bootfitting

The most important piece of equipment in your ski setup are your ski boots. It's worth spending extra time with an experienced bootfitter to get the right ski boot with a proper fit. A precise fit is important for the performance and control of your skis. Ski boots are the tool that translates your body's intentions and directs the movement into your skis. An improper ski boot fit occurs when there are conflicts between the profile of your foot and the shape of the boot. The main goal in bootfitting is to find a size and shell shape that will be comfortable without compromising on performance.

No two people will fit exactly the same. For that matter, no two feet will fit exactly the same. Using factors such as ability level, height & weight, number of days on snow, and intended use can help dictate the size, shape, flex, and features may be available to you. Ski boots will never be as comfortable as shoes. Ski boots are the medium where the energy from your legs is translated into the ski. Because of this important function, a new ski boots need to be very snug out of the box. Customers can expect the foam in the inner liner of the ski boot to compress and break in after a few days of skiing. Still, it is important to discuss the best fitting options with an experienced boot fitter.

skier type:

Identifying which Skier Type you are will give you a better understanding of what fit, flex and features you should look for when purchasing a new ski boot.

Beginner/Intermediate skiers tend to stick to green and blue groomed trails. They're still working to perfect the techniques and mechanics of skiing.

Note: people may be able to quickly progress beyond this category, depending on their aspirations. It's important to speak with an experienced boot fitter to get the appropriate fit.

Intermediate/Advanced skiers require a more precise fit in their ski boots as they are comfortable skiing different conditions and at a faster pace. This type of skier rides most blues and some black diamond runs, can confidently cruise groomers, with ambitions to expand their skiing off-piste. Typically these skiers have a few years invested in the sport. They require a ski boot with a tight, precise fit that will allow full control in a variety of conditions.

Advanced/Expert skiers ski the entire mountain with confidence. These skiers are comfortable skiing off-piste in difficult snow conditions such as moguls, powder, crud, and ice. Expert level skiers may want to downsize their ski boot for maximum control and energy transfer. Those skiers will go into the purchase understanding that an experienced boot fitter will work to tailor the ski boot to the customer.

choosing the right size ski boot

Ski boots are measured on a scale called Mondopoint, which is based on the length of your foot in centimeters. Using conversion charts that translate shoe size to Mondopoint should be avoided and only used as a last resort. Shoe sizing is inconsistent and the ideal ski boot will fit tighter than shoes. Check out our sizing guide for more information on our boot sizing.

Beginner/Intermediate skiers will typically choose a boot close to their indicated Mondopoint length or slightly longer. Remember, the liner of the boot will break in and compress the boot is skied a few times. More space will be made rather quickly.

Intermediate/Advanced skiers will typically choose a boot close to their indicated size or shorter, and a slightly stiffer flex. Bootfitters will pay attention to the volume and width of the ski boot with the intention of getting the customer into a snug/comfortable fit.

Advanced/Expert skiers typically choose a boot 1/2 size to a full size smaller than their indicated Mondo size. Collaboration with an experienced bootfitter is necessary to obtain a precise and responsive fit.

It's worth noting that ski boot manufacturers don’t make boot shells in half sizes, so a 26.0 and 26.5 boot normally use the exact same shell - if you try on a 26.5 boot and it feels too big, the next size down will be a 25.5, not a 26.0. Sometimes manufacturers will make the liners for the full and half size differently, or use different insoles, but more commonly the two sizes are identical except for the sticker on the boot.

The Difference Between Women’s and Men’s Specific Ski Boots

The biggest difference between men’s and women’s ski boots is the height and size of the boot’s cuff. Typically, women’s ski boots are designed to have a lower and slightly wider cuff because women tend to be shorter and have more proportionally-sized calves than men do. However, they do make different-sized cuffs, which means you shouldn’t have to deal with an uncomfortable or ill-fitting cuff.

Don’t fear if the best fitting boot for you is actually the opposite sex. If you’re a tall female and have a fairly large foot then a men’s size boot might actually work out great since the height of the boot won’t hinder your balance or control. You can find out more about the differences between men and women's ski boots here.

how should ski boots fit

The ideal ski boot will have a snug fit without cutting off circulation or causing painful pressure points (bones, bunions, etc.). When standing straight up in a buckled ski boot, there should be slight to moderate pressure on your longest toes. Toes should be touching the end of the boot when your leg is in a straight position. This is usually a sight that the ski boot is will be the right sized after the foam liner is broken in and compressed.

If the boot feels too tight on the end of your toes, flex your knee into the tongue of the boot several times. This motion will push your heel further into the heel pocked and create more space in the front. When you knee is flexed into the boot, you should notice the pressure on the toes will be lessened or relieved. Remember, the foam in the liners can be compressed and/or stretched to create more room for toes. For specific fit questions, contact your local bootfitter.

All ski boots will break in after a few days of skiing. The more you ski on the boot, the more it will break in to your feet specifically. The main goal in bootfitting is to have the perfect fit at the end of the season, rather than fresh out of the box. It will take time to get your boots perfect, so be patient with yourself and your bootfitter throughout the process. Ski boots are meant to be used over multiple years. It's worth it to go through the bootfitting process at the beginning so you can have comfortable footwear for years to come.

Here are a few key pro tips to remember when purchasing a new ski boot:

• It's always easier to make a boot bigger, than to make it smaller. Taking up space in a ski boot is virtually impossible and can lead to an improper fit.
• Wear a thin wool sock in your ski boots rather than a thick wool hiking sock. The plastic shell of the boot and foam in the liner provide a lot of insulation. Wearing a thick sock can overexaggerate how tight your boot fits, as well as lessen control and response between your foot and ski boot.

ski boot flex & stiffness

Flex in ski boots refers to how difficult it is to flex the boot forward. Boot flex is indicated numerically, usually between 50-130. The higher the number, the more difficult it will be to flex your knee over your toes while in the boot. Height and weight can also influence which flex is most appropriate. We recommend you contact us or speak to an experienced boot fitter to discuss which flex would be best for you. 

Please note, there is no standardized flex test, so a 100 flex boot will feel different between brands.

men's ski boot flex ratings

women's ski boot flex ratings

ski boot forward lean and ramp angle

Most ski boots have a forward lean between 11-18 degrees from vertical, out of the box. Over the years, ski technique has slowly changed to a more upright stance when compared to ski boots made in the past. Forward lean adjustments are uncommon for most recreational skiers, but are fairly easy to adjust. Check out our user manual to see how to adjust the forward lean on your phaenom boots. We recommend you contact us or speak with a skilled boot fitter to discuss the adjustment.

common at home ski boot fixes

Once a bootfitter has properly fit you for ski boots, it's up to you to fine tune the fit. Below is a list of common problems and at-home fixes:

Too tight?

Slight discomfort for the first couple of days is expected when breaking in a new ski boot. As the boot is skied more, over time the discomfort will subside and the foam in the liner will form to your foot. However, ski boots should not be unbearably tight. Think about the type of sock you're wearing. Thin wool ski socks are highly recommended. If you have specific areas where the boot is tight and/or painful, visit an experienced bootfitter for assessment.

Too loose?

If the boot feels too loose, it's likely too big. Solutions such as wearing multiple pairs of socks will lead to other issues such as blisters. It's very difficult for bootfitters to take up space in boot, which is why we recommend to get fitted professionally. If you suspect the boot is too loose, contact an experienced bootfitter for assessment.

Trouble Buckling?

Phænom boots have several different positions to fix the upper buckle ladder that can easily be moved with a screwdriver or allen wrench to create more room at the top of the boot. If a boot feels too tight on the calf out of the box, one simple fix may be to unscrew and move the upper buckle ladders to a different position. In certain cases, you may need to drill a hole in the plastic buckle strap. Visit an experienced bootfitter if you suspect a hole needs to be drilled.

Buckles are too Tight or too Loose?

Micro-Adjustable Buckles allow skiers to customize how tight the boot closes. If one position on the ladder is too tight and the next one is too loose, micro-adjustable buckle can shorten or lengthen. To shorten or tighten the buckle, turn it clockwise. To lengthen or loosen the buckle, turn it counter-clockwise. See our user manual here to see how to tighten or loosen your buckles.

Cuff is too Tight or Pinching Calf?

Removing the rear spoiler and/or moving the upper buckle ladder are two quick fixes if the Cuff is too tight on the calves. See our user manual here to see how to adjust the rear spoiler.