How to Buy Downhill Ski Boots
Ski Boots
Easily, the most important piece of skiing equipment that you’ll own are your ski boots. Boots are everything. If you’re going to spend good money on any one part of your ski equipment, it needs to be the boots. We’ll explain why boots are so important and we’ll explain how to go about buying them.
Why Are Downhill Skiing Boots So Important?
Think about it, your feet are holding your whole body up. They enable you to balance and they are in contact with the bindings and skis. Small movements with your feet greatly determine what direction you go, how you move and how you stop. Getting a ski boot that’s comfortable and the right fit can make or break your skiing (oops, sorry for mentioning “break” and “skiing” in the same sentence – my bad).
Ask any skier in bad boots at the end of the day how their day went, and they’ll complain about their feet. Sore feet affect your whole body. If you haven’t had boots fit properly for you or if you’re ready to move from renting equipment to buying equipment, then it’s time to go for a boot fitting.
If you’re looking for mens ski boots, ladies ski boots or kids ski boots, you need boots that fit. If boots are too loose, then you have to roll your foot even more to first make contact with the boot, then to start making your ski tip on its edge. A boot with a snug fit to your foot helps you tip you skis faster and with less effort. Of course, boots that fit too tightly will not feel good and could even cut off your blood circulation. So they should be very snug but also comfortable.
How wide your feet are will determine which brand of downhill ski boot or what style you will need to get. Some brands are made wide for people with wide feet. People with narrower feet will need smaller boots.
Go See a Boot Fitter
If you are serious about your ski boots, then you should find a boot fitter. A boot fitter is someone skilled in fitting and adjusting ski boots. If you live anywhere near a ski hill or mountain, you’ll find several within driving distance. Often the ski resort will have a pro shop that employs a boot fitter. You want one that’s experienced and does a good job. Ask a ski instructor where to find one – they will know.
A boot fitter will do several things for you. First, they will get you in the right brand and right size of boot by measuring your feet and having you step into different boots with the liners removed.
They will probably also want to fit you for footbeds. My advice – get footbeds! A footbed is a custom molded sole that replaces the standard sole of the foot liner or sits on top of it. They make a world of difference because your foot sits in your boot naturally and your foot does not have to bend in order to match what the boot wants your foot to do. Your foot is the boss. You can even use these footbeds in other pairs of shoes or boots, too since they easily come out. I leave mine in my ski boots.
And once you get fitted for the right downhill ski boots, they can do further adjustments to the boots if you are bowlegged or knock-kneed. This is called canting. Beyond just working with your boots, they can add shims to your skis to help you sit straighter so that you’re not always fighting your own body to stay balanced on your skis.
Features of Ski Boots
Let’s delve deeper into the different features found on today’s ski boots. As with skis and ski jackets, there is a lot of technology in ski boots.
- Outer Shell – The outer shell of the boot is usually made out of plastic or similar material. It’s stiff and will offer the support that you need. Not only do they protect your feet and ankles from moving too far in the wrong direction, they put your feet and legs in the proper direction or stance. Getting the right shell is important because it really doesn’t move or adjust. There are tiny adjustments that can be made to the shell by your boot fitter but it’s best to just start off with the right boot so that you don’t have to get them knocked out, making the boots slightly weaker.
- Boot Liner / Inner Boot – This padding keeps your feet warm and keeps your foot comfortable. This is one part of the boot that will change the more that you ski. This is often referred to as “packing out” your boots. If fitted properly, your boot liner will pack out and still fit your foot snugly and properly.
- Power Strap – This is a Velcro strap located at the top of the boot. Its purpose is to give you a good, tight fit around your shin and calf. It can be adjusted at anytime and often you see people making them tighter after the first few runs of the day.
- Boot Entry Point – Boots today either have a top or rear entry point. Some boots are mid entry. The rear entry boots are easier to use but getting a top entry boot will give you more support and most people choose top entry ski boots.
- Adjustments - Boot fitters can adjust the flex adjustment, upper cuff adjustment, forward lean adjustment, ramp angle adjustment and ski walk adjustment. These look like small rivets on the side that a key or wrench can be used to adjust. You should not adjust these yourself unless you know what you are doing.
Other features include clips, which adjust the tightness of the boot. Some boots have 3 clips and some have 4 or 5. Some boots come with heaters or heating pads can be added later.
Don’t Forget the Socks!
When thinking about downhill ski boots, think about your socks. Find a brand and type of sock that you like and then stick with it. I’ve seen people go and buy 6 or more pairs of that sock so that they have enough for the season and even years to come. When trying on boots or getting fitted for boots, bring the ski socks that you are going to wear during the ski season. Don’t use regular socks or two pairs of socks.
Some brands of ski socks offer more padding on the soles, which can help your feet feel even more comfortable when skiing. My advice is don’t get socks that are too thick because you want to be able to wiggle your toes a little to help keep warm and you also won’t get a good fit in your custom footbeds if your socks are too thick.
Conclusion
Ski boots are very important. So get the right fit from someone who knows what they are doing. Remember, if you ski in balance, skiing is effortless. If you ski out of balance, then skiing is a struggle. Get boots that fit snug, put your body more in balance, get you in a good stance and feel comfortable. You’ll be skiing longer and you won’t complain about sore feet at the end of the day.
Believe it or not, it is possible to get ski boots that are comfortable!
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