Zipper Boots

Find the right size boot

A boot should fit snugly and hold your foot securely in place, without causing pain or pressure points.

• Measure your feet and consult the brand’s ski boot sizing chart
• If possible, try boots on in person

Consider the last width

Last is the width (mm) of the inside of the boot at the ball of your foot.

• Narrower last: Ideal for narrow feet or those who want a tighter, high-performance fit   

• Wider last: Better for wider feet or those prioritizing comfort

Understand ski boot flex

• Softer: Comfortable and forgiving; great for beginners or smaller skiers

• Medium: Best for intermediate to advanced skiers; balances comfort and responsiveness

• Stiff flex: Ideal for expert skiers; prioritizes performance

How long will you be on the trail?

• Hiking shoes: day hikes or ultralight backpacking
• Hiking boots: multi-day treks with heavier loads

What upper is right for you?

• Leather: water- and abrasion-resistant, durable
• Synthetic: lightweight, break in easily, dry faster

Look at the lugs

• Deep, thick lugs improve grip
• Wider lug spaces sheds mud and offer good traction

Check crampon compatibility
Mountaineering and winter hiking may call for crampons. Narrow your search for boots with crampon compatibility.

Understand boot flex

• Soft flex boots are comfortable and easy on your feet; they're ideal for beginners or recreational riders.
• Medium flex boots balance mobility and support for all-mountain performance and comfort.
• Stiff flex boots offer maximum support for edge power and control at high speeds; ideal for freeriders and advanced riders.

Match riding style to flex

• Many all-mountain riders will gravitate toward more flexible boots. For fast, aggressive riding, go with stiffer boots.
• Freeriders place a premium on speed and precision, so stiffer boots are preferred. This rigidity helps generate edge power across icy, firm snow.
• Freestyle: Maneuverability and quick responses are vital to the park experience, so softer, more flexible boots are a good choice.

Find a good fit

A good fit starts with purchasing the right size boot. Snowboard boots typically use standard U.S. sizing.

Choose based on your activity: 

• Insulated boots are warm and comfortable after breaking in; ideal for long approaches. 

• Three-season boots are light and versatile for hiking and scrambling; they have a lower price point than the others. 

• Plastic mountaineering boots are durable, rigid, waterproof but bulky and heavy; commonly found as rentals 

Do you plan to do much hiking in your boots? 

• Three-season boots: lightest option for alternative activities like hiking and scrambling. 

• Insulated boots: not as light, but light enough to work for approach hikes. 

• Plastic boots: exclusively designed for mountaineering.  

Crampon types 

Find a good-fitting mountaineering boots first. Then, find crampons to fit your boots. Your crampon compatibility choices are strap on, semi-automatic and hybrid.