Even a beginner knows that having the right ski boots is an integral part of safety, enjoyment and performance on the slopes. However, you may not be entirely familiar with what it takes to choose the correct pair. Since the right pair of boots can make or break your experience, it pays to consider the different factors that go into making the right choice.
That way your first time on the mountain, and every time thereafter, will be the best that it can be.
1. Finding Your Size
If you’ve spent any time looking at ski boots, you may have noticed that the sizing can be a bit confusing. Unfortunately, you can’t rely on your shoe size to dictate what size of ski boots you should buy. One reason for this is that sizing varies among shoe brands, so you might wear different sizes based on where you buy your shoes.
Boots are measured using a system called Mondopoint, also referred to as Mondo sizes. It works by measuring the length of your foot in centimetres. With that number, you will always know what size your boots should be. In general, adult ski boots range in size from 22.5 to 32.5. In some cases, you can find larger or smaller sizes, if needed. All ski boot companies use the same sizing so you will always look for the same size, no matter where you buy your boots.
As a beginner, the best way to get an accurate measurement of your foot is to have it measured in the ski shop. However, you can also do the job yourself, using a ruler or tape measure. Lay a piece of paper near a wall, align your heel with the wall, then make a mark on the paper where your longest toe reaches. Measure the distance and round up to the nearest half-size.
2. Male versus Female Boots
To some degree, your gender plays a role in the boots you select. That’s because a woman’s calf tends to be lower than a man’s, so boots are ergonomically created to accommodate this. The cuffs on women’s boots are lower and flare at the top. Additionally, due to the differences in blood circulation between males and females, boots designed for women tend to be more heavily lined than those for men.
3. Boot Flex
You’ll typically find the flex number in the name of the boot. The smaller the flex, the softer the boot. On the other hand, as the number gets higher, the construction of the boot gets stiffer. The scale ranges from 60 to 150 and you should choose the flex based on your ability and body shape. As a beginner, you want to stick to lower numbers. That is 60 to 70 for women and 60 to 90 for men. This is because a softer boot works better at slower speeds and makes it easier to turn and pivot as you learn how to ski, especially if you are navigating snow and rock on the mountain.
However, skiers with a larger build may want to choose a stiffer pair of boots. A higher flex will offer more support so consider going up just a bit, even if you are a beginner.
Unlike sizing, flex may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and brand to brand so you should spend some time testing the boots to find what works best for your ability level.
4. Boot Last
The last of a ski boot refers to its width and is a separate consideration from the size of the boot. This measurement is in millimeters, generally ranging from 96mm to 105mm. This translates simply to how wide around your foot is (in effect a circumference). You will measure from the outside of your foot, right below the pinkie toe to the outside edge of the ball of your foot. A correct width is essential to ensuring that your boots fit and that they are comfortable and optimize performance on the slopes. If the last is too narrow or too wide, you run the risk of being injured.
5. Type of Skiing
Another thing to consider when choosing your ski boots is the type of skiing you will be doing. As a beginner, chances are that you will be participating in leisure-type skiing with groomed slopes. In that case, a pair of flexible, lightweight boots are going to be the best choice for you. As you build your skills and want to try something more advanced, you may need to switch to stiffer, heavier boots.
6. Ski Boot Liners
Most ski boots come with some degree of lining. The main purpose is for warmth while you are in the snow. A non-mouldable liner is going to be fixed in place and often ends up conforming to the shape of your foot. This is a good choice if you’re looking for some extra stability. Thermoformable liners are made from foam materials and are broken in via the heat from your foot as you ski. If you want a custom fit, that’s another possibility and you can choose a custom-made liner, which is best done with an expert at a ski shop.
How Do Your Boots Feel?
While it’s great to have all of this information to help guide you to the right pair of ski boots, ultimately, you need to pay attention to how the boots feel when you wear them. Make sure that when you try them on, you are wearing ski socks similar to what you’ll wear on the slopes. Buckle each of the buckles on your boots so that you get a similarly snug fit to what you expect when you’re skiing.
There you have it. The only guide you’ll need when choosing the right ski boots.
Also read: How To Choose Best Snow Boots for Winter?
