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Salomon Ski Boots
Salomon Ski Boots
Nordica Ski Boots
Nordica Ski Boots
Atomic Ski Boots
Atomic Ski Boots
Rossignol Ski Boots
Rossignol Ski Boots
Technica Mens Ski Boots
Technica Mens Ski Boots
Junior Ski Boots
Junior Ski Boots
Sidas Footbeds and Accessories
Sidas Footbeds and Accessories
Buying Guide - Ski Boots

If you are going to purchase one piece of equipment for your holiday then your ski boots are by far the most important. As with buying skis trying to decide which are the right ski boots for you can be a daunting prospect. There are many different types of ski boot in the marketplace and it is essential that you choose the right ski boot if you are to enjoy your skiing experience. There is no substitute for a good pair of ski boots and a pair that fit properly with the appropriate level of stiffness for your ability level.

There are many features to ski boots that will affect how suitable they are, from the size and shape of your foot to your ability level that will determine which ski boots are best for you. As you become a more confident, aggressive skier you will need ski boots that are stiffer and more supportive. To help you decide which is the right pair of ski boots for you we at Sail and Ski have come up with a simple to use buying guide based on questions our technicians would ask you if you came into one of our stores.
Are you male or female?Are you male or female?

A simple question to start but an important one. Women have less capillaries in their feet than men and therefore feel the cold more in their extremities and so require ski boots that are warmer. Women also have different shaped bodies to men; they have a lower insertion of the calf muscle requiring boots that are cut lower at the back of the leg, they have a shorter and wider Achilles tendon requiing a different shaped heel area inside the boot, and due to their centre of gravity being different to a mans can often require a heel wedge to push them further forward over the tips of their skis. We stock women specific ski boots for all abilities, click on the link below for our full range.

Click here to view womens boots

How much skiing have you done?  
see the ski ability definitions


It is important to find out how much skiing you have done in order to determine the amount of support your ski boots should provide. A beginner's ski boot will be forgiving and easy to initiate turns suited to lower speeds whereas an advanced level boot will be stiff and hard to turn at slow speeds but offer a much more responsive feel at higher speeds. Most people are somewhere in the middle of this range and there are boots appropriate to everyones level of ability. Check out our definitions of skier level to find the most appropriate definition for your ability. The ability level of each boot is shown at the bottom each boot description.

Ok, so now we have determined what level skier you are the next thing we need to find out is your foot shape and size.

Manufacturers produce ski boots with different volumes in order to accommodate the many different shapes of foot. If you have a wide foot then you will need a boot with a high volume shell and if you have a narrow foot choose a boot with a low volume shell. This is indicated at the bottom of the information on each boot in our on-line store.

Ski boots come with a liner than is made of foam that on most models can be heat moulded to remove any pressure points or small areas where there may be gaps between the foot and the liner. This enhances the boots comfort helping to ensure pain free skiing. A boot that does not have a heat moulded liner will compress to the shape of the foot with time and use but will not produce as close a fit as one that is heat moulded. The heat moulding process needs to be done by a professional boot fitter. We offer this service free of charge when you buy ski boots from us. Alternatively dealers in ski resorts will also offer this service although some may charge a small fee.

When buying ski boots, do not order a size based on your street shoe size, or the boots will wind up being the wrong size. Instead, measure the mondo point of your foot, which is the distance in centimetres from the back of your heel to your longest toe. This is how we would measure your feet in store. Order the size that you measure and if necessary round up to the nearest size or half-size. If you are unsure then do not hesitate to call us on (01743) 353776 or (01244) 344580.



Ok, so now we have determined what level skier you are the next thing we need to find out is your foot shape and size.

What can I do to ensure that my new ski boots are as perfect for my foot as possible?  


One of the more frequently questions we get asked in store is if there is anything else that can be done to make ski boots more comfortable, especially for those people who spend long hours on the slopes or those who generally suffer with uncomfortable feet on the mountain.

At Sail and Ski Ltd we offer a specialist footbed system that replaces the footbed supplied with the boot. A Sidas custom footbed supports the foot correctly and is heat moulded to the exact contours of the underside of your foot. In this way it will eliminate the aches and pains you feel after a long day skiing and provides precise support for those with high insteps. Please click on the link below for more information about Sidas and how they can help you stay supported and comfortable all day long.


click here for more info on footbeds