If you're considering renewing or choosing your first pair of ski boots, read these tips carefully as they'll certainly prove useful.
It's crucial to select boots that fit your feet perfectly, as uncomfortable boots can ruin your day on the slopes. You should also ensure they're durable and capable of retaining heat inside the boot.
Key considerations
- Boot size. It's highly advisable to consult an expert when making your purchase. The boot should fit snugly, but as mentioned earlier, it shouldn't pinch. Sizes are measured in "mondopoint": the length of your foot in centimetres.
- Support. Your foot should be securely held at both the foot and ankle. It's important that your toes can move freely.
- Flex rating. The boots' flexibility is measured by their "Flex" rating: the lower the number, the more flexible the boots, and vice versa. Stiffer boots are ideal for expert skiers. It also depends on the type of skiing you plan to do.
- Stiffness. This significantly enhances foot support.
When trying on boots...
- Remember that if you notice any discomfort, it won't improve with wear - in fact, it may worsen.
- Wear the socks you normally ski in and never wear double socks as this could impair circulation.
- If the boot feels fine in the shop, bear in mind it might feel loose on the slopes as feet tend to shrink in the cold.
- Your toes should lightly touch the front of the boot - if they don't, the boot's too big; if they're pressing hard, you need a larger size.
- When walking in the boots, your heel shouldn't lift from the back. If it does, the boot's too large.
- Test with straight legs and then flexed knees. By checking the foot mobility inside the boot in both positions, you can determine if the size is correct or if you need to go up or down a size.
- Be wary of boots that feel too comfortable. It may seem paradoxical, but if you find boots with an extremely light and soft inner bootie in the shop, you might lose precision and support when actually skiing.
