Ski Boots Size Chart | How To Choose The Right Ski Boots Size

Source: DHgate, Tag: Outdoor Sports

In this guide, we have put together the most important things to look out for when picking the size of ski boots.

When you have the right ski boots on, you can be sure to display an exemplary performance. Fitting boots will give you the comfort you desire and will also aid in enhancing your balance and skill. There is no margin for error when it comes to sizing your ski boots.
When you get large ones, you might be putting your feet and toes in harm’s way. The same is the case when you choose small boots that compress your feet and compromise blood flow? The last thing you want to happen to you on the track.
There are a few things that you need to keep in mind when choosing your skiing boots. The right size depends on your feet size, the terrain you will be using, your level of skill among others. In this guide, we have put together the most important things to look out for when picking the size of ski boots.

Understanding The Mondo Point Ski Boots Sizing
Whereas your usual shoes will come in US, UK, or EU sizes, the ski boots use a unique sizing method called the Mondo Point sizing. This is a pretty straightforward mode of sizing because it is expressed in centimetres.

To find out the size of your feet, you can do simple measurements at home. All you need is cardboard and a marker pen. The cardboard should be longer and wider than your foot. Find someone to draw the outline of your foot on the cardboard while you are standing on it. Measure the length of the outline from the tip to the heel. This length in centimeters represents your boot size. If you used a ruler or tape measure that is calibrated in inches, then you will have some conversions to do.
But in the skiing world, the length of the foot isn’t all that matters. You also need to get boots whose width matches well with your feet. Naturally, some people have wide feet whereas others have narrow feet. Because of the manoeuvres involved in the skiing terrain, you need a boot that perfectly fits. The good news is that manufacturers of ski boots have put this into consideration and they make boots with varying lasts or widths.
It can be tempting to choose a larger size of ski boots when you can’t find the correct width. However, this greatly compromises your performance because it interferes with other points on your foot and throws the mechanics of skiing off the balance.
How to Get the Best Ski Boot Fit
Once you have an idea of the size of boot that fits you, the next thing is to try the boot on. Fitting a ski boot should be systematic to give you a clear understanding of what you are purchasing. Take into account the level of activity you will engage in, the mobility you want to achieve, and your comfort. You need a boot that fits well when you are wearing the socks you use for skiing. Therefore, you will get it wrong if you test the boots bare because those few millimetres matter.
Doing a Shell Fit

A shell fit or shell test is crucial in establishing whether a boot makes a great fit for a skier. To do a shell test, you first need to remove the liner out of the boot. This can be easily achieved by fully unbuckling the boot then pulling on the cuff of the liner. Once the liner is out, find a surface to sit on and put your foot into the boot. Push your toes to the front of the boot and then measure the space that remains between your heel and the back of the boot. This is commonly expressed in the number of fingers that fit in the space. Generally, one fingerbreadth equals about half an inch. A good shell fit is between half and three-quarters of an inch. If more than two fingers fit in, look for another boot because that is too big. The elite racers will prefer less than half an inch but this normally calls for the opinion of a professional fitter.
Fitting The Liner of Ski Boots

Fitting the liner is the next step. Here you need to wear the liner while it is out of the shell. This gives you a better view of how your foot fits in the liner. Your toes should touch the front of the liner lightly. Look at how your foot sits in the liner, noting any unusual bulges or contours that don’t match. If you have the right fit, remove your foot from the liner and slide it back into the shell.
Choosing The Right Ski Boots Flex
Flex is the stiffness of the boot. Manufacturers have flex ranges, generally from very soft to very stiff. The pro racers tend to go for stiffer flexes because they need more leverage when on the slopes. For beginners, a soft boot will be good enough. Most companies label the flex on their boots from 50 to 130 with the latter being very stiff. Some companies use a scale of 1 to 10.
The terrain you will be skiing on also determines the best flex for you. Smooth terrains require a stiffer boot whereas the steeper slopes need some flexibility and mobility. The body size and weight of the skier also help one to choose the right stiffness. Lighters skiers will do well with more flexibility because stiffer boots limit their manoeuvres.
How To Test If The Ski Boots Fit Well

After doing the shell fit and testing the liner, now it is time to put back everything in place and test the boot as a unit. Returning the liner back into the shell can be tricky for new users. The easiest way is to put one hand inside the liner then make a fist and use the other hand to hold the back of the boot. The fist allows you to slide the liner in the shell with ease.
To test the functionality of the boot, slide in your foot and buckle up from the lower buckles upwards. Don’t make it too tight though, just fasten them tight enough to allow you comfort. Then lean forward as if on a skiing slope and this should make your toes pull back from the front of the boot. In this position, press your shins against the tongue of the boot and this should not lift your heels from the heel pocket.
If everything fits okay, you can now say that you have ski boots that are made to match your feet. To be sure that this is the right pair, put the boots on for some time and find out if the comfort stays on.