Womens Ski Boots

Ski boots will often be the single most important piece of kit in your ski setup, so spending the appropriate amount of time and energy to find the perfect fit remains vital.

Ski boots are highly personal, with a huge range of factors, all needing to be taken into account. Many factors such as your skill level, skiing style, as well as your height and weight, will all directly play into how your ski boot performs and feels on the slopes.

Today, there is an abundance of reputable brands on the market, all offering several different models that cater to individual needs. With so many options available, it can often be a daunting process of knowing where to start.

As the leading ski shop in Cardiff and South Wales, we offer a full range of men's and women's ski boots in-store and online. From leading brands such as Nordica and Tecnica, our curated ski boot range is designed to help you get the most out of your time on the slopes.

As ski enthusiasts, we take skiing seriously, which is why we want all of our customers to find the perfect ski boots. Read on to see our personal recommendations on how to find women's ski boots that will keep your feet warm and comfortable, whilst simultaneously delivering performance.

To ensure you get maximum comfort, performance and warmth from your ski boots we recommend consulting with a ski shop or ski boot fitter. Many ski shops offer ski boot fitting services, which ultimately guarantee that you find the right ski boots for your needs.

Our expert team of ski boot fitters at Naski Sports are seasoned professionals, ensuring you find the perfect match for your feet. Our ski boot fitters will take you through a four-step process to find the most suitable option. These steps include discussing options with your ski boot fitter followed by a foot analysis, ski boot testing and customisations.

During all of these steps, one of our ski boot fitters will help you make an informed decision on the best boots for your time on the slopes. Offering a range of informed recommendations based on their knowledge and experience, you can rest assured that you will have the perfect ski boot at the end of your fitting.

For those looking to get booked in for a ski boot fitting, please refer to the booking page to schedule an appointment. Other services we provide include ski boot consultations, modifications and custom insole creation.

When it comes to choosing the right ski boots the three main points of contention are the size, fit and flex.

It is important to note that everyone's foot is unique, therefore the optimal size, fit and flex of your ski boot will be a highly individual thing. There certainly isn't a "one size fits all" policy when it comes to ski boots, so finding your ideal fit can take some time.

Let's take a look at the key considerations when choosing your ski boot.

Size

When it comes to ski boots, a special approach must be taken to find your appropriate sizing. Ski boots are made to perform a specific range of motions which requires a unique construction. For this reason, the way you fit a ski boot is entirely different to that of an everyday shoe.

Before trying ski boots on, you should have a general idea of the following:

• The shape of your foot
• The length and width of your foot
• The level of your skiing ability
• Intended use and frequency of the ski boot

Having a good understanding of the points above will put you in a great position to find the best ski boot.

Measuring your foot

Ski boot manufacturers use the Mondopoint sizing system, which is based on the length of your foot in centimetres.

There are sizing chart conversions which show you what your everyday shoe size equates to in Mondopoint. It's worth noting that the majority of people wear shoes a half-size or full-size larger than their actual foot size, so we wouldn't recommend going off your shoe size.

You can measure your foot at home and then do the conversion to find the appropriate size, however, we recommend getting your foot measured at any reputable ski shop if possible.

To measure your feet at home you can do the following:

• Put a large piece of paper (bigger than your foot) on the floor against any vertical surface (eg, a wall.)
• Stand on the paper with your heel against the wall and your toes pointing outwards.
• Draw a line marking where your longest toe is (the longest part of your foot.)
• Measure the distance in centimetres from the wall (where your heel is) to the line marked out.
• Do the conversion using the Mondopoint system to see your ski boot size.

It's important to note that this should only be done by yourself if you cannot attend a ski boot fitting service.

Because of the variability of ski boot shapes, measuring at a certain size doesn't necessarily mean you will fit perfectly into a particular ski boot. Whilst it is a solid starting point for most skiers, other factors must be taken into account when opting for the right ski boot size.

In the correct length ski boot, you should feel your toes just touching the end of the boot. This might be a strange feeling if you're used to space in your everyday shoes.

A ski boot should have a snug fit whilst not causing any discomfort, pressure points or a loss of circulation.

A boot should feel a bit tighter during the initial stages, as ski boots will become looser after a few days of skiing. Keep in mind that as you use your ski boots they are only going to get bigger as the liner 'packs out'.

It's important to remember that a ski boot that feels a little too small can be enlarged, whereas a ski boot that is too big is nearly impossible to shrink.

Wearing a well-fitted, thin sock is recommended when fitting boots and skiing. This allows for more control and response. For those who worry about keeping their feet warm, the plastic shell and foam in the liner already provide a good level of insulation. Your sock is there to stop rubbing and to wick moisture away from your feet, keeping them dry, and warm.

The shell fit

The shell of a ski boot is the hard plastic outer boot. The differing shell materials contribute to the overall weight and stiffness of the ski boots.

The lower the flex is, the more forgiving and comfortable the ski boot is. Alternatively, the higher the flex is, the more responsive and stiff the ski boot is.

There may be instances where the boot is tight in some places, but otherwise a good fit. Therefore the shell of a ski boot can be adjusted by ski boot fitters to achieve a precise fit throughout.

The Liner

A ski boot liner is a removable soft inner boot contained within the shell. The liner is another important consideration when it comes to ski boots.

Liners are made from a variety of foams and insulators, such as wool and 'Primaloft' and can be heat-mouldable, meaning they mould to the shape of your foot due to your body heat when skiing.

Heat-mouldable ski boots are seen as a more sound investment, as they can achieve a more customised fit. Over time, these liners will naturally shape a skier's foot from just skiing in the boot.

You should also consider the foam density of your ski boot. A soft foam will provide more comfort whereas harder foams will deliver more precision.

Buckles

Ski boots typically have two to five buckles to tighten the shell of the boot, often made from plastic or aluminium.

The buckles can either have a standard or micrometric adjustment. Micro-adjustable buckles will allow for a more customised fit.

Another tip when choosing ski boots is to ensure the buckles are easy to operate with gloves on.

Flex refers to how difficult it is to flex the ski boot forward, basically telling you how stiff the boot will feel.

A range of factors, such as skier ability, skier style and weight, will determine what 'flex' will be appropriate.

Boot flex ranges from very soft to race stiffness, indicated via a numeric 'flex index'. This index ranges from 50 (very soft) to 130 (very stiff.) This number is usually displayed on the outside of the boot cuff.

When it comes to determining the appropriate flex, it is important to consider your current skiing ability. A beginner will typically get more from a softer boot, whereas a seasoned skier will appreciate a boot that is harder to flex and will give more control at speed and on challenging terrain.

Unfortunately, the flex rating is not universal among all ski boot manufacturers. So it is imperative to try on different ski boots from a range of brands to compare their stiffness.

Another point to consider when it comes to a flex rating is that men's and women's ski boots will vary. As women tend to have a lower body mass for their weight and height, than men, the flex ratings are lower.

For comfort and performance, we recommend wearing a thin, fitted ski sock. These socks give you more control and response in the boots and wick away moisture to keep your feet dry and warm. Salomon, Atomic, and other major ski boot brands design their boots with insulation in mind so your feet will stay warm even in powder or freeride conditions.

Now you have all of the requisite information when it comes to women's ski boots, it is time for you to make your decision.

As seasoned skiers, we always recommend that you seek out a professional ski boot fitter. Ski boots can be a substantial investment so it is vital that you get the right size and fit.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is opting for ski boots online to save money or time, only to find they do not fit accordingly. This can have a huge detriment on your ski trip and can even be the difference between an enjoyable or painful experience on the slopes. It can also be a false investment as you will need to spend more on modifying the boots to make them comfortable.

Buying boots that fit your feet well is one of the best decisions you will make when it comes to skiing. There are many variables to consider when opting for the right boots, so remember to consider each of these before purchasing. Don't worry if it seems overwhelming, our ski boot fitters will be able to answer all your questions.

If you are looking to arrange a ski boot fitting at Naski Sports, simply give us a call or book online to arrange an appointment.

Our team of experts will guide you through the process from start to finish in around two hours. By the end of the fitting appointment, you will have the perfect women's ski boots catered to your feet as well as your ability