| Ski boots are the most important part of your skiing | | | | Ski Boot Pricing |
| package. Aside from the fact that you definitely will | | | | Pricing varies depending on brand and quality of the |
| not enjoy your time on the slopes if your feet hurt | | | | boot. Typically, beginner boots will cost less than |
| or if your feet are cold, it is important to understand | | | | expert boots. Prices can range from $100 for |
| that your boots are the key to your skiing | | | | low-end basic boots, to hundreds of dollars for |
| performance. | | | | custom fitted boots. |
| Buying Your First Pair of Ski Boots | | | | Before you rent or buy ski boots, it's important to |
| The most important rule for buying that first pair of | | | | make sure that the boots fit properly. The next step |
| boots is go to a reputable ski shop, preferably a | | | | is to make sure that your boots are adjusted for |
| specialty store with experienced salespeople who are | | | | optimal skiing. |
| themselves skiers. Better yet, search out a store | | | | Try Before You Rent or Buy |
| with boot certified sales and service personnel. Either | | | | Like shoes, not all ski boots that are the same size |
| by reputation or, on the advice of friends who are | | | | will fit the same way. Some brands of boots have |
| familiar with your area ski shops, pick out one you | | | | wider widths, others run larger or smaller. Try your |
| feel comfortable dealing with. You want to trust their | | | | boots on with the socks that you will be wearing |
| judgment as to the fit of the boots. | | | | skiing. The boots should feel snug on your foot. Make |
| Try Several Brands of Ski Boots | | | | sure that the boots are comfortable. There's nothing |
| Not all boots are created equal. Some brands have | | | | much worse than skiing all day on boots that make |
| wider widths, others run larger or smaller. Try your | | | | your feet sore. You may have to try on several pairs |
| boots on with the socks that you will be wearing | | | | to find a boot that fits correctly. |
| skiing. Ski boots are designed to be snug, so, you | | | | Entry Point |
| don't want to try on boots with heavier socks than | | | | Ski boots will either be top entry or rear entry. With |
| you will be wearing on the slopes. Experts will need | | | | rear entry, you slip your foot into the boot from the |
| stiffer boots than beginners, because they respond | | | | back. |
| more effectively to the movement of your legs. Try | | | | With top entry, insert your foot from the top. |
| boots on later in the day because your feet tend to | | | | Tighten the Clips |
| swell as the day progresses. | | | | Once your feet are in the boots, you can latch the |
| Proper Ski Boot Fit | | | | clips to tighten the boot. Rear entry boots typically |
| Most good quality ski boots can compensate for | | | | have one clip, while top entry boots have as many |
| minor adjustments that may be needed to keep | | | | as four clips you can use to adjust the fit of the ski |
| your stance on skis in alignment with the flat of your | | | | boot. |
| ski on the snow. However, there are people who | | | | Tighten the Power Strap |
| need further adjustment to compensate for any | | | | Most ski boots have a velcro strap called a power |
| number of physical miscues in their stance. | | | | strap, across the top of the boot. Pull it tight to |
| Boot Fitters | | | | adjust the fit of your boots, so they are tight on |
| There are trained "boot fitters" who go to school to | | | | your calves and shins. |
| learn how to fit ski boots to the individual skier. Being | | | | Once Your Boots are Buckled |
| knock-kneed, bowlegged, or having ankle tilting | | | | Once you've tightened the clips and the strap, make |
| problems can be remedied through proper boot | | | | sure that you're comfortable. You don't want the |
| fitting. Foot or ankle issues should ideally be | | | | boots to be too tight (and cut off your circulation) or |
| addressed when purchasing boots, because skiing in | | | | too loose, which will impede your skiing. Be sure that |
| boots that will transmit your commands to your skis | | | | you have room to move your toes. When you bend |
| is the whole idea of enjoying the sport. A fitting can | | | | your knees, make sure that your heel stays put and |
| easily take more than an hour, so, give yourself | | | | your foot doesn't move up. If your foot is sliding in |
| plenty of time to shop. | | | | the boot, rebuckle it so it's tighter. |