| What are ski boots for? Why do we have to wear | | | | the boot but not be pinched. Your heel should have |
| such gallumping things, heavy, big and faintly ridiculous | | | | no movement at all. The buckles have several |
| to walk in? | | | | settings and they can be adjusted. When the cuff |
| The ski boot is designed to hold us as firmly as | | | | buckles have been done up (these don't have to be |
| possible to the ski via the release binding. (These are | | | | as tight), make sure that the cuff pressure around |
| the two metal and plastic contraptions on each ski | | | | your shin is spread evenly and comfortably. |
| designed to hold us on and let us go at the right | | | | Take your time at this stage. This is very important. |
| moment). It must hold us firmly so that every body | | | | Don't be hurried! Sit there with the ski boots done up. |
| movement we make will instantly transmit itself | | | | Stand up and bend your knees to check that the |
| through to the ski. It must also make one or two | | | | forward flexing does not cause too much pain! Your |
| compromises for the recreational skier; it may have | | | | heels should not budge off the bottom of the boot |
| to be worn all day, will be walked in, and for some | | | | but your toes are allowed to have a little movement. |
| may even be used as a fashion accessory. | | | | Ski boots may feel cumbersome and odd, but if they |
| The main pieces of a ski boot are the outer shell and | | | | hurt or are uncomfortable, say so! |
| inner lining. The important bits of the outer shell are | | | | You can try walking around a little in them but, I |
| the cuff, which hinges on to the main part, and | | | | repeat, don't be dismayed if they feel strange. You |
| allows the shin to flex forwards at the ankle, and the | | | | can always loosen the buckles for walking. |
| buckles. There are usually four of these - two across | | | | If your feet are a really odd shape and the sizes |
| the instep to hold your foot firm, and two on the | | | | vary too much, consider foam injected ski boot liners |
| outside of the cuff to regulate the tightness round | | | | that will form to your feet; these are now becoming |
| your shin. The inner lining usually has a detachable | | | | the norm and have come on great strides (sorry) in |
| insole that is very like the one in an everyday shoe. | | | | the past few years. |
| The ski boot fitter in a ski shop should hopefully be | | | | Finally, if you are skiing for the first time, I strongly |
| able to size your feet up - be accurate about your | | | | advise rental ski boots. They will sometimes not be |
| standard of skiing and be prepared to pay as much | | | | top quality, but they will save you a lot of money if |
| as you can if you are going to buy rather than rent. | | | | skiing is not your cup of tea. Apply the same advice |
| Talk to a professional skier beforehand about the | | | | that I offer above, but don't be put off if they are |
| best make of ski boot too. Remember to take a pair | | | | scuffed and well used. If you really like your pair of |
| of your favourite ski socks to get the perfect fit. | | | | rental ski boots and they are exceptionally |
| Once the boot fitter has done the first two clips up | | | | comfortable, and they do a good job, you can |
| across the insole, make sure that your foot is held | | | | always make the ski shop an offer when you return |
| firmly. Your toes should just be feeling the end of | | | | them! |