Boots are the most important part of your equipment, your boots need to fit correctly and suit your style of skiing. This means taking the extra time to get it right is worth it. We do not recommend buying boots online, we recommend you get an expert boot fitter to analyse your foot, pick a suitable boot and often make custom adjustments to the boot to further the comfort. The boot fitter will ask you questions about your ski ability and style which will influence the flex of the boot that is right for you, they'll examine your foot for size and width, but one thing they won't do is ask you your favourite colour. Unfortunately when it comes to buying boots the boots pick you not the other way around, we beg you don't make your choose based on the look of the boot.
But even if you go in for a boot fit doesn't mean you don't want to do some research first right? So lets dive deep into the ski boot world.
Ski boot Flex and Stiffness
The flex and stiffness of your boot will normally depend on your ski ability and how aggressively you ski. It refers to how difficult it is to flex the boot forward once your foot is in. Very soft would be for beginners (50) and the stiffest flex are reserved for the hardcore ski racers (140 and above). The flex rating is not standardised between boot manufacturers, and one company’s 100 flex boot may not equal another company’s 100 flex boot, the numbers can be used as a guide but trying to the boot is the best way to determine what suits you.
Like skis your height and weight are also contributing factors in choosing the best flex. Someone who is short and light doesn’t put as much leverage on a ski boot and a very stiff boot will limit natural body movement, while someone who is larger may require a stiffer boot, even if they are new to skiing. Keep this in mind if you are smaller or larger than average.
Mens Ski Boot Flex Rating
Mens are womens boots are different and again they differ between brands but here is a rough guide.