The search for the perfect fit
The most important thing about ski boots is that they provide the perfect fit. The right boots ensure that power is transferred to the skis in the best possible way. The better the boots fit, the better your performance will be. Ski boots that are too wide, an unstable standing position, and boots that are too flexible will impair your skiing performance and increase the risk of falling or injuring yourself. Tightening boots that are too wide is a fatal mistake. Closing the ski boot buckles too tightly will squeeze the foot, resulting in cold and painful feet. The most important thing when it comes to ski boots is the correct fit. That's why it's important to have your feet measured in advance and have one of our ski boot experts select the anatomically correct ski boot model for you.
What should you look for when buying ski boots?
After measuring and analyzing the feet, it's time for the fitting. A competent specialist not only measures the length of the feet, but also pays attention to the width and individual anatomy of the foot, such as bunions, high insteps, or wide feet. Ski boots should ideally be tried on with the socks that will be worn while skiing. Functional ski socks are highly recommended for this. These are padded in key areas and absorb sweat optimally. The ski boot buckles should be closed from the bottom up. It is important that there are no pressure points, but that the foot still has a firm hold. If the heel slips upwards or the sides are not secure, this is a clear indication that the boot model is not suitable. If the boot is too tight at the front or presses on the sides, the model simply has the wrong fit. The best way to test for the correct fit is to bend your knees and lean slightly to the side.
Comfort ski boots:
These ski boots are characterized by their ease of use and maximum comfort. They are primarily soft and warm. However, power transfer from the skier to the ski is secondary with these ski boots.
Race ski boots:
The hard shell transmits power optimally and immediately without any detours. The tighter the boot fits, the more stable and thin-walled the inner boot becomes. The focus is on performance and power transmission, rather than comfort. These ski boots have a very high flex.
Performance ski boots:
Performance ski boots are the perfect compromise between comfort and performance. The inner boot is comfortable, but the shell is slightly harder than in comfort models. The flex tends to be slightly higher, which in turn is ideal for a sporty skiing style.
Freeride and freestyle ski boots:
These ski boots have a relatively low flex. The focus here is on flexibility and optimal cushioning. The cushioning serves to absorb hard shocks and impacts and protect the skier as much as possible. The high flexibility of the shaft also makes short ascents possible.
Touring ski boots:
Ascent comfort is the decisive factor with these ski boots. An important factor is maximum shaft flexibility so that stride length is not restricted, which saves energy. Minimal weight and a good fit are also important factors. Nevertheless, downhill performance should not be forgotten, so that optimum support and maximum safety are guaranteed during the descent.
Women's boots:
These ski boots are specially adapted to the needs and anatomy of women. A slightly narrower last shape is combined with a softer flex. In addition, the shaft is significantly lower, which prevents pressure points on the calf, and the heel is slightly narrower, which improves support. These boots also offer significantly better insulation.
The right ski boot size – Mondopoint (MP)
Mondopoint – MP – is a standardized shoe size system based on foot length in millimeters. To find out your Mondo size, follow these steps:
- Put on ski socks and place your foot on a piece of paper.
- Trace around your foot with a pencil held vertically and measure the length between the tip and heel.
- Finally, add five millimeters and round up to the nearest Mondo size.
Although the Mondo size is a standardized system, manufacturers apply these numbers differently to their own lasts, which can lead to differences between companies.
Flex index for ski boots
The flex index for ski boots determines the stiffness of the ski boot. The higher the flex value, the stiffer the ski boot and the greater the forward resistance. A high value gives you better control of the ski, but also less mobility and comfort. When choosing the right flex, there are two things to consider: First, your own weight. The heavier you are, the higher the flex should be. Second, the change in flex value at low temperatures: on cold days, the stiffness of the ski boot can change by up to 25%.
And here, too, the same applies: every manufacturer defines flex differently, and it can be difficult to compare different models from different manufacturers with the same flex value.
