Does it matter for a man to wear woman fit ski boot ?

Question

I just bought my first ski boot yesterday, I try many pairs, and I found one comfortable and fits well, so I got it (Lange Concept 70W, Size 26.5).

However, after my return, I check the manual, I found this ski boot I got is a woman fit model. From the appearance, there is not much to tell (perhaps a few details and small pattern). Does it matter, will it be functional OK and protecting well for a Man?

I am not very tall, about 5' 9" and 159 pound.

Answer 1

Whatever floats your boat, but you might want to get the mens fit, or you might get called a tourist a lot

Answer 2

The main difference between woman's and mens boots is the shape of the cuff.

A mans boot curves up and a woman's curves down... this is due to the shape of the calf muscle.

I've sold lots of boots to the wrong gender, it makes no difference... apart from if its a 'girly' patterned boot.....

Best bet is to wear a longer pair of trousers and no one will be able to see!

Main thing is that they fit right and are comfortable...

p.s.

Most rental boots are male

Answer 3

If the boot fits.....

You've gotta have a narrow foot if that boot is fitting you well. If you feel comfortable in that boot, then by all means wear it.

I'm not 100% all-checked-out on this boot, but I do know Lange tends to run narrow. What the differences between this and its male boot counterpart are, I don't know off the top of my head. Most likely some differences in the cuff. If you have a thinner calf, then a women's boot cuff might be just what you need.

Answer 4

The primary concern is the shape of your boot and your foot. If they are a close match  and the boot is stiff enough to support you at your ability, it should be fine for you. The Shell of a woman's boot is cut lower around the leg to accommodate where a woman's calf muscle attaches to her leg.  Many expert men need to have their boots cut down around the calf  since a skier does have a larger than average calf muscle. Most ski boots are, IMO, built too stiff for most skiers.  The boot can be softened if needed.  When you are skiing, pull your snow cuff down over the boot and no one but you will notice what you are wearing.  This is not a fashion sport, if the boots work for you, your skiing will improve and who cares then?  Out ski the critics, and they will shut up.

   Do get foot beds and be checked for cant alignment at the shop, just little tweeks that really help.

Answer 5

Given your weight they should work just fine. I'm not too sure if the height is different in women's models. That should be your main concern. You will lose some response if they don't go far enough up your shins and at 5'9" you're taller than an average woman.

Let me reiterate, I don't know that the height is different in women's models! Someone else here can answer that. Willie D. has lots of gear knowledge and I'm pretty sure Jim W. has experience at boot-fitting. If they catch this they can give you a definite.