Guide On: How to Buy Ski Boots

What is the bsl for a 27.5 full tilt classic, the red and black ones? My boots are a 318 mm bsl but I'm not 100% sure if they are 27.5s
 
13496735:jackdonovan said:
What is the bsl for a 27.5 full tilt classic, the red and black ones? My boots are a 318 mm bsl but I'm not 100% sure if they are 27.5s

or how could I check what size my boots are?

(sorry for dub post)
 
13496735:jackdonovan said:
What is the bsl for a 27.5 full tilt classic, the red and black ones? My boots are a 318 mm bsl but I'm not 100% sure if they are 27.5s

13496737:jackdonovan said:
or how could I check what size my boots are?

(sorry for dub post)

An FT Classic shell with a 318mm BSL is a 28/28.5 shell (according to FT).

When Full Tilt brought back the "Classic" shell years ago, they re-classified their mondo point sizing compared to how Raichle did it. Regardless, it is just a number attached to a shell size and does not 100% correspond to how other 28s or boots with a similar BSL fit. The only way to know if it is the right length for you is to do a shell fit.

I'm assuming you are selling them and want to know the mondo size for simple seller identification purposes?
 
13497026:onenerdykid said:
An FT Classic shell with a 318mm BSL is a 28/28.5 shell (according to FT).

When Full Tilt brought back the "Classic" shell years ago, they re-classified their mondo point sizing compared to how Raichle did it. Regardless, it is just a number attached to a shell size and does not 100% correspond to how other 28s or boots with a similar BSL fit. The only way to know if it is the right length for you is to do a shell fit.

I'm assuming you are selling them and want to know the mondo size for simple seller identification purposes?

nope, buying new boots and trying to remember what size I am and bsl as I just got my skis mounted
 
13497039:jackdonovan said:
nope, buying new boots and trying to remember what size I am and bsl as I just got my skis mounted

Ok then, just be very aware that if you buy based on mondo point, then there is an almost definite chance that other brand's 28/28.5 shells are not the same as the one you have. Most 28/28.5 shells are (normally) 325mm.

Although there are some similarities, BSL does not correspond to mondo point. Mondo point is the internal length measurement of the last, while BSL is obviously the external length of the boot. You can easily have boots in the same mondo point size but VASTLY different BSLs because of thinner or thicker plastic wall thicknesses.
 
13497087:onenerdykid said:
Ok then, just be very aware that if you buy based on mondo point, then there is an almost definite chance that other brand's 28/28.5 shells are not the same as the one you have. Most 28/28.5 shells are (normally) 325mm.

Although there are some similarities, BSL does not correspond to mondo point. Mondo point is the internal length measurement of the last, while BSL is obviously the external length of the boot. You can easily have boots in the same mondo point size but VASTLY different BSLs because of thinner or thicker plastic wall thicknesses.

I see, I was thinking of moving down to the 27.5 full tilt classics as the 28s are a wee bit big, and I think with the 310 bsl they would be fine in my fks 140?
 
Would I notice a difference between a #5 Flex Tongue( standard in Mary Janes) and a #7? I'm going to Whistler and trying to figure out if I would benefit from a stiffer tongue. I will mostly be riding all mountain. It's about $50 so I'm thinking I should just do it. But I'm a jerry with this stuff.
 
13533638:Mingg said:
Would I notice a difference between a #5 Flex Tongue( standard in Mary Janes) and a #7? I'm going to Whistler and trying to figure out if I would benefit from a stiffer tongue. I will mostly be riding all mountain. It's about $50 so I'm thinking I should just do it. But I'm a jerry with this stuff.

Normally you would notice the difference, but if you like it is another thing. I would say as long as you can properly flex the stiffer tongue (meaning it's not a struggle for you), then it will be better for you (more responsive, more efficient, etc).
 
13534075:jackdonovan said:
anyone know how far fks can move forward or backward? might have to downsize boots and dont want to remount

While there is a general amount that they can move, which is about 20mm, it depends on how far in they were positioned when they were originally mounted. Chances are you won't be able to get the adjustment range required for a new boot if you are going to a smaller shell (-10mm). But, then again, it might be possible- your shop will just need to check.

Additional note- even if you don't need a remount and your new smaller boot fits in, you will no longer be on the original mounting line but slightly ahead of it. That means, for example, if you had your bindings mounted at dead center you will now be slightly ahead of dead center.
 
13534120:onenerdykid said:
While there is a general amount that they can move, which is about 20mm, it depends on how far in they were positioned when they were originally mounted. Chances are you won't be able to get the adjustment range required for a new boot if you are going to a smaller shell (-10mm). But, then again, it might be possible- your shop will just need to check.

Additional note- even if you don't need a remount and your new smaller boot fits in, you will no longer be on the original mounting line but slightly ahead of it. That means, for example, if you had your bindings mounted at dead center you will now be slightly ahead of dead center.

i realized i would be past the current mounting line but doesnt seem like too big of a deal, if i did downsize i would move to a shell 8 mm smaller. however, im not sure if i need a new liner or need to downsize.
 
13534127:jackdonovan said:
however, im not sure if i need a new liner or need to downsize.

If you were to remove your current liner, step into the shell with a thin sock on, and slide your foot forward until your toes just barely touch the front, how much space is behind your heel? 1cm, 2cm, or 3cm?

If you are between 1-1.5cm, I would not suggest going to a smaller shell but finding a new liner that is more supportive/denser.

If you are between 2-2.5cm, I would suggest downsizing as adding a new liner will only pack out and you will eventually have the same problem that you do now.
 
13534134:onenerdykid said:
If you were to remove your current liner, step into the shell with a thin sock on, and slide your foot forward until your toes just barely touch the front, how much space is behind your heel? 1cm, 2cm, or 3cm?

If you are between 1-1.5cm, I would not suggest going to a smaller shell but finding a new liner that is more supportive/denser.

If you are between 2-2.5cm, I would suggest downsizing as adding a new liner will only pack out and you will eventually have the same problem that you do now.

with my toes pushed against the front there is around 1.5-2 cm and my liner is pretty packed out right now. with my toes barely touching the end then there are only around 1-1.5cm
 
4789679:lyndon said:
Very true.

However,I did have a set of booster straps, adn they werent too much use. I couldnt replace my powerstraps on my Foils, so I just put them over the original power straps. Maybe thats why they didnt help too much?

I had to drill my Booster Straps into my boots, but it was definitely worth it. They made a huge difference once I got them put in the right way.
 
13534551:jackdonovan said:
with my toes pushed against the front there is around 1.5-2 cm and my liner is pretty packed out right now. with my toes barely touching the end then there are only around 1-1.5cm

We want to measure the space with your toes just barely touching, so it sounds like you are in the right size shell. When you mentioned you planned going down a size, was it in the same boot or a different boot altogether? If you were thinking of staying in the same boot, then it probably makes sense just to upgrade your liner. If you are changing to a completely different boot, then it's a bit more of an unknown. You would need to check the shell fit of the new boot and see how it compares to that which you have. It also needs to be checked in terms of width/volume too.

But, I would say if you were planning on dropping down to a smaller size in the same shell there isn't much benefit and you'll probably only get colder and feel a bit more toe bang than you do now.
 
13534972:onenerdykid said:
We want to measure the space with your toes just barely touching, so it sounds like you are in the right size shell. When you mentioned you planned going down a size, was it in the same boot or a different boot altogether? If you were thinking of staying in the same boot, then it probably makes sense just to upgrade your liner. If you are changing to a completely different boot, then it's a bit more of an unknown. You would need to check the shell fit of the new boot and see how it compares to that which you have. It also needs to be checked in terms of width/volume too.

But, I would say if you were planning on dropping down to a smaller size in the same shell there isn't much benefit and you'll probably only get colder and feel a bit more toe bang than you do now.

ya i was planning on maybe moving down from 28 to 27.5 in the full tilt classic but not sure yet
 
13534972:onenerdykid said:
We want to measure the space with your toes just barely touching, so it sounds like you are in the right size shell. When you mentioned you planned going down a size, was it in the same boot or a different boot altogether? If you were thinking of staying in the same boot, then it probably makes sense just to upgrade your liner. If you are changing to a completely different boot, then it's a bit more of an unknown. You would need to check the shell fit of the new boot and see how it compares to that which you have. It also needs to be checked in terms of width/volume too.

But, I would say if you were planning on dropping down to a smaller size in the same shell there isn't much benefit and you'll probably only get colder and feel a bit more toe bang than you do now.

going to head to the nearest full tilt bootfitter and see what i could do to make em fit a little better, and try on some of the new boots
 
I only ski a few days a year now, but Ive been having brutal toe bang in my boots the past few years. I was properly shell fit, and don't feel like my foot is moving in the boot at all, on top of that last year I went and had them modify the heel padding for better hold, that still didnt make a difference. I get toe bang even when landing square, which makes me think i just need a little more space in the big toe area. Gonna take my boots in to get the toe area punched out soon, anything i should know before I go get it done?
 
13546320:Ben. said:
I only ski a few days a year now, but Ive been having brutal toe bang in my boots the past few years. I was properly shell fit, and don't feel like my foot is moving in the boot at all, on top of that last year I went and had them modify the heel padding for better hold, that still didnt make a difference. I get toe bang even when landing square, which makes me think i just need a little more space in the big toe area. Gonna take my boots in to get the toe area punched out soon, anything i should know before I go get it done?

FYI - I answered you in the boot-problem thread
 
Okay on a new boot hunt and after searching a few stores and trying about 15 boots on the best fit I've found were the Saloman Quest Pro 110. Overall it had the best fit with the least pressure on my foot. Some light pressure on my foot near the pinky area and a bit tight on the calf. Would a heat moulding resolve this? Bit of a commitment with a price point of $500 so should I go with these or keep the up the search?
 
13575617:Touche3 said:
Okay on a new boot hunt and after searching a few stores and trying about 15 boots on the best fit I've found were the Saloman Quest Pro 110. Overall it had the best fit with the least pressure on my foot. Some light pressure on my foot near the pinky area and a bit tight on the calf. Would a heat moulding resolve this? Bit of a commitment with a price point of $500 so should I go with these or keep the up the search?

That depends. Have you just been trying on boots, or taking advice on which ones are best? (15 boots seems like a lot)

The best way of taking away areas of pressure is a full custom footbed. Which would reduce the problem on your pinky by pulling your toes away from the end of the boot. The area around the calf - it might help, but not always. A custom footbed can change how a boot fits quite dramatically, as can a heat mould!.

Heat moulding could help, but I wouldn't recommend getting it done without a footbed (even if the footbed is one of the pre moulded versions - which aren't as good as full customs), as you are basically moulding your foot in the boot to the wrong position. It is probably worth speaking to the boot fitter, explaining what you've tried, and what problems you've found and seeing what they suggest.
 
I bought Dalbello Aspect 100's. I'm trying something different, so I'm hoping the quality is good because there the most comfortable I've worn so far. I've retired my Salomon X Waves after 10 years. I had to sacrifice performance for comfort
 
13610462:XmakarX said:
I bought Dalbello Aspect 100's. I'm trying something different, so I'm hoping the quality is good because there the most comfortable I've worn so far. I've retired my Salomon X Waves after 10 years. I had to sacrifice performance for comfort

Concerning your last sentence, what about the performance is not as good? Is the Dalbello softer than your X-Wave (7-8-9-10?). Or is it a fit related performance issue? As a 102mm boot, there are definitely stiffer options on the market than a 100 flex or ones that are more substantial.
 
Going on the hunt for new boots, not sure whether I should go for 110's or 130's. I'm 5'9 180lbs, I charge on piste maybe 40% and side country/ backcountry 60%.
 
13614980:*N_Wist* said:
Going on the hunt for new boots, not sure whether I should go for 110's or 130's. I'm 5'9 180lbs, I charge on piste maybe 40% and side country/ backcountry 60%.

What are you currently using?

What is your ankle mobility like? (this is where a boot-fitter is handy to actually assess what flex is good for you)

Also, when you change by 20 flex points, the liner level also changes. The 130 will usually have the nicest liner in the range.
 
13614980:*N_Wist* said:
Going on the hunt for new boots, not sure whether I should go for 110's or 130's. I'm 5'9 180lbs, I charge on piste maybe 40% and side country/ backcountry 60%.

What are you currently using?

What is your ankle mobility like? (this is where a boot-fitter is handy to actually assess what flex is good for you)

Also, when you change by 20 flex points, the liner level also changes. The 130 will usually have the nicest liner in the range.
 
13615776:onenerdykid said:
What are you currently using?

What is your ankle mobility like? (this is where a boot-fitter is handy to actually assess what flex is good for you)

Also, when you change by 20 flex points, the liner level also changes. The 130 will usually have the nicest liner in the range.

Currently on FT dropkicks, they are way too flexible. Ankle mobility is good.
 
13615792:*N_Wist* said:
Currently on FT dropkicks, they are way too flexible. Ankle mobility is good.

110 is not very stiff and 130 is more of a medium/stiff these days. With a guy your height & weight, a 130 should not be a problem at all. In fact, when in between 2 stiffnesses, I prefer going with the one that is potentially too stiff and then softening it to the exact flex you need. That is way easier than trying to stiffen a boot that is too soft.
 
13615824:onenerdykid said:
110 is not very stiff and 130 is more of a medium/stiff these days. With a guy your height & weight, a 130 should not be a problem at all. In fact, when in between 2 stiffnesses, I prefer going with the one that is potentially too stiff and then softening it to the exact flex you need. That is way easier than trying to stiffen a boot that is too soft.

That makes a lot of sense, thanks for the thoughts.
 
So in the last month or so my boots have been giving me a bunch of trouble, I've had them for awhile (2010 salomon SPK's) so i guess the liner is worn down? Is that a thing? Like I'm getting mad shin/toe bang after a few runs which didn't happen earlier this season.

Guess what I'm getting at is it cheaper to purchase new insoles or should i just cough up the money and buy some new boots?
 
13659320:e.littt said:
So in the last month or so my boots have been giving me a bunch of trouble, I've had them for awhile (2010 salomon SPK's) so i guess the liner is worn down? Is that a thing? Like I'm getting mad shin/toe bang after a few runs which didn't happen earlier this season.

Guess what I'm getting at is it cheaper to purchase new insoles or should i just cough up the money and buy some new boots?

Ski boots (especially the liners) last about 150-200 days of skiing. Depending on how abusive or caring you are with your gear, that number can go up or down a bit.

Chances are your liners are shot if they are 6 years old. Getting new ones will help, but the plastics are also probably on their way out too. New, aftermarket liners will run you anywhere from $150-$250, so if you are going to do that you should weigh that against just buying a new boot anyway.

Also, if you don't already have footbeds, that can be making things worse. Getting footbeds will definitely help (plus they are transferable to new boots down the road) but if you liner is toast, you should almost be starting with new boots and footbeds.
 
I have very skinny calves and narrow feet. I am a size 10 shoe size, and own a 27.5 Tom Wallisch. I get mad shin bang every time I go skiing and toe bang quite often. I'm looking into dalabello, salomon, and full tilt for a new park boot and don't know what to get. +k for any help
 
I want to change boots during the summer seeing the sales going online. I have some shops that can heatmold liners around, but no serious bootfitter. I got some quest access 80 the past 2 seasons and the fit got a little loose quite quickly, and even after footbeds and heatmolding I still felt some heel lift. Other than that weird fit I ended with they were the comfiest I tried at the shop I bought them. I was considering giving on marketing gimmicks and try to get some Ghost FS 90 because I want something stiffer now. So any advice on buying boots online ? Should I try to stay in the same brand I currently have ? Do I have to go "trial and error" on buying online ?
 
13690402:brendonralph said:
I have very skinny calves and narrow feet. I am a size 10 shoe size, and own a 27.5 Tom Wallisch. I get mad shin bang every time I go skiing and toe bang quite often. I'm looking into dalabello, salomon, and full tilt for a new park boot and don't know what to get. +k for any help

Are you sure you are not just skiing back seat?
 
Long story short:

1. I have an old pair of Mary Janes that never fit me right(26.5 shell with 25.5 liner - super huge on my feet and they suck. BSL 302mm).

2. I was given a pair of very very lightly used demo Rumors(25.5. BSL 293) but they are pretty uncomfortable on my feet.

3. Since my liners from my MJ's are 25.5s I threw them in the rumors and they feel great. They fit in them and it seems like I could ski them like this.

My question is, since the liners are different(the rumors came with like a more classic liner and my MJ liners are the wrap ones) is that going to matter much? I can buckle them up easily but I'm kinda worried. I don't know if having the wrong liners is gonna like idk break the boot/shell or something haha. And since the BSL is so different I'd have to remount my bindings and I don't want to do that if it's not a good idea.
 
13830886:Mingg said:
Long story short:

1. I have an old pair of Mary Janes that never fit me right(26.5 shell with 25.5 liner - super huge on my feet and they suck. BSL 302mm).

2. I was given a pair of very very lightly used demo Rumors(25.5. BSL 293) but they are pretty uncomfortable on my feet.

3. Since my liners from my MJ's are 25.5s I threw them in the rumors and they feel great. They fit in them and it seems like I could ski them like this.

My question is, since the liners are different(the rumors came with like a more classic liner and my MJ liners are the wrap ones) is that going to matter much? I can buckle them up easily but I'm kinda worried. I don't know if having the wrong liners is gonna like idk break the boot/shell or something haha. And since the BSL is so different I'd have to remount my bindings and I don't want to do that if it's not a good idea.

Without seeing your feet, you should be in the smaller of the two shells (the 25.5). You can use either 25.5 liners in the 25.5 shell. The reason the MJ liners feel better is because they have already molded to your feet; the demo pair have someone else's foot shape in them. I would go with the MJ liners in the Rumors and get the liners molded to those shells (while they have your foot shape in them, they aren't matched to the shell shape yet). And if you can afford it, it is ALWAYS a good idea to get custom footbeds made for your boots. This will ensure your feet can't move around and will stay locked in the boots (no toe bang, no shinbang, etc.)

This definitely means getting your bindings adjusted, perhaps even a remount, but that just needs to be done since they are a size smaller.
 
13831452:onenerdykid said:
Without seeing your feet, you should be in the smaller of the two shells (the 25.5). You can use either 25.5 liners in the 25.5 shell. The reason the MJ liners feel better is because they have already molded to your feet; the demo pair have someone else's foot shape in them. I would go with the MJ liners in the Rumors and get the liners molded to those shells (while they have your foot shape in them, they aren't matched to the shell shape yet). And if you can afford it, it is ALWAYS a good idea to get custom footbeds made for your boots. This will ensure your feet can't move around and will stay locked in the boots (no toe bang, no shinbang, etc.)

This definitely means getting your bindings adjusted, perhaps even a remount, but that just needs to be done since they are a size smaller.

Sick. That's exactly what I wanted to hear haha thanks!!
 
This is an excellent guide for people new to buying boots. I work at a department store shop as a tech and when i work the sales floor, many of the people coming in are on a tight budget and dont even bat an eye at this years boots. instead they tend to dig through the clearence boot sections and try and fit themselves and simply refuse help. and to all of the customers that I overhear searching for U.S shoe sizes and etc. I would love to be able to hand them this as a pamplet; if they dont want to hear it from us.
 
Question: is there a way to compare full tilts flex rating system with the tradition system? E.g. a 10 flex FT would be 120?
 
13610577:onenerdykid said:
Concerning your last sentence, what about the performance is not as good? Is the Dalbello softer than your X-Wave (7-8-9-10?). Or is it a fit related performance issue? As a 102mm boot, there are definitely stiffer options on the market than a 100 flex or ones that are more substantial.

Oh wow Its been so long since I've been on here and my post is like 2 years old so anyway to get back to you I felt my Wave 9's which was a 90 flex were stiffer the my Dalbello Aspect 100's that Im currently skiing now which now became the Pantera 100mx. With the X Waves I struggled with the canting cuff alignment and that spoiler in the back of the boot and my legs and knees would just burn at times and feet would start to cut circulation but yet I felt with a stiffer boot and the stance of the X Waves I could turn faster at fast speeds. Nowadays I ski slower now and don't really do jumps now and with my Dalbello Aspects I don't feel any discomfort although I don't feel I can snap turns as fast with the softer boot and a more upright stance but thats ok for me.
 
So today I learned that my size 28 boot was way too big and that I actually need something around 26.5 or so. I'm wondering which brands I should try out. I'd say I'm a pretty nimble, playful skier who likes to hit jumps all over the mountain and do tree runs, but the tricks I'm doing rn are pretty basic. I know Full Tilts have all the hype right now, but what makes them so unique? And as someone who doesn't have much time to ski throughout the year, are they worth the money? Or any expensive boot for that means? I'm sure I can find a boot I like for cheaper.

I always assumed that stiffer boot = more control and thus I thought I would want a stiff boot for spinning my skis around. But the original post says otherwise. Have boots in general gotten stiffer? I was riding Atomic Hawx Magna 110s.

My foot is average width around the back 2/3rds and wide in the front third.

Obviously I will be going to a store and trying on boots but I'd still like some pointers.
 
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