Exploring ski boots and snowboard boots

Finding the right boots to fit the unique shape of your feet is vital for both skiing and snowboarding. As well as your shoe size, it helps to know...

• The width of your foot at its widest part, usually across your forefoot area
• The height of the arch of your foot – do you have a high arch or are you a little bit flat-footed? Different arches need different support
• The width of your heel – there’s nothing worse than boots that slip at your heel, causing blisters and reducing the control you have over your skis or board

Many ski and snowboard boot shops offer custom fitting services using 3D technology to create a full foot profile for you. This can then be analysed to help you find the perfect fit. It can also help to add in a custom footbed so give you the best support possible.

If you have hired or purchased boots in the past that caused you any problems or have any known podiatric issues, pass this useful information on to your boot fitter.

Truth time – a ski boot is never going to be your most comfortable piece of footwear. They’re designed to be inflexible to support your legs and help you control your skis.

But while their outer shell may be stiff and protective, they should be softer on the inside and have some flex at the ankle to allow you to bend your knees (pretty crucial to a great ski stance).

Ski boots are given a flex rating of up to 150. The higher the rating, the stiffer the ankle flex. If you ski hard and fast, you’ll probably prefer a higher flex rating of 110 upwards. If you’re more of a cruiser than a racer, a flex rating of between 80-100 will usually suit your better. Heavier skiers also often prefer a higher flex rating to those with a smaller frame.

When your ski boot is first fitted, it will feel tight and a little small. Don’t panic or swap it for a boot that’s actually too big (lots of us have been there…), your inner boot liners will soften and compress as you wear them.

Top fitting tips

• Take along your own ski socks – go for a thin, modern pair rather than anything chunky
• Your heel and ankle should barely move in your boot
• Don’t rely on the boot fastenings to hold your foot in place. If you are having to crank them super tight, you could probably do with a smaller or narrower boot
• Keep boots on for a while in the shop (at least 15 minutes) to give the inner a chance to start softening. Walk around and try adopting your best skiing positions to test the flex. Don’t worry about looking silly, everyone does it!

One of the advantages of snowboarding (not that we’d ever choose sides) is that the boots are way comfier. Ideally, your snowboard boots should feel nice and comfortable right from the off, although you still need to find a pair with the right fit and flex for you.

The flex of snowboard boots is rated from one to ten, with ten being the stiffest. Beginners and freestyle riders tend to prefer a softer flex, while more experienced riders and off-piste freeriders love the control and speed you can get from a stiffer boot. Flex can very hugely between brands so make sure you try plenty of different boots on.

Some fitting tips

• There shouldn’t be too much room above your toes - you’re looking for a snug fit with no pinching
• Your heel and ankle should be held firmly in place by your boot. This is super important when it comes to controlling your board’s edges. You want your board to move as your foot does, rather than your foot moving around in your boot and your board failing to respond
• Snowboard boots come with various different lacing systems from traditional laces to speedy lacing ratchets. The decision mostly comes down to personal preference – try them all out to find out which gives you the best fit

Wear your boots as much as possible before your next winter holiday. We’re talking around the house, as well as any trips to dry ski slopes. Stand in them to do the dishes, use them to keep your feet warm on chilly evenings, have a dance around your living room in them – it will help your boot liners to break in, gradually moulding to your feet for a comfier fit.

It’s normal, especially with ski boots, to experience uncomfortable feelings from numbness to hot or sore spots in the beginning. But if they don’t disappear as you continue to break in your boots at home, make sure you head back to your boot shop to have them adjusted. That way, any new boot discomfort is happily resolved before your holiday – and all you have to do is enjoy your time in the mountains.