Ski and Snowboard Boot Fitting: Keys to Understanding the Process

Before purchasing a new ski or snowboard boot it is worth exploring the fitting process and how it should feel so that you know what you are looking for and can intelligently think about what you feel as you are trying on a boot.

"The best boot fitter in the world it you." States Greg Klein, second-generation owner of Willi's Ski and Board Shop in Pittsburgh.

"The reason why," he goes on to explain, "is because you are the only one who can tell what the boot feels like".

A boot fitter in a shop is trained to ask the right questions so that you can explain to them how the boot feels. Once you understand how the boot should feel the salesperson can help direct you to a boot that not only fits your skiing or snowboarding style but your foot as well. When you shop on line you will have to search for product reviews to do this for yourself.

The boot selection process starts with answering a few simple questions to narrow the wide selection of boots down to a manageable number. The questions should include, How long have you been skiing or snowboarding? Do you ski or snowboard locally, travel or both? What type of skier or snowboarder would you classify yourself as? Do you have and pain or abnormalities in your foot, ankle or shin that should be accommodated? To fit boots properly one should have both feet measured in the ski or snowboard socks they plan to wear on the slopes.

Measuring both feet is very important. Besides size differences that are common in most peoples feet there are often bone spurs, swollen ankles and other considerations that one must be aware of before choosing any boots to consider. If you are buying your ski or snowboard boots in a retail shop you will have the advantage of trying on several boot styles and sizes. This is just not logistically possible when purchasing over the internet so you must narrow your choices down very carefully.