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Selecting the Right Ski Boots
Most skiers, even occasional recreational skiers, recognize the benefits
of owning your own equipment over renting at the slopes. Ski boots are a
highly specialized type of footwear designed to specific parameters to
suit various types of skiers and skiing. The type of ski boot you need
will depend on a number of factors including: your level of experience
and technical skill as a skier, the type of skiing you do, where you ski
and your budget.
Selecting a Ski Boot
- Beginning, intermediate, recreational and occasional skiers will
want a ‘looser’ boot. It is important to note this does not refer to
the fit of the boot; the boot should be fitted according to the
guidelines that will be discussed below. It refers only to the
flexibility of the boot. A beginning level boot is more forgiving,
but sacrifices performance. As you gain experience you may want to
consider moving up to a performance oriented boot.
- Experienced skiers will likely find the lack of sensitivity in
an entry level boot unsatisfying, especially if you are used to a
higher level of performance.
Fitting a Boot
- As is the case with any type of sports footwear, running shoes,
court shoes, or hiking boot, the fit of a ski boot is of primary
importance. The fitting of a ski boot is a technical procedure that
is best done by a certified professional at a reputable ski shop.
Incorrectly fitted ski boots can be dangerous or at the very least
uncomfortable. If there is not an experienced boot fitter available
when you arrive at the store, or if you are shopping online, there
are some basic guidelines you can follow.
- Find your approximate ski boot size. Ski boots are usually sold
in what is called Mondo point sizing, which is basically just the
size of your foot in centimeters. Shops should have a conversion
guide, or just break out your trusty metric ruler. There are also
conversion guides available on the web.
- Your size is just a starting point. When you get the boot, take
out the lining. The store assistant should be able to help you with
this. Put your foot in the shell and move your toes all the way to
the front. Check the distance between your heel and the back of the
shell, there should be less than one inch of space. Check the shell
width as well, if it is too wide the lining of the boot may not
conform correctly to the shape of your boot.
- When you try on the boot put on socks designed for skiing to
ensure correct sizing. A quality sock will be either wool or a
synthetic material designed to wick moisture away from the foot.
- Remember boots will be sized smaller than you expect. Your toe
will touch the front of the boot. The lining of the boot will
compress as well, giving your toes additional room.
- An expert fitting can take more than an hour. The tightness of a
new boot may cause your foot to tingle or ‘fall asleep.’ Try the
boot on multiple times after allowing your foot to return to normal.
- You should try on at least three different brands of boots. Ski
boots are designed around lasts, which are wooden models of feet.
Each manufacturer’s boot will have characteristic volume in certain
areas of the boot. You may find for example, that you will need
different sizes of boot for each different brand of boot you try on.
Boot Components
There are a variety of other factors to keep in mind when buying
boots. Each brand of boot will have variations in the components and
features.
Shell
- The shell of the alpine boot is made of some type of plastic or
polymer. The type of plastic may vary between manufacturers. The
shell is the basic support structure of the boot. It is what will
transfer the energy from your foot to the ski. As is noted above,
beginning and intermediate boots will have more flexible shells. The
shell should be made of high impact plastic that is waterproof and
durable.
Lining
- The lining of the boot provides padding and warmth for the foot.
The fill material will vary. Some common types are Thermo-fit and
Sensi-fit. Some higher end boots may have custom or air fit liners.
The lining is designed to ‘learn’ the shape of your foot. As your
wear the boots the lining will compress, conforming to your foot. It
will also, however, compress over time, so with use your boot may
begin to feel larger than when it was new.
Entry Point
- You may find boots that have different entry points. It is still
possible to buy what are called ‘rear-entry’ boots, which were
popular in the past with beginning skiers due the relative ease with
which they can be put on. However, advances in top entry boots have
for the most part made them obsolete.
Flexibility Adjustment
- Some boots will have a dial or switch at the back that adjusts
the flexibility of the boot. A boot, like any other material,
performs differently depending on temperature. In the relative
warmth of a ski shop a boot may feel more flexible than in the below
freezing temperatures on the slopes. The dial or switch will allow
you to compensate for these changes. You may also find what is
called a ski walk function. This is designed to make it easier to
walk in the boot. However, there is a sacrifice in the stability of
the boot for this feature.
Remember, the best way to buy your boots is to have a professional
fitter assist you with the process. Years of experience and
ever-changing technological enhancements allow them provide invaluable
service. Do some basic online research before you go to a fitter, and
plan on spending some time in the shop. If a fitter isn’t available
where you live, or if you want to choose a pair of boots from the
privacy of your own home, don’t be afraid to try online shops as they
may carry different brands of boots.
We Highly Recommend
About The Author:
Luther Mardock is an educator and free-lance writer in
Lincoln, NE who enjoys providing informative tips to consumers when
shopping for ski
boots, cowboy
boots, and
hiking boots.
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