Ski boots are probably the most important item of your equipment. Before choosing a pair of boots you must ensure that they fit comfortably. A correct fit will also help you to control your skis.

Ski boots are made from plastic or polyurethane. These two materials allow the boots to restict lateral movement from side to side but enable the important bending and straightening of the ankle which is essential to good ski technique.

There are basically two types of ski boot. A rear entry boot allows the rear of the boot to open up to put the foot into the boot. They normally only have one clip and a limited amount of adjustment. They are ideal for beginner and low intermediate skiers. The other type of boots are called mid or front entry boots. These have a number of clips and hold the foot and lower leg much more securely. These boots are better for intermediate and advanced skiers.

When choosing a boot it is important not to get a boot that is too advanced for you. If you purchase race boots as a beginner skier they will not help you to ski and could cause you a serious injury.

For your first ski holiday I would recommend that you hire your boots in resort. This way if there is a problem with the boot you can simply take it back to the hire shop and get it replaced with a different pair. Once you have decided that you enjoy skiing then you can purchase a pair of boots for second or subsequent holidays. Typically ski boots cost between £80 and £300, with the most expensive boots usually only suitable for advanced skiers.

When purchasing boots you can often get big discounts if you purchase at the end of the ski season or during the summer. At this time the boot fitters are not so busy so you can take more time choosing your boots and getting the correct fit. Always walk around in a pair of boots for as long as possible before purchasing to ensure that they are going to be comfortable. If you get pins and needles or sore feet during this time either try another  pair of boots or get them adjusted. Do not buy them!, imaging if it is sore after 10 minutes what it will be like after 6 hours in the boots.