For many skiers, nothing ruins their Park City Mountain or Deer Valley ski day faster than poor fitting ski boots. Ski boots are stiff, unforgiving, and famously uncomfortable. However, when you have well-fitted boots, your feet can be pretty comfortable all day. When you have problems, they usually come from poorly fitted boots, especially ski boot rentals that prioritize speed and simplicity over fit.
We’re going to explain why boot fitting is better at Park City Sport, and most of it comes down to two things many rental shops don’t do well. First, we carry far more boot options. Secondly, we start every fitting by measuring your feet, not asking your shoe size. Those two differences allow us to fit more people comfortably without giving up performance. Everything else in getting set up for ski & snowboard rentals builds on that foundation.
More Ski Boot Brands (and Models) Mean a Better Fit
The single biggest reason boot fitting is better at Park City Sport is the number of boot brands and models we carry.
For the 2025 and 2026 season, we carry seven ski boot brands:
- Atomic
- Dalbello
- Head
- Lange
- Nordica
- Rossignol
- Salomon
Within those brands, we don’t rely on a single shell or shape. We carry multiple models in Nordica, Salomon, Dalbello, and Lange. That matters because different models within the same brand can vary significantly in width, instep height, heel pocket shape, and overall volume.
This depth allows us to fit a much wider range of foot shapes correctly. Some boots work best for narrow feet. Others are more accommodating for wide feet or higher insteps. A boot that feels perfect for one skier can be uncomfortable or even painful for another. Carrying more brands and models allows us to match the boot to the foot, not force the foot into the boot.
We also carry two snowboard boot brands, Burton and Vans. Snowboard boots tend to be more comfortable and forgiving by design, so they don’t require the same level of brand depth as ski boots to achieve a good fit.
How This Compares to Typical Rental Shops and Delivery Companies
Most ski and snowboard rental companies carry one boot brand, sometimes two. This makes operations easier and requires less storage space for delivery, but it limits how well customers can be fitted.
This limitation is especially common with delivery rental companies. Because they need to transport gear efficiently, they can’t carry a wide range of boot options. When a boot doesn’t fit well, the usual solution is to size the customer up or down.
That approach ignores the reality that feet are not just different sizes. They are different shapes. Sizing up or down rarely fixes pressure points, numbness, or poor control. It can actually make those problems worse.
By carrying many boot brands and models in our shops, we are able to fit more people properly, with both comfort and performance in mind.
BOA Ski Boots and Even Pressure Distribution
We also carry BOA ski boots, which have been really well received by our customers.
BOA ski boots use a dial based closure system that many people already recognize from snowboard boots. Instead of relying only on buckles, the BOA system spreads pressure more evenly across the foot. This helps reduce hot spots while still delivering a snug, responsive fit.
For skiers who struggle with pressure points or uneven tightness, BOA boots can make a noticeable difference in comfort without sacrificing control.
Real Boot Fitting Starts with Measuring Your Feet
Another way that our service is different from many ski rental shops is that we do a real boot fitting. A large boot selection only matters if the fitting process is done correctly.
At Park City Sport, we measure every customer’s foot. We don’t ask for shoe size. Many people don’t actually know their true foot size, and many wear everyday shoes that are too large.
Ski boots are sized using mondopoint, which is based on foot length in centimeters. A men’s size 8 roughly converts to a 26 mondo. Women’s sizing adds another layer of conversion, which makes guessing even less reliable. Measuring removes that guesswork.
Once measured, we consider foot shape, width, instep height, and heel shape. Experience plays a big role here. In many cases, Dean, owner of Park City Sport in the photo above, can tell which boot models will work best simply by looking at the shape of a customer’s foot.
How We Check Fit the Right Way for Rental Ski Boots
Boot fitting for ski rentals doesn’t end once the boot is on your foot.
We help customers put boots on while seated, then have them stand up and flex forward into the boot. This movement pulls the foot back into the heel pocket, where it should sit while skiing. This helps customers to feel the proper fit and position in the boot.
When standing tall, toes may lightly touch the front of the boot. When flexing forward, toes should pull back slightly.
We also show every customer:
- How to open and close their boots correctly
- How to tighten buckles for control without cutting off circulation
- How to recognize when a boot is too loose or too tight
Boots should feel secure, but you should still be able to open and close them without a lot of effort.
Why Ski Boots Get Such a Bad Reputation
Ski boots are often considered the worst part of skiing for good reason. They are rigid plastic shells designed to limit ankle movement for performance. When they don’t fit correctly, problems show up quickly.
Common issues include:
- Pain and numbness caused by compression
- Toe bang when boots are too long or improperly fitted
- Shin bang from excess movement or poor flex interaction
- Cold feet due to restricted circulation
Many beginners experience these problems because they are paired with ill fitting rental boots, not because ski boots are inherently miserable.
A properly fitted boot improves circulation, control, warmth, and overall confidence on the mountain.
Park City Sport Makes Adjustments and Exchanges Easy
Even with a careful fitting process, feet can feel different once you start skiing.
That’s why Park City Sport offers easy adjustments and exchanges. If something doesn’t feel right, come back to the shop and we’ll get you into a new boot or make adjustments to the current boots.
Pro Tips for Ski Boot Care and Sock Recommendations
To get the most out of your ski boots:
- Bring them inside at night and keep them somewhere warm
- Cold ski boots are harder to open and harder to put on
We also recommend wearing proper ski socks:
- One pair only
- Wool or synthetic both work well
- Light cushioning at the shin, heel, and toes improves comfort and warmth
Don’t wear multiple pairs at once. That often causes pressure points leading to blisters and hurts circulation which can make your feet colder.
The Park City Sport Difference in Boot Fitting
Most ski rental companies optimize for simplicity. Park City Sport optimizes for fit.
By carrying more boot brands and models, measuring every foot, and taking the time to fit ski boots properly, we are able to accommodate more people comfortably while still delivering optimal on snow performance.
If ski boots have ever been the worst part of your day, chances are you simply haven’t been fitted correctly yet.
If you need rental gear this winter, reserve your ski or snowboard in advance to ensure availability and save money.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ski & Snowboard Boot Fitting
Yes. Renting from a shop with more ski boot brands and models gives you a much better chance of finding a boot that actually fits your foot shape. Ski boots are rigid and highly shape dependent. When a rental shop carries only one brand or one model, they often compensate by sizing customers up or down, which rarely fixes comfort issues and can hurt performance. Shops like Park City Sport carry multiple boot brands and models so the boot can be matched to the foot, not the other way around.
A great boot fitting starts with measuring your feet and understanding their shape, not guessing based on shoe size. It includes selecting from multiple boot brands and models, checking fit while standing and flexing, and making sure the boot provides control without cutting off circulation. A good fitting also includes clear guidance on how to buckle and adjust the boots and the ability to make adjustments if something does not feel right once you start skiing or riding.
Ski boots are sized using mondopoint, which is based on foot length in centimeters, not US shoe sizes. Measuring the foot removes guesswork and allows the fitter to choose the correct shell size from the start.
Being asked for your street shoe size instead of having your feet measured. Shoe sizes vary and many people wear shoes that are too big, which often leads to boots that do not fit well. In addition, only having one boot brand will mean sizing up or down, rather than finding the best fitting boot for each customer.
