Everything you ever needed to know about buying ski boots

With more boots on the market than you can shake a stick at, let us guide you through buying a pair - adrian myers
With more boots on the market than you can shake a stick at, let us guide you through buying a pair - adrian myers

From buying tips to FAQs to explanations of technical terms, here's our complete guide to ski boots. If you're ready to buy, check out this season's must-have ski boots for men and our pick of the best boots for women.

Shop this season's best kit at The Telegraph Ski & Snowboard Festival from October 24-27 in Battersea Park. Experts from Finches will be on hand offering a free boot fitting service to all visitors. Tickets on sale now.

Ski boot FAQs

Why would I need a professional boot fitter?

When it comes to getting the right boots, there are many factors to consider, such as how experienced you are, whether you prefer park, powder or piste, your weight and your goals. Ski boots require a much higher skill and precision in fitting compared to regular footwear, and the size of boot you require can be quite different to your shoe size so it’s essential this is done by a professional. They’ll assess your foot shape and discuss your requirements to find boots with the right fit, flex and performance to suit your riding style and skills. Professional fitters can also customise or alter boots so they fit perfectly with no pressure points, by pushing out, grinding or cutting the shells, stretching the liners or adding foam inserts to cushion loose-fitting areas.

Should I get my boots heat moulded?

Each foot of each person is a unique shape, with different lumps and bumps. While ski boot shapes come in a variety of widths and shapes, in order to get a true fit it really helps to have your liners heat moulded. Most boots have thermo mouldable liners. More and more ski boots also now have heat mouldable shells too so it’s easier than ever to get a truly customised fit.

Do I need specialist footbeds/insoles?

The insoles that come with most ski boots are there for you to try the boots on but are intended to be replaced with a fully supportive footbed, either off-the-shelf or custom made. Your foot wants to flex, but cannot do this in a ski boot, so it needs to be correctly supported to get the most out of your skiing. With the correct support you’ll have more power, better balance and improved comfort. An off the shelf, pre-shaped footbed can work well for many people, while for some a custom-made or custom-moulded footbed may be more appropriate. This is another reason why it’s so important to get your boots fitted by a professional.

What are hike and ride boots?

Traditional ski boots have a fixed cuff with a limited range of motion in the ankle, whereas hike and ride boots have a hike mode that allows greater articulation in this area when walking. Used in conjunction with touring bindings this makes trekking uphill easier. And when locked into ski mode, hike and ride boots still provide impressive downhill performance.

What’s the difference between intermediate and expert ski boots?

Expert boots are typically stiffer, narrower and have a thinner liner. They’re more focussed on precision and performance, while for intermediate skiers comfort is higher up the agenda. You can get different widths for all levels of skier, so you don’t just need to look at top level boots if you have a narrower foot. Also, if you have a wide foot but want a stiff boot, this is also possible.

Will all ski boots work with all bindings?

Not all boots work with all bindings. We’ll go into bindings in more detail in the next question, but first let’s talk about boot sole shapes and standards.

Ski boots have to meet standardised norms to work with most bindings. Historically there have been two main standards, and the standard they meet is often marked on the sole of the boot.
The first is ISO 5355, which applies to regular downhill boots with a pretty flat sole and a step at the toe and heel. These are designed to work safely with regular downhill bindings.

The second main norm is ISO 9523, and this relates to Alpine Touring boots with a curved sole. These boots are designed to work in alpine touring bindings that clip onto the step at the front and back of the boot.

In recent years there have been two other sole shapes that have been available, which are curved to make walking easier. The first was Walk to Ride (WTR) which is very similar to ISO 9523. WTR boots should only be used with WTR bindings or bindings designed to work with WTR boots, such as multi-norm bindings.

The second and more recent development is Grip Walk. This is based on the ISO 9523 Alpine Touring shape but has important differences, so Grip Walk boots should only be used with Grip Walk compatible bindings or multi-norm bindings designed to work with Grip Walk soles. Grip Walk boots are now very common and this sole is widely available on many different types of ski boots. Many new bindings are also Grip Walk compatible.

For alpine touring you can also get boots that have inserts in the sides of the toe and rear of the heel to work with pin bindings. These boots may also meet ISO 9523 or ISO 5355 or be equipped with WTR or Grip Walk soles.

What are the different types of bindings available?

Downhill bindings, AKA Alpine bindings, are what most of us ski with, using DIN settings, sprung-toe and heel fittings and brakes that engage if a boot pops out. They require alpine boots with stepped low-rise toe and heel pieces which meet certification of ISO 5355. Touring boots with ISO 9523 are not certified to work with these bindings.

Touring bindings, aka Alpine touring (AT) or randonée bindings classically fall into two categories:

AT frame bindings. These look similar to alpine bindings but have a frame connecting the toe and heel pieces of the binding. When skinning uphill the apparatus lifts off the ski at the heel, pivoting at the toe, then clips down for skiing. AT boots for frame bindings need to be ISO 9523 certified. Many frame touring binding models are MNC (multi norm compatible) which means they’re height-adjustable to fit both alpine (ISO 5355) and touring (ISO 9523) boots and many also fit WTR and Grip Walk soled boots.

skier - Credit: adrian myers
The correct pair of boots can transform your skiing technique Credit: adrian myers

AT Tech bindings, AKA Dynafit, pin, TLT or tech touring bindings are compact, lightweight systems designed for long climbs. They have separate toe and heel pieces with pins that secure the toes and allow the heel to lift when climbing.

Ski touring is growing and brands are developing new kit to cater for this expanding market. Some of the major developments have focussed on ski touring bindings. Many of these new bindings combine the benefit of pins in the toe, for ease of skinning uphill, with a clip on the heel for skiing performance when coming back down. These bindings require a boot with pin inserts that are also classed as ISO 9523, ISO 5355, WTR or Grip Walk.

It is really important, whichever bindings you are going to use, to make sure your boots are compatible with that binding otherwise you can drastically compromise your safety.

Ski boot buying tips

Trust your fitter

Use a specialist retailer and allow staff to guide you as to the best model and size. Be prepared to try a few pairs and don’t worry if they feel tighter than you’re used to – the lining will pack down over time.

Be honest

Don’t exaggerate your ability level, as you may end up with boots that are uncomfortable and could hinder your progress.

Forget fashion

Leave the Russell Brand-style skinny jeans at home. Instead, take some shorts or wear trousers that are loose enough to roll up above the knees. Remember to bring a pair of ski or snowboard socks to wear when trying on boots.

ski test - Credit: adrian myers
Follow our top tips for finding the right fit Credit: adrian myers

Speak up

If you’re unsure about anything during the fitting process, just ask. Your feedback is key to getting the right fit.

Ski boot jargon explained

Cabrio

A shell design in three pieces with an external tongue, favoured by freestylers for its smooth flex.

Canting

Adjustable canting allows boot fitters to alter boots in line with your legs. It can be done via a device on one (single) or both sides (double) of the cuffs.

Cuff

The upper part of the shell that wraps around the shin.

Flex

How stiff boots are when flexing forward. The softer the flex, the easier it is to bend the cuff of the boot forward. Boot flex is usually indicated by a number, ranging from around 50 to 150 or more – the flex index. The higher the number, the stiffer the boots.

Flex adjuster

Some boots have a switch for altering the flex to suit conditions. For example, stiffer on piste, softer off piste.

Last width

Last width is measured across the forefoot and indicates fit – up to 105mm is generous, less than 99mm is narrow. A snugger fit tends to mean more responsive boots, and again this is why it’s so important to get boots professionally fitted.

Liquid Fit

Liquid injection liner system from Head.

Liner

Also known as inner boots.

Memory Fit

Atomic’s heat moulding system for shells and liners.

Shell

The plastic outer part of boots, sometimes heat-mouldable to improve fit.

3M Thinsulate insulation

Synthetic fibre thermal insulation material.

Ski/walk mode

On some boots, the cuff can be loosened via a switch for easy walking or hiking or for ski touring.

Tongue

Usually part of the liner, it might have extra pads to help protect shins.

Thermo-moulding

Heat customisation of liners or shells.