How to find the right size ski boot?

Proper equipment increases the enjoyment felt on the snow. As in everyday life, choosing the right size is essential when it comes to ski boots. If they are too small, they will interfere with your stance, restrict blood circulation, and make you feel that the temperature is truly freezing. Conversely, if they are too large, your feet will move constantly, your balance will become imprecise, and most importantly, your ankles will suffer. Therefore, it is crucial as a skier to choose the right size for your ski boots.

Ski boots: knowing the ideal length

Shoe size varies depending on the country, and ski boots followed this trend as well. Aware of the problem faced by their customers, manufacturers modified their approach by adding the mondopoint size, which is identical to the length of the foot, expressed in centimeters.

Several brands have thus installed devices in their stores to facilitate measurement. They also offer ready-to-use printable versions on their websites. However, if you want to know your measurement quickly, a piece of packaging or an A3 sheet will suffice.

The procedure is simple. Place the paper against a wall, stand on it while making sure your posture is upright. Then, take a marker and draw a horizontal line to mark the position of the longest toe. Next, two vertical lines will indicate the width of your foot. The help of another person will improve accuracy. Additionally, measuring both feet is recommended.

If you used a printed foot measuring device, just read the indicated value. However, if you chose a sheet of paper, you will need to measure the marks with a ruler. If the lengths of both feet are different, the larger value should be preferred. Specialists also recommend adding an extra 1 cm to better account for sock thickness.

A good width ensures comfort

Simply put, the width of your ski boot corresponds to the width of the forefoot expressed in mm. It indicates the slimness of your foot: narrow, medium, and wide. Manufacturers offer models suited to each foot shape. They also use other terminology such as boot volume or fit.

The values given correspond to a mondopoint size of 26.5. If a brand indicates a fit of 98 mm, this figure is only valid for a size 26.5. If your feet are longer, their width will change accordingly. The availability of a standard width makes comparisons between different ranges easier.

A fit between 97 and 100 mm will suit narrow feet. For medium feet, it will be slightly larger but remain under 102 mm. If your feet are very wide, a boot volume greater than 102 mm is more suitable.

Choosing a boot suited to your level

It is essential that the size of your ski boot takes your technical skill into account. If you have an excellent level, you will prioritize precision over comfort. In this case, the ideal size will match the value indicated by the foot measuring device. However, a slightly smaller boot volume may be more relevant. For example, if you have a medium foot of 28 cm, a size 28 with a 100 mm fit will suit your skill level.

If you are a beginner skier, a small margin is advised to ensure a good level of comfort when choosing the size of your ski boots. An extra half centimeter is recommended, and it is also better to favor the upper range of the fit. Using the example above, a Mondopoint size 28.5 with a 102 mm boot volume would be more appropriate.

In addition to length and width, stiffness is also an important factor. Simply put, it increases with experience level. A higher index suits an advanced skier. However, body build also plays a role. For instance, an intermediate-level skier with a larger build will need boots resistant to this pressure. Otherwise, they will deform after just a few sessions.

Finally, choosing according to the discipline is crucial. Speed events require greater precision, and slightly tight boots will meet this requirement. Conversely, comfortable and spacious models are suitable for long hours of touring.

How to properly try on your ski boots?

Determining the corresponding size is the first step. Now, it is essential to perform a test to see if you will enjoy wearing them for long periods. The procedure is slightly different from what you would use for loafers or ballet flats.

Try them on with socks. Manufacturers have launched several models, and it is important to favor ranges that wick moisture while maintaining good warmth. Once the boots are on, you can close the buckles halfway. If you go beyond this point, the boot is too tight. Otherwise, it is too wide for your foot.

The position of the toes is also an important indicator. If you stand upright, they should touch the front of the boot. If they don’t, it’s better to select a smaller size. Another method is to perform a series of flexes. This movement will push your foot back. If the toes still touch the front, a larger size is appropriate.

After these steps, you can walk, jump, or run a little to check the comfort level. During this phase, listen to your body. Even minor discomfort indicates that a size change may be needed.

The right ski boot size is essential

An appropriate size is truly essential. It will determine much of your enjoyment on the slopes. It will also improve your performance level or, conversely, prevent you from exceeding your limits. Asking a professional for guidance will help better understand the nuances and select a model suited to your feet. As in town, having two or three pairs of ski boots suited to different activities also seems wise.

Also consider flex when choosing your ski boots and make sure your ski boots are compatible with your ski bindings. A ski touring boot is not the same as an alpine ski boot, just as a cross-country ski boot differs, so bindings are not the same.
Regarding flex: the higher it is, the stiffer the boot and the less likely it is to release. Be careful: flex 110-130 is only suitable for true experts. If you are a good skier, choose a flex of 80-100.

Also check out our article to properly choose the right ski size and the size of ski poles. Discover our articles on ski clothing as well.