Bootfitting Guide Page 4 - Shell Stiffness
By Christian Denis of Elite Feet, November 11, 2000

Shell Stiffness

Purchasing the right boot for your ability is also very important. Having a boot that is too stiff will inhibit your skiing by never letting you get forward to pressure the tip of your skis. Having too soft of a boot will not let you transfer energy to the ski quickly enough. Regardless of your level, you want to purchase a boot that can grow with you so that it does not become a hindrance to your reaching the next level. But at the same time, your boot should not be so far beyond you that it prevents you from mastering the skills you need to progress. This is a time to be brutally honest with yourself about your current skiing ability and not to be pressured by friends or marketing.

Furthermore, adjustable flex control is a good feature to have in a boot. This will not only enable the boot to grow with your skiing ability, but will also help you in varying snow conditions. Being able to stiffen your boot in hard pack will give you more power, while softening your boot on powder days will allow your skis to get better floatation.

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