Race Ski Boots

1) Do race ski boots require professional boot fitting?
Yes! A properly fitted boot provides proper control over your skis. We recommend all skiers have their boots fitted by a professional boot fitter to ensure a correct fit, but it’s even more important for ski racers to have their boots properly fitted. A good, custom-fitted race ski boot will make a massive difference to your competitive edge. Our team of qualified fitters offer ski boot fitting services.

2) Do we stock women’s and junior race ski boots?
Of course, we cater for all ski racers. Women’s race ski boots tend to be designed differently to accommodate women’s lower calves and other anatomical differences between men’s and women’s feet. With younger ski racers, gender differences are not as apparent, so most junior ski boots are gender neutral with a unisex design to cater to smaller feet. With all ski boots, the most important factor is comfort and fit – some women might find men’s ski boots or unisex boots fit better. Particularly small women may find a junior race boot feels best; likewise, bigger junior racers may prefer an adult boot regardless of their age. You can learn about finding your perfect ski boot and more on our blog.

3) What is the difference between a 92 mm and 98 mm last, and how does it affect my skiing?
Last refers to the width of the ski boot and is measured across the ball of your foot. A narrower last means a tighter boot and greater contact for higher precision and control. For ski racing, most competitors choose a last below 98 mm to ensure control. If you race for fun, a last between 96 mm and 98 mm will suit the average skier. A 92mm last is very narrow and is only necessary for hardcore competitors. Essentially, last is a trade-off between comfort and speed/control.

4) Should I consider replacing the stock race liner with a custom liner?
If you’re a serious competitor, replacing the stock liner should be on the top of your to-do list. Stock race boot liners are designed to fit as wide an audience as possible, but when you’re looking for a competitive edge, one-size-fits-all just won’t cut it. You need something made to fit your exact foot shape and provide precision control. We offer custom boot liners in two types: cork liners and foam injection liners. They both work by pressure injecting foam/cork into the liner whilst your foot is in the boot, filling any gaps to replicate your foot shape. ZipFit cork liners are designed for home fitting, whereas foam liners will usually be fitted for you in-store by our staff.