How Tight Should Ski Boots Be?

Boots are often considered the most important piece of ski equipment.

Ski Boots Should Be Tight

The tighter your boots fit, the easier it will be to turn your skis. To get the best performance, a ski boot should touch as much of the foot as possible, holding it securely in place. If a boot is too big, your foot slides back and forth, which can cause bruising. Your toes should touch the front of a liner when standing straight up but pull back as you flex the boot.

Ski Boots Should Be Comfortable

You could end up spending all day in your ski boots, and you don't want your feet to hurt while you're on vacation. Feet swell, especially after you spend all day engaged in an athletic pursuit, wearing big plastic boots. You should be able to walk around for 15 or 20 minutes without feeling any pain or hot spots.

Bottom Line

Boots should be tight and comfortable, the degree to which you choose one over the other will depend upon which is more important to you as a skier. The best way to get a well-fitting pair of boots is to spend some time with an experienced boot fitter.

References

• Backcountry.com: Alpine Ski Boot Fitting Guide
• Times Online: A Guide to Buying Ski Boots