What To Look For
When shopping for all-mountain ski boots, you need to find the right fit, flex and features. Desired fit will depend upon if you are an expert or a novice. Experts tend to seek out narrower fitting boot with less flexibility, while beginners will swing towards a wider, more flexibility boot. Another thing to be considered is the liner, as some high-performance boot liners have memory foam that eventually molds to the foot. Some of the most recommended ski boots brands are Nordica and Salomon as they offer a full range of boots that are designed to tackle most levels of skiing.
Common Pitfalls
One of the biggest mistakes people make when buying ski boots is to buy them too big. Sometimes boots feel comfortable when tried on, but as time passes and the insulation compresses, the boot feels bigger. Actually the boot should fit snugly, with your toe grazing the toe of the boot. Another common mistake is to buy the wrong flex. Flex is the amount the boot gives when skiing, and it is the connection between you and the skis. Picking the wrong flex for the level of skiing can result in not enough control over the skis.
Where To Buy
The best place to buy a pair of Nordica or Salomon ski boots is a specialty shop. There an expert can assess the your level of skiing, and thus the right type of boot to give you the level of support or performance needed. Ski retailers like Peter Genn, carry a full range of Nordica and Salomon boots, and often have discounts on older models or previously unsold inventory. Many of the ski retailers also have online stores. And if you already knows which model, fit and flex you are after, you can search online for cheaper options.
Cost
Prices for Nordica's all-mountain ski boots range between $229 to $600 depending on the level of performance and features. If you are a novice skier, you would probably spend toward the lower-end of the spectrum, as expert-level high-performance ski boots tend to be on the more expensive end. Salomon all-mountain ski boots are comparable in price, costing anywhere from $300 to $650. Those looking for discounted boots might find a deal buying used or older models cheaper.
Comparison Shopping
As you progress from novice to expert, you will search for a boot that is tighter, or more form-fitting. Width also plays a factor beginners should pick a boot for 102 to 105 mm, intermediates should pick boots form 100 to 102 mm, experts 98 to 102. When it comes to flex, the beginner skier will probably choose a flex from 50 to 70, intermediate should stick to 70 to 80, and an expert skier (who requires little flex) should chose between 90 and 100.
Outside of fit and flex, the differences in ski boots boils down to features that include differences in micro-adjustable buckles, power straps, side cuff adjustments, flex adjustments, memory foam and built-in heaters. The more expensive the boot is, the more bells and whistles it will most likely have.
Insider Tips
Ski boots are sized in "mondopoint," which is very different from traditional U.S. shoe sizing. It is based on the metric system and can be tedious to calculate. Fortunately, most ski retailers have a conversion chart available--and if not, your foot can be measured in store. In addition to measuring the length of the foot, the width of the foot plays an important role and therefore also has to be measured in millimeters.
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