How to Measure for Ski Boots

A properly fitting ski boot is important for comfort. But even more important, a good fit is necessary for a skier's control on the slopes. A skier's foot inside the boot should not move from side to side, up or down, back and forth, or slip at the heel. If your foot moves around in the boot, you can lose your balance and the ability to control your skis.

Things You'll Need

  • Pair of socks (not cotton, preferably wool or a synthetic)
  • Large piece of cardboard or paper
  • Pen or pencil
  • Tape measure (with centimeters and millimeters if available)
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Instructions

  1. How to Measure for Ski Boots

    • 1

      Measure for length. Most ski boots are sized in centimeters by a universal measuring system known as the Mondo Point size scale.

      To measure for Mondo Point size:

      Put on the socks you plan to wear skiing.

      Place a large piece of cardboard/paper on the floor. Step on the paper. Have a friend trace around both of your feet.

      Using a tape measure (choose one that measures centimeters if possible), measure the outline of each foot from the tip of the longest toe to the back of the heel. If the sizes differ from foot to foot, use the larger measurement.

      To convert inches to centimeters, multiply the number of inches by 2.54. (Example: 10 1/2 inches X 2.54 = 10.5 X 2.54 = 26.67 cm). Your foot's measurement in centimeters is your Mondo Point size (round up to the nearest whole number). For example, a 26.67 cm-length is a Mondo Point size 27.

    • 2

      Use your measuring tape once again (choose one that measures in centimeters or millimeters if possible), to measure for width. Measure the width of your outlined foot from widest point to widest point.

      To convert inches to millimeters, multiply the measurement in inches by 25.4 (Example: 4 inches X 25.4 = 101.6 mm). To convert centimeters to millimeters, multiply the measurement in centimeters by 10. (Example: 10.3 centimeters X 10 = 103 mm).

      If your foot measures 98 to 102 mm, you have a narrow foot. A foot that measures 100 to104 mm is considered normal-width. Wide feet measure 104 mm or more.

      Be careful not to buy a boot that's too long to compensate for what really is a too tightly fit boot in width.

    • 3

      Make sure the height of your boot and the shape of the boot cuff match the shape of your lower leg. The ski boot should support your weight when you crouch and bend forward at the knee. The tongue of the boot should move only slightly.

      Generally, the shaft of a man's ski boot is longer than the shaft of a woman's boot.

    • 4

      Try on the outer shell of the boot to check the shell fit. Remove the liner from the shell. Push your toes forward in the shell until you feel the front of the boot. Check the amount of space between your heel and the back of the boot. Look for 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch of space between your foot and the back of the boot.

    • 5

      Check the fit of the liner before you put the liner back into the shell. Your toes should barely touch the front of the liner, and your foot should not stretch out the liner anywhere.