What You Need for a Successful Ski Boot Fitting
Boots, skis, poles and you’re ready to go, right? Sort of. Properly sizing and fitting your ski equipment can be a game-changer when it comes to improving your snow-sliding craft. It can also help prevent injury – too much or too little room in the boot can affect ski control. It’s important to make sure everything fits as it should. But. that can be a daunting task if you’re just stepping into the sport. If you’re not sure how your ski equipment should fit, or you want to get the most out of your equipment, it’s worth talking with an expert. Here are some of the key aspects for a successful ski boot fitting that will help you get into the proper size.
Understanding Ski Boot Anatomy
You can break a ski boot down into four primary components:
- Shell – As the name suggests, the shell is the hard outer part of the ski boot. It’s designed to protect your foot and lower leg and provide support and control.
- Liner – This is the soft internal part of a ski boot system. Designed to cushion your foot and ankle and provide comfort and warmth.
- Buckles and Straps – While different ski boot designs feature different numbers of buckles and straps, these elements play the same role – tightening the boot to create a secure fit.
- Soles – The bottom of a ski boot can come in a few different forms, each designed to cater to slightly different end uses. More traditional ski boots typically feature an alpine sole, which is predominantly hard plastic. Other soles, such as those on touring ski boots or hybrid boots, can include grippier rubber sections and even slight rocker to make for easier walking on snow and in the parking lot.
Tips for a Successful Fitting
There are a few things you can do to help ensure you maximize your time with a boot fitter and end up with the best possible fit. Consider visiting the ski shop later in the day, preferably after some physical activity. Your feet can swell and increase up to a half-size after a workout or time spent skiing. It’s best to get fitted when your feet are at their largest.
As mentioned, don’t forget your own ski socks and even base and mid layers! Communicate clearly and outline what you’re looking for, what your experience is, and your ski boot priorities, such as control, support, comfort, warm feet, and walkability. If you don’t find what you’re looking for right off the bat, don’t get discouraged. Invest the time and patience required – and it might even take multiple trips – to get the right fit.
The Fitting Process
An important first step in getting fitted for ski boots is talking with the technician about your ability level, experience, and what you want to get out of your ski boots from both a comfort and a performance standpoint.
After you’ve chatted for a bit and the boot fitter has an idea of what you’re looking for, he or she will take five measurements of your feet and lower leg, including from your heel to your toe, from the heel to the ball of the foot, your forefoot width, instep, and calf. The boot fitter should measure both feet and also assess the shape of your foot.
Once you have established a boot size, typically calculated from heel to big toe in centimeters via mondopoint – a standardized foot length measurement – it’s time to try some on. Try on a variety of ski boots. Mondo conversions can be tricky and like any piece of gear, not all boots are created equal. You want about a half-inch space between the shell and the back of your foot when you’re standing in it without the liner. Try flexing forward in the boot to make sure it has the right amount of stiffness for your style of skiing.
Check Your Stance
Additional things to note are your stance and body alignment when you’re in ski boots. Women with long legs might need to try a men’s boot for adequate support and proper flex. Custom footbeds are well worth the time, cost, and energy required. You want your boot to feel snug and supportive, not tight and painful. A good ski boot fitter will have plenty of tricks to get you there.
Pro Tip: Bring or wear your favorite pair of ski socks to try on boots. If you don’t have any, borrow some from the shop. Ski sock thickness can influence your preferred size and fit.
Common Fitting Issues and Solutions
Too tight, too roomy, too cold. Ski boots aren’t known for their comfort, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer. There are a variety of ways an experienced boot technician can work some magic to make your feet happy. Common fitting issues include pressure points and hot spots or an overall fit being too snug. Modern ski boot technology allows boot fitters to heat and mold certain aspects of the liner, which can create more space. As mentioned, custom footbeds can make a huge difference in your boots’ comfort and performance. If you have trouble balancing in your boot, talk with your boot tech about canting and alignment. A few hours spent with an experienced ski boot fitter is time well spent.
In addition to expert fitting to ensure proper temps, Black Tie Ski Rentals offers heated ski boots. Heated ski boots add comfort by keeping your feet warm on cold days. With built-in heating elements, these boots help regulate foot temperature, reducing discomfort and enhancing performance, making them a great choice for avid skiers. Keep your feet extra toasty while hitting the slopes.
Maintenance and Care of Fitted Ski Boots
Check in on your feet and your boots throughout the season. If you develop a new hot spot or point of discomfort, don’t hesitate to go back to the shop for adjustments. Do your best to dry your boots at the end of the day. Boot dryers work well and a cozy fireplace can be equally effective, but make sure to monitor plastic shells near heat. You don’t want them to melt. If you need to, pull out your liners and shells to get everything dry. Moist ski boots can develop odor, bacteria, and just be really uncomfortable to ski in.
Conclusion
If it’s time for new ski boots, don’t be afraid to join the boot pack! Talk with your friends and local ski shops about availability and where you can find a qualified boot fitter. There’s nothing quite like arcing a turn in a well-fitting ski boot.