How to Size Kids' Skis & Boots
Properly fitting skis and ski boots can mean the difference between a safe, enjoyable family ski vacation and one that makes you wish you'd stayed home. Ski boots that don't fit properly will make your child uncomfortable and can potentially cause an accident. Ski boots don't follow the same sizing as regular shoes do; instead, they are sized on the Mondopoint size scale. This makes it confusing when it comes time to purchase ski boots for your kiddo. Finding the proper size skis is equally important for your child's safety and comfort.
Instructions
Ski Boots
Use a Mondo-size ski boot conversion chart to get a basic idea of what size ski boot your child should need, such as the one at Skis.com. Children wearing little kids size 9 through big kids size 2 1/2 in regular shoes will need child-size ski boots, while children wearing big kids shoes in size 3 or larger will need adult-size ski boots. Take your child to a ski shop to try on ski boots. Bring along a pair of slim but warm ski socks to wear when trying on ski boots. You want your child to be able to try the boots on with the socks he would want to wear while skiing. Ask to have your child's foot measured with a ski boot measuring device. Use this measurement and the size determined from the sizing chart as a starting point for trying on boots. Place the ski boots on your child's feet, then ask him to walk around the store in them. Ask him how comfortable he is and if anything feels bad. Tell your child to bend at the knees and flex forward to see how it feels. If there is discomfort, then those are not the boots he needs. Find boots that feel good, then remove the inner boot from the shell. Ask your child to place his foot back in the shell. Place a finger or two between the shell and your child's heel. If there are one to two finger-widths there, then the fit is good. More or less than that signals a bad fit. Buying Skis
Weigh and measure your child to get an idea of her current size. Find the correct size skis for your child by following a size guide, like the one at Evo website. Skis are sized to a child based on height and weight. Use the determined ski length from the chart to start trying out skis at a ski shop. Hold the skis up to your child's side. The skis should stand somewhere between your child's nose and her chest. Go with skis that are shorter and closer to her chest if she is a beginner, since they will be lighter and easier to turn with. Select skis that are taller and closer to her nose, if she is a seasoned skier and enjoys going fast down the slopes.
