![]() Pain is a common sign that your boots are too small, but it is not always an indicator that they are too stiff. Whenever you get a new pair of boots, there’s almost always a break-in period where the boots need to form around your feet.Ī little pain and discomfort is natural during this process, but if it continues for longer than around five days of skiing, your boots are probably too tight. One of the most obvious indicators that your boots are too stiff is if you experience any serious pain or discomfort while you wear them. The only real way to get a good sense of a boot’s stiffness is to try it on and see if it matches your preferences. That is because there are no universal guidelines for deciding upon the flex number. ![]() It’s also important to know that the flex rating on a ski boot can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. How to Tell if Your Ski Boots Are Too StiffĮven though the general rule is that the more advanced your abilities are on skis, the stiffer the ski boot, there are some easy signs to look out for to know if your boots are too stiff. ![]() Advanced skiers will want a higher flex (a stiffer boot) because it creates more precise power and control. For example, if you are new to skiing, a boot with 120 flex will be too stiff for you.īeginners skiers will typically want a lower flex rating, as it is more forgiving and requires less effort to control your skis. This stiffness comes into play with ability, just as tightness does. A lower number is a more flexible boot, while a higher number indicates a stiffer one. When looking at ski boots you’ll see a flex rating described as a number usually somewhere between 60 and 140. Stiffness, in the realm of ski boots, is also commonly referred to as “flex” and each boot has its own flex rating.Ī ski boot’s flex rating describes how much flexibility exists in the boot at the ankle area. As described above, you want to shoot for a tighter boot to get the best possible performance. Tightness refers to the overall fit of your fit inside the boot. When it comes to the actual fit and feel of your ski boots, you need to take both tightness and stiffness into consideration. Don’t think you have to deal with serious discomfort or pain to get the best power and control out of your boots. Modern ski boot design and technology has enabled high-performance boots to be both stiff and also relatively comfortable. The tighter the boot, the more precise control and power you’ll have while on the mountain.Įven though a stiffer boot might be a little less comfortable, the way that stiffness affects your control and abilities while skiing makes it more than worth it. In contrast, Intermediate and advanced skiers want a stiffer boot because it leads to higher performance. That allows for more comfort and makes it easier to get your foot into and out of the boot. Beginners want a less stiff (and less tight) boot. Your fit largely depends on your skiing ability. ![]() Your boots almost act like a key that unlocks your ski’s potential. Without that transfer of power, even experienced skiers would struggle to make a single turn on the mountain. The movement you generate while skiing from your hips down to your toes allows you to control how you turn. Ski boots exist to transfer power from your legs into your skis. However, ones that are too loose can lead to a range of problems as well. How to Adjust the Stiffness of Your Ski Bootsīefore we get into how to tell if your ski boots are too stiff, it’s important to understand why you want boots to be tight and stiff in the first place.īoots can definitely be too stiff, and that can cause problems for any skier.How to Tell if Your Ski Boots Are Too Stiff. ![]()
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