Only the hard-charginigest of the hard-chargers will need a boot with a burlier flex than the Scott Women's Minerva NTN Telemark Boot's progressive 120, and the asymmetrical bellows are designed to offer plenty of resistance without tossing smaller riders onto their heels. Throw in a rugged Pebax shell and four separate injection panels to keep the lower boot laterally stiff, and you'll be hard pressed to show the Minerva a line it can't handle.

Don't be under the impression that the Minerva is a foot- and soul-crushing torture device, though. Scott built it with a snug but comfortable 100mm last, and hooked up a fully-moldable, women's-specific EZFit Rapid Liner that'll hold you solidly in place without squeezing out any tears or curse words. It's also a fully-capable backcountry boot, with an easy ski/walk switch that gives you a generous 46 degrees of cuff rotation, making it as easy to access your lines as it is to crush 'em. Even the buckles are thoughtfully designed, having the ability to stay wide open when released, so you don't struggle getting into and out of your boots. If you can think of something Scott missed, send a telegram and it'll get added next year.