Ski Boot Sizing – One Size Does Not Fit All

Ski boot sizing can be tricky, because skiers expect so much from their ski boots. A ski boot has a hard, waterproof shell on the outside to protect your feet from the mountain, and a soft inner boot to cushion your foot. You want your ski boots to fit snugly, but with enough room inside for your feet to be able to move enough to steer yourself down the trail.

Ski boots are extremely adjustable, to allow the skier to get the maximum enjoyment and technical performance out of the sport. That is why, before you decide a ski boot doesn't fit, you should have the sales clerk explain how ski boot sizing works and how you can adjust the boot to get a better fit.

Ski Boot Sizing Adjustments

Lateral upper cuff adjustment: This ski boot sizing aid controls the tightness and the angle of the upper boot. When you adjust the boot, you can shift the upper boot to fit the angle of your lower legs. High end boots also offer this adjustment on the inner boot; that is, the padded liner that fits against your socks and keeps you foot and ankle cushioned and insulated.

Power strap: The power strap is a Velcro strap at the top of the boot that you can use to adjust the snugness of the fit against your shin and calves.

Forward lean Adjustment: Change the angle you shin makes without opening up your boot. Adjusting the forward lean adjustment can change your stance and center of gravity.

Ramp Angle Adjustment: Not all boots have this ski boot sizing adjustment. Some boots let you change the angle of the bottom of the boot, as if the sole where your foot sits were a ramp. By varying the ramp angle adjustment, you shift your center of gravity forward or backward. Only high end boots use a ramp angle adjustment.

Ski Walk Adjustment: This adjustment allows the upper cuff of the boot to hinge backward for a more natural walking motion. This is a handy feature, but it is not the most comfortable of all, and many skiers prefer to leave it off entirely.

Top or Rear Entry

Ski boots are designed so you can put your foot in from the top of the boot or slide it in from the back. Rear entry boots are easier to get in and out of, but the skier sacrifices a really snug fit, as rear entry boots have only a couple of fastening and adjustment clips, so it's hard to get a comfortable fit with them.

Make sure you follow a ski boot sizing chart based on your street shoe size to get started. But don't be surprised if you end up one size smaller or larger than the chart indicates.