Get Great Fitting Ski Boots

Your ski boots can make or break your ski experience. This page talks about how to get proper ski boot sizing and comfort, including what to do if you're feet are hurting.

No Pain, No Gain?

Let's destroy the myth—your boots do not have to be painful. Shape and designs vary. There are boots specifically for men's feet and for women's feet. The fit can be molded and if they rub, they can be filed—just like a fingernail.


Renting Boots

If renting suits you best, you can rent at the resort, in the local ski town, or back in your home city. I suggest renting at the resort—that way any problems during the day can be sorted quickly.

There is a downside to renting at the resort. On busy days, the shop might run out of your size. Or it can take an hour or so in line to get your ski equipment.

In most rental shops, there are people trained to help you with your ski boot sizing. But don't assume that the first pair of ski boots you try are right.

If you're not sure, ask for a size up or down. Or even a different style so you can compare.

Tip: Wear only one pair of socks that come up past your calf, i.e. not just to your ankle. There's less chance of wrinkles and more chance of warm feet!


Buying Boots

Thinking about buying your first pair of boots? Good decision in my view. This piece of ski equipment can help so much with your skiing fun. Or maybe this will be your second or third pair. Either case, here's some advice.

Unfortunately, I've found there are a number of cowboys in ski shops just trying to 'get a sale'. Three of my last five experiences have involved bad advice in a shop or sales staff just not listening to my needs.

So don't assume the recommendation they give is right for you. Perhaps choose a store that specializes in boot fittings. I've learned the more questions a sales adviser asks, the better.

Here are three strong indicators of good advice in a ski shop:

• The sales attendant asks about the kind of skier you are and where you ski.


• The inner boot is removed and the way your foot fits in the outer shell is measured.


• They mention that you can and should bring the ski boots back to have any pressure points worked on.

Whether pain comes after a few minutes on the slopes or the hurt is at the end of the day—your boots are trying to tell you something:

• your boots are too small or too big
• the boots are the wrong shape for your feet
• the clips and fasteners need to be adjusted
• you need to change the way you stand while you ski

• high insteps — standard rental boots may be uncomfortable. Buying a specific boot right away might be the key.


• large calves (for women) — choosing women's-specific boots designed for lower or muscular calves should help.


• leaning back when you ski — this common habit can cause numb feet (we all do it sometimes). This isn't a problem with the boots. You need to move your body and legs forward slightly (but keep your bum tucked in) so your shins push against your boots.

If you have questions, contact me. You can also check out the following links:

http://www.bootfitters.com
www.thebootdoctor.com/Pages/HOW.htm


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