Every little skier needs a children's ski boot before being able to discover the joys of skiing. The size of a children's ski boot depends mainly on the size of the feet in centimetres. On the other hand, the type of boot will largely depend on the level, and you should not choose the same equipment for a beginner who is still a snowplough enthusiast as for a little downhill skier already practising the all schuss! Let's discover all this in more detail...

How to choose the size of the ski boots?

How to calculate the size

The size of a child's ski boot is not expressed by a size as for classic boots, but simply by a length corresponding to the size of the child's feet. To measure the size of your child's feet in centimetres, simply measure the size of the boots that will fit him/her. To measure this size properly, have your child place his/her bare foot on a sheet of paper, check that he/she is standing upright and note the back of the heel and the tip of the most advanced toe. This measurement will give you the correct children's ski boot size; this size in centimetres is sometimes referred to as the mondopoint, which is strictly the same thing.

Don't get too big!

The old adage that recommended taking shoes a little too big to accommodate big socks is no longer valid: socks suitable for skiing are now much thinner, thanks to advances in textile materials, and there is no need to take too big. The temptation may also be to aim taller to accompany the child's growth, but this would be a disservice to the child: he or she will not be comfortable in a child ski boot that is too big and risks not fully enjoying skiing, or even injuring himself or herself.

How to choose the type of shoe according to level and needs?

The type of children's ski boots to choose

The optimum type of children's ski boot depends on the age of your little one and his or her skiing level. If he is young (around 6 years old) and is limited to snowploughing, it is preferable to choose a soft-shelled boot, which he will not experience as a constraint, and with only a hook to facilitate lacing. When he is no longer in the discovery phase, and even more so when he is capable of an all-schuss descent, it is better to opt for boots with a rigid shell and three hooks, which will allow him to make the most of his skis.

Lacing, a point not to be overlooked

In any case, check the lacing carefully: it must not be too loose, as the child could risk the very unpleasant experience of losing the shoe and foot wet in the snow, but not too tight either, so as not to impede blood circulation.

Tips for comfort

Are the socks and slippers dry and arch-dry?

The choice of socks is essential for comfort: the special ski socks, made of synthetic materials that allow perspiration to evacuate, provide comfortable warmth. The socks must be carefully dried every evening so that they are dry for the next day's skiing session.

Has the child tried his boots on in position?

The fitting should not only consist of checking the size of the child's ski boots but also their comfort in use: these are not town boots, but boots designed for skiing! So ask your son or daughter to mimic the skiing position, so that you can be perfectly sure of their comfort in use, and don't hesitate to take time for this fitting: it's better to bother them a little in the moment so that they're comfortable when it's time to ski!

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