Buyer's guide: How to pick ski boots?

At Snowcountry, we have a passion for freeride, touring, and splitboarding. Our selection stands out due to an extensive range of freeride and touring ski boots. You also find freestyle and alpine ski boots. We offer high-quality ski boots that often come with extra features such as a walk mode or tech inserts.

In this Snowhow article we provide you with guidance on how to pick ski boots.

Choosing the right flex

The flex rating indicates the stiffness of the ski boot. The higher the flex, the stiffer the boot. In the consumer market, the flex index ranges from 60 to 140. There are ski boots with a higher flex, but these are for professional racing skiers. These boots are more stiff, direct, and unforgiving for maximum power and precision. At Snowcountry, you find ski boots with a flex rating between 90 and 140.

Low flex <90

Ski boots with low flex are forgiving and easier to bend. Perfect for beginners, where an immediate ski response is less important.

Medium flex 90 - 110

The perfect flex for the average skier who would like his ski to respond directly enough to carve a bit.

Medium high flex 120

For advanced who know how to build pressure for good carve turns.

High flex 130 - 140

For expert skiers who demand a stiffer boot which is more direct, providing better control.

Ski boots with walk mode

Many ski boots for freeriding or touring have a walk mode. In walk mode the boots allow the cuff (part above your ankle) to more forward and backward. This increases ankle mobility, making walking easier.

In ski touring, a walk mode provides more comfort while climbing. Moreover, it allows a natural walking motion and saves you energy. For freeriders, a walk mode is beneficial when venturing off-piste in areas without ski lifts. Sometimes, you need to hike up to reach a great descent. In such situations, a walk mode offers extra comfort.

But, a walk mode is actually useful for anyone who spends long days on the mountain. It’s also convenient when waiting in line for the ski lift, walking to the parking lot, or relaxing in the ski lodge.

Tech Inserts

Tech inserts are commonly found in touring ski boots. These lightweight inserts offer great mobility while climbing and still provide solid performance on descents. A ski boot with tech inserts has small metal cutouts on the sides of the toe and heel.

Types of Soles

When buying ski boots, it’s important to know that not every boot fits every binding. This is mainly due to the differences in sole thickness among various types:

• ISO 5355 - Alpine
• ISO 23223 - GripWalk / Improved Walking
• WTR
• ISO 9523 - Touring
• Non-compliant touring boots

Alpine Soles (ISO 5355)

This type of sole is commonly found in traditional ski boots and designed for optimal on-piste skiing performance. The flat and rigid plastic soles ensure maximum power transfer and control over the skis. However, they provide little to no grip, making walking on slippery surfaces difficult.

Compatibility: Fits almost all types of ski bindings.

GripWalk Soles (ISO 23223)

Many modern ski boots come equipped with GripWalk soles. These soles are designed to improve walking comfort and grip. They have a slight curve for a natural rolling motion and feature rubber elements for extra traction on slippery surfaces. GripWalk soles are perfect for freeriders and tourers during ascents. Still, even walking to the ski lift or parking lot is more comfortable.

Compatibility: Compatible with GripWalk, MN, and WTR bindings. Depending on whether the boot has tech inserts, it may also work with pin bindings.

WTR Soles

WTR soles, like GripWalk soles, are for better walking comfort and grip. But, since the ‘Improved Walking - ISO 23223’ standard was assigned to GripWalk, WTR soles are becoming less common.

Compatibility: Compatible with MN, WTR, and sometimes tech pin bindings. 

Touring Soles (ISO 9523)

Touring soles are specifically designed for ski touring and freeriding. Ski boots with touring soles almost always feature tech inserts. Like GripWalk soles, they have a slight curve for improved walking comfort and a robust rubber tread for grip on snowy and rocky terrain. 

Compatibility: Compatible with tech bindings and MN bindings.

Non-Compliant Touring Boots

These are ultra-lightweight touring ski boots. The design focuses on weight reduction and optimal walking efficiency. They do not conform to a specific standard.

Compatibility: Only compatible with tech pin bindings.

Below, you can see which type of ski boot sole fits which type of binding. Would you like more information about ski boot soles, ski bindings, and compatibility? Check out our article on choosing the right ski binding.

Ski boot sizing

When buying ski boots, it’s crucial to know your correct size. To determine the right size, consider both the length and width of your foot. We explain this in more detail in our article: “Picking the right size ski boots”.

Are you looking for advice on how to pick ski boots? Feel free to contact our expert customer service team. They will be happy to provide you with tailored advice.