Skiing evokes visions of gliding down a mountain in graceful swoops. If your boots don't fit correctly, the reality is cold feet and sore muscles. When you walk into a ski shop, the boots are sized using a variety of numbering systems very different from shoe size. According to Realskiers Equipment Buying Guide, you should spend 50 percent of your equipment budget on ski boots. An investment that large demands knowledgeable sizing.
Size Equivalents
Down Hill boots are sold using Mondo sizing, which is a system based on centimeters with the size representing the length of your foot. Mondo sizes run from 23 to 32, with 23 being equivalent to men's shoe size 5 and women's size 6. Mid scale size 27 is equivalent to men's 9 and women's 10. Cross-country ski boots are sized using the "euro" system. Euro sizes run from 35 to 50. A euro 43 is equivalent to a men's 9 and a women's 10.5. While size conversions are a good starting point for ski boots, you really need to try them on.
Boot Technicians
The fit of your ski boot is important enough to spend some time finding an expert boot technician. Communication between you and the tech is critical. The technician must know the right questions to ask regarding your skiing habits and you must trust her enough to answer honestly. Basic starting questions are: what is your skill level? How often do you ski? and What conditions do you ski in? The tech should examine your feet and ankles. Discussing other ski equipment that you own and will use with the boot is also important, instructs Realskiers.
Sizing
Your technician should take the liner from the shell and have you put your foot into the shell. There should not be more than an inch of extra space. Shell width is also checked. The tech should also have you try the boots on several times Walk and move in them, beginning the process of breaking in the boots. The expert will also address the ankle cuff, canting and foot problems you have, such as fallen arches, says podiatrist and custom boot fitter Dr. Robert Scott Steinberg.
Followup
New boots should not feel loose after purchase, they will fit looser as your foot molds the liner. If you are a beginner, you should have a flexible boot that will not transmit mistakes to the ski, advises Steinberg. After skiing for at least four days with the new boots, you should return to the boot technician for any remaining fit issues.
Socks
The wrong socks can impair the fit of the boot, according to Realskiers. Thick socks should not be used, feet will move around in them. Thick socks also compress veins in the foot, making your feet cold due to poor circulation. Thin socks made of wool or wool blends are the best kind to wear with your new boots.
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