Should I take ski boots that are 1/2 size larger than i wear?

Question

A friend offered me her ski boots. She wears a size 8 and I wear a size 7.5 shoe. Should I take them? The price is right - either free or only a few dollars, but I don't want to mess up my feet or form.

If it matters, I'm a brand new skier, having only been twice. If I don't take these boots, I would continue renting equipment and may buy stuff at the end of the season, if it turns out that I like skiing enough.

Answer 1

First things first.  No reputable ski shop would sell you a pair of boots if you were going to have to wear two pairs of socks to keep you feet warm.  Skiing is a winter sport, cold happens.  Besides the right size boot keeps circulation moving to your feet, keeping your feet warmer.  Nearly all boot fitters will tell you that one thin ski sock is always better than two.  If you use two, you have a higher chance of your feet sweating and inside the shell of a ski boot that sweat has nowhere to go.  That excess sweat actually makes your feet wetter and hence colder.

As far as sizing is concerned.  Once you go to buy boots, any boot fitter worth his money is going to put you into a boot that is the same size as your street shoe or SMALLER.  There are things to do to make a ski boot bigger (stretching the shell, grinding the shell) but if the boot is too big, it will always be too big.  One of the other answers mentioned that some times in ski boots the whole size and half size are the same outer shell with a different liner.  A good point.  

What you should do is take the liner out of the boot shell.  Now put your foot in the shell.  Move your foot forward until your toes are just touching the front of the shell.  Look into the boot behind your ankle.  If the space between your ankle and the shell looks greater than 2 finger widths, the boot is too big.  Less than 2 to 1.5 you are in the range a boot fitter is going to put you in.  If you want you can have your friend stick their hand behind your foot and gauge the space.  A wooden spoon’s handle works well too.

You also should keep in mind what kind of boots you are getting and your skiing ability.  If you are just beginning and you go into too advanced of a ski boot, it might hinder your ability to progress because it may be too stiff and overly responsive.

The best thing you can do for your ski trips this season is to rent your skis and boots from a higher end ski shop near where you are skiing. You wouldn't rent your surf board in New Jersey before going to surf in Hawaii, so get your ski gear in a ski town. The higher end shops often offer more than just your basic rental gear. Some shops even have boots which are very similar to the ones you could eventually buy. While there, talk to the shop's "boot fitters." Tell them where you are at in skiing and what you are hoping to achieve. They can point out which boots they carry which may fit your needs in the future. If the equipment you rent works well, take the time to write down the equipment numbers from your rental form and the next time you go back to that store, you can ask for the same gear.

Lastly a couple of things to keep in mind. #1: The foot beds in rental boots suck. At the ski shop purchase a quality foot bed that can be inserted into the boots. This will help to stabilize your foot in the boot. You can then take it with you when you leave. All upper level skiers use them and swear by them. #2:  I said it before and I will say it again, do not get and settle for a ski boot which is BIGGER than your street shoe size. Your foot will just be swimming inside of it and it will not help you get any better. Upper level skiers all have boots which are the same as their street shoe or smaller. It is a question of control and performance. So rent a boot no bigger than your street shoe.

Boots are the most important purchase you can make.  Happy feet make you a happy skier, skiing all day.

Answer 2

I always get my ski boots a 1/2 size larger because I wear multiple pairs of socks when I ski.  Most ski boots have excellent insulation, but I can't stand it when my toes are cold, so I take no chances.

Also, ski boots that are too small HURT LIKE h**l.  They cramp your feet, squish your toes, and really really really hurt your shins.  You can tell right away when you put them on and get up that you're going to be miserable.

Try them on with an extra pair of socks and walk around in them.  If they're comfy, go for it.  If not, you might want to get a different pair.

Answer 3

If they free go for it.  Since you are a beginer, equipment wont make that much of a difference.  Once you become more comfortable on skis you will want to get some boots that fit well.

Answer 4

Depending on the boot, some 1/2 sizes are the same as the whole size. The only difference is the size of the liner. A 1/2 size really won't make a big difference at your level of skiing. Chances are athicker pair of socks will take up the extra volume in the boot anyway.

Case in point: I have shoes in sizes from 11 to 13 depending on the make. My hiking boots are a 12, my normal ski boots are an 11.5. I don't think 1/2 size will make a big difference.

Answer 5

try them on...ski boot sizing is kind of strange every brand, heck every pair of boots seem to be different.

I have 10 1/2s and 11s and they both fit me to a tee

just the same make sure they DO fit...you can and will develop bad habits skiing with boots that don't fit

your toes should be touching the front when you are standing straight up and pull away when you lean forward with your heels feeling gripped in that forward leaning position. most importantly you should feel snug but comfortable

boots are the most important piece of equipment you can own...buy the best boots you can afford, go cheap or rent the skis but don't cheat your feet