Debunking Ski Boot Myths

Tis the season… the ski season that is. 

Recently I upgraded to new ski boots and did a deep dive into the importance of boot fitting and the impact it can have on injury. 

Here I’m going to debunk a few ski boot myths and explain what actually matters when upgrading your boots. 

1. Does brand matter?

   1. Short answer: No

   2. Long answer: Ski boot manufacturers make their boots roughly the same, however, certain brands cater to different styles of skiers and different foot types. Instead of going into your boot fitting with a brand in mind, consider other factors such as stiffness and size. 

2. My boot size should be the same as my shoe size.

   1. Short answer: Not necessarily

   2. Long answer: The smaller the boot the more advanced you are as a skier. A well educated boot fitter will be able to guide you to the right size for you. Don’t assume that because you wear one size in walking shoes that your boots will be the same. 

3. The boots are made well enough that I don’t need custom foot insoles.

   1. Short answer: Probably not

   2. Long answer: Even if you have a model foot and all podiatrists and medical professionals marvel at your feet, you might still want to consider forking over some extra $$ to get a custom mold of your foot into the boot. The reason being? Ski boots are meant to fit snug and minimize motion in your foot. They are not, however, meant to provide support at the arch or cater to the huge variety of feet out there. The insoles help prevent extra stress on your foot which can decrease your risk for injuries up the chain (think knees, hips, and back). Save yourself the pain and have a professional ski boot fitter set you up before hitting the slopes. *A custom insole might also increase the longevity of your older boots if you aren’t ready to upgrade.

4. How you put your boot on matters.

   1. Short answer: Yes

   2. Long answer: The way you tighten your boot and place your foot will impact how you ski and decrease your risk of injury (if done right). The biggest things to consider with putting on your boot: 

      1. Loosen all straps and clasps before putting your foot in

      2. Slide your foot in and segmentally tighten the lower leg straps one rung at a time while simultaneously tightening the velcro

      3. Once tightened, slam your heel on the ground to make room in the front of your boots for your toes

      4. Then you can tighten the forefoot clasps. It should take no more force than your pinky to close the clasp. If it’s hard to push down, it’s too tight! 

5. The numbness and tingling into my toes is because my feet are cold

   1. Short answer: Probably not

   2. Long answer: Two main factors can impact why your toes are going numb when skiing. The first being, your socks are too thick OR you are stuffing too many layers between the boot and your leg. Rule of thumb: wear thinner socks and keep the pant layers out of the boot. The other factor is, quite simply, you are tightening your boots too tight and/or putting them on incorrectly (see above). 

There you have it. I hope this helps you prepare for ski season with a little more knowledge and a lot more shredding. 

If you do encounter an injury, have an old injury, or have concerns about how to get ski ready, book here for a FREE consultation to see how we can help!