If the boot fits
While that stylely pair of ski or snowboarding boots may be hard to ignore, it’s far more important to have boots that fit properly. A well fitting pair of boots will provide support and rigidity to your feet, allow your energy to be transferred to your skis or board, and protect you from injuries while you’re on the slopes.
Before you go shopping
As for regular shoe shopping, try to shop for ski or snow boarding boots in the afternoon or evening – your feet swell during the course of the day so you’ll get a more accurate fit the later you shop. Make sure you’re wearing the same socks as you’d wear when skiing or snow boarding. Avoid overly thin or thick socks - they won’t help you identify the most comfortable pair.
Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to try on several pairs of boots so you can get an idea of which type is right for you. This isn’t a task you should rush.
What to look for in a pair of boots
Use these guidelines to help you chose the right pair of boots.
- Have the store salesperson measure your feet - both length and width - and check your feet for any particular characteristics, such as a high instep. They can then make some recommendations about which boots will best meet your needs. While any experienced salesperson will provide you with good advice, it still comes down to what you find most comfortable – you’re the one who’ll be wearing them!
- Once the boot is buckled or laced up, it shouldn’t feel too loose or be so tight as to constrict circulation.
- Make sure your toes aren’t crammed up in the front of the boot.
- Also check for any pinch points – possible vulnerable spots include your ankles, shins and toes.
- Don’t immediately buy the boot you think is most comfortable. Wear them, walking around for at least 15 minutes.
- If you find more than one pair are comfortable, try wearing the left boot of one pair and the right of the other. Walk around a while, then swap, before deciding which pair is most comfortable.
- For ski boots: Remember that your normal shoe size won’t apply to ski boots. Most boots are sized according to the mondopoint system, which measures foot length in centimetres.
- Once buckled up, check that your feet don’t move around: stand up and bend your knees so that your shins push against the front of the boots. Your foot should stay still inside the boot with your heel locked firmly in place.
- Try a few movements: bend your knees so your shins push against the boot tongue. This will give you a feel for how stiff the boots are. If the boots don’t flex, they may be too stiff for your weight or skiiing abilities.
- For snowboarding boots: Unlike skis snowboard boots come in the same sizes as other shoes. But be prepared to try on a few different styles to see what feels best.
- Strap or step into a binding attached to a snowboard. Strike a riding position and rock your weight over both the front and the back of the board. Check that the boots are holding your feet in place securely, that they’re not slipping or causing pain or stress. You should feel comfortable and secure.
- Try leaning forward. Check that the boot, binding and board are all moving forward without your heel slipping out.
- As you use the boots more often, the inner bladder will become less compact and the boots will get less tight overtime. Account for this by buying boots with a slightly tight fit.
- Again, take your time before you make your final decision. Though you may be champing at the bit to get on the slope, investing time in getting the right boot will ensure you get the most enjoyment out of your snow sport.
