Salomon Performa 8.0/Irony 8.0 (2006)

Why bother? We've tested the Performa 8.0 so many times it seems as though we don't even need to take it off the rack to know it'll be among the winners. Its competitors have changed-perhaps even raised the bar-but year after year, this venerable sales champ nails down impressive test results by putting the less-accomplished skier in an ideal position to make modest gains without pain. The 8.0's design has an uncanny knack for fitting lots of feet comfortably and with reasonable accuracy. What's new this year is a women's version, the Irony 8.0. Will women be insulted by the warm, furry lining? Not ours: They loved it.