choose ski boots with decathlon's advice

How to choose the right ski boots and ski boot size?

Ski boots are what connects skiers to their skis, and so they are key factor in skiing, and snow sports in general, whether for comfort, support or precision/performance.

There are many things to consider, from the type of skiing you do, to the flex of your ski boot and the shape of your feet. We explain it all here.

First consideration: the right flex for your level of skiing.

The flex rating of a ski boot specifies the stiffness of the boot. It is determined according to two criteria: the skier's level and weight. Although it is not a standardised rating, all equipment manufacturers follow the same rule: the higher the flex rating, the greater precision a skier has underfoot. The rating also varies slightly between women's and men's ski boot models (a difference of 10 to 20 points). So, which rating is suitable for each level of skiing?

If you are a beginner: soft flex.

If you're just starting out, it's best to opt for a slightly lower flex rating for a smoother transfer of pressure, to give you more flexibility as you experience skiing for the first time. We'd therefore opt for a rating of around 60 for women and 80 for men.
If you ski regularly: medium flex.

If you ski regularly and are comfortable, you can choose a medium flex, with a rating of around 90, which will give you good support.
If you are an advanced skier: high flex.

Advanced skiers will want boots with a flex rating of over 100 because this will give them a lot of precision on the slopes.

Some boots have an adjustable flex, which can be adjusted to suit the skier's level or the terrain.

It is important to note that the flex should not only be chosen according to the skier's level, but also according to their weight. The aim is to support the feet and legs correctly, so the more the skier weighs, the stiffer the boot needs to be. So it is important to find the right balance.

Choose boots that suit the level/type of skiing you’re doing.

Whether you're downhill skiing, freeride skiing or cross-country skiing, each pair of boots has its own specific features.

Decathlon women’s downhill skiing, groomed snow

Downhill ski boots.

When you ski on groomed snow, you need boots that provide you with support and precision. When you turn, your weight shifts from one foot to the other. These continual shifts may happen very quickly, depending on your level. That’s why it is important to have boots with a responsive flex so that you get powerful grip, especially on hard snow.

Some boots feature the GripWalk system: this rubber sole provides better grip on hard snow and allows your foot to roll over naturally.

Decathlon men's freeride skiing outfit, yellow, powdery snow

Freeride ski boots.

When skiers go off-piste, they have to take their boots off to walk up a slope, carrying their skis on their back, before putting their boots back on and skiing down uneven terrain. Freeride ski boots have a rather high but progressive flex, meaning that the boot gradually moves into its flex to follow the movements and absorb the irregularities of the terrain.

Some boots also have a Skiwalk feature – the rear spoiler can be unlocked to allow your foot to roll over naturally.

Decathlon women's mountain touring skiing mountain snow

Mountain touring ski boots.

Mountain touring ski boots are lighter than other ski boots to make it easier to get up the mountains without using ski lifts. They are fitted with inserts that are intended to be used with the three-pin bindings that are found on cross-country skis.

If you enjoy freeride AND mountain touring skiing, you can choose freetouring boots: they are a little lighter but provide better support for the descents.

How to choose the size of your ski boots?

For optimum performance, ski boots must be perfectly suited to your body shape. That's why there are differences between women's ski boots and men's ski boots. For example, women's calves are generally lower down their legs, and so boots are made to fit their lower leg perfectly. This involves using a tulip-shaped cuff.
So now, how do I know if these ski boots fit me? How do I convert my shoe size into "ski language"? To answer these questions, get a ruler and a sheet of paper, measure the exact length and width of your foot, and follow the guide!

Your "mondopoint" is based on the length of your foot in centimetres.

All brands of ski boots use this unit of measurement which – unlike for everyday shoes – is based on the exact size of your foot. It's best to measure your right foot (which is often slightly larger than your left), then use this table to calculate your mondopoint size.

If required, you can find all of the sizes on our product pages by clicking on the "size guide".

Decathlon ski touring boots yellow pants

The width of the foot: we talk about the LAST.

The LAST corresponds to the width of your foot at the level of the 5th metatarsal (i.e. the widest part). At Decathlon, we have three widths available:

Low volume (LV) for thin feet, with a width of 98mm.
Medium volume (MV) for feet with a medium width.
High volume (HV) for, you guessed it, wide feet.

For advanced skiers looking for performance, thinner ski boots will provide greater precision on the slopes. By hugging the foot as closely as possible, the slightest pressure will be felt in the ski and will have an impact on your direction.

You may also be tempted to choose a larger size for greater comfort. Unfortunately, this isn’t a great idea. Your boot liner may shrink over time and cause you to lose control of your movements. That said, if necessary, you can get greater contact between your foot and this renowned liner with thermoforming.

What is the thermoforming? Can I do it at home?

Thermoforming is a technical solution for improving the fit of the liner so that it is better suited to the shape of your foot, avoiding uncomfortable pressure points and areas where your foot is “floating”. Although this technique has been fairly successful, it is not mandatory – if you have so-called "standard" feet, the heat that your feet gives off will be enough to mould the liner. But if the discomfort persists, thermoforming could be a good solution! You can do it yourself, but we strongly recommend to ask to a professional to ensure the thermoforming is done properly.

Please note that thermoforming cannot be done on all ski boot models; therefore you should check whether your boots can be heat moulded first. Find out more here.

Tighten the buckles.

You've got the model, you've got the flex, you've got the size... Now all you have to do is try on those much-thought-about ski boots! Our specialists are more than happy to give you advice in store, but if you prefer to order online, here are a few tips to help you find the right boots for you.

The right pair of socks.

Try your new boots on with ski socks. Ankle socks will obviously be thinner and do not come up as high, so the boots will feel very different when you are wearing them compared to with ski socks. We also advise you to pay particular attention to your socks. You should avoid cotton socks, and putting on two pairs is a bad idea. Find out more here.
Tighten the buckles.

Put your boot on by pulling on the tongue to make it easier to slide your foot in. To do up the boot, start with the strap, then tighten the buckles, starting with the one closest to your toes, before moving up to the one near the strap, without tightening them too much. Flex your legs three times to make the boot more flexible, then adjust the fit. Some boots have micrometric buckles, which allow you to adjust the fit even further by turning the hook-and-loop fastener in on itself.
Test some different positions.

Test some different positions: When you are stood up with the buckles done up, your toes should be touching the boot liner. When your foot is flexed, your toes should only graze the toe box.
Remember that if your ski boots feel a bit tight, it does not mean that they are the wrong size. If you do not have enough support, you will have less precision when turning.

A word of advice? When you're wearing your shoes, don't make them as tight as possible straight away when you get out of the car. Do them up so that you can walk, but tighten them just before you set off. Similarly, feel free to tighten or loosen them after you’ve done a few slopes.

Do children's ski boots have the same features?

We don't need to tell you: your little one is growing up fast. If they're lucky enough to learn to start skiing before they turn five, soft-flex boots are the best option because they are particularly comfortable for your little ones’ first time on the snow. From the age of six, they'll be looking for a little more technique, just like the grown-ups.

Here's all the advice you need to choose the right ski boots for your children!

Now you know all there is to know about ski boots! You can go ahead and check out our selection of men’s and women’s boots, and make your choice now that you've got all the advice you need. Your turn to play!

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