How Much Are Ski Boots & How Much Should You ACTUALLY Spend? (Entry to Expert)
While renting can be a good idea at first, many people prefer to buy their own ski gear eventually. If that sounds like your story, then you'll be wondering how much ski boots cost. Let's find out!
Skiing boots cost around $100 for a basic adult pair but can cost over $500 for more advanced ones. How much you should spend depends on several factors, such as your skill level, how frequently you’ll ski, and your budget.
We are reader supported. We may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
How Much Do Ski Boots Cost
You can roughly categorize ski boots into entry-level, intermediate, and expert. The right pair for you will depend on your budget and your level of skiing. Here we look at the different categories of boots and how much you can expect to pay for each one.
Entry Level
Entry-level boots are typically designed for people who are new to skiing and who want a comfortable fit, without spending a lot of money. Entry-level ski boots are more flexible and have a looser fit. They also cost less, as you can find them for around $300, but you can even pick them up for as little as $200.
Intermediate Level
Intermediate-level boots are a little more expensive but you do get a better level of quality. They have a tighter fit than entry-level boots and are made with better materials and better construction. Intermediate ski boots start from around $300.
Expert Level
Expert-level ski boots are made for expert skiers and anyone who is confident on even the steepest slopes. Their construction is stiffer than any other type of boot, with a tighter fit and exceptional build quality. These boots usually cost around $500 but competition racing boots can be much more expensive.
Should You Get a Package With Bindings and Poles?
As with many things in life, if you buy a package, then you can often save some money. But is that the same with ski boots, bindings, and poles?
If you buy boots, bindings, and poles individually at an intermediate level, then you're probably looking at spending around $1,500 to $2,000. However, if you buy them as a set, then you can probably get a deal for around $1,000, however, there are some drawbacks.
Advice: When buying high-quality ski boots, bindings, and poles, you want to get exactly what you're looking for. However, if you're buying a set, then you might not necessarily get the choice of options and styles you want.
There's no right or wrong way of buying, it all comes down to personal preference. Although, many people prefer to buy them individually so they have a better choice.
Should I Buy or Rent Ski Boots?
This is a common question that anyone relatively new to skiing will ask. Boots are expensive to buy but the cost of renting can build up over time. With renting, it is also sometimes difficult to get boots that are a perfect fit for your feet.
Are you going skiing for the first time and not yet even sure you’ll ever go again? In such a scenario it makes sense to simply rent a pair. It will be a much cheaper and more convenient choice.
However, if after a few trips you have decided that skiing is for you, then it makes sense to buy a new pair of ski boots. It'll work out cheaper over time and you'll have your own pair of boots that you know you will feel secure and comfortable whenever you put them on.
Ski Boots Buying Guide
If you're new to the world of skiing gear, then it all can be a little confusing. Getting the wrong pair of boots would be a disappointing and costly mistake, so you need to get it right the first time.
Gender/Age
Men - The gender of the skier matters for ski boots, as they are specially designed according to the foot shape. Men generally have a taller calf, along with a wider forefoot shape. If your leg and foot fit this profile, then it’s a good idea to look out for men’s boots.
Women - It's not the same for every female but compared to men, women often have thinner feet, along with shorter and fuller leg shapes. Women's ski boots consequently have a shorter yet fuller cuff and a narrower width. Women's ski boots also have a heel lift to transfer weight due to a different center of mass.
Kids - Kids' ski boots are narrower and shorter in the cuff with a comfortable fit to ensure kids have fun during skiing. Naturally fewer materials are used in the manufacture, so kid's boots are much cheaper than adult boots.
Size
Key Takeaway: Ski boot size is measured in Mondopoint sizing, which measures your foot in centimeters.
Most manufacturers use this Mondopoint sizing to produce shoes in both full and half sizes. Always make sure you choose your exact size, as the shells and liners are expensive. Even if you know you’re shoe size, it makes sense to re-measure.
Width
Besides the length of the boot, the width is important too. Ski boots for men, women, and kids come in different widths. This is usually measured in millimeters across the forefoot.
You can usually find ski boots in narrow, medium, and wide widths. Narrow boots span 95mm-99mm, while medium boots span 100mm-103mm. At the widest end, ski boots span 104mm-106mm in width.
Flex
Fact: The flex of ski boots refers to the amount of pressure required to bend the boot when skiing or its stiffness.
A high flex provides better support for the foot and leg, as well as better control over the skis, while a low flex gives you better precision and comfort.
With this in mind, beginners should start out with a soft flex (around 60-90), while expert skiers will want a flex of around 110-130, with intermediate skiers somewhere in between.
Flex can be a little confusing, as the measurements are counterintuitive. It's natural to assume that a 60-flex boot would be more flexible than a 130 boot. This is incorrect. The higher the flexibility rating, the stiffer the boot.
Skill Level
In discussing Flex it's a great example of why a beginner shouldn't wear an expert's boot. Stiffer expert boots offer less comfort and control. For experts, the payoff is that they offer better power and speed.
A beginner would struggle to control expert boots. It's best to be realistic when matching the flex of your boot with your ability and choose boots that are appropriate for your skiing level right now. As you improve, you can always sell your old pair and upgrade.
Tips for Buying Ski Boots
Following these measurements will help you find the best-fitting ski boots. However, also keep in mind the following tips to find the perfect pair for you.
- Take your time Try on several pairs and even come back a different day until you are happy. Never rush into buying ski boots.
- Keep your budget in mind Only spend what you can afford. If you are on a limited budget you can rent when you get to the ski resort.
- Ski boots have a thick lining So your feet keep warm, eliminating the need to wear thick socks. Wear regular ski socks so the blood flow isn't restricted in your lower leg.
- Ask a professional Most shop assistant will be happy to take your measurements for the right last and width. Assistants will often have tips about how to check if your boot's size is correct. If buying online, use a ski boot measuring website, which explains the process.
- Wear the ski boots for a few minutes Check they feel comfortable when standing, leaning forward sitting down, and walking. If buying online, don’t be afraid to return the boots if they don’t feel right.
Final Thoughts
If you want to get a decent, mid-range pair of skiing boots, be prepared to pay around $200. That should get you a good intermediate pair without breaking the bank. Take your time when trying them out for size and comfort. You're likely to be wearing them for five or even 10 years, so it's worth investing the effort. If you’re worried about costs, then renting is always a great option for beginner skiers.
About Us
Hello, I'm Simon & I love skiing. I started skiing in 2007 and I founded this website to help new skiers learn everything there is to know about skiing. NewToSki.com has grown to be a trusted resource for over a million skiers to plan their ski trips each year and learn more about every aspect of skiing. Be sure to join my email list for the best tips and handpicked deals each week.
Featured In
Subscribe & Follow
