The 8 Best Ski Bindings of 2022-2023
By: Jordan Sunshine: Ski Buyer | September 1, 2022
For many skiers, choosing ski bindings is an afterthought. But ski bindings serve two really important functions, they keep your skis on your feet through big airs and rough snow, and then they release smoothly and easily as soon as there’s any sort of twisting force through your knee. A binding that fails in either of those tasks puts you at risk for injury. So the best ski bindings have plenty of elasticity to absorb impacts and are also carefully designed to release before enough force to injure anything that can be transmitted through your knees.
New This Year:
This newest crop of the best ski bindings steps things up a notch though. In addition to working well and releasing smoothly, manufacturers are offering new colors to match your skis, including more subdued earth tones. Additionally more bindings than ever support different boot sole standards like GripWalk and WTR. And finally, bindings like the all-new Armada Strive are getting lighter so you can get a more agile and responsive feel from your skis.
Look Pivot 15 GW
The Look Pivot 18's have long been the go-to binding for freeriders demanding the best performance and burliest construction, but very few truly need such a high DIN. Enter the Look Pivot 15 GW Ski Bindings, combining the stout all-metal construction of the 18's with a DIN range better suited to the vast majority of skiers. With its pivoting heel, long elastic travel, ultra-short mounting footprint, and bomber impact resistance, it's easy to see why skiers have been begging Look to make this binding. If you’re looking for a tried and proven ski binding that will work reliably for years, look no further than the Look Pivot 15 GW.
| Boot Compatibility | DIN Range | Original Price |
| Alpine DIN (ISO 5355), GripWalk (ISO 23223) | 6-15 | $429.95 |
Armada Strive 14 GW
The Armada Strive 14 GW Ski Bindings take everything you love about the Shift binding and turn it into a lightweight resort ripper for floaty and responsive downhill performance you'll love. At first glance, the toe piece looks familiar - its LDN design puts you close to the snow for maximum contact and response, enhancing power transmission for a smooth on-snow feel. The superlight design is reinforced with metal in key areas, and 45mm of elastic travel means this DIN destroyer can handle rough riding without letting you down. Up your game on the lifts this year with the all-new Armada Strive 14 GW Ski Bindings. The Strive is a lightweight, reliable, versatile binding that will feel at home on just about any style of ski.
| Boot Compatibility | DIN Range | Original Price |
| Alpine DIN (ISO 5355), GripWalk (ISO 23223) | 5-14 | $249.95 |
Atomic Warden MNC 11
The popular Atomic Warden 11 Ski Bindings are now MNC compatible, and the world's a better place because of it. Where previous models were strictly ISO 5355 Alpine sole devices, the new version lets you use pretty much any type of adult standard sole. This means you can use your touring boot or your alpine boot on the same pair of skis (provided you have adequate length adjustment and the touring boot has ISO 9523 toe and heel lugs). The other Warden characteristics that make it a favorite among powder and sidecountry skiers remain the same, namely dependability and positive, low-effort step in action. If you like to use a variety of boots or lend your skis out to friends, the Warden is your best bet for a great binding that can adapt to nearly any boot.
| Boot Compatibility | DIN Range | Original Price |
| Alpine DIN (ISO 5355), Alpine Touring (ISO 9523), Walk to Ride (WTR), GripWalk (ISO 23223) | 3.5-11 | $139.99 |
Marker Squire 11
This all-new design for the proven Marker Squire 11 gets modern shaping at the toe with an Anti-Ice Rail protective plate so you can safely scrape your boot sole on it without breaking the DIN window. With fresh colorways and improved step-in, the classic solution for women and lighter skiers is back, and it's better than ever. The Squire has a long, storied legacy for good reason, and this latest model builds on that to be even more versatile and reliable.
| Boot Compatibility | DIN Range | Original Price |
| Alpine DIN (ISO 5355), GripWalk (ISO 23223) | 3-11 | $229.99 |
Atomic Stage 11 GW
The Atomic Stage 11 GW Ski Bindings are a brand new offering aimed squarely at lighter and younger skiers who sometimes have difficulty putting their skis on, especially in fresh snow. Designed with a lower step-in threshold, the Stage 11 GW is both the lightest 11 DIN binding on the market and the easiest to put on. A new shorter footprint for both the toe and heel base plates lets the ski flex as naturally as possible, so you're free to enjoy every bit of performance your setup has to offer. While the Stage is a new binding from Atomic, it builds on their experience building some of the best bindings on the market for years, so it’s a great choice for anyone looking for a lower DIN range and weight.
| Boot Compatibility | DIN Range | Original Price |
| Alpine DIN (ISO 5355), GripWalk (ISO 23223) | 3.5-11 | $159.99 |
Salomon STH2 MNC 16
When it comes to innovation, you can always count on Salomon to have some tricks up their sleeve. The Salomon STH2 MNC 16 Ski Bindings cement their reputation with several notable updates to an already winning formula. A redesigned AFD means the STH2s are now MultiNorm Certified and compatible with every boot sole norm on the market - including rubber touring soles. Meanwhile, the all-new Transfer Switch Technology allows you to choose between two different power transfer modes, fine-tuning the amount of vibration damping between the toepiece and ski. The result is a binding that enhances your skiing style and makes those booter-to-ice landings a little more palatable. There are ski bindings, and there are the Salomon STH2 MNC 16 Ski Bindings. You'll know. This is one of the most legendary and storied bindings on the market, it just plain works. So if you need the best, the STH2 should be high on your list.
| Boot Compatibility | DIN Range | Original Price |
| Alpine DIN (ISO 5355), Alpine Touring (ISO 9523), Tech, Walk to Ride (WTR), GripWalk (ISO 23223) | 7-16 | $319.95 |
Marker Griffon 13 ID
Freeride enthusiasts looking to drive wider skis without fear of pre-release have long looked to the Marker Griffon 13 ID Ski Bindings for their fantastic performance and reliability. They return for 2021 with a reworked Inter Pivot 3 heelpiece that significantly improves step-in performance, thus eliminating the one qualm that some users had. Equipped with Sole.ID technology that quickly adjusts the AFD plate to accommodate almost every boot sole norm, the Marker Griffon 13 ID Ski Bindings have you covered every time you click in. The Griffon is proven, reliable, and strong without being too chunky. It’s a great choice for intermediate and advanced skiers.
| Boot Compatibility | DIN Range | Original Price |
| Alpine DIN (ISO 5355), Alpine Touring (ISO 9523), Walk to Ride (WTR), GripWalk (ISO 23223) | 4-13 | $269.99 |
Tyrolia Attack 14 GW
Don't look now, but Tyrolia has re-shuffled their binding range. The Attack 13s have been replaced by the Tyrolia Attack 14 GW Ski Bindings which, with a DIN range of 4 - 14, will do the job for all but the biggest and baddest of freeskiers. The Attack range is known for precise power transmission, light weight, and ease of stepping in even in powder, good news for skiers exploring the steep and deep. Note: if you intend to use an ISO 9523 Touring sole, you'll need to purchase the Attack 14 MN bindings designed to accommodate the extra sole thickness, not this model. The Attack has long been a great default binding - don’t know what you’re looking for? An Attack will probably fit the bill. And this new Attack 14 is even stronger and more reliable than ever.
| Boot Compatibility | DIN Range | Original Price |
| Alpine DIN (ISO 5355), GripWalk (ISO 23223) | 4-14 | $249.00 |
Learn More With Our Other Ski Guides:
Skis - Kids' Size Chart and Buyer's Guide
Skis - Rocker Technology Explained
Ski Bindings – How to Choose & DIN Setting Chart
Ski Boots - Sizing & Buyer's Guide
Ski Boots - Boot Sole & Ski Binding Compatibility
Ski Boots – How to Make Your Boots Fit Better
Ski Poles - Size Chart
Skiing - Beginner Skiing Tips
Skiing - How to Fly With Skis
Skiing - How to Get in Shape
Ski Maintenance - Base Repair
Ski Maintenance – How to Store for the Summer
Ski Maintenance – How to Tune
Ski Maintenance – How to Wax
Gloves & Mittens - How to Choose
Goggles - How to Choose
Goggles - Wearing Goggles with Glasses
Helmets - How to Choose & Fit Guide
Outerwear - What to Wear Skiing & Snowboarding
Outerwear - How to Wash Waterproof Jackets & Clothing
Outerwear - Regional Ski & Snowboard Guide
Ski Socks - Sizing & Buyer's Guide
Avalanche Probes - How to Choose
Backcountry - Choosing an Avalanche Airbag Pack
Backcountry - Choosing an Avalanche Beacon
Backcountry - Climbing Skins Size Guide
Backcountry - Dynafit / Tech Binding Basics
Backcountry - How to Buy Alpine Touring Bindings
Backcountry - How to Buy Alpine Touring Ski Boots
Backcountry - How to Choose an Avalanche Shovel
Backcountry - How to Choose Climbing Skins
Backcountry Backpacks - How to Choose
Backcountry Basics - How to Get Started
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The Best Beginner Skis
The Best All Mountain Skis
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The Best Touring Skis
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The Best Intermediate Skis
The Best Freeride Skis
The Best Ski Bindings
The Best Touring Ski Bindings
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The Best Ski Socks
The Best Beginner Ski Boots
The Best Value Skis
The Best Ski Poles
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The Best Kids' Ski Boots
The Best Cross Country Ski Boots
The Best Ski Boot Liners
The Selection Process:
Our ski buyers have an endless amount of knowledge on all things skiing stemming from years of experience in the ski industry in tandem with their countless hours spent on slopes everywhere from groomers to the remote backcountry around the world. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Jordan Sunshine
I was born and raised in northern Vermont and moved west as soon as I turned 18. I bounced around the PNW for a while eventually following evo’s store openings to Denver where I have called home since and although I will always take even the wettest of pow days, have come to appreciate any day skiing in the sun, be it with friends or my kids.I have been skiing since I was 2 and started working in a ski shop when I was 14, which was way more fun than washing dishes. Over the years I have worked as a ski tech, boot fitter, liftie, product copywriter, and eventually came to manage evo’s Portland and Denver stores. Now I am the Ski Buyer, overseeing ski hardgoods and backcountry accessories.