As the experts in women's boot fitting we don't often recommend purchasing your ski boots online. Making the decision on the right pair of ski boots is a process that is best done with a competent fitter who can provide you with several boot options before settling on which ski boot is right for you. A good bootfitter will help you decide what issues in a proper boot fit can be addressed with simple adjustments and which problems are red flags and should indicate you should try a different model.
In our fitting process we advise women to focus on three key fit areas, ranked in order of importance, they are:
1. FIT ZONE ONE - Runs down the tongue of the ski boot. The key word in this zone is EVEN. Even pressure should be felt as you flex into the front of the boot. You should not feel all the pressure of the boot focused in one part of your shin or coming down on top of your instep. Problems in this area are very difficult to diagnose and correct. If a boot does not feel good in fit zone 1 we recommend moving on to something else.
2. FIT ZONE TWO- Is the back of the leg and heel pocket of the ski boot. This area is not normally a pain area but it is the control center of the boot. Small differences in snugness around the heel area when you are trying the boots on will equal big differences in the amount of control you have on the hill so always go with the boot that feels like it has a better heel pocket, even if the difference feels minor. Some modifications can be made to snug up the pocket slightly or address a pressure point here if needed,
3. FIT ZONE THREE- Covers the toe box of the boot, basically from your big toe joint forward. This area is the first thing every one feels when they are trying on a boot because your foot will naturally slide to the front when you first put it on. You will need to buckle the boot completely and flex to get your heel back in the pocket of the boot before you can asses this area. It will also change as the foam of the liner warms to your foot even just standing in the store. In a properly fit ski boot your toes SHOULD touch the end of the boot until you are in a flexed ski stance, then toes should pull slightly off the end. Modifications to open the toe box to give more room are straightforward so if things still feel too tight or if you have a problem area such as a bunion, a fitter can easily correct them.
Ultimately, going through this with a boot fitter, especially one who focuses on women's fitting such as we do will be the ideal way to narrow down what boot is right for you. We are happy to discuss any boot questions you may have at any time and are always able to set up a time for a one on one fitting at our Vail location by calling 970-476-3888.
