Ski Boot Size Chart & Fitting Guide (With FAQs)

Wearing incorrectly sized ski boots all day can cause a lot of pain. A boot that’s too tight might give you toe bruises, while one that's too big could leave you with large blisters. Ski boot sizing is an important and often overlooked part of making sure you have the best possible ski experience.

While going to a ski shop to get a professional boot fit is the best way to ensure you get a perfectly fitting boot, that can be time-consuming and costly. If you don’t live close to the mountains, there might not even be a boot fitter in your area. In that case, you can use our ski boot size chart to find the right ski boot size for you.

Ski Boot Size Chart

Ski Boot Measurements

Ski boots have a few different sizing measurements that you should understand before deciding on a pair of boots.

Mondopoint Sizing

Mondopoint is a universal system for measuring ski boot sizes. Simply measure the length of your foot in centimeters, and that's your mondopoint.

It might sound confusing to have a sizing system that’s completely distinct from what we use for measuring normal shoes. But mondopoint is used by every ski boot manufacturer and ski shop around the world, so it works no matter where in the world you go skiing.

There are two ways to estimate your mondopoint size based on your regular shoe size. A comfort ski boot mondopoint fit conversion will leave you with a roomier boot. This is best for intermediate skiers moving downhill at moderate speeds. A performance ski boot mondopoint fit conversion is better suited for advanced and elite skiers.

Our ski boot size chart has conversions for both comfort and performance fits.

Ski Boot Width

The width of a ski boot is known as its last or last measurement. The last is found by measuring the distance across the widest point of the forefoot of a boot in millimeters. A last measurement is unique to each size of a specific boot model.

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A narrow last would be somewhere between 96-99 mm. A medium last is usually between 100-101 mm. A last over 102 mm is great for wider feet.

To measure what last you need, grab a piece of blank paper. Step on the sheet of paper with a bare foot, sliding your foot into place so your inside edge and heel line up with the sides of the piece of paper. Make a mark at the widest point (below the pinky toe) and use a tape measure to measure the distance across your foot in millimeters.

How To Get the Best Ski Boot Fit

Snug is the operative word when describing a well-fitting ski boot.

When you’re fitting a ski boot, your heel should remain in place, and pressure should be uniform around your leg. If your shins hurt, try to adjust the tongue of the boot until all pieces fit together. If your feet still hurt, the boot may be too small.

A boot is too large if you don’t feel pressure around your leg. If your foot is able to slide back and forth when you move, the boot is too big. When skiing, this movement can lead to blistering.

Keep in mind that the ski boot is likely to feel the tightest it will ever be the first time you put it on. The liner and padding need time to adjust to your foot. If your toes touch the front of the boot the first time you try it on, it doesn’t necessarily mean it's too small. Over time, the padding will depress, creating a few millimeters of extra room.

Men’s Vs. Women’s Ski Boots

There are a few differences between men's and women's ski boots. Generally, the height and cuff of the boots are taller and narrower for guys and shorter and wider for gals. This is based on average heights and body sizes, but isn’t always a hard and fast rule.

For unique foot shapes, it's best to stick to your gender because boot varieties are becoming more specialized. However, if you are having trouble finding your specific fit, you can hop across the gender pond with little consequence. The end goal regardless of whether you choose a men's or women’s boot is to find a proper fitting ski boot that fits snugly.

Custom Fit Boots

Custom fit boots aren’t cheap, but they can be well worth the cost. Custom-fitted boots are by far the best way to get boots that exactly fit your feet. A professional bootfitter can make precise measurements of your feet and help you mold boots and liners to meet your measurements.

Ski Boot Half Sizes

Most ski boot manufacturers only make boots in full-size increments. That can seem counterintuitive since ski boots often come in half-point sizes like 26.5 or 27.5.

The important thing to know is that there’s almost no difference between boots from different manufacturers that are a half-size apart. A 26 and 26.5 boot will mostly fit the same, and many manufacturers include a boot wedge that can take up space to create a more snug fit.

FAQ

Is Ski Boot Size The Same As Shoe Size?

No, ski boot size uses a system known as mondopoint. Mondopoint measures the length of your foot in centimeters. You can use our ski boot size chart to convert from regular shoe size to mondopoint.

Should Ski Boots Be Tight?

A pair of ski boots should be snug. If your ski boots are tight enough to pinch or cause discomfort, they may be too small. Conversely, you don’t want to be sliding around in your boots because that can lead to painful blisters.

Should You Be Able To Curl Your Toes In Ski Boots?

Not generally. Ski boots should be tight enough to prevent you from curling your toes, but you should be able to have a little toe movement. No movement at all means the boot is too tight.

Why Do My Feet Go Numb In My Ski Boots?

Your boots are likely too tight and are causing poor circulation. To alleviate this, get a larger ski boot.

Why Do My Shins Hurt When I Ski?

When there’s too much space between your shins and the front of your boot, every time you lean forward, your shins bang against the tongue of the boot. Wear thicker socks to minimize fore/aft movement or get a smaller size boot.