Advice for Buying Freestyle Ski Boots

Ski boots come in different types depending on the style of skiing. Downhill boots have hard shells with thick liners. The thickness and hardness determine the amount of control a skier has over maneuvers. Too soft a boot will be unresponsive or over-flex during jumps or tricks. Boots that are too stiff will respond to the slightest movement and transmit unintended body movements of a freestyle skier.

  1. Proper Fit

    • The most important element in ski boots is having the proper fit. When trying on boots, wear ski socks, get the salesclerk to take the correct foot measurements (don't just guess) and, according to the ABC of Skiing.com, since feet have the tendency to swell during the day, purchase ski boots in the afternoon or evening.

    Flex Ratings

    • Ski boots are rated according to the level of the skier. Flexibility ratings are 60 and under for beginners, 60 to 80 for intermediate skiers, 80 to 100 for advanced skiers, over 100 for expert skiers and 110 to 150 for experienced racers. The racing boot is as stiff as a rock.

      If the flex rating isn’t listed on the boot, ask the salesclerk. Matching the proper flex rating to the style of skiing makes all the difference in control and comfort. Hard racing boots are not made for jumps and tricks. A freestyle skier using them has less flexibility and sore legs at the end of the day.

    Liner and Shell

    • The liner and shell in ski boots are the main factors in the level of control a skier has over precision movements. The ski boot translates body movements to the skis for turns, jumps and precision movements.

      Remove the liner from the shell and fit the foot into the shell. With the toes flush against the toe area, there should be about 1/2 to 3/4 inch room from the heel to the back of the boot. Next, try on the liner. The toes should just touch the front. The liner should be snug and the foot should not be stretching or pushing hard against any area. If it is, the boot is too narrow.

      Reassemble the boots and liners, slip the feet into the boots, buckle them up and see how they feel. Standing, bend at the knees and push the shins against the front of the boot making sure the heel stays in the heel pocket. The Ankle N Foot Center recommends, “When buying ski boots, make sure you wear the ski boots for at least 30 minutes at the ski shop.”

    Features

    • Ski boots come with other features and/or upgrades. Most skis come with power straps, flex, lean, ski-walk and cuff adjustments. Another good feature is the buckle adjustment that lets the skier add a half step to the buckle clip. This is handy when one setting is too tight and the other too loose.