Ski boots
By definition, a ski boot is not as comfortable as a regular shoe. But how do you know if a boot fits well and is safe? If you take these four steps into account, you will have the right ski boot within a few tries:
- Level: if you are a beginner, choose a flexible boot that will be forgiving when you make mistakes. If you have more experience, a stiffer boot comes in handy because it gives you more control and speed.
- Stiffness: the flex index! As a general rule, the more experience you have, the higher the flex index and the stiffer your boots can be.
- Fit: an ill-fitting boot is a bad idea. Measuring and trying them on are key. Measure the length and width of your feet, try them on while wearing ski socks, open all the buckles fully, and adopt a realistic skiing position while trying them on!
Boot fitting: if the anatomy of your feet deviates from the so-called ‘standard foot’, then a boot fitting is essential for your comfort. We’ll take an impression of your sole, make a fitting insole, and heat/mould your liner and outer boot at our winter sports rental shops!
Good ski boots are ski boots that fit well, don’t hurt, and give you a sense of safety and control on the slopes! Keep the following in mind:
- Size: this is expressed in Mondopoint (MP) and you can easily determine it yourself. If your feet are 28 cm long, then you should usually choose a size 28 MP. Note that not all boots are the same and the sizes are not standardised. So make sure to try them on. Also choose the right width if you have narrower or wider feet.
- Fit: an ill-fitting boot is a recipe for irritation and injury. Try on ski socks, open all the buckles fully before putting on the boots, adopt a realistic skiing position while trying them on, and above all, walk around.
- Stiffness: the stiffer a boot, the more technique you will need, and the more control and speed you will have. The more flexible the boot, the more comfortable and less prone to mistakes you’ll be.
Boots that are too big do not convey your steering movements well. Boots that are too small hurt and result in cold feet. Neither is ideal. So it’s really important that you find the right size.
Ski boot sizes are indicated in Mondopoint (MP): an international measurement system that uses the length of your foot. If you already know the length, you can immediately find the right size in most brands. For example, size 28 is suitable for feet that are 28 cm long. But beware: every boot is different. So always be sure to try them on!
Getting started:
- Put your foot on a sheet of paper. Draw lines marking the end of your big toe and your heel.
- Measure the distance between the two lines and add 0.6 cm to 1 cm, until you arrive at a whole or half size. This is your MP size.
If you have found the right size, your toes should just touch the front of your boots when standing up straight. When you are in your skiing position, your toes will have more room!
The width of your boots is almost as important as the length. If you have narrow feet, opt for a narrow width of around 100 mm. If you have ‘normal’ feet, opt for a width of 102 mm. If you have wider feet, you will be better off with boots that are 104 mm wide. You may find it hard to imagine, but those few millimetres one way or the other really make a difference!