A guide to choosing ski boots
Ski boots are the most important piece of kit you'll own as a skier, so it's worth taking a little time to choose the right pair. Boots that don't fit properly are uncomfortable and make it harder to control your skis. A boot that's too loose or too stiff will also affect your control. Before you start, it helps to know the length and width of your foot, your skiing ability and how you'll be using the boots (piste/all-mountain, off-piste/touring).
You'll find Jussa ready to help in the ski department at our Tammisto store.
Boot size
The most common mistake when buying ski boots is choosing a pair that's too big. A boot in the right size fits snugly and still feels comfortable. An oversized boot is also a safety risk, so don't buy "room to grow".
Ski boot sizes are given in Mondopoint, which refers to the internal length of the liner. Your Mondopoint size matches the length of your foot. The easiest way to measure at home is to stand with your heel against a wall and measure from the heel to the tip of your longest toe. Round the result to the nearest half centimetre.
As a rule, beginners are best suited to a boot 0.5 or 1 Mondopoint size larger than their foot length. This gives your toes a little room to move and makes the boots more comfortable, while the fit is still snug enough that your foot doesn't shift inside the boot.
Intermediate skiers usually go for the same Mondopoint size as their foot length, or one size up. That way you get a precise fit that stays comfortable through a long day on the slopes.
Experienced skiers usually choose the same Mondopoint size as their foot length, or one size down. The result is a very snug, precise boot that responds instantly.
When choosing a size, pay attention to the last width too. Lasts fall roughly into three widths: narrow 98 mm, medium 100 mm and wide 102 mm+. Narrow-last boots also tend to fit more snugly overall, while wider lasts give you more volume.
Boot stiffness
Ski boot stiffness is given as a flex rating. The higher the number, the stiffer the boot's cuff. If you're a beginner, choose a slightly softer, more forgiving flex than an experienced skier would. Bear in mind that flex ratings don't always match between brands, or even between models from the same brand.
BEGINNER INTERMEDIATE EXPERIENCED SKIER
MEN FLEX 70-90 FLEX 90-110 FLEX 110-130
WOMEN FLEX 50-70 FLEX 70-90 FLEX 90-110
Your weight and height also affect the right stiffness. A taller, heavier skier can put noticeably more force into the cuff, so they need a stiffer boot than a lighter, shorter skier.
What the boot is built for matters as well. Park boots are slightly softer than, say, freeride boots.
You'll find our ski departments in our Pirkkala, Kuninkoja and Tammisto stores. You can also find the full range in our online store.