Ski boots at a glance: From selection to care

Ski boots should primarily provide control on the piste. If the connection between foot and material is right, then you’ll have a great time on the slopes. For the ultimate fun in the snow, however, everything literally has to fit. However, creating a true unity of body and ski boot can be a science in itself. So it’s no wonder that this topic usually causes many skiers to frown. In a compact ski boot guide, SnowTrex explains exactly what to look out for in the material, which characteristics are decisive for beginners or veterans, how many different types of ski boots are available and whether it is really worth adjusting the material yourself in the end.

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The history of ski boots

• The first ski boots were modified leather boots before Franz Heierling in Davos developed the first customised ski boots in 1885.
• From the 1950s onwards, innovations such as rubber soles, raised heels and buckle fasteners adapted to new safety bindings followed.
• Since the 1970s, plastic models have dominated the market, as they allow more control and led to the name “ski boots”.

When travellers from Norway brought alpine skiing from their Scandinavian homeland to Central Europe in the second half of the 19th century, their ski boots hardly differed from the winter boots in use at the time. Initially, people in the Alps still strapped slightly modified mountain boots made of heavy leather to their skis. in 1885, two years after opening his own shoe shop and shoemaker’s workshop in Davos, Franz Heierling produced the first ski boots he developed himself. To this day, the Swiss is considered the world’s first ski boot manufacturer. For almost nine decades, leather remained the material of choice in the industry.In all other areas, however, the evolution of the ski boot could hardly be overlooked. From the first rubber soles as anti-slip protection, to raised heels to increase the preload position, to extensions of the boot shaft: the overall design has changed again and again over the years. in 1953, the first attempts were made to replace the laces used until then with buckles. When the safety binding gradually replaced the classic cable binding in the 1960s, ski boot manufacturers had to adapt their products again. The new ski bindings meant that ski boots were now fitted with fixed locking attachments at the heel and toe. These are still responsible today for ensuring that ski boots lock securely into the jaws of the safety binding.At the beginning of the 1970s, plastic finally found its way into mass ski boot production. A few years later, leather ski boots were completely replaced by plastic models. This development gave winter sports enthusiasts better control over their skis. However, because the boot shafts were lengthened further and further to stabilise the lower leg, the “boots” ended up looking more like “boots”. The word “ski boot” was therefore quickly born.

Checklist for choosing ski boots

• Skiers must always choose a flex value that suits their skiing ability.
• Determine the exact mondopoint size and last width.
• Take into account the differences between women’s, men’s and children’s models.
• Always check the binding compatibility of the boots and pay attention to ISO, GripWalk or WTR.
• Always consider boot fitting and insoles for the perfect fit.
• If you like it cosy, you should check comfort features such as heatable soles or thermal insoles.

Ski boots present snow fans with a choice

• In alpine skiing, a distinction is made between hard boots for downhill and piste skiing and touring ski boots for ascents.
• Hard boots offer stability and control on groomed pistes, while touring ski boots are also designed for walking and climbing in the terrain.

Hard boots

The shell boots or so-called hard boots are the classic among ski boots. They always consist of two main elements. The hard plastic shell on the outside and a padded inner boot on the inside. The latter is largely responsible for wearing comfort thanks to its soft, warming material and the large, padded tongue. The hard boots are usually fastened with four buckles, with smaller models for children having three buckles. There is also a Velcro strap at shin height. Just like ordinary street boots, modern ski boots are mostly offered as “front-entry” boots. In the 1990s, they replaced the “rear-entry” boots. Here, the entire outer shell could be folded down at the back of the heel. These hard boot models made it easier to get in and out of the boot and, thanks to their design, only needed one buckle to fasten them.After several years, however, the “rear entry boots” were removed from the manufacturers’ own ranges due to falling sales figures, similar to soft boots for skiers. At the beginning of the new millennium, some manufacturers initially developed ski boots with particularly soft materials modelled on snowboard boots. And although there was customer demand for more comfortable alternatives to classic ski boots, they have not really been able to establish themselves on the market to date. Only a small company from Austria still produces a type of hybrid ski boot. The front of the boot only has a large buckle and azip fastener. Similar to the inner parts of touring ski boots.

Touring ski boots

Touring ski boots are a mixture of hard and soft boots. They are manufactured especially for ski mountaineers. Because the material has to provide the user with the necessary stability to control the skis when descending the mountain, it is very similar to classic ski boots. Nevertheless, the differences to the other models cannot be overlooked. Firstly, they consist of two separable parts. The outer boot made of hard plastic and the soft, removable and laced inner boot. A grippy tread sole provides the necessary grip on rocks, scree and extremely steep snow slopes that ski mountaineers have to conquer on foot and with skis strapped to their backs. In some cases, winter sports enthusiasts also need crampons for these passages. The special equipment is put on using lever bindings, which in turn are attached to fixed attachment points on the touring ski boots.Before buying ski boots, especially for beginners, you should always bear in mind that they are not a one-size-fits-all solution! Women’s models are usually slightly narrower, have lower shafts and are lighter in order to be optimally adapted to the wearer’s anatomy. Men’s models, on the other hand, are characterised by greater stability and a higher flex range. And ski boots for children are deliberately softer and easier to handle. It is important not to buy models that are too big “in stock”, as this can severely impair control on the piste.

The little ski boot ABC

For a better understanding, SnowTrex explains the most important technical terms relating to ski boots here:

Canting

Canting is the angle of the ski boot between the shell and the skier’s leg. In order to achieve the optimum position on the ski and thus a precise grip of the steel edges in the snow, it is important to adjust the position of the boot shaft correctly. To adjust the angle, most ski boots have a screw or dial on the outside at ankle height. For winter sports enthusiasts with the well-known knock-knees, the shaft must be angled inwards, while skiers with bowlegs should change the angle to the outside.

Flex

Flex is one of the most important ski boot characteristics, as the value indicates its stiffness. Manufacturers specify the flex of their products on a scale between 60 and 150. The lower the number, the softer the ski boot. The degree of flex depends on three factors: firstly, the materials used in the construction of the outer shell and the thickness of the plastic. Secondly, the number of buckles and the thickness of the strap at the top of the ski boot. And thirdly, the hardness of the entire inner insert. When buying a ski boot, whether new or used, it is therefore important for winter sports enthusiasts to pay close attention to the flex and thus honestly assess their own ability.

Ski resort	Ski pass 6 days	lunch main course, hut	Beer price 0,5l	Holiday apartment 7 nights, 2 persons	Hotel 7 nights, 2 persons
Silvretta Montafon	272.00 pounds	14.28 pounds	4.50 pounds	1439.90 pounds	1714.45 pounds
Wildkogel-Arena	281.35 pounds	14.03 pounds	4.67 pounds	1328.55 pounds	1774.80 pounds
Gastein	335.75 pounds	14.88 pounds	4.67 pounds	1067.60 pounds	1499.40 pounds
Zillertal Arena	313.65 pounds	14.45 pounds	4.76 pounds	1414.40 pounds	1571.65 pounds
SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser - Brixental	323.00 pounds	14.03 pounds	4.76 pounds	1550.40 pounds	1787.55 pounds
Salzburger Sportwelt	335.75 pounds	14.37 pounds	5.02 pounds	1353.20 pounds	1793.50 pounds
4-Berge-Skischaukel	335.75 pounds	15.56 pounds	4.93 pounds	1564.85 pounds	1555.50 pounds
Kitzsteinhorn/Maiskogel - Kaprun	344.25 pounds	13.60 pounds	4.67 pounds	1938.00 pounds	1580.15 pounds

Explanation: Flex is not a standardised index. Each manufacturer calculates according to its own scale. This does not result in exact figures for customers, but only “from … to” values.

GripWalk and WTR

In addition to the fit, binding compatibility must also be taken into account. In addition to the classic ISO alpine ski boots, GripWalk and WTR models are widely used today. They make walking easier thanks to their profiled, rounded soles. It is important that the binding and ski boot match. Although modern bindings are often compatible with several standards, you should check whether your existing binding is suitable before buying.

ISO

Like many components of everyday objects, those for ski boots are also standardised. In this case, this refers to the sole. While ski boots for alpine skis are listed under ISO 5355, ski boots for touring skis are listed under ISO 9523. The standardisation of ski boots ensures that the various models from the manufacturers snap securely into every ski binding available on the market. This is because the bindings must also be built according to the ISO standard.

Last

In the case of ski boots, last does not refer to whether a piste fan can financially “afford” the product, but to the measurement of the material at its widest point – the ball of the foot. One of the most important measurements for a perfectly fitting ski boot, but one that is only really visible on the outside of a few boots. Depending on the boot size, which changes the length of the sole and the fit, the last is described at the end. The value is given in millimetres (mm). A ski boot with a last of 100 mm is therefore exactly ten centimetres wide. Manufacturers generally specify a last between 92 mm and 105 mm. Skiers with a narrow foot will therefore not find a good grip in a ski boot with a last of 103 mm. On the other hand, winter sports enthusiasts with a wide ball of the foot are unlikely to have much fun with a last that is too narrow at 96 mm.

Mondopoint

When it comes to determining the size of a ski boot, winter sports enthusiasts almost have to puzzle. Instead of the normal measurements of everyday shoes, the Mondopoint (MP) is used as the standard size for ski boots. Although this is also a standardised system, the actual foot length is measured in millimetres (mm). For this reason, it doesn’t take much to calculate the MP for your own foot. A sheet of paper and a pen are all you need.The skier stands on the sheet of paper in socks and traces the foot all round with the pencil. The outline is then measured inside from the toe to the heel. To avoid buying or borrowing a ski boot that is too small, add five millimetres to the measured length. This final value is then rounded up to the next largest and therefore suitable Mondopoint. Adults whose feet are 26.1 centimetres long add 26.6 centimetres and then round up to mondo size 27.

Ski Model	Ski Level	Terrain
Allround Carver / Sport Carver	Beginners & Leisure Skiers	Piste
Allmountain Ski	All levels, especially good piste skiers with occasional off-piste runs	Piste & Off-Piste
Slalom Carver	Experienced skiers with precise technique	Piste
Lady Ski	Specifically designed for female skiers of all levels	Piste
Race Carver	Extreme sporty skiers	Piste
Freeride Carver	Powder & off-piste skiers	Off-Piste
Freestyle Ski	Snowpark- & trick skiing fans	Piste & SnowPark
Tourenski	Skitourers	Off-Piste

Explanation: With a mondo point (MP) between 15 and 20.5 centimetres, children’s shoe sizes are still used in the UK. An MP of 21 marks the beginning of shoe sizes for adults there.

Bootfitting: If the ski boots do not fit, they are made to fit

• Bootfitting allows ski boots to be customised to the shape of the foot, which can be done either by hand or 3D measurement, thermal adjustment and specific reworking.
• Specialist retailers offer the advantage of professional advice and realistic fittings, while online purchases are cheaper but more risky.
• For ambitious skiers, there is also a high-precision boot fitting with special foam that enables millimetre-precise fits, although this method is significantly more expensive.

Tight calves, narrow feet or prominent ankles. When looking for the right ski boots, it is usually your own extremities that make a direct hit less likely. But how can the wearer and material be combined so that the foot can survive a long day of skiing in glorious weather without complaint? There is a way to fit ski boots correctly, and it’s called boot fitting. Using various techniques, almost all ski boots can be customised to a certain extent in a sports shop in the ski resort, regardless of whether they were purchased in advance online or from another retailer. The following applies: the higher the purchase price, the greater the customisation options for the materials. Winter sports enthusiasts who seek advice from a specialist retailer and buy their ski boots there can benefit from even more comprehensive advice.At the beginning of the boot fitting process, the shape of the foot is measured either by hand or by 3D scan. Measurements such as forefoot width, foot length and calf muscles are fully documented. Based on these values, a database then suggests one or more ski boot models that fit the customer in their basic shape. An insole is then selected to ensure the right fit in the boot, which can also be customised by the expert if necessary. The same applies to the outer and inner boots. Both are heated to around 80 degrees before the new owner tries them on in this condition. As they cool down, the shape of the material moulds itself to the individual foot structure. If there are still unpleasant pressure points afterwards, the areas can be padded with foam stickers or repaired with a grinder so that the ski boots are optimised in terms of comfort and fit.

Tips for buying ski boots: specialist shops or online?

Once the right ski boot has been chosen, winter sports enthusiasts can benefit from professional advice and try-on sessions under realistic conditions when buying from a specialist retailer. Here, several models can be compared directly with each other or a size consultation tailored to the ski boots can be carried out. Online, on the other hand, often offers better prices, but the risk of making the wrong purchase is higher. A good compromise is to research online first, but to try them on in a sports shop or to test ski boots directly at the ski hire shop on holiday and then buy them.Ambitious hobby skiers or competitive athletes who choose ski boots in the high-price segment because of their high performance requirements have another option: boot fitting. Instead of heat, a special foam is used here. This is filled into the boot by experienced boot fitters so that the inner boot adapts to the foot almost to the millimetre. Because this process involves real customisation, individualisation costs considerably more than thermal bootfitting.

From beginners to professionals – ski boots are for everyone

• Ski boots can be divided into four categories: Comfort (for beginners, soft and flexible), Allround (for advanced skiers, balanced), Performance (for professionals, high flex, direct power transmission) and Freeride (for powder snow, soft and shock-absorbing).
• They therefore cover almost all performance levels and areas of use, from piste to deep snow terrain.

Alpine ski boots can be roughly divided into four categories. The quartet covers almost all performance levels and areas of use, such as piste or deep snow: the comfort category is ideal for beginners. As the name suggests, the thick and above all soft materials of the inner boot almost “caress” your foot by ski boot standards. In addition, the outer shell has a low flex and is therefore more flexible.Experienced skiers who like it a little more sporty on snowy slopes are best advised to choose the all-round material. The flex is higher here. This increases the power transfer to the edges and consequently improves ski control. The padding is also still present on the inside, which is why only a few compromises have to be made in terms of comfort.On the other hand, those who like it really sporty on the piste should opt for a performance model. The highest flex values are available for both men and women. Thanks to the hard outer shell and the thin inner boot, the movements of the legs are immediately transferred to the edges of the skis, meaning that nothing stands in the way of a direct and fast descent.Off the groomed slopes, on the other hand, the best way to cruise down deep powder snow is with freeride ski boots. Due to the unevenness of the terrain to be skied on, the entire system is very “soft” for powder fans. The flex value is correspondingly low. Thanks to the cushioning properties of the outer shell, hard impacts or shocks can be absorbed, which in turn ensures a comfortable ride.

Those who love their ski boots care for them

• As the material of the ski boots is hardly breathable, they should be dried thoroughly after every day of skiing, preferably with a ski boot dryer or on the heater.
• To ensure hygiene and increase the lifespan of the boots, the inner boots should be washed by hand, fresh socks worn and dirt, salt and snow residue removed.
• In addition, many manufacturers are increasingly focussing on sustainable materials and repair services so that high-quality ski boots can be used for several years with good care.

Snow is cold and snow is wet. A combination that ensures that ski boots are designed to be waterproof. Nevertheless, a skier’s first duty when caring for their ski boots is to dry them after a long day on the piste. Due to the low breathability of the material, feet sweat a lot from the physical exertion of skiing. This means that the property of not allowing water to penetrate the boot also means that it cannot escape on the other side.At this point, the most effective method in the fight against moisture is to use a ski boot dryer. These are special systems with heated metal tubes on which the ski boots can be placed with the toe in front. Almost all hotels and chalets in the ski resorts have now had their ski cellars equipped with such heaters. They are usually made available to guests to use free of charge. If there is no ski boot dryer in the accommodation, the boots can also be left on or on the heater in the room overnight.

Ski boot manufacturers focus on sustainability and durability

The use of cleaning sprays or shoe deodorants helps to combat unpleasant odours in the short term. It is also advisable to always put on your ski boots with freshly washed socks. For models from which the inner shoes can be removed from the shell, these should not be put in the washing machine after the winter season, but should be washed thoroughly by hand. To prevent damage to the outer skin, it is also sensible to remove any snow residue directly from the material at the end of a day’s skiing using a broom. The same applies to the soles of ski boots, which are subject to heavy wear. Here, it is mainly stones and residue from road salt that should be thoroughly removed. The latter in particular attacks the plastic.Regardless of which model you end up with, more and more manufacturers today are focussing on recyclable materials, durable plastics and repair services. High-quality ski boots can be used for several years with good care and the help of spare parts. If sustainability is important to you, you should look for durable materials and repair options when buying instead of buying a new model every year.

FAQs about ski boots

How long can winter sports enthusiasts wear a ski boot?

Ski boots are important for safety. This is why experts from the German Ski Association (DSV), for example, recommend replacing all alpine equipment after eight to ten years at the latest. During this period, large parts of the plasticiser escape from the plastic. Due to the brittleness of the material, there is a risk of shell breakage. However, with the right ski boot care, the lifespan of hard boots can also be “extended” by one to two seasons.

When is the best time of year to buy ski boots?

Ski boots are sold all year round in the online stores of manufacturers and sports shops. If you are looking for brand bargains, you should either look out for special offers or buy between the main winter holiday season, i.e. in summer. Prices are usually particularly attractive here. However, you should budget at least 100 to 150 euros for high-quality ski boots from well-known suppliers. Overall, the price scale is wide open at the top, especially for the latest models. However, they are not a must for winter sports enthusiasts who want to save money. Even brand-new ski boots that have been on the market for more than one season always offer snow lovers a cheaper alternative that can be bought without hesitation.

Should winter sports enthusiasts buy second-hand ski boots?

Used ski boots are definitely not a no-go. However, it is important to pay attention to various points. Firstly, the favourable prices on sales platforms on the internet are particularly eye-catching. Of course, this is no guarantee of quality, as there is no advice on buying ski boots. Interested skiers should therefore first look at the number of sales reviews and the judgements of other users.

Can winter sports enthusiasts adjust their own ski boots?

The short answer is “yes”. Both the canting and the buckles can be adjusted by hand or with tools such as screwdrivers. However, this is less advisable, especially for winter sports amateurs. First and foremost, boots are just as important for safety on the piste as skis and bindings. Correctly adjusted ski boots also ensure a relaxed and pain-free skiing experience. It is therefore always better to have your equipment adjusted by professionals in a sports shop or ski hire shop. The basic version of this service can cost at least €40 extra.

Should your toes bump into the front of your ski boots?

Ski boots must fit perfectly to ensure control and comfort. If the toes bump slightly at the front when the boot is open, the size is usually correct. Important: The boot must be neither too tight nor too big. Shoes that are too tight cause pressure points on the shin, calf and back of the foot. Boots that are too big can be recognised by the fact that the buckles only close on the last bracket. According to the German Ski Association (DSV), around 90 per cent of skiers choose boots that are too big. This can result in restricted blood circulation, which makes toes cold or numb, and not only in ski boots for wide feet. When buying or hiring, it is therefore advisable to try on models in half mondopoint sizes above and below your own MP.

Do winter sports enthusiasts need an insole for their ski boots?

Anyone looking for optimum support in ski boots will benefit from insoles. The standardised original soles with little padding often offer too little stability. This can lead to pain or cramps. Insoles prevent these problems and provide more comfort. You can choose from prefabricated models in the right shoe size or customised insoles that are created in a specialist shop after a foot scan. Heated insoles are a special variant. They are battery-operated, keep the feet in the ski boot pleasantly warm and promote blood circulation. This is ideal for winter sports enthusiasts who get cold easily.