Your ski boots are the most important component of your ski setup. Ski boots are like the wings of a bald eagle: they drive your motion, provide control, give you stability and make you a majestic symbol of freedom (both on and off the slopes). So forget what you have heard about how each brand generally fits, resist the urge to choose based on price alone and ignore color and cosmetics for the time being. This ski boot guide will help your feet meet their perfect match based on your skier profile, foot shape and corresponding boot fit. Everyone has weird feet, so it is extremely important to find the best boots for your feet. Only then can you take flight.
When buying boots online, there are a few things you can do at home before you even begin to search the internet for the best ski boot ever.
Determine Your Skier Profile
Ski boots are created with different skier profiles and foot shapes in mind.
Beginner/Intermediate
A recreational/beginner skier skis green circle and some blue square runs, likes cruising on groomers and typically skis only a few times a year. The best option for these skiers is a Comfort Fit ski boot.
Intermediate/Advanced
Intermediate/advanced skiers ski a variety of speeds and conditions, including moguls and steeper terrain, so they need more precise steering and control from their ski boot. These skiers ski blue squares and some black diamonds, cruise groomers and/or ski off-trail. Intermediate/advanced skiers have skied a few years or are quick learners. Comfort Fit boots do not provide enough support and High Performance Fit boots may be too stiff or tight, so Performance Fit boots are most appropriate.
Advanced/Expert
An advanced/expert skier skis the entire mountain and all conditions with confidence, easily transitions from on trail to off trail terrain, skis steep, mogul and deep powder runs, has skied for many years and skis aggressively. These skiers require a High Performance Fit from their ski boot.
High Performance Fit: A High Performance Fit is very snug. There is no extra room in the toe box. Some comfort may be sacrificed for performance but the boot is not uncomfortable. You will feel instant response, control, and steering in the High Performance Fit boot. This is not your first ski boot. High Performance Fit ski boots will have a break-in period and may need customization to attain the most precise fit. The shell of a High Performance Fit boot is very stiff.
Shop Men's Advanced/Expert Alpine Ski Boots
Shop Women's Advanced/Expert Alpine Ski Boots
Racer
These are the people in the skin-tight suits going super fast around the skinny sticks in the ground known as gates. Racers ski very aggressively and fast. They are the only ones skiing gates on a powder day. Not surprisingly, they require a super tight, super stiff Race Fit.
Race Fit: Super duper tight and immediately responsive. Often times a great deal of work by a boot fitter is necessary for the ski boot shell to accept the foot properly. The shell is extremely stiff. Race Fit boots are not suitable for most skiers.
Determine Appropriate Ski Boot Size and Fit
Now that you know your ability level, you can narrow down your ski boot choices. The next step is based on the shape of your foot and calf. You will need to get to know your bottom third very well, so set aside some time.
An ideal ski boot fit provides a nice snug grip on the ball of your foot, base of your heel and shaft of your leg, but will not have any painful pressure points. This fit will allow your ankle to articulate and balance your body from inside the shell. Your heel should fit snugly in the heel pocket and the flex of the boot should correspond to your ability level and weight. To choose an appropriate ski boot online it is vital to understand and match the shape of your foot and calf with your ski boot in key areas including: length, volume, forefoot width, cuff shape and flex.
Length
You will need to know your foot size on the Mondo Point scale in order to find the correct ski boot size. Mondo means world sizing, and was created to battle the different sizing scales around the world. It is length in centimeters, so a Mondo Point size 27 is 27 centimeters long.
Mondo Point Size & Conversion Chart
You can figure out your precise Mondo Point measurement in centimeters. Trace your foot onto a piece of paper. Make sure you hold the pen or pencil vertically while you trace. Next take a tape measure or ruler and measure the traced distance from the front of your toes to the back of your heel. This distance is your Mondo Point size.
Ski boot manufacturers take the Mondo Point size and add room for your toes and the boot liner. This means if your foot measures 26.5 centimeters then you should wear a size 26.5 ski boot. Boot sole length does not change between half sizes. For example, size 26 and 26.5 boots have the same exact shell, but different sized liners or thicker insoles to make the boot feel as though it is a half size smaller.
Volume
The volume you need from your ski boot will depend on your foot shape and width. Do you have exceptionally high arches? Flat feet? A wide or narrow forefoot? Unique ankles? Disgustingly long toenails (please clip…)?
The narrower your foot, lower your arch and/or skinnier your ankles, the less volume you need from your ski boot. Likewise, the wider your foot, higher your arch and larger your ankles, the more volume your boots should have.
Generally, high performance ski boots have lower volumes while boots for recreational or beginner skiers are designed for comfort and have more volume in the toe box.
Forefoot Width
A ski boot’s forefoot width refers to the measurement of the toe box. This one is pretty self explanatory – the narrower the foot or tighter the fit, the smaller the forefoot width.
An average forefoot is about 100mm. A ski boot with a 98mm last is considered to be a narrow, low volume boot. A ski boot with a 102mm forefoot is a wider, relatively roomy boot.
Cuff Shape
Determine the shape of your calves. Athletic calves, V-shape or straight tubular shaped calves, chicken legs? Fitting the cuff is an important part of your ski boot fit. Recognize the shape of your calves and look for a boot that has a cuff shape that mirrors the shape.
Flex
Your ski boots should have enough flex so that you and the boot are able to move at the ankle but not so much flex that you can overpower the boot. The ski boot should support your weight. If you weigh more you may need to choose a boot with a higher flex or if you are lightweight get a boot with lower flex. Determine the correct flex for you based on your skill level, weight, attitude, skiing speed and the terrain you ski. See the flex chart below.
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Feel
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Soft, Easy to Flex
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Medium
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Stiff, Difficult to Flex
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Fit
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Comfort
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Performance
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High Performance
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Race
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Flex Rating
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50-80
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80-100
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100-130
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140+
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Ability
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Beginner – Intermediate
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Intermediate - Advanced
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Advanced - Expert
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Style
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Cautious
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Average
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Confident
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Aggressive
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Extreeeeme
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Speed
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Slow
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Medium – Fast
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Very Fast
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Racer Fast
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Terrain
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Groomers / Park and Pipe
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Groomers / All Mountain/ Park and Pipe / Off-Piste
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Off-Piste/Groomers
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Liners
Ski boot liners provide support, cushion, warmth and a more customized fit for your foot.
Thermo Moldable or Heat Moldable Liners
A thermo moldable or heat moldable liner uses heat to form the shape of the ski boot liner.
The first type of thermo moldable liner uses just your body heat to mold the shape of the liner as you ski. It usually takes a day or two of skiing for your liner to form to your foot. This method of thermo molding provides a natural fit, based on how you ski and helps your boots pack out in all the key spots unique to your foot.
The second type of thermo moldable liner must be heated in a ski shop before you ski in your new boots. The advantage of heating your boots right off the bat is your liner will already be packed out in some key areas the first day you ski in your new boots. However, it is molded to your foot as you are standing, not as you are skiing. As with any thermo moldable liner, you will need to ski in the boots to get the best possible fit out of them.
Intuition Liner – Intuition liners fit in the second type of thermo moldable liners. They are customized to your foot before you go skiing. Intuition liners are made from 100% ULTRALON™ EVA foam – proprietary foam developed exclusively for Intuition Sports. Intuition liners are specifically designed to be moldable, flexible and durable, giving users a customized fit.
Basic Liners (Non Thermo/Heat Moldable)
Basic ski boot liners are not thermo moldable. Basic liners will still customize as you ski in them but do not offer the luxury of the initial heat customizable fit.
Packing out – After skiing in your new ski boots a few times, the liners will heat up and gradually break down. This breaking down of the liners is called packing out. Packing out your boots creates more volume for your feet in the specific contours, bumps and yes even bunions that are unique to your feet. This is why it is important that your boots are snug when you first purchase them.
Ski Boot Features
In addition to their liners, ski boots will have many other features. Learn about the features and benefits of each below.
Power Strap – The power strap is the Velcro strap at the top of the cuff on your boot. The power strap provides power transmission and control from you to the ski boot. It acts as an additional buckle for more convenient, secure closure and heel lock.
Micro-adjustable Buckles – Micro-adjustable buckles provide finer tuning and precise fit. Just twist the buckle where it will grip the teeth to either lengthen or shorten the buckle. Righty tighty, Lefty loosie.
Cuff Alignment – Cuff alignment is often confused with canting. Many boots offer the skier the ability to adjust the cuff to fit the shaft of the leg; this is an important feature as it allows you a more neutral stance in the boot.
Canting refers to the actual stance alignment of the skier by correcting a knocked kneed or bowlegged stance through sole planning, cantable soles or wedges under the binding. We recommend taking your boots to a ski shop with expert boot fitters before making any adjustments to the canting.
Price
While it is tempting, we strongly recommend you resist the urge to look at price first. Consider your ability level, flex and the boot’s shell shape before you limit your choices based on price. After all, boots are the most important part of your ski setup because they drive your ski and determine your comfort level. If you are going to break your budget on any single item in your ski setup, make it your boots. Ski boots that don’t fit well make for miserable days on the mountain, no matter what kind of skis or snow you are skiing. For the price of a few lift tickets, consider upgrading your ski boots.
Women’s Specific Boots
Ski boot companies are doing a few things differently in their women’s boot lines. The shell and liner designs reflect the natural shape of women’s calves, which are often proportionally larger and lower on the leg than men’s calves. Custom buckles have been designed for women that are easier to open and close. Liners with extra down or neoprene to add warmth are often exclusive to women’s ski boots.
Buying Ski Boots on the Internet
Now that you know exactly what you need from a ski boot, you are ready to begin the online quest for the best ski boot in the world. As you will discover, you may find a number of ski boots that fit your requirements. This is the point where you can get picky. Look for special features such as a cozy warm faux fur liner or that hot pink color you always wanted, and finally you can check out the price.
Ski Boot Fitting Guide: How To Try On Your New Ski Boots
Custom Ski Boot Fitting: How To Make Your Boots Fit Better
