How to choose your ski boots?

Choosing ski boots requires rigour and attention. Comfort is a priority here. The skier's feet must be protected from the weather conditions in warm and resistant boots.

So how do you choose your ski boots? There are several things to consider when choosing ski boots.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SIZE OF SKI BOOTS

The most important thing to consider when choosing ski boots is the size of the skier's foot. This may seem obvious, but many amateur skiers choose a boot that is too big. This is a big mistake. Take the time to measure your foot correctly: length and width! 

Size is not the only thing to consider when choosing your ski boots. Depending on your morphology, you may have wider toes, or a heel weakened by a previous accident. All of these parameters come into consideration when choosing the ideal ski boots.

Our little tip: before you hit the slopes, go back and forth to the shop. Wearing ski boots for a good 20 minutes allows you to test them and detect any pain or abnormalities.

HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT TRYING ON SKI BOOTS?

To try on your boots, you should follow a few instructions: first put on your boots, then close the hooks halfway. If you feel that the boot locks completely without resistance, you can conclude that the boot is too big for you.

Stand up straight, the tips of your toes should touch the tip of the shell. Then do some bending. Press hard on your shins. You should feel your foot move backwards and the tips of your toes should no longer touch the tip of the shoe. If this is the case, the boots are too small.

Many amateur skiers mistakenly think that putting two pairs of socks on top of each other will reduce the force of the shin on the tongue, or that it will make them feel less cold. However, the biggest risk is that it cuts off their circulation. Your feet are then compressed and the opposite effect occurs: you feel cold!

HOW TO CHOOSE A SKI BOOT: FLEX BOOT AND LINER

Once you have found your ski boot size, you need to assess your equipment needs. In order to make your choice, you need to identify the system of a ski boot.

A ski boot is made up of different elements that contribute to the choice of a good pair of ski boots.

The liner, for example, is an element that offers you greater comfort. Integrated into the shell, it keeps your feet warm and secure.

The shell is the outer part of the shoe. There are different sizes of shells (100 mm, 102 mm, or 104 mm depending on whether your foot is narrow, medium or wide).

The hooks, on the other hand, are used to tighten the ski boot. There are 1 to 4 of them for a more or less precise tightening. In addition to the hooks, ski boots can be equipped with a strap.

Finally, the tongue, integrated into the liner, serves as a support for your shin. It allows you to adjust the power you bring to the ski. The tongue also protects your shin and makes the position more comfortable.

SKI BOOTS ACCORDING TO YOUR LEVEL OF SKIING

Your level of skiing also comes into play. Yes, because this determines the flex of the boot to choose. It is advisable to choose a flex boot between 60 and 70 when the skier is a beginner. Between 80 and 90 for an intermediate skier and around 130 when the buyer is a high level skier.