: $149.95), and free demos for friends and family through 2020 at Apex’s demo center in Golden, Colorado. The offer is good through November 30.
Still skeptical Jon. I like a tight performance fit. Move the foot, the ski moves. I find it hard to believe that with this two part system and the soft snowboard like liner implanted into the chassis that it could deliver what my Lange RS 130s do. But – then again- to each his own. Lange has always delivered for me and I don’t think I will change.
I have become less interested in perfect performance and more interested in comfort, and longevity of my body parts. Nowdays I ski with my boots looser fitting and comfortable, and with my bindings moved back so I can control the skis with the balls of my feet and constant pressure on the tongue, which saves the knees from much of the shock you get from weighting your heels. I even like to feel my heels lift slightly on hard pack, which reduces chatter on steep groomers (heresy, right?)
I think I would like the APEX, but being double soled, they are huge so many folks may need to remount their bindings.
Roger, I, too, ski with my feet; may try moving the bindings back a bit. My binding required a slight adjustment to accomodate the Apex; not a remount. According to one of the Apex execs, binding adjustment is typical. Jon
Roger,
The Apex soles aren’t doubled in thickness. The boot sole length (BSL) runs 3mm to 5mm longer than conventional boots. Many bindings can be adjusted for length without remounting. But a few bindings can not.
Patrick, I was the Lange factory rep for the Mid-Atlantic for 20 plus years. I skied in Lange plug boots (world cup ski boots) and the Lange 130’s for decades. I now ski in Apex boots. Why? Because I love, love , love being warm and comfortable when I ski and I don’t mind losing a milisecond when I ignition a turn. But then again, to each their own,,,,,,,,
Call me a huge skeptic. This review from Jan 2019 screams “not ready for prime time”. While I hate getting in and out of ski boots, it would suck if I couldn’t turn with performance.
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/snow-sports/ski-boots-womens/apex-hp-l-womens
I’m still devoted to my Full Tilt rear-entry boots about which I wrote a Seniorsskiing piece in 2016. My wife and I have two pair each..The manufacturer and several online sellers offer them from about $300 up. Last year I added a retro pair of 2012 Head rear entry boots to my collection. I found them at The Ski Truck here in Salt Lake City, brand new in the box (albeit a rather dusty box) for $222 in black and white. I bought an all black pair for a grandaughter for $208. They are easy to get on and off, fit well, and work fine for both of us. Available online from skitrucks.com, or just stop at The Ski Truck on North Temple in Salt Lake City when you drive in from the airport on your way to our local ski resorts.The Apex design might be good for someone with problem feet or who does a lot of walking around the lodge or base area, neither of which applies to me. I’m happy not to be paying $800-$900 for these newfangled double boots.
Buying boots for $200 from the Ski “Truck” (mentioned 3 times) is a skier looking for nothing but a cheap pair of “rear entry” ski boots.
By the way Jan…. the boot designer of the Full Till boots you rave about is the same designer and founder of these “newfangled ” Apex Ski Boots.
TIP: If you’re truly looking to buy cheap ski boots. Click on sierratradingpost.com. They’ll save you more $$!
I tried the Apex boots was so excited to do so but unfortunately they are large volume not designed to accommodate thin legs like mine. Alas I had to return them. Also I found the boots to be very stiff to walk in and not much better than standard boots. Love the concept though no good for me.
I like my BFC boots.
Pat Purcell.
I’ve had Apex boots for four years. They are wonderful——no pain, no frozen feet, and I can step out of the chassis at lunch and walk like a human instead of lurching around like Frankenstein! Did have to get the bindings redrilled as the length is much longer than conventional boots.
I have has a pair for a few years. I practically broke my foot over two decades ago and always skied in pain to the point that I stopped the sport. When I found out about Apex boots I had to try them. I’ve skied the Canyons and Vail with these boots. I can ski just about anything. I love glades. bumps, groomers, etc. I had some slight pain but nothing like the several other boots that I had. These were a game changer. When I move my foot the ski reacts. I don’t see much of a performance hit. When we walk to the ski lift I can pull out of the shells and walk in the liner which is like a snowboarding boot. I love this boot.