Many skiers feel that they have to make a choice between having warm comfortable feet or having a ski boot tight enough to feel in control of their skis.

    Finding a happy balance of both is not only possible, but can often be achieved with a few minor buckle adjustments and by developing a simple boot buckling routine.

 The first step to a successful day of skiing starts before you load the first lift up.

     When you put your boots on at the beginning of your ski day, start by doing your buckles up to tightness that feels correct for proper ski control.  For most skiers this should feel like a firm “handshake” around your foot with little to no movement when flexing the boot and when simulating the typical actions that you would do while carving a ski. 

    This tightness may vary slightly for every skier depending on foot sensitivity, type of skier and personal preference, but should always be even and snug

    Find your ideal boot tightness by first using the different hook and bail positions for the approximate desired tension and then move to fine tuning the fit by using the micro-adjust feature on each buckle.

     If you are not familiar with the “micro-adjust” feature on your buckles, it’s the threaded portion of the buckle at the bail.  Rotating the bail clockwise will tighten it and counter-clockwise will loosen it.  Each full rotation will be around 1mm (3/64”) of adjustment.  

     This may not seem substantial, but when it comes to ski boot tension, 1mm tighter or looser will be noticeable.  Two or three turns either way can be the difference between a numb or cramping foot or a boot that feels loose.

    Once you feel the correct tightness, release your buckles while leaving the bails still latched.  You can leave the buckles in this relaxed state for walking to the lift and the ride up.

    When you off-load at the top, simply close your buckles knowing that you have already preset the correct boot tension for skiing with only minor adjustments if necessary.

    Depending on the type of boot fit you have, or what kind of day it is, you may want to use this technique from run to run.  You can get into the habit of releasing the bottom buckles (toe and instep buckles) in the lift line after each run.

     Much like your first lift up, leaving the toe and instep bails latched but releasing the buckle tension lets you stand in line (hopefully there is none) and ride the lift with maximum comfort and circulation.

    You will also be giving your feet a “break” in between runs and may end up having the best of both worlds.  Performance control while skiing and comfort for the times in between.

     Throughout the day, listen to your feet and your skis.  As the conditions change, the temperature fluctuates, and as your skiing and run choices change, your boot tightness and buckle tension should also change accordingly.

     More challenging runs and conditions will likely require a slightly tighter fitting boot and require more frequent buckle adjustments and buckle management.  Other days or easier conditions may require little to no need for frequent adjustments. 

    With your good ski boot routine, using your micro-adjusts, and managing your buckles between runs, you are set for a great ski day every day!