Tips for Finding a Ski Boot that Fits
If you are new to skiing, finding and putting on a ski boot that fits
can seem like torture. You pry the boot open, jam your foot inside, and
hop around stomping your foot until your foot slams down into the boot.
By now your toes are jammed against the front of the boot, your heel
feels squeezed, and your calves are not going to let you clamp the top
buckles. Hold on though, because putting on a ski boot and getting the
proper boot fit does not have to be this difficult.
The first thing you will want to do when trying on a ski boot is get your foot measured properly.
Ski boots are sized using the “Mondopoint” system (26.0, 28.5, ect.)
so you will want to use a foot measure that has these units of
measurement. Also, be sure to have on the socks you will be wearing in
the boot. This ensures the boot fit you feel when you are trying boots
on will be the same when you get out on the mountain. The socks should
also be made of a seamless lightweight material, (Merino wool tends to
be the favorite) and you want them pulled tight so there are no bumps or
areas that could create pressure points in a tight boot. Knowing your
boot size and ensuring you have the proper size and sock will lead to a
better ski experience. If you are renting boots, getting the right size
the first time means you will not have to switch boots later in your
trip.
Now that you have the right size and sock on it is time to unbuckle
and loosen the boot so you can slide your foot inside. Ski boots are
tight and it can be hard to maneuver your foot inside, but it should not
be a struggle. With most boots if you pull the tongue down towards the
toe of the boot your foot should be able to release down into the boot.
When you first get your foot in the boot your toes will feel like they
are touching or brushing against the front for the boot, this is normal
and expected. The boot should then be buckled up and you should flex
your leg and push your shin against the tongue of the boot. You should
feel your toes pull back from the front of the boot and create a little
wiggle room. Your heel should also slide back into its heel pocket. At
this point you should be able to tell if the boot is a proper fit or
not. The key thing to think is that the boot should be “snug but
comfortable.” Ski boots are not going to fit loosely like a nice tennis
shoe, but you should never be in pain or feel pressure points.
A proper ski boot fit is important for a couple reasons. For one, you
went skiing for the great experience of being outdoors on a mountain and cruising with your friends and family. You will have
more control and the skis will perform better if you are wearing a boot
that fits correctly. If you are not in the right boot it can lead to
shin bang, bruising, blisters, or sores that prevent you from skiing and
enjoying time with your family. Again, a proper boot fit from a rental
company also ensures you will not be switching boots halfway through
your ski day and can stay out to enjoy a full day with your friends and
family.
Here are a few extra tips and tricks to getting a proper boot fit for you and your family:
The first thing you will want to do when trying on a ski boot is get your foot measured properly.
Ski boots are sized using the “Mondopoint” system (26.0, 28.5, ect.)
so you will want to use a foot measure that has these units of
measurement. Also, be sure to have on the socks you will be wearing in
the boot. This ensures the boot fit you feel when you are trying boots
on will be the same when you get out on the mountain. The socks should
also be made of a seamless lightweight material, (Merino wool tends to
be the favorite) and you want them pulled tight so there are no bumps or
areas that could create pressure points in a tight boot. Knowing your
boot size and ensuring you have the proper size and sock will lead to a
better ski experience. If you are renting boots, getting the right size
the first time means you will not have to switch boots later in your
trip.
Here are a few extra tips and tricks to getting a proper boot fit for you and your family:
- Rent skis and boots from a ski rental delivery service
- Elevation Ski and Bike services Breckenridge and delivers skis right to your condo or hotel. The trained ski techs ensure your ski boot fits properly and answer any questions you may have about the equipment.
- Make sure both boots are adjusted to the same specifications
- Boots have made many advances in the past few years and there are a number of fine adjustments that can be made to get the proper fit. If one of your calves is slightly bigger than the other you may need to buckle that side a little tighter so it feels the same as the other. This ensures each boot will have the same feel and perform correctly when you are cruising down the slope.
- Your feet may be swollen when you get off of a plane after traveling all day.
- If you are getting fitted for your ski boots the same day you arrive after flying be aware that your feet can swell a little on the plane. This can affect the fit of the boot and cause it to feel looser when you put it on to ski the next day. However, if you follow the steps to get a proper “snug but comfortable” boot fit then the fine adjustments you can make should make up for any swelling the day before.
- There are women’s and men’s specific ski boots for a reason
- Women’s boots tend to have a lower cuff and a narrower fit to conform to the average women’s calf and lower leg shape. A women in a men’s boot may feel pressure points she wouldn’t notice in a women’s boot of the same size, and vice versa for men.
- The brand of a ski boot plays a role in how it fits
- Just to name a few; Nordica boots tend to have a wider foot sole pocket and an average calf area. Tecnica boots are taller, tighter in all areas, and meant for more aggressive skiers.
