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How to choose the right ski touring boots?
6 minutes
What type of ski touring do you prefer?
- Backcountry skiing: This type of skiing is for skiers who want to enjoy both descents and ascents at their own pace. Opt for lightweight and comfortable boots, but ones that are rigid enough for descents.
- Off-piste skiing: This is the ideal practice for downhill skiers who want to focus on off-piste descents. Get yourself stiffer and heavier boots that will offer you better performance on the descent.
- Ski touring: This is the perfect type of skiing for endurance sports enthusiasts who want to string together ascents and descents. Prioritize lightweight but high-performance boots to maximize your uphill speed.
The type of boots
Boot flex and stiffness
When climbing, ski touring boots should offer a wide range of motion at the cuff. A cuff rotation of more than 60° is generally recommended to allow for efficient, unrestricted movement on the ascent.
On the descent, it’s essential that the boot is stiff and provides solid support for the foot and ankle. The flex rating should be high enough to ensure good downhill control, especially for advanced skiers. The higher the flex, the stiffer the boot.
The weight of each model
Lightweight boots are more pleasant to wear on long ascents, but they often perform less well on descents. For greater versatility, opt for a weight between 1000 g and 1500 g per boot. Heavier boots are suitable for those who prioritize off-piste descents.
Compatibility with your bindings
Ensure your boots are compatible with your bindings. Some regular ski boots are compatible with low tech bindings, which are lightweight bindings designed for backcountry skiing. However, not all ski boots are compatible with backcountry ski bindings.
Ideally, you should get ski boots specifically designed for backcountry skiing. Otherwise, opt for boots mainly equipped with an ISO 9523 sole or a Gripwalk sole. These soles are equipped with tech inserts at each end, making them compatible with backcountry ski bindings.
What type of liner should you choose?
Opt for boots with a thermoformable liner that will adapt to the shape of your foot once heated in a special oven. This type of liner offers enhanced comfort and support to achieve better performance.
It is also important that the liner is insulated and breathable to wick away moisture and thus avoid being hot on the way up and cold on the way down.
The right boot size
It’s generally recommended to choose a boot size slightly smaller than your everyday shoes for better support and to prevent your feet from moving inside the boot.
Choose a boot that matches the width of your feet. Some models are designed for wider feet, while others suit narrower feet, so it’s important to select boots that fit your foot shape properly.
As with alpine ski boots, ski touring boots are sized using the Mondopoint system, which measures foot length and width in millimetres. Because fit can vary from one brand to another, it’s strongly recommended to try on several models before making a purchase.
When trying on boots, your toes should lightly touch the front of the boot when standing upright, but pull back slightly when you bend your knees. To confirm the fit, remove the liner and place your foot fully forward inside the shell—there should be about ½ to ¾ of an inch of space behind your heel.
Our advice: visit us in-store to try on several pairs. Our advisors will be happy to help you find the model that fits you best.
All you have to do now is put on your new boots and jump on your skis to enjoy the joys of ski touring! Before you leave, be sure to get warm, breathable clothing to regulate your body temperature properly. If you have any doubts about layering clothes to optimize your enjoyment, go to the La Cordée store nearest you, our advisors are ready to help you.
See more tips
How to choose the right ski touring bindings
How to dress for ski touring
