To choose the right ski boot for your feet, it's important to know your level and type of skiing. Expert skiers, freestylers or pure alpine skiers won't choose the same boot, because their practice is completely different.

Define your level: beginner / intermediate / confirmed / expert, as well as your type of skiing: Piste, Freeride, Freestyle, All mountain, Rando..

Determining your boot flex

Your choice of boot flex will depend on your level of skiing and your size.

What is flex?
It's your boot's stiffness indicator. The higher the flex, the stiffer and more responsive your shoe.
On the other hand, a softer flex is more forgiving and more comfortable.

The choice of flex is therefore crucial:

YOUR LEVEL	fLEX RECOMMENDED Men	rECOMMENDED FLEX Women
Beginner - Intermediate	Between 70 and 90	Between 60 and 80
Intermediate - Advanced	Between 90 and 110	Between 80 and 100
Advanced - Expert	Above 110	Above 100

For men, it is generally considered that :

- A flex of 70 to 90 is designed for beginners to intermediate skiers
- A flex of 90 to 110 is designed for intermediate to advanced skiers
- A flex greater than 110 is designed for expert skiers Caution: A flex that is too rigid for an average skier will be a limiting factor in his progress.
- For a very heavy and powerful skier, the boot's flex must be increased.

For women, we consider that :

- A flex of 60 to 80 is for beginner to intermediate skiers
- A flex of 80 to 100 is for intermediate to advanced skiers
- A flex greater than 100 is for expert skiers

The type of skiing is also a determining factor: a freestyle boot does not require the same qualities of grip and flex as a piste boot, where the transmission of support is very important.

Choosing the width of your shoe

Every foot is unique, so it's vital to choose the right pair of shoes, and to take the time to do so.

The number given as the last of the shoe corresponds to its width at the front of the foot. Ranging from 92mm to 104mm, every foot will be able to find the shoe width that suits it best. The last of the shoe is given for a sample size of 26.5, but remember that if your feet are larger, the width of the shoe you try on will be greater. Your foot should be wrapped evenly, with good support for the metatarsals and heel. The toes, on the other hand, must be free to move. The foot should not be compressed.

Choosing your shoe size

Finally, it's important to choose the right ski boot size. This is measured in Mondo Point or MSS -Metric Sizing System. This is the length of the foot in centimetres. When flexing, the toes should touch the tip of the boot.

To determine your shoe size, we recommend printing out the official Speck foot gauge.

How to use it :
- Print the page at 100% of its scale without readjustment. You can check the printout with a ruler.
- Fold the sheet along the bold lines and place the fold at the heel against a wall
- Place your foot flat with the heel touching the wall. Bend your knees slightly, your foot will extend a little.
- Draw a mark in front of your longest toe. This will be your Mondopoint size. If in doubt, choose the next size up.

Download the official Speck pedimeter

What is Mondopoint?

The Mondopoint is a system often used for ski boots. It's a measurement system based on foot length in centimeters. The mondopoint is usually specified in millimeters; for example, a ski boot size of 27.5 mondopoint is equivalent to a foot length of around 275 millimeters.

The advantage of the mondopoint system is that it enables a more precise match between boot size and foot length, which is particularly important for ski boots, as a precise fit is essential for comfort and performance when skiing.

When buying ski boots, it's common to see the mondopoint size indicated in addition to the traditional boot sizes (e.g. European or American sizes). This allows you to find the ski boot size that best matches your foot length in millimeters, which can help ensure a proper, comfortable fit for your feet when skiing.

5 key points for choosing the right ski boots:

Choosing the right ski boots is a crucial step for any skier, whether beginner or experienced. Ski boots are one of the most important pieces of equipment, responsible for transmitting power between the skier and the skis, stability on the slopes and all-day comfort. There are many criteria to consider when choosing ski boots, but we're going to focus on the 5 essential key points and other important criteria to consider.

1. Size and fit: ski boot size is essential. A boot that's too small can cause pain and numbness, while one that's too big can lead to loss of control. The boot should be adapted to the shape of your foot for optimum comfort.

2. Flexibility: the flex of the boot determines its level of rigidity. Beginner skiers generally prefer softer boots, while experienced skiers opt for stiffer models for better power transmission.

3. Type of skiing: boots vary according to the type of skiing practiced. Alpine ski boots are different from those designed for ski touring or cross-country skiing, for example.

4. Closing system: ski boots can have different closing systems, such as buckles, laces, hooks or quick-release systems. The choice depends on your preferences and convenience.

5. Custom fit: some ski boots offer the option of customizing the fit by thermoforming the shell to adapt perfectly to your foot.