Question About Boot Size

Hello,

I recently received ski boots for my birthday, and am wondering if they are too big. My foot size is an 11.5 (US scale - translates to about 28.3 cm), and I have measured my foot to confirm this. The boots themselves are size 28.5, and seeing that I am a fairly advanced skier, I believe that this might be too large. The one key component however is that I am 16, and still growing fairly quickly, so I fear that sizing down to a 27-27.5 will lead to my growing out of my boots too quickly. I have done a shell test (although I am not sure that I did it correctly), and found that I had about 1.5 fingers of space in the back of the boot, but this result probably cannot be trusted, as I don't really know what I'm doing when it comes to boot fitting.

Please let me know your thoughts!

Will a 2mm difference between your foot and the bootsize really cause a problem? Did you measure your foot with or without socks on? If you went to 27.5 that's almost a whole cm smaller and I'd imagine that would cause you problems.

Could you ask where the boots were bought?
If from a shop close to home it could be worth going in before you wear the boots and asking for an opinion on size from the boot technicians.

It's critical that your boots fit correctly, there is nothing worse than sore feet. Unless you are racing there is no need for a super tight fit. Your feet will grow over the coming season therefore ver on the size of large rather than small. A rough guide is to feel that the boots are a bit tight with your toes touching the ends when you stand upright, however your toes should pull away from the ends so as they do not touch when you slightly sink into your skiing stance. Go and see a good boot fitter, if that isn't available where you bought the boots / the boots you have aren't right I would really recommend Alex @ Snow and Rock Chertsey.

Best thing I have ever bought for skiing was my specially made orthotic insoles ..The difference they make is unbelievable ..I couldn't ski without them.

daved wrote:I couldn't ski without them.

I note you are careful not to suggest you can ski with them.....

Haha. Brilliant.

Completely disagree with Mike, there is nothing worse than loose boots (Tight does not mean uncomfortable).

1) Can't ski properly
2) Dangerous

I would be less concerned about absolute length of the boot than if it actually holds your ankle in place. If it doesn't may as well get out your wellies; also waterproof and useless for skiing.