Are you shopping for your first pair of ski boots this season? Choosing the perfect pair for you can take some time and might be confusing at first, especially if you’re new to skiing. What do all of these numbers mean? Where do I start? Below, we’re going to dig into all of the basics of ski boots and how to tell if a pair fits properly, so keep reading!
Common Questions
How does ski boot sizing work?
Ski boot sizing doesn’t use the same measurement system that our street shoes use. They use something called Mondopoint. This measures the length of your foot in centimeters. When looking for a boot that fits you, you will often come across a conversion chart or see the street shoe size listed with the Mondopoint in parentheses next to it.
What does “last” mean?
“Last” is a word you will see when you start searching for ski boots. The last refers to the size width of the boot. The number you see is the measurement in millimeters. The average last size is around 100mm. However, some boots are designed to be extra narrow or wide. A narrow last will be around 97-98mm while a wide last will be around 102mm or more.
What is a ski boot flex rating?
A flex rating indicates how soft or flexible a ski boot is. Flex rating numbers usually range from 50 to 130. The higher the number, the stiffer the boot. Ski boots with a lower flex rating will be more forgiving and better for beginners while boots with a higher flex rating provide more power and are better suited for advanced skiers.
Is there a difference between men’s ski boots and women’s ski boots?
You may be wondering if men’s and women’s ski boots really differ at all (apart from their colors and style). The answer is yes! The biggest difference is the size of the boot cuff. Women’s ski boots have a shorter and wider cuff designed specifically to fit a woman’s build while men’s ski boots have a taller and narrower cuff.
Guide to Trying on Ski Boots for Size
When possible, try on ski boots in person before purchasing. While size conversion charts and specs listed online can be helpful, you won’t really know if a ski boot is comfortable until you try it on for yourself. Here are some helpful tips when it comes to trying on ski boots and seeing if they fit properly, so you can find the most comfortable pair:
Wear the right ski socks
Wear tall, ski specific socks that aren’t super thick when trying on a new boot, even if you usually wear thick socks when riding. How the boot fits brand new with a standard sock is similar to how it will fit broken in with a thicker sock. A thick sock in a new boot can make it feel too small.
Buckle up!
Buckle up your boots nice and snug, especially focus on the ankle area no matter what type of buckle system the boots have. This ensures that your heel is sitting properly back in the boot.
[existing chart below]
Perfect
- Snug fit overall
- Toes touching (not pushing) in front
- Minimal to no heel lift
Too Big
- Loose fit overall
- Toes not touching front of liner
- Heel lifting inside boot
Too Small
- Uncomfortably tight fit overall
- Toes crammed in front of liner
- “Hot spots” in heel
Size: Length and Width
When checking the fit, make sure that you are standing rather than sitting as the position of your feet will change and the size will feel different. How the boot fits fresh out of the box is the tightest it will ever be, so you want the boot to be snug but not uncomfortably tight.
For length, you want to be able to feel the front of the liner with your toes, not crammed and pushing but just touching the front. If you can’t feel the front of the liner with the tips of your toes the boots might be too big.
Make sure you practice standing with your knees bent since all boots have forward lean pre-built into the boot. When you stand up straight, it pushes your foot forward giving you an “un-true” fit.
Hot Spots
If you notice any pressure points pushing on your foot, ankle, or leg when you move around, making the boot uncomfortable, try squeezing the boot with your fingers on either side of the hot spot. If it relieves the pressure, the boots probably just need to break in a bit and are likely the right size. If it is still uncomfortable, then the shape of the boot is not the best for your foot, and you should try a different model.
Break In
A lot of boots have moldable liners, and your local shop should have the proper heating device (do not attempt to heat liners yourself, no matter what you find on the internet!). Any time you spend on your feet in your boots can help the break in process as well, helping you to understand your true size. Buckle your boots up and wear them around the house while doing things where you will be on your feet and moving around.
(NOTE: If you are unsure about the fit of your boots, do not wear them outside of the house or anywhere they might get dirty or damaged to insure you can still make an exchange for a different size if need be.)
Hopefully this has been a helpful guide for sizing when it comes to choosing a new pair of ski boots! Be sure to browse our ski shop to get an idea of what boots (and other gear) might work best for you this season!
