How to Choose Ski Boots - Size, Fit & Flex

Boots are the single most important component of your ski setup, and it’s worth spending extra time and energy to get the right boot with the right fit. Your boots are your only way of translating your body’s intentions to your skis, so a precise fit is important for control and performance. By the same token, ski boot shells are made of hard plastic, so conflicts between the shape of your feet and the shape of your boots can cause fit problems. The goal in ski boot fitting is to find a size and shape that you’ll be comfortable in without compromising too much performance.
Everyone’s foot is unique, and regardless of what some bootfitters will tell you there is no one “right” way to fit boots. The size, shape, flex and features of your ideal boot will vary depending on ability level, aspirations, height and weight, frequency of days on the hill, and other factors. Because of their construction and the job they have to perform, ski boots will never be as comfortable as street shoes and you shouldn’t try to fit them the same way. Remember that the foam used for padding inside the boot will compress with use, so what seems like a very snug fit in a new boot will become more relaxed after just a few days of skiing. Here are some things you’ll want to consider when choosing a ski boot.
Learn more on our guide to choosing ski boots:
www.evo.com/guides/how-to-cho...
Check out our ski boots size chart & mondopoint conversion:
www.evo.com/guides/ski-boot-s...
And shop ski boots at evo:
www.evo.com/shop/ski/boots
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[@rickyabrahams7100]

Great video,thank you

[@hetjalpapatel9171]

Such a great channel.❤

[@daveemery788]

Ingrid! A legend.

[@drdickvagesq]

Quite informative and helpful for some beginner basics. Great bulllet points.

[@NOYBidness]

As a beginner I was sold a pair of Atomic Hawx Magna 80. They are comfortable but I’m not sure if they’re too wide for me. The shop told me all beginner boots have a wider last and it’s ok that they are a bit looser as long as the length is good (it’s perfect). I did some research and they appear to be right. Every biginner boot has a wide last. Should I worry or just use them?

[@brandonwilliam2618]

I would use them and If they feel loose I’d consider a narrower boot

[@pinkfrosting6946]

This was such a good video but I wish it also included sizing options and more related to kids.

[@dustball2032]

She literally explained what size to get in the video based off the size of your foot

[@gonexity7961]

Hey i bought Full Tilt B&E ski boots a couple days ago and my toes touch a littlebit of the toebox of the ski boot so are the ski boots small for me or no?

[@videosbyevo]

A little bit of touching might be okay, as the liner will back out a bit over time. It's tough to say without being there in person. You can try doing a "shell fit" like we explain here: www.evo.com/guides/how-to-choose-and-size-ski-boots#ski-boot-fit

[@gonexity7961]

@@videosbyevo ok thanks for the help

[@tnkl9230]

@@videosbyevo I still don't understand what can a shell fit do for you...

[@xstcal7202]

Im ordering online bec in my area we dont have any boot shops , my feet are growing larger is it ok if i get 1 cm bigger boots so it lasts longer + wear 2 - 3 socks to make up for the missing size thank you

[@videosbyevo]

Wearing boots that aren't the right size can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience. Adding extra socks may sound like a good idea, but that usually leads to blisters, pressure points, and discomfort. So, we would not recommend it.

[@xstcal7202]

@@videosbyevo ok thanks u

[@caityP]

When I went to get fitted I was also told they have to be very snug. Well every time I skied my feet froze no matter what. I ended up grabbing a much looser used pair and it doesn’t happen anymore. I tried to sell the original boots and women with size 6 feet were saying they felt way to small (my feet are size 9 for reference). However this seems to happen to me with any shoes when a sales person says they stretch or they need to be very snug. :(

[@jyft8466]

I would try getting a better sock, like a thin smartwool ski sock.

[@caityP]

@@jyft8466 I wish that had worked! I tried ski socks, layering socks, hot pockets. It’s like it cut off my circulation. I was later told that Lange is a very narrow boot. Maybe that’s why.

[@tnkl9230]

I have the same problem. I am a size US9.5 person. My foot measured 26cm. Yet when I bought a pair of 26/26.5, my toes had to curl alittle when I stand up, it felt uncomfortable to wear it for long. It is new and I am wondering if it will get better stretched out when I wear it longer.

[@caityP]

@@tnkl9230 Yea I actually read that they are supposed to stretch out. Unfortunately every time someone told me that about any shoes, they never seemed to do that. My feet might be swelling to compensate for the stretch. Not too sure. Good luck with yours, hopefully they stretch!

[@williampatterson3683]

This question always seems to generate lots of questions. I was always told that your boots should NEVER be too tight as it affects circulation AND ski control making turns more difficult than they should be. I was also told by an Olympic ski coach that boots should feel like a "firm handshake" but NOT a "knuckle crusher". As a level 5/6 skiier I tried the over tight approach last year whilst skiing in Italy and nearly came a cropped on a red piste whilst almost failing to turn on a narrow piste. When I stopped for a coffee the coach and I chatted and I told him What happened and he immediately tried to put his fingers down the back of my boots but couldn't. He immediately said that was my problem and we took the boots off to try a refit. We dropped a notch or 2 and each time he tried the finger test until he could squeeze them in neatly (but not loosely) and off I went back up the mountain. The effect was transformative, I couldn't believe the change with the additional plus point that my feet remained cosy and warm. Hope that helps.

[@ballislife8069]

I’m a beginner. Should I get the k2 recon 120 ski boot

[@videosbyevo]

That may or may not be a good pick based on your height and weight. Contact us if you have more questions www.evo.com/

[@DeclanOKaneMD]

I skied all day today with skiboots on wrong feet. I did 3 black runs and did not.notice. Felt fine. Great day. Are the boots identical inside.

[@2ndAveScents]

Maybe you just have symmetrical feet 😅

[@djizzah]

Bullshit

[@atefsimaan3034]

If I'm not sure about flex, is it safer to go higher or lower?

[@videosbyevo]

It will be safer to start in a softer (lower) range if less experienced.

[@user-gr1kf1zh5w]

So, I have fairly Wide feet, and I cannot find a ski boot that will fit the width no mater which boot I try on. Is it ok to get a slightly longer boot?

[@videosbyevo]

Hey there! For wider feet, we recommend sitting down with a boot fitter to look at all of your options. You want to avoid getting a boot that is too big and instead look into wider options with a heat-moldable shell. This way, you can customize the width while staying in the correct size boot for you

[@ddeder]

I have size 14 feet. The mondo chart says I should look for size 31.5-32.0. Every place I have called either does not have this size or at best has 1 boot to try. Meanwhile, I look at say size 26 mondo and there are a dozen options. Seems unfair. :(

[@videosbyevo]

Hey Daniel, finding boots for larger feet can definitely be a challenge. If you're able to, your best bet might be to order a couple of pairs online, and return those that don't fit as well. We hope you can find some great boots for you!

[@mrsi4mon]

1:43 - light contact with the toes when flexing forward... AKA your toes should be squished right the f*ck up on the front of the boot when standing up straight

[@robertrice6735]

good info. Music isn't needed and annoying.

[@ElSings]

Disagree. Music makes a video more engaging. Most audiences will click off the video if it’s not produced and proffessional with a nice soundtrack, including myself.

[@19MadMax98]

The fitting snug is a load of bullshit. My dads been skiing since 1965 when he was 3 years old and he says to get a boot your comfortable in from the start. Idk if it’s a sales tactic or if people are genuinely that stupid. It’s always a 20 year old sales guy who thinks he knows everything. Unless your downhill racing in the Olympics your boots can be a little bit loose and relaxed. Save yourself the money and discomfort.

[@authenticshift5515]

Ever considered your dad might be an outlier? Ie not represent the norm. Some of us start in our 30's even 40's!

[@19MadMax98]

@@authenticshift5515 my whole point was would you rather someone with 60 years of experience help you pick out a ski and ski boot. Or a 20 year old working his first retail job that does everything the boss tells them. If you want a tight boot that your feet will swell up in the high altitude and no longer properly fit that’s okay with me it’s not my feet. If you would like a boot you can be comfortable in all day and actually enjoy getting into than get one a little more loose. It’s like going to a mechanic. Would you rather a mechanic of 60 years give you advice? Or the 20 year old who just got his auto certificate that allows them to work at a shop for the 1st time.

[@authenticshift5515]

@@19MadMax98 i got advice from a ski shop yesterday, Average age of staff was 40+. Maybe it's not so black or white.

[@19MadMax98]

@@authenticshift5515 hey get whatever boots you want brother. Doesn’t effect me in any way. That’s all I gotta say at this point

[@deeppurplefan]

This should be titled "How not to choose a pullover fleece"

[@DAaaMan64]

boo

[@JohnLumapaskeith]

So, I have fairly Wide feet, and I cannot find a ski boot that will fit the width no mater which boot I try on. Is it ok to get a slightly longer boot?

[@Benzknees]

Whilst longer boots are also wider, your feet will move back & forth in the boot, whereas the heel needs to be locked in. You can get a 'punch' to widen a particular pressure point in a boot, which needs to be done by a skilled ski boot fitter. You can also get custom moulded liners, especially Intuition ones, which will help a lot with fit issues.

[@jyft8466]

K2 BFC 100

[@michellevaudreuil4113]

Look for something that is moldable so you can have a custom last. Atomic makes boots that are wider in the calf & foot area that can be molded as well so you shouldn’t have any issues there. Check out their hawx mangna series