Boot Fitting For Skiboards

Most ski shops have experienced sales clerks that are definatly helpful for choosing a ski boot, but most of them do not have the knowledge to properly find a boot which is good for skiboarding. Most of the time if you ask a sales clerk for a soft, upright boot for skiboarding, you will end up with a low quality, entry level, beginner boot as there are not ski boots that are really made specifically for skiboarding. Sometimes, sales clerks are also more interested in getting the commission then giving good advice.

Because skiboards are much shorter and its centered stance, its recommended that a you use a softer boot more upright boot, this is why freestyle ski boots are the best thing for skiboarding. Even if you are not going to be an aggressive, park rider, they are the closest to being suited for all kinds of skiboarding.

Some reccomended freestyle skiboots are:

• Salomons (SPK, Foil, Gun, 1080)
• Rossignol (Scratch or Exhibition)
• Lange (Freestyle)

Another option are softer recreational skiboards, they tend to be softer then some of the freestyle boots. These can be a good choice for the lesser experienced, or someone wanting a softer boot, but the higher end ones are still good for more aggressive riders (be careful you don’t end up with something that is lower then your riding ability.) Some of these boot sometimes have lace system instead of buckles. Lace system gives a very uniform closure of the boot, buckle boot give more of a customisable fit, its good to try these on beforehand.

• Rossignol Soft Series
• Salomon Verse Series

Fitting

Now most sales clerk should be able to fit a boot for your foot pretty well. Keyword being should, many times they don’t have the knowledge too, so here are a few things to keep in mind.

More then hald of skier, skiboarders and snowboarders have boots that are too big for them. If you get a boot that is too big for you, your feet slide forward jam into the end of the boot, you don’t have full control of your equipment. This leads to being uncomfortable, discontent and sometimes injury.

The best way to find you boot length is to take out the insole, and put your foot on top. Your toes should end flush with the sole, or even just pass it a bit. If the insole is longer then your foot, try a smaller size.

He’s an interesting thing to keep in mind, for every ski boot, the shell and liners are the same size for the full size as they are for the half size. The only thing that changes is the insole. That means the shell and liner of a size 9 is the same as a size 9.5, the insole is simply made thicker or thinner. Its sometimes good to size up half a size to get a snugger fit, you won’t get a shorter boot, just tighter. Step down a half size from a full size, and you’ll see a big difference.

Next step would be to try on the boot. When you first slide in your foot, your toes should touch the end, if they don’t they are too big (more explination on this later.) Strap up the first buckle, if you have to go to the tightest right away and you don’t feel a snug fit, you might need a smaller size, or a boot that accomidates narrower feet.

Strap up all the buckles and stand up straight. You should be able to feel the end of the boot with you toes, now if you bend your knees slightly in a skiing position, the pressure should go away, as your foot shifts back. If your toes still touch the end, you may need a bigger boot. Keep in mind that skiboarding requires less of a forward lean, so don’t bend your knees too far.
Fitting for younger people

Some people may take a bigger size so that their boot will last them longer. This is not really recommended, buying incorrectly so that maybe it could possibly fit you next year may lead to just more problem. If you absolutly want to get a bigger boot, the sole should not be longer then the width of a finger or a thumb. For people who still have feet that are growing, your best bet is to get a used ski boot, that will cost you a fraction of the price and will fit you perfectly for the whole season.

Finding a good skiboot and size is a lot of trial and error, don’t be suprised if you need to try on 4 or 5 boots to find something that fits. Keep in mind the most important thing is comfort. You may find a boot that fits you fine but your not comfortable in them, try another model.

Hope this helps everyone!