Ski boots have come a long way over the years. It may be hard to believe, but it is possible to have both comfort and performance in a ski boot. Boot manufacturers have been focusing even more on fit and comfort lately and there isn’t an anatomical peculiarity or biomechanical challenge that a perfectly matched ski boot, in the hands of a skilled boot fitter, can’t accommodate.

Today, ski boots should: be easy to put on, provide instant comfort with easy foot entry, and be user-friendly with easy to close buckles and extra adjustments. Manufacturers produce several models so that everyone can find the right combination of comfort and performance to meet their needs. Some models do come with a custom fit liner. This will help ease the break-in process.

If you have made the switch to the new shorter skis, and are still skiing with an older model boot, this may be the year to check out the latest in ski boot technology. Whether you are a racer, looking for a close to the foot fit, or a recreational skier, enjoying the pleasure of carving a turn on groomed snow, there is a boot out there for you.

To help you get more comfortable about shopping for new ski boots, here are a few terms to become familiar with before you stop by your favorite ski shop. Shell volume is a term you might hear about or have read about in a buyers guide. A low-volume boot usually offers the most responsive performance, but not everyone has a low-volume foot so buy the smallest boot that will accommodate your foot, both the width and instep height.

The forward lean adjustment in a boot shifts the whole upper cuff forward, which will help you to shift your weight forward, right over the center of the balls of your feet. Flex control takes into account the shell material, the location of the hinge point and cuff height. These will all affect how a boot flexes. It is important to remember, that ski boots will flex differently out on the slopes than they do in the store. New for this year, many boots manufacturers have improved the boot sole, to provide better traction and grip. To achieve a precise fit, may boot manufacturers now offer heat moldable liners that can be shaped to match the contours of your feet.

Another feature to consider is the cuff height of the boot. The higher the cuff, the faster you can apply power to the tip of the ski. Conversely, the lower the cuff, the easier it is to roll into a turn by incorporating ankle articulation. And last, but not least, lets talk about the buckles. The more adjustments on the buckles, the better the fit. If you have all the buckles at the tightest settings before you’ve left the store, most likely the boot is too big for you and it is time to try again. Boot tend to give a little once they have been broken it, so it is essential that you start our with a good fit.

So, just like there is a ski for every level, there is a boot to match. All boots come with a different last, so there should be a well fitting, comfortable boot out there for everyone. To get a proper fit, ask yourself a few key questions (and be really honest with yourself while determining the answer): What is your ability level? How many days per season do you ski? What type of terrain do you ski most often?

The answers to these key questions should be shared with your chosen boot fitter. These answers will help the fitter determine the model range best suited to your ability level. Since a good fit is critical for optimal performance on the slopes, visit a qualified boot fitter when you have free time to spend. Getting a good fit is rarely a quick process, so be prepared for it to take a while. Bring with you the socks you usually wear and any type of footbed you may be presently using. Some boots will come with a customizable footbed to enhance the fit and performance of the boot. A good boot fit will allow you to feel the snow with your feet.