How to Choose the Right Ski Boots

When you’re out there on the mountain, your boots are the connection between your body and skis. The right fit is essential for giving you the perfect amount of control on the slopes but also keeping you comfortable throughout the day. It’s not as simple as buying a pair of sneakers, though, so we put together this guide to help you find the best fitting boots.

Size

Generally speaking, beginners should get a boot close to their Mondo point length or a half-size longer. Intermediate skiers should get a boot close to their Mondo point size or a half-size shorter and with a stiffer flex. Advanced skiers typically do best with boots that are a half- to a full-size shorter than their Mondo point length, with a stiff or very stiff flex. The sizing is for the hard plastic shell of the boot, so you’ll get sized for the boot without the soft inner liner. Your feet may feel snug when you add the liner back in, but will compress after you wear them a couple of times.

Boot Size Comparisons

Bd Mondo

23
23.5
24
24.5
25
25.5
26
26.5
27
27.5
28
28.5
29
29.5
30
30.5
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

US Mens

4.5
5
5.5
6
6.5
7
7.5
8
8.5
9
9.5
10
10.5
11
11.5
12
12.5
13
13.5

US Womens

4.5
5
5.5
6
6.5
7
7.5
8
8.5
9
9.5
10
10.5
11
11.5
12
12.5
13
13.5
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

UK Mens

3.5
4
4.5
5
5.5
6
6.5
7
7.5
8
8.5
9
9.5
10
10.5
11
11.5
12
12.5

UK Womens

3.5
4
4.5
5
5.5
6
6.5
7
7.5
8
8.5
9
9.5
10
10.5
11
11.5
12
12.5
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Euro

35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Last/Width

The width or last of the ski boot is the measurement of the widest part of your foot (the forefoot/ball of your foot). Boots generally come in three last categories:

  1. Narrow (LV - Low Volume) – 96mm to 99mm (A or B width in street shoes)
  2. Average - 100mm to 102mm (C or D width)
  3. Wide (HV - High Volume) - 102mm+ (E or higher widths)

Flex

The flex rating of a ski boot ranges from soft to very stiff and refers to how easy or difficult it is to flex the boot forward. Your experience level, as well as your height and weight, play a role in which flex you choose.

Typically, beginner Skiers should use a softer flexing boot, while a more advanced skier will want a stiffer boot. One thing to keep in mind is boot stiffness is relative to the temperature outside.

If you are shorter/lighter or taller/heavier than average, you may also want a different flex than your skill level might indicate due to how much leverage it requires to flex the boot.

The flex index typically ranges from 50 (soft) to 130 (very stiff), but every brand is different so try a few on to see what feels best. Some boots allow a flex range, and have the ability to stiffen or soften by removing pins, or other pieces.