New ski boots are a committing financial investment and can be an intimidating purchase. If you are a first time purchaser, or are looking to upgrade old boots, here are a few tips to help you with your research.

The Store
Wherever you decide to start your browsing, make sure they are a reputable sports store. Do they specialize in ski boots and ski gear? Ask neighbors or friends what their experiences have been with local stores. If you only hear negative things, keep asking around until you hear of a store with positive praises. If it’s a new store, or you’re shopping far from home, take note of your first impression of the premises.

The Employees
Do all the employees look like they are still in High School or just graduated from college? This might be okay as long as the “boot fitter” looks older and has experience. This is the one place where you want the die-hard ski bum’s expertise, over anyone with a suit and tie. He or she lives in their ski boots, and knows how important it is that they fit correctly. And it’s okay to ask how long they’ve been boot fitting. You don’t want the newbie; you want the person that’s been there awhile.

The Experience
A professional boot fitter will measure your foot, top to bottom, side to side. They’ll ask you how experienced you are, to determine what stiffness or softness of boot you might like. Let them know your budget and based on all this information, he’ll suggest a few to try on. Take note of how easy the boot is to get on and off, to buckle, and how it feels.

Many boots come with liners that the store can heat and mold to your foot. They are worth the extra money, and can be reheated up to three times if you feel the foot space is getting too big. Another added feature to consider, a conformable footbed (instead of the stock one inside the boot). Shops usually discount this item with a boot purchase, and they are completely worth it. This type of footbed is also heated and shaped to bottom of your feet. Your arch will love you for it. While the last two features will up the price on a boot, any good boot fitter will at least explain them to you and answer any questions you may have.

With the information above you should feel confident that you have an idea of what to expect on your ski boot shopping endeavor. Also know that buyer’s remorse is rare when buying new ski boots. It is something that is instantly enjoyed, and lasts at least a couple of years if you ski often.