How To Choose a Ski Boots
Ski boots are just as important as skis. They provide comfort and control when skiing, so they have a great influence on your overall skiing performance. But how do you choose between different lengths and stiffness of boots? Learn how to make the best choice for you to enjoy your time on the slopes.
Frequently asked questions when choosing ski boots
When should I buy new ski boots?
When they are small for you (in children and adolescents) or you have had them for a long time and they are past their prime. Like anything else, ski boots have a lifespan, after which their initial properties deteriorate. They will stretch and become too big for the foot as opposed to fitting tightly, so you are not able to make full use of the potential of the skis or your abilities.
The deterioration occurs gradually and you may not notice the changes at all in the beginning. Depending on how active a skier you are, a ski boot will last an average of 3 to 5 years. Some manufacturers report a lifespan of about 80 "ski days".
How to measure the size of the foot?
By measuring this you get a mondo point, i.e the length of the foot at its longest point. Accordingly, you can start choosing ski boots according to the size of this length. Another, less accurate, method is to draw the foot on paper and measure its length in millimeters.
Caution: The size of your left and right foot may vary. Measure them both and follow the size of the larger one.
| EU | UK | Length in mm |
|---|---|---|
| 34 1/3 | 2 | 210 |
| 35 | 2,5 | 215 |
| 35,5 | 3 | 220 |
| 36 | 3,5 | 225 |
| 36 2/3 | 4 | 230 |
| 37,5 | 4,5 | 235 |
| 38 | 5 | 240 |
| 38 2/3 | 5,5 | 245 |
| 39,5 | 6 | 250 |
| 40 | 6,5 | 255 |
| 40 2/3 | 7 | 260 |
| 41,5 | 7,5 | 265 |
| 42 | 8 | 270 |
| 42,5 | 8,5 | 275 |
| 43 1/3 | 9 | 280 |
| 44 | 9,5 | 285 |
| 44,5 | 10 | 290 |
| 45 | 10,5 | 295 |
| 45 2/3 | 11 | 300 |
| 46,5 | 11,5 | 305 |
| 47 | 12 | 310 |
| 47 2/3 | 12,5 | 315 |
| 48,5 | 13 | 320 |
| 49 1/3 | 13,5 | 325 |
| 50 | 14 | 330 |
The values in the table are a guideline, they may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Is there a difference between men and women's ski boots?
Yes, because the structure of the foot, ankle and calf is different for women and men. Women have a smaller calf than men, so the entry to the boot is also lower. Compared to men's, they also have more insulating layers.
How to dry the inner part of the boot?
Due to the fact that most inner shoes are formable, it is not recommended to remove them from the skeleton of the boot even during drying. Rather, use dryers that will reliably dry your boots. The Lenz Space warmer works on the principle of passive heating, and the Lenz Space dryer model also enables efficient circulation of hot air. These devices are also suitable for drying gloves and clothing.
How to store ski boots?
Always store ski boots with the buckles slightly close to prevent deformation of the boot’s skeleton. For the same reason, do not place them near a radiator.
What is important when choosing ski boots?
The width of the shoe in the instep
The second parameter, which depends on the size of your legs. It is stated in the basic size 26.5. Exact figures for other sizes are not given, however, approximately 1.5 mm is added or subtracted to the size.
Width of skis according to use
Boot skeleton stiffness
It is stated in the range from 40 to 170 and the higher the hardness, the sportier and narrower the skier. The rigidity of the skeleton tells us how it is able to transmit the force developed by the skier to the ski. The higher the number, the more strength you need to get the instep of the shoe to the ideal slope. It should be added, however, that this figure is not a physical quantity, so that each manufacturer can measure it entirely at will.
The following recommendations apply to choosing the right boot skeleton stiffness according to the ski:
| Skier level | Stiffness (men) | Stiffness (women) |
| Beginner | 60–70 | 60 |
| Intermediate | 80–90 | 70 |
| Sports skiers | 100–110 | 80 |
| Performance skiers | 120–140 | 90–100 |
| Professionals | over 140 | over 110 |
The values given in the table apply to average people. People with a higher weight should choose a higher rigidity category and vice versa.
Glossary - ski boots
Mondo point
The longest dimension of the foot in millimeters or centimeters. This is the real inner size (length of the insole) of the ski boot in millimeters.
Flexindex
Flex or the Flexindex is an indicator of the stiffness of boots.
Chimney/ Instep
The upper part of the boot’s skeleton, which is narrower for women's boots and wider for men’s.
Glossary
Boot length
The most basic parameter when choosing ski boots. The most common mistake is choosing boots that are too big. You won’t be able to control your skis well and your feet will be cold. You have to "heat up" a much larger space than with boots that fit correctly. 99% of skiers have the right size of ski boot, the same as the size of their regular boot.