Ah, the elusive feeling of sliding on a fresh pair of ski boots after a day of skiing. But the fun isn’t over yet! After you’ve gotten used to the cozy feeling of the boots, you’ll realize that they are far from being comfortable, which can lead to severe pain after a while. That’s why it’s crucial to know how much tightness is tolerable before you take off on another winter ski trip. Here’s a guide on how to pick the right ski boots for your body type.
Table of Contents
1. Try On A Pair Of Each Other
The very first thing you should do before moving on to anything else is to try on a pair of each other. While it would be wonderful to get your boots and poles to fit perfectly, it’s extremely unlikely, especially if you’re shopping for cross-country ski boots. When you go into the store, pay attention to how each pair feels – is one slightly tighter than the other? Do they have a slightly different feeling than the rest of the pair you’re currently trying on? Also, make sure that the fit is comfortable and that the boots don’t pinch or hurt your feet while skiing. The majority of ski accidents happen due to blisters or injuries caused by ski boots. It would be best if you could avoid these kinds of problems by finding a pair of boots that fits perfectly and feels great while skiing. If you have a narrow or pointed foot, you’ll likely find that most of the boots don’t fit comfortably and may cause you further trouble while skiing. If this is the case, you might end up using a pair of hiking boots instead, which are much less prone to this issue. If you have a wide foot and the normal size boots don’t fit comfortably, you could try for a larger size – at least two pairs of them.
2. Check The Tech Bits
Next, we need to take a look at the technology bits of the boot. Aside from fit, you should also be thinking about the safety features built into the boot, particularly the buckles. These are the things that hold the boot in place when you push off while skiing. They should be positioned accordingly to what body type you have and the type of skiing you do. For example, if you have a narrow foot and you mostly do backcountry skiing, you might want to have the buckles on the outer part of the boot – far from your ankle where they could get in the way. If you have a wide foot and you like fast skiing, you might want to have the buckles on the inner part of the boot, closer to your ankle – in case they get in the way while skiing. Another important thing to keep in mind is how the boots are equipped with the carbon footprint that makes them more sustainable – some boots are designed to reduce their impact on the environment while skiing, so you might want to look for these boots if you’re concerned about climate change. These types of boots are generally lighter than regular ones, which makes them easier to ski with. When you lift your legs while skiing, you’ll feel the difference – you won’t feel as tied to the snow, and the speed will feel faster, as well.
3. Inspect The Materials Of The Boot
Another thing to take into consideration is the material of the boot. You should try for a smooth material that’s soft and flexible, but not too slippery – again, depending on your body type and the type of skiing you do. In general, the smoother the better, as long as it doesn’t feel too noisy while skiing. Another important factor to consider is the lug pattern of the boot – you want a pattern that’s consistent and won’t cause you too much hardship while skiing. When you move around, you won’t feel as if you’re moving in random directions, but rather in the same one. It’s always best if the pattern is simple but effective – at least three-dimensionally speaking.
4. Look At The Overall Feel Of The Boot
Lastly, don’t forget about the overall feel of the boot. You want a boot that’s cozy, yet not too hot – once again, depending on your body type and the type of skiing you do. Aside from being comfortable, you should also try for a boot that doesn’t disturb your movement while skiing, especially if you have a wide foot. You want to be able to move your ankles freely, without worrying about the boot digging into your flesh. If possible, you might want to try for a boot that’s got a sock-like fit. When you push off while skiing, the material of the boot should resist, yet allow for free movement – this prevents injuries to your feet and ankles, as well as makes for a more enjoyable skiing experience. Overall, you want a boot that’s light but doesn’t feel too flimsy while skiing – your ankle can get sore if the boot is too lightweight, while the opposite is usually the case if the boot is too dense. This is why it’s best to find a pair that’s just right, somewhere in between. As for the flimsiness of the boot, this can be partly attributed to the material used and the structure of the boot, but also partly due to the size of the person’s foot – if you have a small foot, you’ll likely find that most of the boots are too flimsy and uncomfortable. In case you have a large foot and the flimsiness of the boot isn’t an issue, you might want to try for a thicker one that’s more substantial – at least two or three millimeters.
The Final Takeaway
As you can see, it’s not an easy task finding the right pair of ski boots. Especially since there are so many options and variables to take into consideration. Apart from the basics of fit, weight, and material, you should also look at the technical bits of the boot, as well as how the boot is designed from an environmental standpoint. After you’ve tried on several pairs of boots and found one that feels comfortable while skiing and is safe for your body type and the type of skiing you do, you’ll likely realize that it’s worth the effort to search for a pair that meets all of your requirements. And if you’re still not sure which pair is right for you, take this handy little guide into consideration and you’ll be perfectly situated for a comfortable and safe summer ski trip.