Ski boots are the single most important piece of equipment a skier owns. Picking the right boot will not only making your skiing experience more pleasant, but it can also improve your skiing. No matter how good of a boot you may buy, if it doesn’t fit properly your skiing experience will be miserable. The good news is that boot fitting involves a few steps that, if followed, can ensure a proper fitting boot..
General Boot Information
Sizing
Width
Flexibility
Shell & Liner Fitting
Determining Proper Fit
Upgrades
Custom Fit Boots
Footbeds
Additional Media
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General Boot Information
To find the boots that are right for you, you need to understand a few of the key characteristics of ski boots. For starters, ski boots fall into five basic categories: Men's, Women's, Kid's, Racing, and Freestyle. Compared to men's boots, women's boots are softer, have a narrower last – the interior shape of a boot – and a shorter cuff, as women's calves are generally located lower than men's. Therefore, the cuffs need to be lower to get the boot buckled. Racing boots are much stiffer than regular boots in order to hold firm at higher speeds. Meanwhile Freestyle boots tend to be softer, with a padded boot board to reduce the impact of landings. There are three key factors in determining the proper boot: size, width, and flex or stiffness. Once these are determined, it's all about the features. These will be the things that can increase the performance of your boots.
Video: In the News | KCNC-TV Special on Ski Boots
The purpose of a ski boot is to create as direct a connection from your knee to the ski without any unnecessary slippage or movement. If your boot is too loose, your skiing will suffer and you could hurt yourself. And if your boot is too tight, you are promising yourself plenty of painful days. Most people will choose a ski boot that is too big for them and this is because most people also wear their shoes a size too big. Do not pick a bigger boot assuming that it will be more comfortable, as this is one of the most common mistakes made in boot fitting. Often this is because when trying on the boot for the very first time it will feel too tight. However, over time the foam in the boot will compress leaving more room for your feet. When you try on the boot it should feel snug and slightly tight in order to determine proper fit.
Ski manufacturers use a sizing system known as Mondo Point to size boots in a universal measuring system. Mondo Point is a European measurement for shoe sizes that is measured in centimeters. To determine US sizing from Mondo Point, simply add the first and second digits together, and then add the decimal point (you will need add 1 to you calculated result to convert a US men’s size to a women’s). For example a boot that is sized as a Mondo Point 29.0 would be calculated as 2 + 9 + .0 = 11. Thus a Mondo Point 29.0 is a men’s 11. Once you reach a Mondo Point size 30 this calculation starts to fall apart unless you alter your formula by adding 9 to the result. For example, a Mondo Point 31.5 would need to be calculated as follows: (3 + 1 + .5) + 9 = 13.5. Without the addition of the 9, your calculation would end up as 4.5, which would definitely be too small for an individual looking for a 13.5. A good fitting boot should be comfortably snug and not sloppy. You should be able to wiggle your toes but not have heel slippage or movement from side to side or forward to back.
Video Tutorial: How to Select the Correct Size Ski Boot
Manufacturers do a great job of creating different lines of boots to satisfy all different widths. As a general rule, the more advanced the boot, the narrower it will be, with some exceptions. This is because as a person becomes a better skier, they want a tighter boot, and will be willing to give up a bit of comfort for added control. Beginner-to-intermediate boots typically come in widths from 102–105mm; intermediate-to-advanced run 100–102mm; and expert/racing boots measure less than 100mm. This can vary depending on your foot. Certain brands can accommodate wider feet just as others tend to be narrower. If you are a woman with a particularly wide foot, try out a men’s boot, just be sure to compensate for the sizing differences.
The flexibility of a boot is referred to as the flex or stiffness. Flex is indicated by what is referred to as the flex rating. The concept behind a boot's flex is simple: the better skier you are, the stiffer the boot you will want. The key to skiing well is having a direct connection from your knee to the ski. With a more advanced ski, you need to drive it more to properly engage it. If you push your knee forward, and it flexes the boot instead, you're losing a lot of power. In contrast, for beginner and intermediate skiers, a boot that's too stiff will make it so that you cannot flex enough to initiate the ski in the first place.
Flex Ratings
When looking for boots, beginners should look for a rating of 60 or under. Intermediate skiers will feel comfortable in the 60–80 range, advanced skiers should seek out boots rated 80–100, and boots for experts are rated over 100. Racing boots are known for being super stiff. Junior race boots will be rated anywhere from 70–100, while senior race boots will go from 110 up to 150. Note that a boot rated 150 feels like it's carved from rock, and is suitable only for the most experienced racers. You will also want to keep in mind these few exceptions. Heavier skiers should add a bit of stiffness, while lighter than average skiers can add some flexibility. If you have some knee problems, a more flexible boot will make skiing easier.
Video Tutorial: How to Select a Ski Boot
Before trying a boot on, remove the liner from the shell by unbuckling the boot fully and pulling on the back cuff of the liner until it pops out. Then put your foot in the boot’s shell and push your toes up until they touch the front of the boot. Next, look to see how much space is between your heel and the back of the boot. You’re looking for 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch space, and even less if you are a racer or very high performance skier who likes a very tight fit. If you have more than that, you probably have a boot that is too large.
If you have conducted Shell fitting using the process outline above, slip on the liner while it’s still out of the shell. If you have not removed the liner from the shell, do so and then slip it on your foot. Your toe should just feather the front of the liner. (This assumes that your foot has stopped growing; a little growing room for kids is fine.) Next look at how the liner is shaped compared to your foot. If any part of your foot is pushing hard or stretching out the sides of the liner you may have a boot that is too narrow. If the liner fits properly, put the boot back together. This can be a little tricky, but it helps if you put the boot shell on a hard surface. Insert one hand into the liner (making a fist), while using your other hand to spread the shell as you push down hard with the liner.
Putting Your Boots On
Once you’ve found a boot, you need to try it on properly to make sure it fits. Open all the buckles and pull the tongue up slightly. Then spread the sides of the boot while you slide in your foot, you may need to wiggle the tongue to get your foot to feel right. Next, kick your heel down hard on the floor to properly seat your heel in the boot’s heel pocket. Next, start buckling up. You should start with the lower buckle on the upper cuff; this helps to lock your heel before tightening the other buckles. Next move to the lower buckles, but don’t buckle them very hard. They should only require a small amount of pressure to buckle and unbuckle. If you have to buckle these hard to get a snug fit, you probably have the wrong size or model of boot. Buckling the lower buckles too tight will actually twist and contort the shell. The upper buckles are the ones that really hold your foot in place in the boot. You may need to go back and forth between the 2 upper buckles to get them snug. Lastly, put on the power strap at the top of the boot to hold the cuff onto your calf nice and snug.
Once the boot is on and snuggly buckled, stand up. This is the part that confuses new skiers the most: your toes should be touching the front the boot. Lean slightly forward and bend your knees. Your toes should pull back from the front of the boot. It’s ok if they are still feathering the front but they should not be pushing hard. Many better quality boots have a neoprene toe that is made for the toes to be right up against the front of the liner. While still leaning forward, bend your knees and push your shins hard against the front of the boot. Your heels should hold in the heel pocket of the boot without lifting. Note that you’re not trying to force your heels up, but testing if they come up when you flex the boot. If everything is good so far, walk around in the boots for 10 minutes. This should help determine if the overall fit is right and that you don’t have any severe pressure points. To really determine if the boots fits, wear them around the house for a couple hours just to be sure they fit. Remember that boots are made of plastic not leather so they don’t really break in much. If the boots really hurt after wearing them around for a while, they are almost certainly too narrow. And if there are any pressure points squeezing down hard on areas like your heel, instep or arch, then the boot probably isn’t for you as well.
All ski boots can be improved upon with the right upgrades. With ski boots, the goal is to find the perfect fit for your foot and upgrades can be the best way to perfect a good ski boot. Many higher end boots come loaded with adjustable features designed to improve fit. Some of the most common features you'll find today are micro-adjustable buckles, lateral cuff adjustment, flex adjustment, ski/walk feature, high performance and heat moldable liners, dual Durometer shells and built-in boot heaters.
Micro-Adjustable Buckles
It isn't uncommon when buckling your ski boots that one notch on a buckle will leave your boot too loose, but the next notch leaves the fit too tight. Micro-adjustable Buckles are a wonderful upgrade that lets you spin the buckles to tighten/loosen them a smidgen at a time, allowing for a perfect fit between the notches.
Lateral Cuff Adjustment
Often mistakenly referred to as canting, most people aren't perfectly straight-legged, but are either slightly bowlegged or slightly knock-kneed. Bowlegged skiers end up riding on the outside edges of their skis, and knock-kneed skiers end up riding on the inside edges. Your skis should always be riding flat, and that's where the lateral cuff adjustment comes into play. Simply loosen the lateral cuff adjustment on each boot and get into a natural stance on a flat surface. A friend can then tighten your boots using the lateral cuff adjustment to make them lie flat on the ground. After this is done, your boots will be locked into place.
Flex Adjustments
Flex adjustments will be either a screw or a lever that allows you make the boot flex harder or softer, depending on the type of conditions you're skiing that day. Some flex adjustments can be changed on the fly, while others require you to remove a screw and reinsert it a different way. The latter can be set and forgotten, or can be changed in the lodge during times of rest throughout the day.
The ski/walk feature is usually found in better beginner and intermediate level ski boots. It allows you to walk more comfortably in your ski boots by releasing the upper cuff with the turn of a knob. The released upper cuff can now move freely, creating added comfort while walking.
Liners
Manufacturers use many different technologies in today's boot liners. The more you pay for a ski boot, the better the liner will be. Better liners may include features like heat moldable functionality, stiffeners, more contoured lasts (the accuracy of the shape), materials that make it easier to get the boots on and off, fur, neoprene toe boxes, and more space age materials for a tighter and more comfortable fit.
Dual Durometer Shells
Durometer is a measurement of how hard or soft a material is. A Dual Durometer shell has stiff material on the sides and upper cuff of the boot shell, but softer and more pliable materials that wrap over the foot. This allows a higher performance or stiffer boot to also be comfortable.
Built-in Boot Heaters
Some boot models are pre-wired for boot heaters. These are a great way to keep your feet toasty warm on cold days. If your boot selection does not include heaters, they can be easily added to any boot.
If all steps have been taken to ensure that a boot fits properly, but there is still some discomfort, custom boot fitting is the best choice. The most common reason for custom fitting is if there are pressure points or sloppy areas in the boot. Custom boot fitters can heat and stretch out shells and liners to eliminate pressure points, add foam to the boot to take volume out, insert heel hold devices, tweak the footboard, and plenty more. Most major resorts have ski shops that specialize in custom boot fitting. Typically you will want to do custom boot fitting at the hill itself because it is easier to feel a pressure point or other discomfort while skiing. After a few runs if you feel this discomfort, take the boot in to the shop at the hill to have it adjusted. You may need to bring in your boot a few times to get it just right.
The footbed is the removable sole within the liner of your boot. Typically this footbed is pretty flimsy. Manufacturers don't include high-end footbeds, as they expect you to invest in a better fitting store bought footbed or get one custom made. If possible, go for the custom option. It will not only make your boots more comfortable, but will also lead to a more precise transfer of energy from your knees to your skis.
It is our commitment to provide you with the most complete, accurate, and thorough information possible to help you make an informed decision. We encourage you to check out these additional pieces of media to help guide you to the best ski boot for you.
- Video Tutorial: Differences Between Men's and Women's Ski Boots
- Video Tutorial: Differences Between Ski Boots
- Sizing Guide | Ski Boots
- Size Chart | Ski Boots
Tags: Buying Guides, Ski Boots
Can i strech thr ski boot slighty
Hello. Congratulations for your great web. I feel a terrible pain in the internal malleolar ankle every time I´m skiing. In order to buy a new boot, what model or type should I look for? My fooprint is pronator so my malleolar is very pronunciated.
Thank you very much
Ernesto,
Do you have custom footbeds in your current boots? If not that would be the place to start before you start shopping for new boots. If your foot pronates (which 80% + of peoples do), you will experience the pain that you are describing. A custom footbed will support your arch and prevent it from collapsing, which causes your pronation. Look for one that is not totally solid and still allows you arch to flex some while still supporting it. This will allow you to finesse your boots much more giving you far greater control and feel for the snow. We use Confom’able insoles in our shops which provide the benefits I have described. This needs to be your starting point, as no matter what boot you get you will experience the same discomfort unless you correct the problem at its source.
Thanks,
Kevin Palmer
Hi, I’m looking for a boot that will work for me all over the mountain but I’m also trying to learn and get adventurous in the park. I want a comfortable boot that is light and ideal for learning in the park, but can also do a good job carving all over the mountain. I’m about 6’0" 220lbs and I would call myself an intermediate skier. I have been leaning towards the Salomon SPK 90 boot. I like the idea of a more straight up boot because I really want to learn to ride switch and hit some boxes and rails, but I’m wondering if I will still get good all mountain performance with that boot. I’m almost positive that I’m buying a set of Armada El Reys as my first set of twin tips, and I’m curious if you have any other suggestions of a boot to learn in the park with but still has good all mountain attributes.
Thank you very much for your time,
Chad,
If your foot is on the wide side the SPK 90 would be a very good choice for you along with the Dalbello Boss. Both are designed for freestyle use with light weight builds but are certainly supportive enough to charge all over the mountain. If your foot runs a bit more slender look at the Nordica Dead Money or the Full Tilt Drop Kick are similar boots that are a bit more towards the medium sire up in the toe box.
I have a size 12.5-13 size foot. I went to a ski shop and based off what they recommended, I got a 28.5 boot. The mondopoint scale that I’ve researched afterwards says that I should have a 30.5-31 size. He was pretty adamant that the 28.5 was what I needed. He did measure my foot in the shell without the liner and I had a .5 inch space. He also heated the liner to conform to my foot. I haven’t yet skied with these boots but I have worn them around the house to “break them in”. They still feel tight and I feel my toes brushing the front. When I lean forward the pressure goes away but I’m concerned if I bought the wrong size. I also have that wierd second toe that is bigger then the big toe. Do I just have to ski with them to pack them out or did I not do enough research before buying them. My boots cost as much as my skis and this being my first real pair that I’ve bought I hope that I didn’t make a mistake. They were a very knowledgeable ski shop but the sizing is contradicting what I’ve been researching online. Do I have to actually ski with the boots to get them to fit? I figured walking around and wearing them a few hours a day would pack them out to my size. The boots I bought are also moldable. Is this a fix to the problem? They said to bring them back as often as necessary to get the correct size. They also said that 80% of what they do there is boot sizing. Is this normal? Another thing, they mentioned that I should wear “dress socks”. I’m so used to wearing thick socks to keep my feet warm with rentals. I just want to get some advice since I paid so much on a ski set and had to rely solely on their recommendations.
Patrick,
The questions you have addressed are all very valid questions. Without having your foot in front of me it is impossible to say for certain if they are the correct fit. However it sounds like the shop you went to did a good job sizing you properly and once you start skiing in the boot your opinion of the fit will most likely improve. First and most important, if they are a reputable shop and they feel the fit is appropriate it is very likely they offer some type of fit guarantee so if you do have any issues they should be willing to fix the problem. Knowing that you have a .5″ shell fit and that your toes pull away from the front of the liner when you lean forward makes me very confident that you are in the correct length boot. Most skiers will size at least one full size down from their street shoes and quite often a two size drop will happen (I wear 9 shoes and a 25 or 7 ski boot). They will pack out and “grow” almost a half of a size, up to 5mm in the first 3-5 days so you will get more length in the boot. When it comes to socks the thinner the sock the better and never use cotton socks. A ski sock is only there to help wick sweat away from your foot, if a boot fits properly the liner should (there are a few exceptions) keep your feet warm and if they don’t aftermarket boot warmers will provide you with all day warmth that doesn’t change the fit of the boot. Your longer 2nd toe is a pretty common situation often referred to as Morton’s toe, which actually means your first toe is shortened, and most modern boot shapes accommodate for this. Lastly, there is no way to break in a ski boot other than by skiing. Unfortunately standing around in your boots doesn’t simulate how they will feel when you are skiing and driving forward in the boot. Even worse is walking around in your boots, which if they fit properly, won’t be very comfortable and you will find your toes pushing against the front of the boot. The reason for this is with every step you are flexing your ankle inside the boot which is set at a fixed forward angle so when you straighten your leg and you ankle flexes down your foot is forced to slide forward in the boot and your toes end up at the very front of the boot. In the end my advice is the boots are most likely correct but make sure the shop you purchased them from is willing to work with your to correct any problems that still exist after 3-4 days of skiing in them.
I went skiing for the first time in 16 years. I rented boots. I have always had a problem where my heal slips when I lean forward in my boots. I tried the boots on at the shop, and the heal slipped and they told me it was normal. When we got up to the slopes, I was in terrible pain. My heal was slipping up when I pushed forward, and I was getting terrible pains in the balls of my feet and the outside edges of my feet. Can you give me any suggestions what I should be looking for when I fit a boot? With my heal slipping, and in general I felt like my foot would move in teh boot, but the boot did not move with my foot, yet I was in terrible pain, so didn’t think they were too big. ANy advice would be appreciated.
Thank yoU!
Carol,
Welcome back to skiing. As far as the slipping sensation you were feeling, no it isn’t normal.
If in the store you push off the ball of your foot your heel will lift in the boots, this happens because of the force you are pushing with and the strength of your feet and lower legs. While skiing it is virtually impossible to push like this and still be skiing. Therefore, when skiing and flexing your boots forward at the ankles you shouldn’t feel any slipping of your heel.
Most rental boots are unisex, which really means mens. Unfortunately many of the rental shops when you tell them you wear an 8 give you a boot that is an 8 Mens. Secondly, rental boots are some of the widest ski boots produced as they are designed to fit the masses. The only way to make sure it fits everybody is to make it big enough to fit the widest feet and largest calves and ankles.
It is going to be extremely important for you to get a women’s specific boot. Look for mention of a narrow or strong heel pocket or great heel hold. A boot such as the Lange Exclusive Delight 70 will be a good choice for you.
As far as the pain in the balls of your feet and outside edges of your feet it sounds like there is simply too much room in the rental boots you had. While they might have felt good in length, a snug fit is important to keep your foot still inside the boot. If your feet were slipping around inside the boots it might have caused the muscles in your feet to work harder to keep you balanced and make your skis turn.
Hi. Great resonse on the questions. Nice website!
I am still using HEAD "Edge ST" boots, which came with the key to adjust the flex screw. The manufacturer’s flex setting is apparently set to ’60′, but I would like to know how profound the change will be if I torque up the flex setting (unforunately there’s no scale on the adjustment screw).
?Can you advise how much to change the setting if I want to be just a bit more aggressive on the Intermediate slopes, while periodically trying a few black diamond runs?
Thanks,
Ralph
Ralph,
Usually flex adjustments on ski boots will allow you to change the flex 20 points and it is typically an all or nothing adjustment. So if you have the ability to stiffen your boot it will most likely go from 60 to 80. It is also typically an all or nothing adjustment. A stiffer flex boot should offer more response and precision in any condition as long as you can properly flex the boot.
Hi my wife – is in the market for new boots – she has wide feet but I am concerned that if she goes for a man’s boot it will not provide a good fit at the ankle. She is aggressive expert level skier. Can you make a recommendation pls.
tx
Jim
Jim,
Unless absolutely necessary you do not want to put a lady in a mens boot. There are quite a few fit characteristics and features that differ between the two. Furthermore there are quite a few wider womens boot available that could work for her. At the moment I do not have enough information to steer you in the correct direction so I will be contacting you.