Ski boots

how can such bulky footwear possibly be comfortable?

What happens if my ski boots aren’t comfortable?
The first thing you may notice physical problems like parts of your foot and lower leg ‘rubbing’. Toes, heels and ankles are especially prone to blisters and generally feeling cramped.

Any one of these will lead to the next thing you’ll notice - that you’re going to be more concerned how uncomfortable your feet are, rather than concentrating on your skiing. You’ll probably tense-up and hold yourself differently in an attempt to ease the discomfort – we know – we’ve both done that! But that’ll mean that your body position will shift and you’ll find it harder to ski, and worst case you could injure yourself.

But aren’t ski boots rather cumbersome?
Beginners are often surprised at how heavy they feel, but you only notice the weight when you’re carrying them and they aren’t like regular footwear. The overall design has to incorporate comfort, strength and responsiveness. Movements you make with your legs are transferred via the bindings to the skis. Then off you go in the direction of your choosing. Let’s hope that’s not sideways into the nearest snow-drift!

What are they made from?
The outer shell of the boot is made of plastic and has various clips often made from metal to do it up. When done up, the boot will lean you forwards. The toe and heel are specially moulded so that the boot clips securely into the bindings. The inner shell is made of fabric and foam to provide insulation and comfort.

Are there different designs to choose from?
Yes, there are three types of design available. First is the so-called rear-entry design, which was extremely popular during the 1980s and early 1990s, especially for beginners. The back opens so that the foot slips inside. The whole unit is then closed - often with a single adjustable clip. Advances in boot-making mean that you’ll generally only find the rear-entry design in young children’s sizes

A second design is known as front-entry and this is the design that you are most likely to see in equipment shops both for sale and for rental. Here, the front of the boot opens and the unit is closed with three or four adjustable clips. The style offers more responsiveness than a rear-entry pair. Each clip should initially be done up on the slackest setting, and then tightened in turn until the boot feels comfortable.

A third design is the hybrid mid-entry boot, and yes, you’ve guessed it – this combines the two. They’re quite popular with intermediate adults who want a compromise between the responsiveness of the front-entry design, and convenience of adjusting them to make it easier to walk about the resort which is a feature of rear-entry designs.

Should I hire or buy?
If you buy, you have the convenience of having one less thing to arrange when you arrive in resort. You’ll have ski boots that fit properly, which may even have been customised to fit by using heat-moulded liners. If you’re planning to ski for several weeks each season then the price of buying will be more cost effective than hiring in the long run. On the other hand, if you hire have the freedom to try a different pair on different ski holidays. Then of course there’s the saving in luggage space if you’re flying.

There’s a but (of course) if you’re thinking about buying, and that’s to think ahead about how you see your skiing ability progressing. We wasted our money when we purchased our first pairs back in 1992 because we selected ones designed for intermediate skiers. Now, that suited our skiing level at the time, but within a couple of years our ability had outgrown them. What a huge difference when we finally bought new boots. Admittedly these made you lean forward whether you wanted to or not, but wow, what a difference.

How do I find the right size?
Whether you buy or hire, it’s important to make sure you get fitted with the correct size, but don’t worry, the equipment shop will guide you. Remember to take your ski socks with you when you try the boots on – there’s no point getting a comfy pair, only to find that your feet are cramped when you put your proper socks on.

If you’ve never worn a pair of ski boots before it will feel a little odd because your knees will bend when you’re standing up. Don’t worry – although it feels weird in the sports shop, you’ll be fine when you’re out on the slopes.

Cold, damp boots - no thanks!
One tip that will make putting ski boots on in the morning far more pleasant is to put them somewhere warm and dry overnight. Cold, damp boots are best avoided. In some accommodation you’ll find electric boot-warmers that dry them out in no time. Don’t worry if there isn’t one at your accommodation. Boots dry perfectly well if you bring them inside and stand them near a radiator on an old newspaper or magazine overnight to catch any melting ice.

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