It takes two to tango. Your boot fitter can only help you if they have the right information. Communicate with your boot fitter about your experience, the terrain and conditions you prefer, your current and future goals, plus any previous comfort or injury problems. Be honest about your ability; if you buy a boot too far above your ski level, it will inhibit your technique and slow down your learning.

Not too comfy. Like shoes, not all ski boots that are the same size will fit the same way. Each brand and model of boots has a unique shape and will vary in heel hold, foot width, instep height, flexibility etc. Try boots on with the socks that you will be wearing skiing. The boots should feel snug, but not uncomfortable on your foot - like a firm handshake. They should not feel like slippers. You need to try on several pairs to find the boots that fit correctly.

Invest in footbeds. Everyone should purchase ski specific insoles, such as Footdisc Hardboot insoles. Insoles are the first step in creating a proper fit inside your ski boots. When you build a house, you put it on a solid foundation, orthotic insoles create that platform specifically for your feet and everything builds from there. Insoles offer support for over pronation, they place your foot in a comfortable and biomechanically neutral position in the boot, increase proprioception & feedback, distribute pressure across the whole of your foot, improve blood circulation

Stable feet allow you to transmit force to the skis rapidly and efficiently. Thus, you turn with less effort. This makes skiing easier, more fun and less tiring. In a ski turn, the foot bears a load equivalent to 3 times your body weight.

Does the boot colour match your eyes? Only you have your foot and personal needs - do not take advice from friends past the knowledge that a boot they recommend may have worked for them, they do not have to ski in your boot, you do. Equally beware of desiring the latest well-marketed product that does not match your actual ski needs and goals.

Your boot fitting should follow the basic steps below:

1. The fitting starts with your boot fitter discussing your ski experience, ambitions, previous boots, and any issues or problems you may have had with ski boots in the past. Be honest and forthcoming - the more information, the better.

2. They should then perform a barefoot analysis of your feet, your posture and your ski stance. Your fitter will assess the shape of your feet, including length, width, volume, arch shape and instep height. They should also observe the mobility, function and range of motion of your feet, ankles and body.

3. Before being fitted for boots you should be recommended and fitted for an appropriate orthotic insole. Footbeds are crucial for support and make a big difference to your ability to ski in comfort and control. Footdisc insoles only add £30 to £40 onto the cost of the boots but are hugely important.

4. Boot selection is critical and based on the information you have furnished and the observations of the fitter when examining your feet and body (not on your friend's recommendation or the colour of your ski pants).

5. Shell, liner and boot sizing. They should start with a shell check - your bare foot in the empty plastic outer shell of the boot. This will give them an accurate guide to the size and fit of the boot. Your feedback here is critical. You should discuss how each boot feels and the specific pressure and niggles you are experiencing. S/he should be able to suggest possible adjustments to the fit of the boots.

6. Spend time in the boots, they will adapt to your feet. Stumble around the shop in the boots that are most suitable fit. The best boots must be snug, but not uncomfortable; with support, but not pressure. Only one pair of thin ski-specific socks should be worn.

7. Personalization and adjustment. The technician should be able to personalize the boots to your feet and legs. They should have a workshop to stretch, adapt and customize both the shell and the liner to your feet.

8. Cuff alignment and canting. Finally, your fitter should ensure that they boots are aligned in your ski stance so that your skis run flat and true.

Your boot fitting should follow the basic steps below:


Your properly fitted ski boots should fit like a glove. But remember: skiing is a high energy sport and your feet may change slightly each day depending on many factors, such as fluid retention, fatigue, altitude, metabolism and how much pinot rouge you drank the night before.

Your boots should offer you the correct level of both retention and support depending on your ability and skiing style. The retention comes from the liners, buckles and shape/profile of the shell where the support comes from the flex dynamics of the shell and also from your insole.

For the boots to work effectively the foot needs to be placed in the right position so the boot and ankle joint flexes in the correct way and the foot and liner are in snug contact with each other like a strong hand shake - firm and even.