Believe it or not, ski boots are the most important piece of gear when it comes to a ski package. Not only do they need to be comfortable and warm, but they also allow you to control how your skis move. Boots are traditionally fit very tight for performance, but increasingly, companies are making boots with a wider last for wider feet.

What to Look for in a Ski Boot

• Mondo Size: Ski boots are sized in mondo points, which run from 22/22.5-33/33.5 for most adults. A mondo size 24/24.5 roughly equates to a US women’s size 8.
• Last: The last is the width measurement on a ski boot: the smaller the last, the tighter the ski boot will fit. Alpine racers and expert skiers aim for a small last for optimal control and performance, but they also compromise comfort. For beginner or intermediate skiers, it's better to have a larger last to prioritize comfort. People with wider feet will have a last that is between 102mm and 104mm.
• Flex: The next thing to look for is the flex of a ski boot. This is a measurement of how soft or stiff the boot is. The flex for men ranges from 100 to 130 and 75 to 115 for women, with a progression from beginner to expert skier level. For example, if you are an intermediate skier who hits the slopes 10 to 20 days of the year, you should look for a 110 for men or a 100 to 105 flex for women.
• Downhill vs AT: Traditional alpine boots are constructed for optimal control and comfort on the resort, while alpine touring or AT boots are lighter and have special features like a walkmode and pin holes in the toes. Many boots are now a hybrid of the two with a robust alpine structure but can also go into walk mode.
• Sole Type: There are five main types of soles for alpine ski boots. The most common are the ISO 5355 Alpine (DIN) Soles, which will fit into almost any type of alpine binding. A newer sole type gaining popularity is the ISO 23223 GripWalk Soles, which help to grip on slippery surfaces when walking around apres ski. Ski touring boots will either have WTR (Walk to Ride) Soles or ISO 9523 Alpine Touring Soles, which are compatible with touring bindings and a variety of traditional alpine bindings as well. It’s important to know your boot sole type so you can match your boots with the correct bindings.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fitting Ski Boots

Step One: The first step in fitting ski boots is to match the shell size (in mondo) to your foot size. The best way to find your mondo point is to have your feet measured at your local ski shop, but you can always use a size conversion chart.

Step Two: The second measurement to take is the width of your foot; this should be taken at the widest part, just below your toes.

Step Three: Now that you have your foot measurements, you can start trying on boots. It is important to try a few different brands as the fit can vary between mondo, last, and flex models. Most boots also have a moldable liner, so if they are tight or pinching in places, your local ski shop can help heat up the liners and custom mold them to your feet. Chat with a Curated Expert today for more help on finding the right size ski boots for you

The Top 5 Boots for Wide Feet

1. Atomic Hawx Magna 95 GW

The Atomic Magnas are a wide boot with a 102 mm last that would work well for the intermediate skier looking to progress. These boots have a 95 flex, which will give stability at high speeds without being too difficult to manipulate. The big toe-friendly 3D stretch box in the liners prevents feet from becoming crammed at the front of the boot. No sore or cold feet at the end of a powder day here.

2. Dynafit Radical Pro

If you are looking for a technical backcountry boot that will also perform well on the downhill, these boots are for you. A backcountry boot differs from a traditional alpine boot in that it has the ability to separate the shell and the cuff for flexibility on the uphill climb. Once at the top, the patented “hoji lock system” secures the boot into place for stability. These boots are made for advanced to expert-level skiers, with a flex of 110 for women and 130 for men. Their price point is well worth this high-quality product.

To read a more in depth review of this boot, check out this Expert review!

3. Dabello Panterra 85 W GW

These boots provide a seamless transition for the resort skier looking to experiment in the backcountry. Dabello boots are notorious for their durability, and this boot, with its Powercage construction, is no different. The TF liners perfectly wrap the heels and calves while giving room in the toe box. This gives them extra comfort and warmth. A 51-degree range of motion in walk mode allows for flexibility on the uphill, and the F-6 Buckles locks the flex on the down. One of the best features of this boot is the grip walk, which means no slipping when walking in the parking lot or the lodge.

4. Rossignol Pure Comfort 60

These are the absolute perfect boots for beginner skiers tired of rentals. They are specifically designed with comfort in mind, with customizable liners featuring polar fleece for extra warmth. The sensor matrix shell is a strong but lightweight plastic with a 60 flex, which gives the skier easy confidence on the slopes. The 104 mm last gives the foot lots of space, so there are no sore feet at the end of the day.

5. K2 BFC 85 W

Just getting into your tight boots can be half the battle on a ski day. That’s why K2 developed a hands-free entry shell on the BFC boot for a painless transition. The shells are also heat moldable, which allows them to be blown out in places like the toe box that may feel too tight. The Cushfit Plus liner only adds to the ease and all-day comfort of these boots. The flex on these boots is ideal for an intermediate skier, but if you are looking for something a little softer, the BFC also comes in a 75 flex.

Choosing the Right Ski Boots for You

At the end of the day, finding the balance between comfort and performance should be the goal. You want to find a boot that allows complete control over the ski without compromising your poor feet. The most important factors to consider are the mondo size, the last (or width), the flex, the function, and of course, the price.

For more free personalized advice, please get in touch with a Curated Ski Expert today!