I don't know if they're suited for really aggressive skiers because I'm not one of them.

They are not hard plastic all the way around. The main shell is plastic, but the front tongue is leather, like snowboard boots. They have a lace cord, which you pull at the top. This tightens the boot around your calf and instep. I find I can sit low on my skis without having them cut into my shins. I also like the Dolomites in that they have an integrated hotronics system. I paid $250 for them. I think I got the women's 80s.

In Europe, soft boots appear more prevalent than in the US. They've been around for several years. In the US, I took my husband last week and the ski shops said to wait, they weren't perfected.

All I know is that I like mine and I skied better with good comfort. I also like the rachet buckles.