How to choose the perfect ski boots this winter
Aside from a pair of skis themselves, one of the most integral items to enjoying a holiday in the snow is a decent pair of ski boots. Choosing the right pair is essential to ensuring you enjoy the best holiday possible; the last thing you’ll want is some ill-fitting boots that will lead to blisters.
With this in mind, here’s our guide to choosing the perfect ski boots for your ski chalet trip to Meribel, La Plagne or other French hotspots this winter.
Get boots based on your ability
Similar to shoes, ski boots vary hugely depending on price, manufacturer and the ability it is designed for. If you are a beginner then you will almost certainly be using a ski boot with added flexibility to help you master balancing on skis while remaining in complete comfort. The better your ability, the stiffer your boots are likely to be. This is because as you ski more demanding pistes – such as off-piste or moguls – the more you will need to move.
Work out your Mondopoint
Ski boots don’t measure up in the same manner as conventional shoes and boots. Instead the sizes are determined by the Mondopoint system, which is the size of your foot measured in centimetres. You can work out your own Mondopoint size by tracing your foot on a piece of paper or cardboard, keeping the pen as close to your foot as possible. Now measure from your heel to the end of your longest toe, rounding off the amount to the nearest half centimetre. If your foot measures 26cm, then your Mondopoint is 26.
If you are a beginner, we would recommend getting ski boots which are as close to your Mondopoint as possible. While they may feel tight, remember that the boot liner will shrink after use. Finally, it’s best to try on your boots while wearing thin ski socks; wearing thick socks while skiing can restrict the circulation and actually make your feet feel colder.
Consider your foot shape
It’s fair to say that no two pairs of feet are the same, and whether you have thin feet or slightly wider feet, having to deal with standardised sizing is often a real problem. This is the reason why all ski boots vary greatly in sizing, because it’s never the case that one size fits all.
The different sizes are known as ‘lasts’ and are divided into either ‘narrow’, ‘average’ or ‘wide’. Narrow is designed for people who have a forefoot width of between 97mm and 98mm. Average is for those with a forefoot width of around 100mm, with the extra room offering a more relaxed feel through both the heel and midfoot. Finally a wide last is for those with a forefoot width of between 102mm and 106mm.
Trying before buying
You will only be able to properly tell if a pair of ski boots fit you once you’re strapped in, which means all the buckles fastened to the desired tightness and the power strap in place. Ideally they should feel snug with just a slight bit of pressure on the big toe. As feet can swell later in the day and also when exposed to high altitudes, we recommend trying on your boots in the afternoon so you know exactly how they fit while on your family ski chalet holidays. Also, don’t ever buy your boots online unless you already know your Mondopoint and last size.