The skiing season is always a fun time of the year. It can be exciting to plan a skiing trip with your family and friends and how you’ll finally take your ski boots out of their storage. If you have been skiing for a while, you might wonder if your old pair of ski boots can be used.
There is no specific lifespan of a ski boot. It can go anywhere from 50 to 200 ski days, or even up to 5 years or more. Of course, it will depend on how often you use the boots. The more often you use them, the quicker they will go through wear and tear.
If your old pair of ski boots might look a little bit worse for wear, it might be time to replace them. We will be talking about the factors that can affect the lifespan of your ski boots and what measures you can take in order to make them last longer. So, if you want to know if your ski boots need replacing, read on!
How Long Do Ski Boots Last
There is no set expiration date for ski boots.
Most manufacturers will tell you that ski boots can last for 50 up to 200 skiing days. At the same time, some people will tell you that their ski boots have lasted more than 5 years.
The lifespan of ski boots will depend on several factors:
1. Age of the ski boots
2. How often do you go skiing
3. Weather conditions
4. Your style of skiing
5. How ski boots are stored
6. Quality of your boots
Main Factors that Affect The Lifespan Of A Ski Boot
Age of the ski boots
As much as you want ski boots to last forever, they will eventually need to be replaced as the quality may diminish over time.
It is recommended to replace ski boots every 3 to 5 ski seasons if you use them frequently. If you use your ski boots just several days in a skiing season, they could last longer than a person’s ski boots who use them a lot.
How often do you go skiing?
Ski boots take a beating every time you ski. If you ski a lot during the skiing season, expect the wear and tear of your ski boots to be worse than if you’d just ski a few times a year. Ski boots do age and when used often, it becomes more and more worn out.
Weather Conditions
The weather conditions can also affect your ski boots. Depending on the material of your ski boots, some plastics can be sensitive to temperature. If you ski in very cold weather, the boots will also be stiffer than normal. When it gets warmer, the boots will be less stiff. This frequent change in temperature can cause stress and damage to the ski boots.
It is easy to put your ski boots away after a session but, it is advisable to check on your boots after each use to check for any damages.
Your Style Of Skiing
It goes without saying that the harder you ski, the more wear and tear your ski boots will take. An advanced skier who skis frequently, especially in rough terrains will probably go through ski boots more often than a person who only skis 3 to 4 times a year.
Storage
Proper storage of ski boots can extend their lifespan a little longer. Aside from storing them properly, cleaning them after each use is optimal to keep them in good shape. Keep your ski boots clean and dry after each use to keep them clean and prevent bacteria from growing.
Quality Of Ski Boots
Investing in high-quality ski boots will definitely make them last longer, especially if you ski a lot. But, of course, even the highest quality ski boots need to be replaced in the long run. This just ensures that your ski boots will not fall apart after a few use.
When To Replace Your Ski Boots?
Sometimes, ski boots just have to go when they no longer serve their purpose. You will see signs of wear and tear as well as other factors that say your ski boots need to be replaced.
Poor Fit
Ski boots are probably the most important part of your skiing gear. If the boots no longer fit you, you need to replace them. Ill-fitting boots will affect your performance as skiing is all about balance and weight distribution.
Your ski boots may have compressed because of the weather or because your feet grew. No matter the reason, replace the boots when they no longer fit.
Ski Boot Liners
Ski boot liners tend to have a shorter lifespan of 100 ski days. If your ski boot liner feels like they are disintegrating or packed out, it might be about time that they are replaced. If the ski boot shells are not yet damaged but the liners are, you just need to replace the liners and not the ski boot itself.
Cracked Shell
Another sign that the ski boots need to be replaced is if you see cracks in the plastic shell. Damaged shells can cause injury so it is best that you buy new ski boots before the boots give out during mid-ski.
Flex Rating
Depending on your build, weight, and skiing style, the flex rating on your boots may need to be changed. You may want a higher flex rating when you become a more advanced skier. When changing your flex rating, it is best to see a professional ski boot fitter so you can be fitted properly. They might suggest you upgrade to a higher flex rating or remain in your current ski boots.
How To Take Good Care Of Your Ski Boots
Taking good care of your ski boots can extend their lifespan.
When cleaning your ski boots, make sure to wash the liners and let them dry completely to prevent bacteria from spreading. Using clean, dry socks every time you do a ski session will ensure that the insides of your ski boots will remain clean for a while. Dirty socks can make your ski boots smelly and dirty. After each ski session, dry the shells of your ski boots to prevent bacteria and mold from growing.
Whether you ski frequently or just a few times a year, spend some time cleaning your ski boots to keep them for longer.
Wear Cat Tracks
The wear and tear not only happen when you ski down the slopes. It also happens when you walk around in your ski boots.
Wearing cat tracks can protect your boots. They are detachable and are placed on the underside of your ski boots to protect the soles. Cat tracks can fit right inside your jacket pocket so you can easily attach them before you walk in your ski boots.
How Can You Extend The Life Of Your Ski Boots
As we said earlier, taking good care of your skis will extend their lifespan.
Storing them in a cool and dry place will prevent moisture and will keep the boots from having a foul odor. Before storing your ski boots, make sure they are completely dry. If your boots are still wet, a cool and dry environment won’t help keep your boots clean.
Using Worn-out Ski Boots
While you might want to use worn-out ski boots even if they do not have any visible damage, it is advisable to replace skis after it has been used for about 200 ski days. It may be even less when you are a frequent and advanced skier.
Worn-out skis can affect your performance, especially if the heels and toes are worn-out. You can also risk an injury if you continue to use old, worn-out ski boots. But, you can have the heels and toes replaced of most modern ski boots.
Final Thoughts
Ski boots can last 50 to 200 ski days. Some even have boots that lasted them for years. If you have an old pair that has visible damage, it may be time to replace them. Buying new boots can be expensive so a lot of care is needed not only in a new pair but also in older and used boots. If you find that the heels and toes are the ones that give in first, you can buy ski boots with replaceable heels and toes so you can replace what you only need.
We hope this article helped decide whether it is time to replace your ski boots or not. Happy skiing!
