Ski boots are one of the most critical components of your ski setup, so getting the right size and fit is essential to ensure they perform and feel the way they’re supposed to. A properly fitting ski boot means you ski better, plain and simple. Surprisingly, many skiers wear boots that don’t fit properly.
In this detailed guide, we will navigate the intricate world of ski boots, exploring every aspect to ensure you make an informed decision. Let us do the work instead of traditional shoe sizing, ski boots are sized in mondo (or mondopoint) sizing. The mondopoint measures the length in centimeters of the boot's inner sole. Use our conversion chart and revolutionary Ski Boot Size Calculator to figure out your optimal ski boot size.
How to Measure and Size Ski Boots
A good ski boot fit starts with finding the right size for your foot. Downhill skiing boots use an international sizing system called Mondopoint, which is based on your foot length in centimeters. Generally, shoe size can translate to Mondopoint size, but it’s still best to measure your foot for a more precise fit. The best approach is to have your foot measured at a store like REI that sells ski boots, though you can also do this at home.
Start by placing your heel against a vertical surface, like a wall. Measuring the distance from the wall to the end of your longest toe in centimeters or inches. If your ruler measures inches, simply multiply the length of your foot in inches by 2.54 to convert to centimeters. Once you have the length of your foot in centimeters (example 27.5 cm, or 10.825 x 2.54), you can say that your mondopoint size would be 27.5.
Last widths typically range from about 97mm to 106mm and are predetermined for each boot size by the boot manufacturer. A narrower last is sometimes called a low-volume boot, while boots with a wider last are considered high volume. Skiers with narrower feet or those looking for a high-performance fit may opt for a narrow last, while those with broader feet or who want a more spacious, comfortable feel may prefer a wider last.
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Choosing Boots by Skier Type & Ability
Think about where you slot in on this spectrum. Consider the following:
- Beginner / Intermediate Skiers: Generally speaking, beginner-intermediate skiers should by trying on a that is boot close to their measured mondopoint size or up to one full size bigger if need be. As far as flex, error on the side of a softer flex boot - 60-80 flex rating. Unless your feet are measured on a Brannock Device as being truly “narrow” for their length, look for boots that have a medium or average width last - +/-100mm.
- Intermediate / Advanced Skiers: We recommend choosing a boot that is as close as possible to your measured mondo size (or slightly shorter), but in a stiffer flex - 90-110 for men and 65-80 for women. Choose a last width that offers a snug fit.
- Advanced / Expert Skiers: Choose a shell size 1/2 to a full size smaller than their indicated size for a super precise and responsive fit, and a stiff or very stiff flex - 110-130. Also choose a last width that offers a snug fit.
In general, beginners want a boot that directly matches their street shoe size. Intermediate to advanced skiers should go a full size smaller. Ski boots should feel "suspiciously snug", as they'll pack out and get more roomy over time. All brands fit a bit different, so try on a few different models to find out what fits best. Perfect sizing would be your toes gently kissing the edge of the liner when standing up straight, with your toes pulling away as you flex the boot.
The BSL, or boot sole length, measures the length of a boot in millimeters, and you'll need it to match boot to binding or mount your new pair of skis. Keep in mind, this number can change between models even if they have the same mondo size.
How to Get a Good Shell Fit
You may want to pull the liner out of the boot and see how the shell fits first. While wearing ski socks, slide your foot into the empty shell and press your toes to the front of the boot. You should be able to slide two fingers behind your heel. If you can only fit one finger, you’ll want to size up. If you can fit three fingers or more, you’ll need to size down. Your foot also shouldn't be touching the sides of the shell when you stand.
THIS IS HOW SKI BOOTS SHOULD FIT
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How a Ski Boot Should Feel
Ski boots shouldn’t feel like sneakers. They should fit snugly and firmly, like a solid handshake. A tighter fit generally makes a boot more responsive and helps transfer energy to your skis. While ski boots shouldn’t be uncomfortable or cause pain, they should wrap around your foot with minimal wiggle room.
Keep in mind that you can adjust your boot with aftermarket customizations. If the boot isn't perfect out of the box, slight tweaks can make a big difference. In other words, start with a boot that fits, then customize it so it’s perfect.
How to Tell If Your Ski Boots are the Right Size
While wearing thin socks, put on your boots and buckle them as if you were going skiing. Stand up and flex your knees and ankles so you’re in an athletic stance. Drive your shins forward into the front of the boot.
Pay attention to how things feel. Your toes should brush the front of the boot without curling under or feeling tight or jammed. Your heels should remain firmly in the heel pocket without lifting or movement.
Pro Tips for Trying on Ski Boots
Here are some things to keep in mind when trying on ski boots:
Read also: Why Choose Custom Ski Boots?
- Wear thin ski socks made from a synthetic or wool fabric. Avoid thick hiking socks and cotton.
- Trim your toenails before you try on ski boots. You want the front of the boot to hit your skin, not your nails.
- Try boots on later in the day if possible, as feet tent to swell and will be at their largest in the afternoon or evening.
- A boot will feel the tightest when you try it on in the store but will break in over time.
- Check your toe position: When standing upright, your toes should brush the end of the boots, but they shouldn't be crammed or curled under.
- While wearing the boots, drop into an athletic squat position. Your toes should just barely pull away from brushing the front of the boot. The fit should not be painful.
- Check your heels: When bending your knees, your heels should stay firmly in the heel pocket.
- Wear the boots for at least 20 minutes, if possible, to make sure they are comfortable.
Ski boot materials can react to changing temperatures. So, keep in mind that in cold temperatures, boots can feel stiffer and tighter, whereas in warmer temperatures, they can feel softer or more expansive.
Ideally, buckling your boots to the second or third wrung should give you a firm but comfortable fit.
Customizing Ski Boots
The way a ski boot feels out of the box is just the beginning. You can make additional adjustments and customizations to fine-tune the fit so your boots suit your feet. Here are a few common ski boot customization options:
Add a New Footbed
Many fit-related issues in ski boots can be solved with a new footbed. After-market insoles, or footbeds, are a popular way to improve the fit and add support. Your options include:
- For a little extra support, try a cut-to-fit insole.
- For a more customized fit, get a custom-molded cork insole. The insole is heated, vacuum-molded and massaged to fit your foot-a 25-minute process. Many REI stores make custom-molded insoles. Contact your local store to check.
- If you have foot issues, choose a physician-made orthotic.
Heat-mold Liners
Many ski boots come with liners that can be heat molded for a more custom fit. Some liners require in-store heat molding through a specialized process, done by a boot fitting expert. Others can be done at home. Some liners will naturally shape to your foot over time without any additional heat-molding or customization work. Check the details of your liner so you know what’s possible.
THIS IS HOW SKI BOOTS SHOULD FIT
Cuff Canting
Many skiers are knock-kneed or bowlegged. In-store cuff canting, or cuff alignment, can help balance your stance and allow for more lateral side to side movement by adjusting the position of the upper cuff in relation to the lower foot area. This is usually done by adjusting a hinge on either side of the ankle of the ski boot where the upper and lower part of the boot meet.
To check your stance for cuff canting:
- Stand with your feet aligned under your shoulders and look in a mirror.
- Slowly bring your feet toward one another slowly:
- If you’re bowlegged, your feet will touch first.
- If you’re knock-kneed, your ankles will touch first.
Cuff canting aligns the boot cuff to match bowed or knock-kneed skier stances. Any adjustments with the cuff should complement your natural stance, not alter it-so it’s best to work with a ski-boot specialist to make these adjustments.
Adjusting Forward Lean
A trained boot fitter can also advise if you need your forward lean adjusted. Forward lean is the angle of the boot’s cuff, which affects your skiing stance. Most boots come with 13 to 15 degrees of forward lean. More upright boots, like those built for freestyle skiers, will have 13 degrees or less, while race boots for elite athletes may have up to 17 degrees of forward lean.
Aggressive skiers may want more forward lean, while those with limited range of motion in their ankles may want less forward lean.
Test your ankle flexion at home:
- Stand barefoot with your feet flat on the ground.
- Bend your knees as far forward as you can and notice when your heels lift off the ground.
- If your knees go past your toes, you have ample range of motion.
- If you can’t get your knees to your toes before your heels go up, you have limited range of motion.
Other Fit Modifications
A professional boot fitter may also recommend:
- Heat molding the shell for more toe space
- Adding a heel wedge to lift the heel
- Stretching or grinding the liners