You might be able to get away with buying a cheaper ski jacket, or perhaps a cheaper pair of ski trousers. But if you buy the wrong pair of ski boots you will know all about it for the duration of your holiday.
If you see a bargain or simply a pair you like and you start thinking that maybe you will be able to squeeze into them and they’ll get comfier as you break them in, think again. This is a highly important purchase and if you don’t feel comfortable in them, you could increase your chances of suffering a fall.
A Selection of the Best Selling Ski Boots
With that in mind, let’s explore the complex world of buying your very first pair of ski boots.
What is the purpose of wearing ski boots?
Your boots attach to your skis, so they do a lot more than just keep your feet warm. We all know what it is like to wear a pair of shoes that don’t fit comfortably; just imagine how uncomfortable it would feel to attach a pair of skis to the bottom of them with the intention of sliding down a mountain!
Your boots are a vital part of your kit, so make sure you get them just right, no matter how long it takes. People who end up giving up and accepting the best pair they have found usually end up having problems with them.
Should you buy your ski boots before you go on your skiing holiday?
Some people leave it until they get there before buying their boots. It might seem to be a good choice, but when you think about it that isn’t always the case.
For example, buying them when you get there means you don’t have to lug them on holiday with you. And you will be buying them in a resort that is geared up to serve skiers with everything they need while they are there.
Do you spot the potential for a hard sell here? If you do you’d be right – there is a chance of that happening.
That’s why you are better off buying your ski boots at a reputable store in the UK before you travel. If despite your best efforts you end up with a pair that is the wrong size, you can at least go back and change them before your holiday falls due.
For this reason it is also a good idea to make sure you buy them well in advance. And if you can go to a specialist ski shop, then that’s so much the better. You will find you get the best service and the best experience and advice from these outlets.
How are ski boots made?
It is important to note that ski boots are basically made from two separate parts – the actual boot itself, and the lining. The lining doesn’t just make it more comfortable to slide your foot into what is basically a formed lump of plastic or similar material. It also ensures that when your feet sweat, the moisture has somewhere to go.
While a ski boot can feel very solid when you first wear it, it will soften up a little over time. This is why you should always try them on several times before deciding whether it is the right one for you or not.
Make sure you wear the right socks
If you have bought ski socks to wear when skiing, make sure you are wearing them on the day you buy your boots. You should at least take them with you to change into, so that you get the exact fit you need. It’s no good wearing a thinner or thicker pair of socks than you will wear on the day, because that will result in a poor fit.
Make sure you close the clips
Ski boots have clips which allow you to snap them closed once your foot is inside. This makes the fit more exacting, and it should stop your foot from moving around inside the boot.
Do they fit?
Getting the right pair of ski boots isn’t the easiest task. That’s why you should always get professional advice and assistance before you buy. An expert won’t try to sell you the first pair of boots you try on; nor will they try to sell you the most expensive pair in the shop.
As with all shoes, the rule about having room to move your toes around still applies when you are buying ski boots. But conversely if your boots feel loose then they won’t work. They should be snug to start with, because as you wear them in they will give to a certain extent. A professional will be able to gauge the right fit to begin with, that will still feel right when you have worn them the first few times.
What about custom insoles?
Surely they are just for the most elite of skiers? Well, not necessarily. Custom insoles – or beds – can make all the difference between feeling okay in your boots to feeling supremely comfortable.
Let’s face it, ski boots will never be the most comfortable of footwear to walk around in. Individually made beds will enable you to get the most out of your boots, so have a think about whether you want to invest in some.
Be aware that there are different designs for different skiers
Finally, you should also realise that not all ski boots are made the same. When you think about it, this makes perfect sense. After all, beginners are going to be falling over and moving their feet in a very different way to those who can throw themselves into the toughest runs on the mountain.
That’s why boots are made for beginners, and others are made for more advanced skiers. So be honest with your level of prowess and you’ll get just the right pair of ski boots to suit your needs.
And the difference that can make is amazing.