Boot Fitting Guide

Vertical Drop's buyers make their boot selections based on fit and function and our history with the customer. Our selection of models is based on the previous history of the feet we fit and the ones we could not fit. We then choose the models that give us the largest selection of different fits available. This is more important than just choosing our stock based on looks and brand popularity. You will find some great deals and very competitive pricing on all the boots that we stock. The biggest change for this season is that we can fit more feet better than ever. With the addition of more boot models and continually upgrading of our boot fitting process, The Vertical Drop can assure you that we will fit you and it will be a great fit.

Getting the right fit in a ski boot can be a trying experience, which you may have or not have been through. The boot selection process is a teamwork effort between you and your boot fitter to find the product that is going to fit the best and match up to your other equipment selections.

To get started it is imperative that our staff can check out both of your bare feet and measure both of them with ski industry measuring devises. This allows us to get a better look at your feet and see if there are going to be any problems with the uniqueness of your feet. All of the trying on should be done with ski specific socks (which we sell or have for try on purposes). A large majority of the problems we see come back into the store are sock related. Ski socks are generally worsted wool or synthetic materials. Cotton socks are not appropriate for ski boots or winter use. One pair of socks should also be used. Multiple pairs of socks will not add warmth or take up space in boots. They do however cause a lot of problems over the instep and the toe area from bunching up. There are different weights and thickness of socks to be chosen for different comfort levels.

Once we have selected a model of boot we will shell size you to make sure the appropriate shell will fit. Your foot is placed into the empty shell and while standing and the toes just lightly brushing the front the technician will check how much room is in the shell. For the average skier wanting a comfortable and warm boot there should be no more than 3/4 to 1 inch of space behind your heel. A high performance skier should only have a ½ inch behind. There should also be about 3/8 of an inch from side to side in the shell. If too much space is there at the start the boot will be too big after the first day of skiing and all of the fitting will be in vain as you will have no control of your skis. There are some exceptions, which need to be addressed by you and your technician. We will then put the liner in the boot and place your foot in the entire system. As your foot slides into the boot it is going to feel like it is rammed against the front, yes this is ok until we get the foot placed correctly in the liner. After the boot has been lightly buckled you can flex the knee forward and the foot will set itself back into the heel pocket. This may take five to ten minutes to get the foot set. When it's in place the buckles can be adjusted to hold the foot. As you are standing in a natural skiing flex the toe will still feel the front of the liner but will not be ramming into it. If you cannot feel the front, the boot is too big!

There is something to keep in mind about all ski boots. The liners will compress while the foot is in them at the store and especially while skiing on them. The boot will never be as small as it is at the beginning again. If you are always consistent about your socks and the way you put the boot on it will always be your best friend. A custom insole will always make the sizing of a ski boot feel better. The stock insoles that come with boots are not built for your foot and will not hold it in place very well. Consider custom insoles, you will never be sorry you made the investment.

A last word about boot selection. Be very careful about purchasing boots based on advertising, tests, and endorsements. It is your foot that has to go in that boot and it is your body and mind that has to make that boot work. With your feedback hopefully we have made the right decision for you.

Please note that we are not an e-commerce site.
The products you read about on our web site are available in our store only.