Skitouring Boots

The touring boot needs to fit both foot and binding

Women’s and men’s touring boots are different in their stiffness and height. While men’s boots are usually a bit stiffer, women’s boots have a shorter cuff. This is because the boot is designed to fit women specifically, and these generally have a lower calf muscle. As of this, you should always go for the boot to fit your body. Another important aspect is the size. Touring boots come in mondopoint sizes, just like alpine boots. To make your boot and sole length fit perfectly, we have created a sole length and mondo point guide for touring boots. Also be aware, that the inner shoe usually wears out a little after a while, meaning better buy a smaller one than one that is too large. When trying the boots on, it is totally acceptable if your toes touch the boot. Only when standing up and bending you knees, they should not touch anymore or just touch slightly. But the boot really needs to fit tightly, not too tight though. Too tight boots will lead to pain while too much space will cause blistering.

When choosing your ski touring boot, it is also crucial that it is compatible with your bindings. Most touring boots have pin inserts, however there are still some boots that are not compatible with some bindings and vice versa. Sometimes, the binding can and should be adjusted accordingly. At the same time, there are some touring boots that do no fit frame bindings.

What else to consider when buying touring boots

Before heading into your first ski tour with your new ski touring boots, here is some helpful advice: If you plan on using your touring boots with alpine bindings – which generally is not advisable – you might have to change the outer soles (only possible in freetouring). On touring boots, these rubberized and moulded, making them higher and therefore not release properly in alpine bindings. Especially when doing alpine tours, it can be helpful to have crampons with you, these are compatible with most touring boots and can be purchased separately. But most important is your safety equipment. Because you should never head into the backcountry without having your tracker beacon, shovel and avalanche probe with you!

Read more regarding touring boots

- Ski touring Guide: Find the best equipment for your next ski tour

- Ski touring boots: Sole length and mondo point

- What avalanche safety equipment do I need?