Panning on taking your kids skiing for the first time? Then choosing the right kids’ ski boots and skis itself can be a real headache. It doesn’t have to be such a stressful experience with our simple kids’ ski boots guide.
We have included the four most important things to look for when buying ski boots for kids, how to choose the perfect size, and we answered the frequently asked questions among the parents about the ski boots.
Contents
Four Things to Look for When Choosing the Perfect Kids Ski Boots
Boots weight
Generally, kids who are petite and light need lighter ski boots. If your kid weighs more, the boots should be a bit heavier. Kids’ ski boots under 1 kg (2 lbs) provide reasonable control and stability. Of course, this also largely depends on the brand itself.
Thinner outer shells from certain brands can really help in reducing the weight of the boots, but that weight is compensated with additional support and buckles.
Removable liners
Removable liners are a must for a few reasons. Firstly, ski boot liners adapt to your kid’s feet. It is important to seek these in your kid’s new ski boots as they increase comfort. Second, they are very convenient if they get wet.
Kids’ boots are smaller and closer to the snow than adults, especially when the snow is deep or sloppy, so there is a greater chance of getting wet. You can dry ski boots out properly if you choose boots with removable lining. This will save your youngster from having to start the next day with cold, wet feet, which could ruin their day.
The Size
To get the size of the right boot, remove the liner and place their feet into the boot. Center their foot against the sole and ensure the heel of the foot is up against the back of the liner. Ask your kid to stand up and move its toes, so you can feel where they are located. Ensure there is approximately half a thumb width.
Another way to measure the size is to ensure that the kids’ toes are all the way to the front of the foot so you can put your finger behind their heel. There should be a tight room around your index finger and no more space. This is because ski boots will extend over time and provide more space.
In certain sports stores, instructors and boot fitters take measurements using dowels. If you want to measure the boots with them, we recommend you get 5/8″ and 34″ dowels. To determine how much space is in the boot, insert a dowel into the liner between the heel and the back shell.
Boots’ flexibility
If everything appears to be in order, but your kid still complains that the boot is too tight, it is probably because of the boot’s flexibility. Ensure the kid flexes their ankle while pushing their knees forward into an athletic skiing position. By doing this, the kid will be able to move their toes because their heel is pushed all the way back to the back of the liner.
For small, young skiers, rear-entry boots are easier to flex, but front-entry boots provide more stability. This is because they are more snugly fitting, keeping the heel down and holding the foot in one place. It is essential that your kid can flex their ankle correctly inside the boot; otherwise, they’ll not be able to center their weight properly on the skis.
How to Find the Right Kids’ Ski Boots Size?
To determine the correct boot size, use the Mondopoint system converter. It is precisely the same as adult ski boots but not the same as regular footwear. This is due to the fact that regular shoe sizes are not standardized. As a result, manufacturers can decide how to size their footwear.
On the other hand, ski boot manufacturers use the Mondopoint system because it is the only method for sizing ski boots that are standardized worldwide. In Mondopoint sizing, only length is used; however, you must also focus on the last. The “last,” which significantly affects comfort, is the boot’s width.
Hot To Keep Your Kids’ Feet Warm?
Dry ski boots properly
Wet boots are a big no-no, especially for kids. They are usually the main culprit for cold feet. Avoid that at all costs. Always dry them thoroughly after a day on the snow. You can use some paper towels or special heat dryers for ski boots that will not harm the boots themselves.
Wear only one but proper pair of ski socks
Layering down a few pairs of ski socks can stop circulation and thus make the feet cold. Ensure your kids have warm ski socks, such as the ones made from merino wool, that will keep the temperature just in place without feet getting cold, sweaty, or even stinky!
Leave an empty space for wiggling toes
Kids require slightly larger boots than adults do. Young kids may naturally sit back more often when skiing because of the nature of their bodies and low centers of gravity. However, you don’t want the boots to be loose. In order to handle this, they require a little additional space in the toe area so they can easily wiggle them.
Keep Ski boots warm
Instead of placing them outside the balcony in the cold weather, keep them inside your apartment. Don’t place them near the heater because the heat can make the boot change shape and loosen the glue. However, there is such a thing as ski boot heaters, so you can try them with these. The best thing is to keep them at room temperature without exposing to high cold or warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to choose ski boots for a child?
In our blog, you can see a detailed guide on how to choose the right-sized kids’ ski boots. The main things to pay attention to are the weight of the boots, removable liners, the boots’ level of flexibility, and of course, the correct size.
How do I know what ski boots to get?
Ensure you know the size and shape of your kids’ feet, the length and width, and their skiing ability before trying on boots. If you know this information, you can find a boot that suits your kids’ skills and preferences.
How do you measure kids’ feet for ski boots?
Measure food with centimeter tape and then use the Mondopoint system to find the perfect size. Take the ski boots liner out and let your kid try them on by driving their heel toward the back of the liner. Then take your finger and see where the toes are. Ensure there is approximately half a thumb width. You can also do it on the incline surfaces, which will push the kid’s heel to the back of the liner and let you measure the size correctly.
Another way to do it is to push the leg in front of the liner, ensuring there is about one finger empty space on the back of the heel. The space should be tighter, just enough for your finger, but there shouldn’t be space for you to wiggle it.
What is the most determining factor when sizing a child for skis?
Height and weight play the most significant role when choosing the correct ski size. Generally, the length of kids’ skis should be somewhere between their chest and nose. However, it is always a good idea to get professional advice from ski instructors.
In Conclusion
Choosing kids’ ski boots doesn’t have to be a stressful thing anymore. With our guide and the Mondopoint system, you can easily determine the size. Don’t forget to consider kids’ skiing abilities and their eagerness to learn. Since the kids are growing up so fast, and thus their feet before you know it, there comes the time for getting a new pair of ski boots.
Let this guide help you along the way!
