Finding a pair of ski boots that fits correctly is quite the balancing act. Too tight and you’ll lose circulation. Too loose and you’ll have limited control of your skis.
The process can be daunting, but once accomplished, the slopes seem easier, turns are more precise, and confidence is boosted.
But, like anything in life, every skier has their own preference when it comes to the order in which they buckle their ski boots.
The Ski Monster, a popular ski shop in Boston, MA, asked their Twitter followers which order they buckle their boots. They provided an image with each buckle sporting a numerical label to keep things organized.
Check it out below:
What order do you buckle your boots? pic.twitter.com/kQEb9W2Hyo
— The Ski Monster (@TheSkiMonster) June 13, 2023
It’s obvious what the correct way to buckle ski boots is, right? RIGHT?!
It’s clearly the following order: 3-2-4-5-2-3-1.
Wait. You’re telling me that’s not the order you follow? Is something wrong with you? Are you okay? Am I okay? Have I been led astray by the skiers who came before me?
I’m kidding (even if only just a little bit), but most boot fitters will recommend a very similar order to the one I provided. It’s generally accepted as the ‘best’ way to buckle your boots.
With that said, the replies to the original Tweet show that there’s no less than a hundred different ways that regular skiers buckle their boots on a daily basis.
Unsurprisingly, the skiers in the replies have started arguing with each other about which order they think is ‘correct’. Imagine that.
In truth, there’s really not a correct way to buckle your boots, but any good boot fitter will be sure to tell you what not to do.
Here are a few of the things I learned in a season as a boot fitter:
1. Don’t crank down on buckle # 5!!!!!! Keep this buckle loose. It does very little in regards to transferring energy from your foot to the ski. No need to crank down on it.
2. Dialing in buckles #2 and #3 is key. They’re the most important for transferring energy and controlling your skis.
3. Your boots should feel snug, but any pain, pinching, tingling, or numbness is a sign that your boot is either too small or too tight.
Thanks again to The Ski Monster for starting this engaging internet debate. I’m curious, so I’ll ask all of you myself:
What order do you buckle your ski boots?
P.S.- Just wait til everybody is rocking BOA boots and their whole buckle routine gets thrown out the window…
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