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