Ski Boots
Buyer's Guide

Most skiers have a horror story about ski boots they've rented or bought - It doesn't have to be that way. Don't suffer any more in ski boots which aren't right for you. Read through our guide to make sure you get the right size, flex and fit.

Chapter 1

Fit

The most important thing about your ski boots is how they fit. Make sure to get the right size boot in both length and width. You should start with your mondopoint size. This is the length of your foot in centimetres and is the measure which all ski boots are made in. Forget about your US, EU or UK size. To get an accurate measure of your foot in Mondopoint, stand with your heel against a hard surface and then mark where your big toe lies, from the surface to your toe is your measurement in Mondopoint. You can also use a foot measuring device called a Brannock device or ideally visit one of our shops to get your feet accurately measured.

Once you have found the right size look a boot which accurately matches the width of your feet. We have our range in three widths.

Choose
your width

Medium

At around 100 mm, medium boots fit the ‘average’ shape foot. A little wider and more generous fit, most people will fit a medium boot.

Chapter 2

What is your skiing level and style?

Once you have determined the right size and width for your ski boots, have a look for a boot which is the right level for you and your riding.

Beginner ski boots

Beginner ski boots are softer and forgiving. This means that it is easier to bend your knees over your toes, which is essential when learning how to turn your skis. They are also more forgiving for when you make mistakes as there isn’t as much of a jarring shock on your shins when you make a mistake or fall.

Ski touring boots

For hiking and touring up a mountain, you should look for a ski touring specific boot. These are better for a number of reasons. Firstly, they have a ‘walk mode’, which releases the cuff of the boot for a longer stride, perfect for touring or hiking. Secondly, they will be lighter weight, so you carry less on the way up. Finally, they are compatible with pin-style touring bindings. If you plan to spend time in the backcountry, get a ski touring boot.

Remember, when you’re outside of the resort boundaries always to take your avalanche safety equipment and never ski alone.

Chapter 3

Stiffness

A term you frequently hear associated with ski boots is stiffness. What does this mean? The stiffness of the boot is how much resistance there is to you bending your knees over your toes. The least resistance is more comfortable to turn and learn where the stiffest boots are the highest performance with more resistance. The scale is either 60-120 flex by some manufacturers and 1-10 by Full Tilt Ski Boots.

Soft

Softer ski boots suit two types of riders – beginners and freestyle riders. A soft ski boot is forgiving for beginners who can learn and turn quickly. Freestyle riders can land in comfort from kickers and rails.

A Blue Tomato Team Rider on a rail at Nordkette

Chapter 4

Ski Boot features

Walk mode

A walk mode makes everything a little easier. Walking from your car to the lift, hiking a little up to the peak for some untouched powder and of course, ski touring!