6 minutes reading
By Sports Experts and Atmosphere - October 25, 2023
Buying alpine ski boots is a delicate business. They must satisfy two principles: ensuring your comfort and retaining your feet to best support you on your skis to suit your skill level.
So how do you make the right choice? Considering comfort, convenience, safety and performance, here’s an overview to clarify what you need to know!
Choose your ski boots based on three main criteria: stiffness of the boot, size and the fit when trying them on.
Consider your skier profile when deciding on the right boot stiffness for you. Why? Because very stiff boots deliver more energy to the skis, yet they also require more strength. Stiffer boots are recommended more for experienced skiers or skiers of a heavier weight.
How do you know if your boots are too stiff or not stiff enough?
For each of their boot models, brands define a “flex” index, which measures the capacity of the boot to fold forward. The higher the flex, the stiffer the pair of boots, whereas the lower the flex, the more flexible the boots.
Make sure you choose a boot with a flex that matches your skill level: if this figure is too high, your sensations will be compromised; if it’s too low, your support will be limited.
| Beginner skiers | Intermediate skiers | Advanced to expert skiers |
|---|---|---|
| Flex under 65 | Flex between 65 and 90 | Flex above 90 |
*For demonstrative purposes only, as each manufacturer has their own standards.
With flexible boots, beginner skiers can more easily recover from losing their balance. On the other hand, stiffer boots that evolve along with the skiers allow them to control their skis more precisely, so that they can get more speed and explore tougher runs.
Width is an essential factor to consider when slipping your foot inside the ski boot, especially if you have a wide foot. Not all skiers will have the same foot width, so you need to choose the right boot to maximize your comfort on the slopes. Some brands have developed models with several boot widths.
| Narrow | Average | Wide | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foot width | 99 mm and under | 100 to 103 mm | 104 mm and over |
The ski boot size is established using the Mondo system, an international system based on centimetres. Your boot size refers to the length of your foot, in cm. Use the table below to find your size.
| Mondopoint | US Size | Europe Size | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women | Men | ||
| 22.5 | 4.5 | 36 | |
| 23.5 | 5.5 | 37 | |
| 23.5 | 6 | 37.5 | |
| 24 | 6.5 | 38 | |
| 24.5 | 7 | 6 | 39 |
| 25 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 39.5 |
| 25.5 | 8 | 7 | 40 |
| 26 | 8.5 | 7.5 | 41 |
| 26.5 | 9 | 8 | 41.5 |
| 27 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 42 |
| 27.5 | 9 | 43 | |
| 27.5 | 9.5 | 43.5 | |
| 28 | 10 | 44 | |
| 28.5 | 10.5 | 44.5 | |
| 29 | 11 | 45 | |
| 29.5 | 11.5 | 46 | |
| 30 | 12 | 47 | |
| 30.5 | 12.5 | 47.5 | |
| 31 | 13 | 48 | |
| 31.5 | 13.5 | 49 | |
| 32 | 14 | 50 |
Some Sports Experts stores also offer a custom boot-fitting service, which is the best way to adjust your boots perfectly for your feet. Discover the stores that offer custom boot-fitting.
Now we’ve come to the most essential part of the boot selection process. This step is A MUST to find the boots that suit the morphology of your feet.
1
Step 1: Slip on your ski socks
In other words, the one that you’re used to wearing when you ski.
2
Step 2: Undo all the buckles and pull the tongue to the front
Slide your foot in the boot and close the fasteners halfway. If they’re already tight, be careful, as after a few uses, the liner will adjust, the volume will increase, and you won’t be able to tighten them any further. Be cautious if you are at the extreme end of adjustments.
3
Step 3: Stand up straight (with your knees braced) and try to touch the top of the shell.
If the boots are your size, your toes should be able to touch the end of the boot.
4
Step 4: Perform at least three good squats, pressing hard downward on your tibias to push your heel back to the maximum in the boot.
Your foot will back up and your toes should lightly brush the end of the boot. After a few uses, the liner will settle, and your feet won't touch the tip of the boot anymore. Also, remember that you ski with bent knees, not straight legs.
The BOA lacing and adjustment system is different from the more traditional buckle closure system of a ski boot. The skier adjusts its boot by means of a tightening knob linked to a steel cord that runs the length of the boot. The BOA closure secures and fixes the foot in the boot for a precise fit adapted to all foot morphologies.
The adventure of alpine skiing can be initiated at an early age. With the right equipment, you'll quickly acquire a sense of balance and control. Focus on comfort and flexibility by choosing boots that are easy to put on and take off. Boots for juniors are often designed with soft shells to facilitate learning on the slopes.
If you’re shopping for new boots and you think you may be up for the challenge of backcountry skiing or alpine touring skiing.
Take an exploratory tour of alpine touring boots. Different from conventional alpine ski boots, they’re lighter and come equipped with technologies that enable you to walk comfortably on the mountain. In fact, alpine touring ski boots have a collar that you can unfasten to give you a greater range of moption when you walk.
Note : Don’t forget that you also need specific fixations that leave your heels free for your ascents, as well as climbing skins.
There are different types of alpine ski boots, as well as a wide range of technologies offered. Some boots feature additional side support for increased performance, others present calf adjustments, etc. Do you want custom-made boots with a sole that perfectly hugs the arches of your feet? Check out our boot-fitting service to see how the process is carried out. If you need any further information, our experts will be happy to help you select the perfect boot. If you’d like to get fully geared up for alpine skiing, consult our buying guide.
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