Guide On: How to Buy Ski Boots

[onenerdykid]

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.

You should buy what best fits your foot. Listen to your boot-fitter and trust his/her judgement because he can see your foot, we can't. There are lots of great options out there. Get the right shape for your feet and flex for your weight/strength/height and you will have a boot that does what you want it to do.

 

[FruitBootPro]

You should buy what best fits your foot. Listen to your boot-fitter and trust his/her judgement because he can see your foot, we can't. There are lots of great options out there. Get the right shape for your feet and flex for your weight/strength/height and you will have a boot that does what you want it to do.

Okay, cool. I'm in Vail rn demoing skis and I'm wondering whether or not I should just rent boots for the last day of skiing or go buy custom fitted boots. Vail boot shops obviously have a great selection and incredible boot fitters. However, I work at Erik's Bike Board Ski near Chicago, which has a solid selection of boots that I could get for an employee discount. I would not trust Erik's to have boot fitters with anywhere near the expertise as the Vail boot shop ones. I'm wondering if I should maybe fit some boots here in Vail, then just buy them and heat mold them at Erik's if they have the boot, because I really do not have a lot of disposable income and would like to save as much money as possible.

Even in rental boots a size and a half smaller than the too-large ones I own, I felt slop, and I got heel lift when trying to nose manual. When renting boots to demo some skis at a new shop, I asked how to eliminate heel lift, and they said I needed to size down more and custom mold the liner, and that there's no way to eliminate heel lift in a rental boot. They had me put my foot in a smaller boot and although my toes had to be curled up, I didn't get heel lift.

Should I buy now?

 

[Luksi]

i just got my full tilt first chair 6 boots and they are just a little tick too small, like my toes touch the front of the boot if i lean back in them. will the liner set if i just have them on my feet for a bit and is there anything else i can do? or should i just send them back. thanks

 

[onenerdykid]

i just got my full tilt first chair 6 boots and they are just a little tick too small, like my toes touch the front of the boot if i lean back in them. will the liner set if i just have them on my feet for a bit and is there anything else i can do? or should i just send them back. thanks

This means your boots are actually too big, not too small. In the correct ski ski boot, when you stand upright, your toes should be touching the front of the boot. And when you flex forward, they pull away.

What you should do is go see a boot-fitter before you waste hundreds of dollars on boots that don't fit you and make your skiing experience horrible and uncomfortable.

 

[Jammu]

I wonder if anyone can tell me how full tilt sizes compare to salomon spk. With spk I have a size 27/27.5. 317mm shell size. Full tilt 27/27.5 has 310 shell size, and 28/28.5 318mm. There are no dealers near by so I would have to order online without testing(I know, bad idea). No I’m wondering should I go for 27 or 28 size, wich size is more relevant boot size or shell size?

 

[onenerdykid]

I wonder if anyone can tell me how full tilt sizes compare to salomon spk. With spk I have a size 27/27.5. 317mm shell size. Full tilt 27/27.5 has 310 shell size, and 28/28.5 318mm. There are no dealers near by so I would have to order online without testing(I know, bad idea). No I’m wondering should I go for 27 or 28 size, wich size is more relevant boot size or shell size?

This is a guaranteed way to buy the wrong boot. The SPK is a completely different fitting boot to almost all of the Full Tilts, even their wider fits.

Go to a shop and speak to a boot-fitter about finding the right ski boot for your foot/leg/weight/ankle range of motion. It may be a FT, it may be something completely different. But, get the boot that fits you, not what you think you might randomly like.

 

[Jammu]

Yes it’s different, but only 2mm narrower than spk. FT has features what I value and other brands dont have. Guess I just have to find a way to try them on. Of course when ordering, you can also always return the product if its not suitable.

 

[onenerdykid]

Yes it’s different, but only 2mm narrower than spk. FT has features what I value and other brands dont have. Guess I just have to find a way to try them on. Of course when ordering, you can also always return the product if its not suitable.

On paper, it is 2mm different in "listed" forefoot width, but the boots fit completely differently.

Fit is the ultimate characteristic you should be concerned with. If a boot fits poorly but has a different feature that you prefer, then it will only cause you discomfort and frustration, and will be a waste of money for you in the long run.

Trying on boots at home is one thing, but having someone assess your actual footshape and needs is another. A boot that is actually right for you is probably not going to fit great at home, at least 90% of the time.

You should really invest the time to visit a shop that has them. That could mean making a 2-3 hour drive or doing it at the resort where you will be skiing.

 

[Jammu]

Thank you for your advise. I will find a way to try them.

 

[No.Quarter]

Bringing this thread back.

So I'm trying to decide if I want to upgrade to NTN boots because trying to get my 75mm telemark boots to fit right has just been total shitshow and at this point I think I just want to send it with the whole new system, but unfortunately the only business that carries Scarpa in stock near me is REI. My foot measures 27.5 mondo and my alpine boots are Salomon quest max 130 in a 27.5 (a much lower volume and narrower boot).

The only NTN boot rei had was a 26.5, they felt a little small but like they might heat mold and pack out well. Then I tried on a Maestrale AT in a 27.5 and they felt like the length was true to the mondo sizing, but they were noticeably roomier feeling than when I first put on my 27.5 Salomons before heat molding not just in width but slightly in length. Not a great comparison because the Sollys are a heat molded shell too, but still. Also kinda bummed I couldn't try on the NTN boot.

So I guess what it comes down to is what is the best procedure for confidently sizing boots when I have to buy online/without a bootfitter who carries the boots I want to use? Do I go by a direct measurement of my foot to the mondo size, or do I size down to a smaller shell and hope that there is room for my feet to stretch when I get them heat molded. Also since a Scarpa 26.5 and 27 is the same shell size, is the 27 the same liner just packed out to a larger size, or is it actually a different liner? Buying boots online stresses me the fuck out and I don't really want to drop the dough to buy multiple boots to try and then send them back.

 

[onenerdykid]

Bringing this thread back.

So I'm trying to decide if I want to upgrade to NTN boots because trying to get my 75mm telemark boots to fit right has just been total shitshow and at this point I think I just want to send it with the whole new system, but unfortunately the only business that carries Scarpa in stock near me is REI. My foot measures 27.5 mondo and my alpine boots are Salomon quest max 130 in a 27.5 (a much lower volume and narrower boot).

The only NTN boot rei had was a 26.5, they felt a little small but like they might heat mold and pack out well. Then I tried on a Maestrale AT in a 27.5 and they felt like the length was true to the mondo sizing, but they were noticeably roomier feeling than when I first put on my 27.5 Salomons before heat molding not just in width but slightly in length. Not a great comparison because the Sollys are a heat molded shell too, but still. Also kinda bummed I couldn't try on the NTN boot.

So I guess what it comes down to is what is the best procedure for confidently sizing boots when I have to buy online/without a bootfitter who carries the boots I want to use? Do I go by a direct measurement of my foot to the mondo size, or do I size down to a smaller shell and hope that there is room for my feet to stretch when I get them heat molded. Also since a Scarpa 26.5 and 27 is the same shell size, is the 27 the same liner just packed out to a larger size, or is it actually a different liner? Buying boots online stresses me the fuck out and I don't really want to drop the dough to buy multiple boots to try and then send them back.

Mondo point = cm length of foot, so start there and do a shell fit at home. Remove the liner, step into the boot with your toes just barely touching the front, and measure the gap behind your heel. 1cm = high performance fit (will usually require boot work), 2cm = normal fit, 3cm = problematically too big (waste of money). Also, with a tele boot, you need to make sure the shell bellows matches where your foot/toes bend.

With Scarpa, they use the same shell for 26.5 and 27.0 (which is a 26 shell- the 27.0 has a thinner/differently lasted liner in it). Always buy the .5 size as that is the true shell and you won't get confused. The thinner/differently lasted liner is inconsequential because once you heat mold an Intuition liner, they change shape anyway to your foot and the shell.

And, not all Scarpas have the same last & fit. So just because the Maestrale is roomier, it doesn't mean their NTN boot will be the same.

If you're not able to see a boot-fitter and have him/her guide you through, it will be a risk and you will be sending lots of boots back or making the mistake of picking the wrong boot. That's just the reality.

 

[BigPurpleSkiSuit]

Question on liners, I get bad shin bang because I have a very narrow lower leg and my calf sits above the boot. Will a liner like an intuition wrap, coupled with a booster strap or something to that effect help this if I'm not skiing backseat? Also, if I wear a 28.5 boot, what size liner should I get? 28.0? or 29.0?

Edit: I say intuition power wrap since that's the kind of thing that looks like it provides the most cushioning for the shin, if there is a better liner to get, then I would love to hear about it, preventing shin bang is my major concern.

**This post was edited on Feb 11th 2020 at 10:47:35pm

 

[onenerdykid]

Question on liners, I get bad shin bang because I have a very narrow lower leg and my calf sits above the boot. Will a liner like an intuition wrap, coupled with a booster strap or something to that effect help this if I'm not skiing backseat? Also, if I wear a 28.5 boot, what size liner should I get? 28.0? or 29.0?

Edit: I say intuition power wrap since that's the kind of thing that looks like it provides the most cushioning for the shin, if there is a better liner to get, then I would love to hear about it, preventing shin bang is my major concern.

**This post was edited on Feb 11th 2020 at 10:47:35pm

Are you sure you are in the right size boot?

Adding a new liner to a wrong size shell will only partially help.

Make sure you are in the right shell by doing a shell fit. Steps are above.

 

[BigPurpleSkiSuit]

Pretty sure I'm in the right size boot, its just shin bang galore. I watched tape of me too, and it's not backseat skiing that's the issue.

Are you sure you are in the right size boot?

Adding a new liner to a wrong size shell will only partially help.

Make sure you are in the right shell by doing a shell fit. Steps are above.

 

[onenerdykid]

Pretty sure I'm in the right size boot, its just shin bang galore.

Do this and check it:

Remove the liner, step into the boot with a thin ski sock, slide your foot forward until your toes are just barely touching the front, and measure the gap behind your heel. 1cm = high performance fit (will usually require boot work), 2cm = normal fit, 3cm = problematically too big (waste of money).

Also- do you have custom footbeds? If not, this is an absolute must if you want to solve your shinbang.

 

[GammaConcur]

I recommend not going too small on boots. Mondo sizing is in CM, so all you need to do is measure your foot with a metric tape. If it doesn't feel good in the shop, it will be worse when you ski it.

It is allot easier to make a slightly big boot smaller than to make a small boot bigger.

I ski on boots 1/2 size LARGER than my foot. Since I learned this, my boots are comfy all day and I never have to unbuckle them because they hurt. If it is a little too big I just add a heel lift, or insole UNDER the liner, or wear thicker socks.

 

[onenerdykid]

I recommend not going too small on boots. Mondo sizing is in CM, so all you need to do is measure your foot with a metric tape. If it doesn't feel good in the shop, it will be worse when you ski it.

It is allot easier to make a slightly big boot smaller than to make a small boot bigger.

I ski on boots 1/2 size LARGER than my foot. Since I learned this, my boots are comfy all day and I never have to unbuckle them because they hurt. If it is a little too big I just add a heel lift, or insole UNDER the liner, or wear thicker socks.

Unfortunately, this is quite terrible advice and the opposite of your claim is true: it's actually FAR easier to make a small boot bigger than it is to make a big boot smaller. This is what boot-fitters do every single day.

The only thing that you said is true is that MP = the cm length of your foot. But even that is merely a starting point, not an absolute rule.

I'm glad you found a solution that works for you currently, but if you were to actually visit a trained & competent boot-fitter, you would be in a smaller boot than you currently are, and be warmer, and have more comfort and control.

Lastly, there are no half sizes in ski boots- only full size jumps. In other words, there is no difference between a 26 and a 26.5 (for every brand in the world, except Scarpa, but they do the same thing and simply re-label things differently).

Heel lifts actually create more space in the boot. Never put the insole under the liner. Never wear thicker socks to compensate for excess volume.

 

[DonnaDickens]

This is interesting, thank you for your comments.

 

[Nickmalysh]

Do this and check it:

Remove the liner, step into the boot with a thin ski sock, slide your foot forward until your toes are just barely touching the front, and measure the gap behind your heel. 1cm = high performance fit (will usually require boot work), 2cm = normal fit, 3cm = problematically too big (waste of money).

Also- do you have custom footbeds? If not, this is an absolute must if you want to solve your shinbang.

Thank you for this valuable post, I have 1,3 sm left fo barefoot and 1 sm with ski socks for example, and still want to downsize, mondo 295 , leg barefoot 293;

bootfiter remove the volume by custom insole and lifting up with insoles for 7mm, still have a lot of room hitting diamonds( boots 4 y old and was perfect at the beginning of my ski journey, so I would emphasize for all readers of this thread - bootfiter, and upgrade boots based on your progress! Within few years you will anyway you will be ready for more performance boots

 

[yeyo9hunna]

Yo guys, i live in a place where nearest bootfitter spots are 500km away and i need some advise. I usually wear 26,5 mondo but today i went to try on boots and shellfit on 26,5 looked kinda off and 25,5 kinda too snug, even tho i forgot skisocks can someone advise me on the shell fit with these photos. Also tried the fischer app and any help with what last i should get if the measurements are correct on the photo?

 

[onenerdykid]

Yo guys, i live in a place where nearest bootfitter spots are 500km away and i need some advise. I usually wear 26,5 mondo but today i went to try on boots and shellfit on 26,5 looked kinda off and 25,5 kinda too snug, even tho i forgot skisocks can someone advise me on the shell fit with these photos. Also tried the fischer app and any help with what last i should get if the measurements are correct on the photo?

In standard fit, you are looking for 1.5 - 2cm behind the heel when your toes are just barely touching the front of the shell. In this fit, your toes will touch the front when you are standing upright, but will pull away from the front when you flex foward.

In a high-performance fit, you are looking for 1 -1.5cm behind the heel. In this fit, it will not feel comfortable out of the box. You will most likely need the shell lengthened and liner worked on in order to be comfortable but it will yield a more responsive and higher performing boot.

 

[Nickmalysh]

Yo guys, i live in a place where nearest bootfitter spots are 500km away and i need some advise. I usually wear 26,5 mondo but today i went to try on boots and shellfit on 26,5 looked kinda off and 25,5 kinda too snug, even tho i forgot skisocks can someone advise me on the shell fit with these photos. Also tried the fischer app and any help with what last i should get if the measurements are correct on the photo?

I'm no boot fitter by any means, however recently purchased bot via boot fitter, what we did:

Measure

- foot length 293mm

- foot width 110 mm

- foot volume (heel to heel) 291 mm

- calf volume and attachment (long legs with calf starting higher then boot's ends)

based on that I had 2 options:

295 boot with narrow width (Low volume) and reduce volume via underfoot shims to make it fit

285 med/high volume

then test several boots in the following order:

- shell fit (285)

- boot fit (snug as should be at the foot, loose at the calf)

- boot fit with footbed for my fit (added reducer of volume for the calf)

I spend already 3 days, and was ok, will probably go to boot fitter when liner will be packed to add some layer of foam on top or so

boots I tried

Dallbello Krypton 285 - impossible to wear more then 5 min

K2 Recon LV / GV 285 - LV super narrow / GW super wide

Nordica Spormashine 285 - Purchased

 

[serelsofficial]

this topic good point! thanks. I am a very beginner and struggling buying ski boots online.

 

[somewhereeast]

I tried some boots on at the shop, they felt good but my shins are mostly presses against the top half of the tongue, should it be evenly spread? I haven't found a boot like that yet