10 tips to buying ski boots
It’s essential to invest in a really good fitting ski boot, they come in all budget ranges, to suit all ability levels and foot sizes. If you follow the useful 10 handy and useful tips below you cannot go far wrong!
Use a professional for measuring your feet
Skiing can be taxing on your feet and ankles and it’s important for them to be correctly protected. The measurement is a guide and the correct size will be taken from a shell with your foot placed in the plastic shell of the boot without the inner liner inside. This will confirm if the size, shape, and volume of the selected model is the correct fit for your feet.
Problems with your feet?
Only you know your feet better than anyone, if you have had ski boots before, you know what to look for in a perfect fit. Do you have any problems with your feet? If so discuss this with your fitter the more information he/she has the better they can help you.
Take your time at the first fitting
Once you have found a reputable ski boot specialist allow plenty of time for your fitting. These things cannot be rushed and they shouldn’t be it’s vital to have the correct ski boot and your initial fitting could take up to two hours, a little patience and you will feel confident that you have the correct boot.
What is your budget?
Have a look around and do your research, if you can be flexible that’s ideal as to you being fitted with the best model for you. Do include supportive footbeds if you don’t already have them, they improve performance and comfort
What is the right boot?
Some opt for the latest craze, colour or style and view as a fashion accessory; you need to choose the correct style for best fit and best function.
The fit – is all about the correct size, shape and volume, how do they feel – comfortable?
The function – Some people need stiffer boots, the boot needs to support you and work with you, biomechanics, weight and ability are important.
Footbeds
These make the boots comfortable and enhance the performance, your feet need to be stable inside the boots, and therefore, a custom-made footbed is vital to a great boot fitting.
Socks
You would think that thick socks are needed however new ski boots have warm padded liners that will support your feet and keep them insulated. Thick socks will make your boots feel tighter, therefore, restricting blood flow; you need to wear thin socks which will improve precision, control and comfort.
Wear your new boots in
As with most new footwear, you need to wear your boots as much as possible, could be at indoor skiing centres, dry slopes or even at home whilst stood up. The more you wear them the liner will soften and mould to your feet making them more comfortable.
Modifications
There is not a huge amount of different styles of ski boots; however, there are millions of different feet that want them. The boots are designed to be modified to adapt to the various range of feet out there. The professionals have the tools and knowledge to stretch and modify the plastic shells, change the inner boot and alter the angles and flex for your feet.
Problems
If you encounter any problems or something just doesn’t feel right please take your ski boots back for adjustment the chances are its something minor and can be rectified quickly.