How to buy the perfect ski boots guide

Looking for a new pair of ski boots and you are lost between to many brands and models? Read through following advices and we guarantee that you will soon find the one.

When selecting the perfect ski boots you need to pay attention to three main features: intended use, flex and size. Intended use we will explain later in this guide, so let us focus on features that are common to all ski boots, regardless their intended use.

FLEX stands for stifness of ski boot's shell. Flex is usually expressed with a number and most of manufacturers are putting flex next to the name of each model. Flex is a simplified value that represents the needed force to »flex« the boot forward. Continue reading→

Skier's strength, stamina, type of skier and body weight. All these features need to be taken into account when selecting the correct flex.

  • Stiffest recreational ski boots achieve flex values up to 130. These boots are most likely to be selected by expert and advanced aggressive skiers, former competitors and also heavier and stronger skiers.
  • The majority of recreational skiers are likely to choose between ski boots with flex from 100 to 120.
  • Beginners and lightweight skiers will choose between ski boots with flex from 80-100.

Women will also be choosing between ski boots with lower flex index compared to men, based on lower body weight.

  • Advanced lady's will be choosing flex index between 80 and 100,
  • women with medium level of skiing will choose between 60 and 80 of flex index,
  • lady beginners and occasional skiers are going to feel themselves best in softer boots with low flex index.

Sizing is the most important deciding factor when buying new ski boots. Boots are representing the most important and the only connection skier has with his skis and through ski boots all the forces are transferred to the ski. Even the best ski boots will not do the job when sizing is incorrect. If too big, the power transfer to the ski and every turn initiation is going to be much more difficult. Continue reading→

Ski boots sizing is given in millimetres, and each size is representing the length of ski boot liner (mondo size).

So, when choosing the correct size, you can simply forget your traditinal shoe size that you are used to using when buying your shoes.

The best and simple way to find out your mondo size is to measure the length of your feet. Next to the wall put down a piece of paper and step on it so that your heel touches the wall. Take a ruler, place it in front of tip of your toes and draw a line with a pen. After that simply measure the distance between the edge of the paper and the line that you have drawn. For correct ski boot fit we suggest to add 3mm to the size of your feet in millimetres that you have measured. When putting on the selected ski boots your toes should touch the end of the liner. After closing all the buckles and when standing up in a skiing position (pushing your knees forward), your toes should move backwards and away from the tip of the liner.

Another difference between ski boot models is their width. Although there is many customization processes such as Fischer Vacuum, Salomon Custom Shell and Fischer Comfort fit, manufacturers still often produce their models for different foot widths, so there is a lot of ski boots on the market for different types of feet. Because boots have limited minimal and maximal width, you need to pay an extra attention to this detail.

Special intended use of each ski boot strictly indicates the type of skiing it should be used. Might you enjoy in aggreesive turns, freeride, hiking on top of the mountain with touring skis or just looking for best comfort and performance for all day all round skiing. We have divided all the boots into different categories to make your choice a little easier.

  • All—round men ski boots→

    In this category of ski boots, you will have something for every taste, from beginners to advanced and expert skiers.

    Common feature of boots in this category is maximized comfort, while still having as direct power transfers to the ski as possible

    Usually these boots come equipped with customized inner liner or outer shell, while some having both.

    Customization will be very appreciated by people who are looking for maximum fit or by people having any kind of discomfort based on problems with their feet. These people usually have difficulties finding the right boots for themselves.

    All-round ski boots are an excellent choice when looking for boots for all day skiing or when having a need for an ultimate sporty boot for best support to make the most aggressive carving turns.

    This category includes boots with flex index from 80 – 130.

  • All-round women ski boots→

    These boots are developed for women only. Women will appreciate additional comfort and warmth. Also in this category of women ski boots you can find different types of customization options. Knowing the importance of the design and matching factor with the rest of the equipment, we have selected ski boots that will best match your skis and outfit. In harsh and cold winter conditions, women have a tendency to getting cold feet, therefore we suggest a purchase of additional ski boots warmers.

  • Racing ski boots→

    These boots are the closest to what word cup skiers are using for racing.

    Racing boots are designed to deliver the most efficient power transfer to the ski with the very best direct connection of skier and skis.

    Inner liner is thinner compared to the one in all-round ski boots and outer sole is not rubberized to offer additional vibration damping while transferring power to the skis.

    Directness of a racing boot will be highly appreciated by expert skiers, looking for the best equipment for maximum performance, regardless the conditions of the snow and terrain.

    This category includes boots with flex index from 100 – 130.

  • Freeski ski boots→

    This category has three subcategories:

    • Freestyle ski boots→

      Freestyle ski boots are designed for freestylers who spent most of their time in snow parks. An excellent weapon of choice for conquering all different types of objects, with extra padded inner liner for better force dampening at landings. Some boots even have softer outer shell toe tip to ease the pressure on toes when landings get rough.

    • Touring ski boots→

      Touring ski boots are designed for hikers looking for the ultimate powder experience and for an outdoor adventurers and climbers. Important feature is »walking mode«, enabling easier movement of the boot. These boots are lighter and having rubberized sole for better grip. Some models come already compatible with ultralight touring bindings and all of them can be used with crampons. With touring boots even the longest trips become walk in the park, if only you have got enough stamina.

    • Freeride ski boots→

      Freeride boots are designed and developed specifically for demands of pleasures outside of groomed slopes. Usually slightly stiffer boots with excellent performances in deep powder snow, jumps and drops. Outer shell's sole is covered with a thin rubber layer to provide a safe step and at the same time making the best direct connection between skier and his ski. Walking mode is used quite often, as there is numerous times when you need to hike to the start of descent.

  • Kids ski boots →

    Ski boots for the youngest skiers. In this category we offer ski boots for the very first snow experiences to already more experienced youth skiers making their fastest way through blue and red gates. Again we would like to point out the correct size choice. When choosing the size for our kids we usually have a tendency to buy slightly bigger boots, although we would like to warn you that when buying a size or two bigger boots, this might lead to serious injuries if the fit between feet and boots is not ok.