How to Buy Used Ski Boots

Properly fitted ski boots make a much bigger difference in your skiing experience than the latest and greatest pair of twin-tip fat skis. Boots are your connection to the ski; get them too large or too small, and you will struggle on the hill. A good pair of boots can be nearly as expensive as a good pair of skis, however. So if you are on a tight budget, you might be able to save by purchasing used boots, as long as you thoroughly check them out before buying them.

Instructions

    • 1

      Check with boot manufacturers in late winter to see if they are selling off that season's demonstration inventory.

    • 2

      Inquire with your local ski or outdoor shop to see if they are selling rental ski boots at the end of the ski season.

    • 3

      Ask the seller, whether they are a local shop or online, about the condition of the boot liners and whether they are heat-moldable. If so, ask how often they have been molded. Most boot liners have can be heat-molded 6-12 times.

    • 4

      Remove the liner and check the shell fit. While wearing a lightweight ski sock, insert your foot into the shell and slide it forward until your toes touch the front, then check the distance between your heel and the back of the boot. It should be no more than a half inch.

    • 5

      Ask how frequently the boots have been skied in. The plastic in ski boots wears down over time, and their performance may not be as good as you need if they have been used frequently. Most rental and demo boots are used infrequently, so this concern is more important if you are buying from an individual rather than a shop.

    • 6

      Ask if you can take the boots to a master bootfitter in your area to see what he can do to improve the performance or inspect the quality of the boot. Bootfitters can add aftermarket liners to replace older, worn liners and add a velcro power strap at the cuff to improve stiffness.