When you are new to skiing you might think that it is your choice of skis that is the most important part of your kit. But, in fact, high-quality ski boots are vital if you are to have a good time on the slopes, no matter whether you are a first timer, venturing out onto the nursery slope, or an old hand, eyeing up the nearest black route. No matter your level of expertise, being caught up on a mountain in inadequate clothing and boots – for example, those not rated for mountain use, such as the entire Snow + Rock range… Let’s have a closer look at why it is important to have high quality ski boots.
A Good Fit is Essential
Ski boots operate under high pressure, and must keep your feet firmly on the skis, your ankles well supported, and grip tightly around your foot and lower calf – all this and still be capable of instantly releasing from the ski attachment in the event that you take a tumble. This requires that ski boots have a number of fittings and fastenings to allow the boot to open wide enough to admit your lower leg and foot, which can then be tightened up to very firmly grip without hurting, chafing or cutting off your circulation. It is well worth it, the first time you go skiing, to allow up to an hour to perfect the fit of your ski boot, and learn all the ins and outs – the quick release mechanism, which settings can be left for a perfect fit, and which will need to be manually tightened each time you use them.
What If the Boots Don’t Fit?
If you have unusually sized feet or are hiring your boots from a place with limited stocks, there are steps you can take to improve the fit. These can include wearing thicker than usual socks, fitting a thick fabric liner into the boot (but do take care that these fit into the boot and are held in place, otherwise they might slide about and cause you to have an accident), and by getting the hire venue’s fitting expert to help you tighten up the various straps, buckles and fastenings so that they are fit for your purposes.
Are There Gender Differences?
While there are boots that claim to be unisex, they tend to be designed as ‘small male’ boots, rather than genuinely unisex – which is something of a false claim when it comes to a product like snow boots which must be closely fitted to the wearer. Women’s legs are differently formed to men’s legs: women’s legs tend to be quite curvy in comparison with men, and their calf muscles descend lower, towards noticeably thinner ankles – male boot too big, women’s legs are different. Women also have a tendency towards knock knees too – and all of these anatomical aspects have an effect on the fit and efficacy of a ski boot. For women, the best bet is to opt for a purpose-designed women’s ski boot as these are designed to account for the anatomical differences, offering more and thicker ankle support, reduced resistance to flex (see below) and fitting slightly lower on the leg to take account of the lower calf bulge.
What is Flex?
Flex when it comes to ski boots refers to ‘flexibility resistance’ – in other words, how stiff or floppy the ski boot is. Numbers range from about 60 to 140, with the lower numbers meaning less flex resistance (or just ‘flex’ as it is known in the industry) and the higher numbers meaning very rigid, stiff boots. Do note, however, that there is no industry standardisation when it comes to flex, and one company’s 100 flex rating could be less rigid than another’s 80 flex rating, so it is always best to examine several levels of flex to find the best match for your preferences.
What Flex Should I Choose?
There is no perfect level of flex that will work for everyone. In general, children’s ski boots have the least flex, so low that they are often not numbered, with beginners, lightly built people and women opting for flex between 60 and 90. Taller men, heavily built people and expert skiers who will be travelling faster and thus experiencing greater forces, often opt for flex ratings of up to 140, which is about where the tables max out. You will start out with fairly low flex boots – and even these might give you trouble at first, even the ‘loosest’ ski boot is a very rigid shoe! – and gradually step up until you are happy with your ski boots both on and off piste.
When you have the option to buy your own ski boots – if you will be skiing frequently and you know your feet have finished growing – you should take it. Check here to explore Snow + Rock’s extensive women’s ski boots collection. As well as helping to reduce your chances of injury, there is a layer of comfort and confidence in having ski boots that are precisely fitted for your feet, and this can enhance your enjoyment and success on the slopes.