• Remove your socks and have your feet assessed, advise technicians of previous boot fit problems.
• Have your feet measured.
• Use 1 pair of technical ski socks, like you would normally ski in.
• A footbed will improve comfort, fit and performance.
• Be prepared to invest some time to get the right fit.
• Buy a boot that will allow for growth in your ability.
• Don't select on the basis of colour and brand alone.
• Ensure the technician does a shell and inner boot check before finalising the size.
• Let your feet make the final decision, only they know what the boot actually feels like.
• Try at least three models, and then make the final choice.
• Try to avoid weekends.
• If you need an extreme size buy early in the season, and check availability of your size before making a journey.
• For problem feet make a mid week appointment.

Ski Boot definitions
Last: The internal shape of the ski boot. Made from a form, which is normally an average of statistics taken of many individuals' feet measurements. The width and volumes of ski boot lasts will vary between ski boot manufacturers.
Shell: The hard outer material the ski boot is made from. Usually polyurethane or polyethylene plastic.
Liner/Inner boot: The removable insert that is placed in the ski boot shell. Normally constructed from Foam rubber and textile.
Upper Cuff: Wraps the lower leg and shin, attached and hinged to the lower shell.
Lower Shell: The lower structure or clog, which wraps the foot from the ankle to the toes.
Canting: An adjustment of the angle of the upper cuff to follow the line of the lower leg to achieve a flat ski on the snow. This is especially useful if you are knock kneed or bow legged.

The secrets of Ski Boot comfort:

• Cut your toenails before going skiing. Pressure on the end of a nail from the ski boot shell can damage the nail root resulting in a bruised or lost nail.
• Make sure you use technical ski socks, wear only one pair. They improve warmth, fit and performance, change them every day to maximise the socks qualities.
• Insist on a foot bed it will ensure personalised support stability and comfort.
• Always dry out ski boots overnight, it will ensure feet stay warmer.
• Cold feet? Consider Outlast Liners or Handy Heat ski boot warmers.
• Don't over tighten your ski boots it will cut circulation and cause cold tingling feet. Close the buckles so the foot is firmly but comfortably held.
• Before going on holiday always try ski boots on to ensure the fit is all right.
• When not in use always buckle the boot up so the boot maintains its shape. Store in a boot bag at room temperature.