If you’re planning to spend a day on the ski slopes, you might be surprised at how heavy some of the ski equipment is. Ski boots, in particular, can weigh far more than a regular shoe.
Knowing just how heavy an average ski boot is can help you choose the right pair for your preferred skiing style.
How much do ski boots weigh?
The weight of ski boots varies depending on exactly what they’re made of and how they’re constructed.
Size also plays a factor in ski boot weight. For example, a larger shoe, such as a men’s size 14, will weigh more than a small shoe, like a women’s size seven.
In general, however, one ski boot weighs between 3 and 5 pounds, with most ski boots weighing around 3.5 pounds. This means that a pair of ski boots can weigh between 6 and 10 pounds but will usually weigh around 7 pounds.
There are some exceptions to these weights, including children’s ski boots, which tend to weigh much less.
For example, the Rossignol Pure Comfort 60 Women’s Ski Boots weigh 2.94 kilograms or 6.48 pounds.
The Nordica Men Cruise 70 Boots weigh 3.47 kilograms or 7.65 pounds.
Why are ski boots so heavy?
Ski boots must be rugged enough to stand up to the wear and tear of skiing. They must also work to keep your feet protected, insulated, warm, and dry.
Ski boots are generally made of tough materials such as leather, rubber, plastic, and even metal, and they’re often lined with a thick, soft cloth.
Together, these elements help to make skiing safer and more comfortable, but they can also add a great deal of weight to the boot.
Should I choose lighter ski boots?
After experiencing the weight of ski boots, many skiers wonder if they should select a pair of lighter boots. This makes sense, as spending any time walking around in a pair of ski boots can be surprisingly physically demanding.
However, not everyone should opt for a lighter pair of boots.
Ski boots are meant to protect your feet and ankles and keep snow out, and heavier boots are often more durable. This makes them a better choice for skiing.
A pair of ski boots can weigh between 6 and 10 pounds but will usually weigh around 7 pounds.
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Lightweight boots won’t always be able to hold up to the rigors of downhill skiing. Instead, it’s best to choose a pair of boots based on how they fit and how comfortable they feel on your feet instead of how heavy they are.
Remember that once you begin skiing, you won’t pick your feet up too much but will instead glide.
The exception to this rule is if you are a cross-country skier who plans to spend longer periods skiing in the backcountry.
Backcountry skiers often make long treks or camp overnight, so it’s important that they pack lightly and consider weight. In this case, special backcountry ski boots are available.
These boots aren’t always as durable as downhill ski boots, but they won’t need to stand up to the strain that downhill boots must endure.
Backcountry ski boots also tend to be much lighter, so skiers can move more freely.
What else should I consider when choosing ski boots?
How a pair of boots fit is the most important factor when choosing skiing gear. You will want to select a pair that feels warm and fits the shape and size of your foot without pinching.
Remember to try on your boots with a pair of socks.
When considering ski boots, you’ll also need to look at the flex rating. A higher flex rating means that the boot will be much stiffer, but it will give you a more efficient energy transfer, allowing you to make much sharper turns and cruise swiftly down the slope.
Boots with lower flex ratings don’t offer this type of energy transfer, but they’re softer and much more comfortable to wear.
Beginners usually do best with boots that have a softer flex rating. For men, this is usually below 85, and for women, it’s usually below 75. Intermediate skiers often opt for a moderate flex rating.
Intermediate women skiers usually choose boots with a flex rating of 80 to 90, while men usually need a flex rating of between 100 and 110.
The flex rating on boots goes up to 140, but a flex rating over 110 is generally only available in racing or high-performance style boots.
