Unlimited fun on the slopes
Do you love skiing on picturesque snow-covered slopes? Regardless of your experience and confidence, be sure to equip yourself with the right equipment. Skis, goggles, a helmet and the right outfit are not all that every skier needs. Proper riding shoes are just as important.
Wondering what to look for when buying ski boots? Or are you looking for tips that will help you easily find the perfect size of ski boots? You are in the right place! Thinking about you, we have collected the most necessary facts about ski footwear to provide you with maximum fun on the slope without limits. Let's start!
Why is it worth investing in ski boots?
It is not without reason that some winter sports enthusiasts say that ski boots are the most important piece of equipment for every skier. Although when skiing on the slope, the skis have direct contact with the snow-covered ground, it is the ski boots that connect your body to them, affecting the comfort, efficiency and smoothness of the ride.
If you are a beginner skier, you probably do not have your own ski boots, and you rent them at a dedicated point. The limited range in the rental, combined with the lack of appropriate knowledge, can result in foot pain, discomfort, and even an increased risk of injury. To prevent this, it is worth investing in your own ski boots.
Another factor that speaks in favor of having your own ski boots is that you don't have to waste time in long queues at crowded rental shops with ski equipment. Imagine the comfort when, after arriving in the mountains, you can immediately go to the slopes!
How to choose the size of ski boots?
The basis for comfortable downhill skiing are properly fitted ski boots. According to some, such footwear should be tight to fulfill its function. Fortunately, it's a myth!
Properly selected ski boots should not cause discomfort under any circumstances. Too little space left for your fingers will cause you to feel pressure, and painful stretches will appear on your feet. On the other hand, it is not worth leaving too much slack in the shoe. In this case, your feet will slip and you will lose control of the skis.
What's more, wearing ski boots that are too big can make you want to tighten them more. As a result, this reduces blood circulation, causing painful cramps and annoying freezing of the feet.
Avoid rushing when buying ski boots, and when choosing their size, pay special attention to:
- foot length
- foot width
- raise height
- calf width
If you have a favorite pair of ski socks, be sure to take them with you for fitting. This will ensure you get the best possible fit.
What else should you pay attention to when buying ski boots?
In addition to the size of the ski boots, there are also several other factors to consider. One of them is flex, or stiffness of the shoe. In other words, flex is the amount of pressure required to bend and move the shoe. Generally, the higher the flex, the stiffer the shoe.
Remember that your shoes should be stable enough to give you enough control and absorb impacts, yet flexible enough not to hinder your balance.
Beginner skiers feel best in boots with a lower flex (40 - 70). In turn, those more experienced choose stiffer ski boots (60 - 90). For the most advanced skiers, boots with the highest flex (above 90) will work.
Importantly, in the case of ski boots, gender matters. After all, women's and men's feet differ in shape and anatomy. The female foot is usually narrower, and the legs are shorter and fuller. For this reason, women's ski boots have a less stiff flex and a lower cuff. For men, the flex is stiffer and the cuff is noticeably longer.
It is worth remembering that there is no single, top-down standard defining the flex of a ski boot. This factor can vary depending on the manufacturer, the material used to make the shoe, and even the number of buckles. In order to fit your ski boots as precisely as possible, be sure to take the time to try on several models.
For better comfort and performance
If you're looking for maximum riding comfort and improved performance, choose a ski boot that's completely right for you in terms of size and flex. Match the footwear to your skills and preferences.
Also pay attention to your weight and height. Taller, heavier skiers will exert more pressure on their boots than shorter, lighter skiers of equal ability. For this reason, it is necessary to buy slightly stiffer ski boots to ensure perfect stability.
We hope our tips have helped you choose the perfect pair of ski boots. Let's go!