Ski boots are perhaps the most important piece of ski equipment you will purchase, so it is important that they fit well and are appropriate for your skill level. Skiing involves spending a good portion of the day on your feet and a day spent in ill-fitting boots can not only be long, but painful. Choosing the right boots will not only improve your day on the slopes, it can also improve your overall skiing performance.
Step 1
Determine your correct size using the Mondopoint system which is an international sizing standard for ski boots. To find your size take the two digits of the Mondopoint size and add them together, for example, a Mondopoint size of 27 would be a men's nine (2+7=9). If the Mondopoint size is greater than 30, you will need to add nine to the final number. For example, a Mondopoint size of 31 would be a men's 13 (3+1+9=13). As ski boot shells only come in full sizes, you will want to adjust the fit with boot liners, insoles or even customized foot beds if wear a half size (like a size 9.5) for your normal shoe size.
Step 2
Try on the prospective ski boots while wearing one pair of thin to moderate liner socks. This is the easiest way to get a true fit. The interior of the ski boots are made from open-celled foam which is designed to stretch and contour to your foot so they will loosen up slightly through use. You want to make sure that the boot is fitted to your foot, not four pairs of heavy wool socks.
Step 3
Determine your skill level. If you are a beginner, it is recommended that you directly match you shoe size to the corresponding Mondopoint size. More advanced skiers may choose to buy boots that are one-half to one full size smaller than their shoe size. A tighter fit can increase your sensitivity to the skis and improve your skiing performance. Beginner boots also tend to be softer and will stretch more than advanced boots. As a general rule, beginner boots will give you more comfort and less control and advanced boots will do the opposite.
Step 4
Stand and walk around in your boots. If you flex your foot, the boot should be snug from the heel to the balls of your foot. You should have a small space to wiggle your toes. If the boots fit properly, your toes should barely touch the boot liner when you stand up and straighten your knees.
Tips and Warnings
- It usually takes three to four days to properly break in a new pair of boots. Be sure to have a few pairs of socks with differing thicknesses to adjust for the boot changes.
- Think twice before downsizing your boots. Tighter boots require much more customizing to balance performance and fit with comfort.
Things You'll Need
- One pair of thin to moderate liner socks
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