You can easily buy your ski boots online, but we recommend doing it well before your ski holiday. No boot fits every skier, so there's always a chance you'll need to swap a pair for another size or model. Shopping online usually gives you a much bigger choice, and it works well if you follow three simple tips:
If you already know you'll be skiing regularly over the next few years, buy your own ski boots that fit your feet. In fact, they're one of the first pieces of equipment you should own. Rental boots have been worn by hundreds of feet before yours, and the comfort of a boot that really fits makes a world of difference to your skiing. That's why we recommend buying ski boots before you buy skis.
Ski boot sizes are given in mondopoint, which is simply the length of your foot in centimetres. This is how to measure:
Example: if your foot measures 27.5 cm, look for a boot in mondopoint 27.5. A ski boot should feel snug from the start, because the liner packs down after a few days on the slopes.
Don't worry about choosing the wrong size: you can exchange the boots for another size or get your money back.
Tip 1: A ski boot should be tight, but it mustn't pinch.
Tip 2: Always try your ski boots on with the ski socks you'll be skiing in.
Most skiers know that the flex rating tells you how stiff a ski boot is. The problem is that many people buy boots with a flex that doesn't suit their needs. So which flex should you choose?
Flex isn't standardised, so a 100 from one brand can feel different from a 100 from another. As a rough guide, most women ski in boots with a flex of 60-90, while men's boots are a little stiffer at 80-110. Racers usually choose very stiff boots with a flex above 130. Treat this as a guideline only: women typically weigh less than men, and experts ski so fast and aggressively that they need the stiffest boots.
Your weight and the way you ski matter as much as the size of your feet. Do you ski aggressively, or are you more technical? Do you stay on the piste, head off-piste or spend your days in the snow park?
If you're new to skiing, choose a relatively soft ski boot. It makes it easier to control your skiing, because the boot doesn't react as sharply to every movement as a stiff boot does.
If you're an experienced skier, a snug, stiff boot is a good idea. It transfers your movements to the skis most precisely and gives you the best skiing.
Tip: Finding exactly the right stiffness can be tricky. When you try the boots on, flex forward into them as you would on the slopes; otherwise the boot can easily feel too small.
It's also important to find a ski boot with the right width for your foot, often called the last. Many people choose a wide boot for comfort, but the boot has to sit close around your foot to give you control on the piste.
Ski boot width is measured in millimetres at the forefoot. Boots range from about 90 to 110 mm, but most people have a foot between 98 and 104 mm. Remember that two boots with the same width can still fit very differently.
Match the width to the shape of your foot:
Tip 1: Make sure the boot fits around your instep and calf, as wider boots usually give more room over the instep too.
Tip 2: Balance comfort and control: many skiers choose a boot that's too wide for them.
GripWalk is a sole with a rockered shape and a rubber tread that grips much better than a classic ski boot sole. You walk more naturally in your boots, instead of clomping around like a robot, and you're less likely to slip on ice in the car park or on the way to the lift.
GripWalk soles need a compatible binding, so check your binding before you buy. Many of our ski boots come with GripWalk soles.
Once you've found your new boots and enjoyed plenty of great days on the slopes, a little care keeps them in good shape. Before you put your boots away after a trip, make sure they are:
The easiest way to get them fully dry is to take the liners out and let them air-dry for 24 hours before putting them back in. Loosen the buckles before you store the boots.
We stock ski boots from popular brands such as Salomon, K2, Rossignol, Atomic and HEAD, as well as Nordica and Tecnica. Go straight to the range you need:
How long does it take to break in new ski boots?
Most boots feel noticeably more comfortable after two or three days on the slopes, as the liner moulds to your foot. If a boot is painful from the very first minute, it's probably the wrong size or width.
Should I buy ski boots one size bigger?
No. A boot that's too big gives you less control and makes your foot slide around, which often leads to cold toes and blisters. Choose the size that matches your foot length.
Can I return ski boots that don't fit?
Yes. You have a 14-day right of return, so try the boots on indoors, with ski socks, before you use them on the snow.
Whichever boot you choose, you get our price guarantee at Skisport.
