Ski boots are one of the most important pieces of equipment. Yet they have so many odd components to them, from mondopoints to flex, booster straps, and width. Some boots are made for beginners others for experts/professionals. How can you tell which is which? More importantly which ski boot works work for you?
What is the ski boot flex? Ski boot flex is the measurement in which the boot specifies the stiffness of the boot. The softest boots are around 60 for females and range up to 150 for Olympians. When you are just beginning, a softer flex boot allows you to remain focused on the ski basics like learning to pizza and french fry versus pressing the front of the boot for edge control.
As you progress as a skier, so does the flex. You begin to ask your boot to accommodate a more aggressive stance, which requires a stiffer flex to ensure you do not overpower the boot.
Your flex preference is a personal one that is unique to your body and ski level. Not all advanced skiers prefer a very stiff boot; some may prefer a softer boot for comfort and other reasons. The only way to get to know your flex rating is by being professionally bootfitted. This can only be done in a true boot shop. We're not talking about your average big box store (we all know which ones we are referring to). The best shops are true boot fitters. These shops specialize in boot fitting only.
A true boot fitter will have proper training and mentorship. From gate analysis to understanding your instep a boot fitter is a crucial person to have on your team. A good boot fitter is hard to come by, for shop recs check out She-Shredz boot fitter recommendations for the Tahoe area here.
Let's take a look at the difference in ski flex by comparing two boots as a comparison. The boot on the left is an Atomic Redster Flex 130. This is also known as a plug-in boot or race boot. It is made of thicker plastics than the typical alpine ski boot. This is an rather stiff flex rating.
Notice when you flex the boot, the boot is reactive but provides immediate feedback for the skier. The boot also keeps you in a frontward stance.
Let's look at the right boot now. This is a Technia Zero G Touring 115 flex. This boot is made for backcountry touring. Hence why on the heel there is a walk mode. Typically speaking the touring boots flex usually feel a bit less stiff than their “ flex rating” due to walk mode to keep the mobility for uphill travel.
When the Zero G is being flexed you can see how much easier it is to flex this boot. The effort is significantly less taxing. It also bends much less fatiguing than the Atomic Redster. This is due to the flex rating being lower than the Redster. Also for the fact that it is a touring boot, and made with different plastics.
When you go to get those sweet new ski boots remember, to have an honest discussion about your skiing type and preference. As well as your current skiing level. This will determine which boot is best for you. Remembering the upfront investment in a good pair of boots from a reputable boot fitter is going to save you not only time and money in the long term but also pain and misery.
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