The Best Ski boots can make the difference between a good holiday and never wanting to ski again. They are that important!

So how do I ensure I have the right boots and a good holiday?

First, make sure that your boots are the right size. A good bootfitter will measure your foot and offer you boots to rent or buy that are the right size. Boots that are too big are very unpleasant to ski in; as your foot moves around inside the boot you will find you get pain in the toes, ankles and shins as the repeated impacts create sore points.

If you purchase your own boots, a good bootfitter will mould the boots to your feet so that you get an optimum, customised fit, that is not only more comfortable, but will make you a better skier.

What else should I consider with my boots?

The flex of the boot is very important. As a beginner skier we want a softer, more flexible and forgiving ski boot that allows us to hold a good skiing position over the skis. An expert skier on the other hand would want a much stiffer boot that allows them to manage the power transfer from leg to ski more progressively. However, if your boot is too stiff, it tends to put you in a bad position on your skis.

Think as well about what you will use the boots for. Some boots are more focussed towards freestyle, on piste or ski racing with different properties to suited to each discipline.

Anything else?

Try as many different brands of boots as you can until you find the best fit for you. Each manufacturer builds their boots with slightly different shapes and sizes. Again, we can’t stress this enough, but find a good bootfitter and they will fit you with the best boot for you and ensure you have the best ski trip possible.