How to Choose Alpine Ski Boots
Choosing an alpine ski boot is the most important part of your equipment. It is responsible for transferring the energy from your body to your skis and thus directing your movements. If they do not fit correctly then you will not ski well and even worse you may get injured. You want to find a ski boot with a snug fit that is still comfortable.
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Instructions
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Set a budget. A good pair of boots can run anywhere from $250 to $1000. Even more if you decide to get custom moldings.
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Get the right fit. Put on the type of socks that you would use when going skiing. Put your foot into the boot and fasten the buckles. Your toes should barely touch the front end of the ski boot, when standing up, without pressing against it too hard. When you bend your knees your foot should move slightly backwards into the back of the heel and your toes should no longer be touching the front.
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Make sure it's not too tight. The fit should be snug, but comfortable, with no painful points. This applies not only to the foot, but to the ankles and calves as well.
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Check your forward flex. You should be able to bend your ankles forward and feel the support from the boot, without any pain. It should have a stiff feeling to it. You should feel pressure on the shins, but it should be distributed evenly along the entire shin with no painful points.
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Check your lateral flex. Put your boots into a pair of skis with bindings and lean to the left and lean to the right as if you were skiing. You should feel good support along the sides of your calves, and again there shouldn't be any painful points.
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Pay special attention to your toes. Again when you are standing up you, your toes should just barely brush against the front. Make sure they are not too tight otherwise after a full day of skiing you will be in a lot of pain.
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Try on lots of boots. The trick to finding the right boot is to try on a few different pairs. If you can, demo a few pairs on the slopes before you buy a pair.
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