• For more information on how to avoid pop-up ads and still support SkiTalk click HERE.

Quick and Dirty "101 Level" Boot Selection Guide

Status
Not open for further replies.

Tricia

The Velvet Hammer
Admin
SkiTalk Tester
Joined
Nov 1, 2015
Posts
27,298
Location
Reno
As always, our first recommendation is to go to a reputable bootfitter and get a proper fit. This is the best way to ensure that you'll be set up for success.
However, we realize that some skiers don't live near a good fitter or do have a budget that requires them to shop at a ski swap. We developed this quick and dirty guide to give you some of the information you need to make a decent selection.
  • Know your size in mondo (centimeter, not Euro and not your shoe size, sizing).
    • Mondo is centimeters and has no relationship to your street shoe size.
    • If you can measure both feet before you go, do so.
    • If you measure 27 cm, start with a 27.5 for a recreational fit (a recreational fit is for someone who skis fewer than 10-15 days a season).
    • If you are looking for a performance fit or skiing double digit days a year, consider dropping a shell size.
      • Don't think of this as down sizing but right sizing.
  • When trying boots on, use one thin ski sock (and not multiple pairs).
    • The sock is basically a base layer for your foot, not insulation. In a properly fitting boot, the liner will keep your foot warm.
      • After the purchase. having multiple pairs of the same exact sock will ensure a consistent fit.
  • When you first put on the boot, your toes will be against the front of the boot. When you buckle the boot and flex into an athletic position, your toes will just come off of the front.
    • The boot should fit like a good firm handshake.
    • If you are getting a hot spot, try a different shape of boot in the same size before going up a size.
  • Don’t hesitate to try on two to three different boot brands or models to see which matches your feet.
    • Remember that it does not matter if your “expert” buddy or the salesperson skis in a particular boot; they do not have your feet.
    • When trying on boots, spend several minutes in the boots, maybe 5 or 10 minutes, in a flexed ski stance to make sure a hot spot doesn't show up after a period of time.
  • With kids, do not expect this pair of boots to get little 12-year-old Johnny or Suzy through six years of college and their first marriage. Plan on this year and maybe one more of growth. Kids should grow out of boots, not into them.
  • Finally, do not feel that you must walk out with boots. If you think, “These will do" or “I guess I could get used to them,” my answer is, unless you are willing to invest more money with a bootfitter after the fact with time consuming revisits, “No, they won’t" and "No, you will not."
  • Don't be confused with the sizing 23.5, 24.5 and so on. Boots come in whole size increments. There is no .0, no matter what anyone tells you. There are no half size increments and no special liners or foot beds to offer half size increments.
**This is a living post, if you have suggestions, please message @Philpug or @Tricia**​
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.

Sponsor

Staff online

Top