How to Get Your Ski Boots On Without the Struggle: Tips From the Bootfitting Pros

Sep 7th 2025

We get it—the title sounds silly. But if you’ve ever broken a sweat, lost your cool, or even needed a partner to wrestle your boots on, you know the struggle is real. For some skiers, sliding into ski boots is the hardest part of the day. The good news? With the right tricks, it doesn’t have to be. Here’s our insider guide to making ski boot entry smooth, easy, and stress-free.

Why Are Ski Boots So Hard to Get On?

First, figure out who’s to blame: the boot or your body.

Cold boots = stiff plastic that won’t budge.
High instep or limited ankle flexibility = your anatomy might be working against you.

Luckily, we’ve got fixes for both.

Step 1: Warm Those Boots Up

Cold plastic = rigid plastic. Always start with room-temp boots.

Stick them under your car seat with the heat blasting for 10 minutes.
Or, level up with a heated boot bag that keeps them toasty all the way to the resort.

(Pro tip: “warm” does not mean “melt by the fireplace”—trust us, we've seen it and it never ends well.)

Step 2: Open It Up

Unbuckle everything. Give each buckle a little half twist so they don’t snap shut again while you’re sliding in.

Step 3: Sock Check

Smooth, dry, and comfy. Wool is great for warmth, but synthetics slide in more easily if you struggle. We’re obsessed with the Bridgedale Easy On ski sock—it has silver fibers in key spots to reduce friction.

Step 4: Pull the Tongue (the Right Way)

Pull the tongue forward and to the outside—never straight up. That gives the tallest part of your foot (the instep) the most space. Yes, stiff boots need more force, but careful: yank too hard straight up and you risk tearing the tongue right out of the liner.

Still Stuck? Try These Extras

Silicone Boot Spray: Think cooking spray for your boots—reduces friction, slides you right in.
Boot Horn: Like a shoehorn, but for ski boots. A lifesaver if you lack the leg strength to press your heel down.
Easy-Entry Boot Models: Some boots, like the K2 Revolve Team with its cabrio design, are built for effortless entry. But swapping boots should be a last resort—most of the time, technique and tools are enough.

The Bottom Line

Getting your ski boots on shouldn’t feel like a workout. Warm them up, prep your socks, pull the tongue correctly, and use the right tools if needed. A few small adjustments can turn the most dreaded part of your ski day into a non-event.

Why we love it: Because skiing should be about the runs, not wrestling with your gear in the parking lot