Snow Skills

Ski boots are surely the King Kong of footwear by their sheer size; it takes a lot of boot to help you turn a ski when gravity’s pulling you down the mountain. Those forces require a method to close your boot more substantial than shoestrings and that’s why a ski boot buckle has been the norm since the introduction of plastic boots in the late 1960’s. Just as you would tie your shoestrings to get a snug and comfortable fit, ski boot buckles need to be adjusted to fit your body. Due to the bulk of the boot, however, there’s a human instinct to think that buckles need to be tighter than your shoelaces to keep that big piece of footwear in its place. Resist that urge: ski boots need to be just as comfortable as any piece of footwear!

Properly adjusted buckles will improve your skiing by transferring your movements to the boot efficiently and keep you warm by maintaining circulation in the foot. The fit should be snug all the way around your foot, without any single area which results on pressure on your body. Once you’ve buckled your ski boots, a good way to check the buckle settings is to reach out and hold your left wrist with your right hand. If your buckles are properly adjusted, that’s the same sensation you should be feeling on your feet. Still holding your wrist, now change your grip to grab your left wrist. If any part of your foot feels like your wrist, the boot settings are too tight and you should re-adjust them. Your ski boots should hold your foot, not ensnare it!