This past weekend we hit the slopes pretty damn hard. Boarding, skiing, carving, grinding, jumping and generally avoiding trees on closed trails. It rocked. It would have also rocked our ankles and feet if it weren’t for some new gear we just got a hold of, namely boots.

Putting together a pair of Dalbello boots with K2 Public Enemy skis the diamante negros tracked like green circles. The Proton 12 Carbon is Dalbello’s top performing in the series. It’s engineered for aggressive and accomplished skiers looking for maximum support with precise and comfortable foothold - well, like most boots. The extra stiff carbon reinforced cuff spoiler and locked cuff boost power, responsiveness and control at high speeds.

What this means to you: There are few boots that provide you more precision control than the Delbello Proton 12. It’s a healthy sum to swallow for a pair of boots, but if you even make a fair share of trips to the slopes then we couldn’t recommend a better boot.

Cost: $450 @ Sierra Snowboard