The chart below is sort of accurate. What it doesn't take into account is that boot manufacturers still make different sized boots, even though the Mondo sizing is intended to eliminate that. The way mondo sizing works (allegedly works) is that the dimension, such as 25.5, defines the inner size of the boot in centimeters. If you ever bother to measure your foot in centimeters, you'll see quite quickly that none of the numbers really jive. In fact, a ladies' 27 is a centimeter smaller than a mens' 27, which tells you that the whole standardization thing is a bunch of hooey. So, what to do?

If you are buying boots retail, ignore the sizing and just try on boots until they fit. If you have to completely tighten all the settings, the boot is too large. If you have to max out every setting, the boot is not necessarily too small...because it will stretch through use. Even if you need someone to help clamp down the buckles the first few times you wear them, you are probably on the right track. Too small is far better than too big -- the act of skiing will "pack out" the liner and make it larger. A tighter fit means the boot moves when your foot moves, a loose fit means that your feet slop around in your boot and your skis won't move unless you overcompensate, which puts you off balance, which leads to a yard sale. Just make sure the boot doesn't cut off your circulation, and don't store your boots out in a cold garage the night before you ski.

If you are buying online or mail order, have your foot measured at a shoe store on one of those big metal things. Go to the chart below, add one full size to your size, and read across to your mondo size. In other words, if you are a ladies' 8½, add a size to 9 or 9½, and try a mondo size 26.5 to 27. Start with that, and be sure they have a return policy.

Going cheap? buying through ebay or some other less-than-iron-clad-returnable outlet? Do the same: Have your foot measured, add one full size, look for the corresponding Mondo size, etc. Then make sure that whatever you buy is cheap enough so that you won't be upset if it all craps out...and you can always try to resell via a ski swap, ebay, newspaper ad, etc. and plod ahead!

And remember, we're talking about boots with four adjustable buckles, right? If you're looking at something other than that, it's either a children's boot, rental boot, or a boot that is old...which isn't necessarily bad. Some people simply fit into rear entry boots better than front entry -- style be damned -- and any "new" rear entry boots are so old they're bound to be dirt cheap. Rental boots may be front, rear, or fewer buckles, but are usually built to take a beating, so don't be put off by those either.

In a nutshell, the basic rules of ski boots: Tight fit, comfort, minimal or no "foot slop," ankle rigidity, and make sure you can make the boots go where you want them to go/do what you want them to do -- because that's the only way your skis are going to.

Narrow Boots, Wide Boots, & Custom Fit

In the paragraphs above, we talk exclusively about the way the average Joe buys ski boots. If you have unusual feet, or if you ski frequently, you may have to step it up a notch.

Are all ski boots the same width? No. Absolutely not. The width of the shell depends on the "last" the manufacturer uses to form it. Different models or product lines use different lasts.

Let's look at Tecnica boots for example, the Tecnica Diablo fits a men’s B to C foot width. The Tecnica Vento fits a D to E width. The Tecnica Modo goes even wider, and the Tecnica Vento HVL (HV stands for High Volume) is probably the widest boot available.

If you have any doubts about finding boots that fit, your best bet is to go to a custom bootfitter; most high end ski shops have someone who can help you. Chain stores are less likely to be able to meet your needs, but then again if they happen to carry a wide boot, you might find the right fit. The advantage to a custom bootfitter is that they will take into account the shape of your legs to cant the boots properly, and a host of other things to give you a perfect fit.

Mondo Ski Boot Sizes

Thinking of going the cheap way to gear up? Click here for some insight on purchasing ski equipment on Ebay.

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