Why do ski boots feel so stiff? I'm a beginner.?

Question

I've never skiied before and will ski this w/e 1st time. I've just been fitted for ski boots but they feel so heavy and can't bend my ankles. Will I get used to this once on the snow or will it feel heavy? Tx.

Answer 1

I hope you get used to it very quickly.  But you must be patient as you will not be a great skier in a day so stick with it and it will come.  They will not feel heavy when you are skiing as you will be gliding effortlessly on the snow.

Ski boots are designed to be stiff.  It is how you control your skis.  You are trying to control either edge of the ski.  If they glued your tennis shoe onto the ski it would be very comfortable but you would have no control.  If you stick with it you will discover by leaning forward into the boot you can set your ski edge much deeper and you will be able to control your skis at greater speeds.  You are going to fall and if you’re not falling you’re not learning.  So learn, learn, learn and have a wonderful time.  Welcome to a lifetime of fun!

Answer 2

Yes and yes, to your last 2 questions. The boots feel stiff because they are. If they are too soft, you will be unable to apply the correct amount of pressure to the ski, as you take lessons, you will learn that the boot is designed to help you balance in the correct skiing position.  Your boots must be tight around your foot and ankle. Toe wiggle room is needed but no more.  When walking, try to bend your knee instead of your ankle, when going down stairs, hold on to the railing, then place your foot half over the edge of the step to compensate for the stiff ankle. Have fun take lessons from a qualified professional.

Answer 3

I think that's the idea -- you're not SUPPOSED to be able to bend your ankles. If your ankles could bend, that's the FIRST thing to break when you fall and your skis go in opposite directions.

Answer 4

That's the nature of a ski boot. At least standard alpine/downhill boots....when you get better at skiing and learn how to telemark you can get boots that are fairly flexible and are a lot more comfortable than regular boots.

Answer 5

Yeah, unfortunately, that's just how the boots are. And yes, you will get used to it after you get the hang of skiing. But if it bothers you, you may want to keep your boots unclipped when you're just walking around, and wait until the last second before you actually start skiing to tighten them down.