When renting equipment for children, we always take a lot of time in the INTERSPORT Rent shops. On the one hand, delicate children's feet need the best protection we have to offer, and on the other hand, comfort also plays a major role. The most important factor in this context is the right size of the children's ski boots.
Many parents rightly worry about which ski boot is the right one for their offspring when they go on skiing holiday. We have collected the most frequently asked questions about ski boot sizes for children and answered them for you. Have fun reading!
What should I consider when it comes to my kids ski boots size?
The requirements for ski boots for children are similar to those for adults. They are part of the equipment and are responsible for transferring movement impulses from the upper body and legs to the skis. In order to guarantee optimum power transmission, there are also some factors that play an important role in children's ski boots.
You should pay attention to this when choosing shoes and accessories:
- The right size: Ski boots must fit and provide support. One of the most important factors is the size of the children's ski boots. Did you know that there are now "growing" children's ski boots that cover up to 4 sizes? This saves a lot of money and means you don't have to buy a new pair every season. Under no circumstances should children wear ski boots that are too big. The child's feet will slide around in them so that the power cannot be optimally transferred to the skis. Frustration and, in the worst case, loss of control on the slope can be the result.
- Lightweight: Small and petite children also need lightweight ski boots. Children's ski boots that are too heavy and stiff can detract from the winter sports experience, as the youngsters are not yet able to muster the strength or weight to transfer the movement impulses to the skis. Depending on the design, they can even weigh less than one kilogramme and still offer the desired stability.
- Easy step-in option: A critical moment for the little ones' perfect outdoor day is always putting on and taking off their ski boots. Especially when it comes to convincing the kids to have fun on the slopes for the first time. Comfort takes centre stage here. Self-adjusting (ski boot) tongues make it possible. Note: There are also ski boots with rear entry for small children. The good thing about this is that children can get used to putting them on and taking them off more quickly. However, it must be said that these ski boots are particularly soft and comfortable and are therefore not for kids who are already confident on skis.
- Sufficient ventilation: The inner shoe should be removable so that the fabric can dry and air out.
- Buckles: They ensure that the foot sits firmly in the children's ski boot. The younger/smaller the children, the fewer buckles. Both rear entry and "regular" models usually have one buckle. As kids get older and more experienced, more buckles are added to provide better control on the skis.
Children's feet are still growing, which is taken into consideration by the manufacturers. Ski boots for kids therefore offer a lighter flex, which is achieved by using more flexible materials and a thinner shell construction. This is supported by a shorter shaft. This not only increases comfort, but also the enjoyment of skiing!
Finding the right ski boot size for kids
As with adults, children's ski boot sizes are determined using the Mondopoint system. This is the only globally standardised boot size system to date. Mondopoint sizes are based solely on the basis of foot length. Therefore, the standard children's shoe sizes do not apply to ski boots for children. Thanks to the Mondopoint table, it is possible to refer to standardised comparative values - even between manufacturers. The following size chart will help you to find the right size for children's ski boots.
Ski boot size chart for toddlers and kids (Mondopoint)
Our practical size chart offers you a comparison between shoe sizes, foot lengths and Mondopoints.
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Mondopoint shoe size chart for children according to ISO specification ISO/TS 19407:2015 |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mondopoint | Foot length in cm | EU | UK | US |
| 120 | 12 | 19.5 | 3.5 | 4 |
| 125 | 12.3 | 20 | 4 | 4.5 |
| 12.7 | 20.5 | 4.5 | 5 | |
| 130 | 13 | 21 | 5 | 5.5 |
| 13.3 | 21.5 | 5.5 | 6 | |
| 135 | 13.5 | 22 | ||
| 140 | 13.8 | 22.5 | 6 | 6.5 |
| 14.2 | 23 | 6.5 | 7 | |
| 145 | 14.6 | 23.5 | 7 | 7.5 |
| 14.8 | 24 | |||
| 150 | 15 | 24.5 | 7.5 | 8 |
| 155 | 15.4 | 25 | 8 | 8.5 |
| 15.7 | 25.5 | 8.5 | 9 | |
| 160 | 16 | 26 | 9 | 9.5 |
| 16.4 | 26.5 | |||
| 165 | 16.6 | 27 | 9.5 | 10 |
| 170 | 16.9 | 27.5 | 10 | 10.5 |
| 17.3 | 28 | 10.5 | 11 | |
| 175 | 17.6 | 28.5 | 11 | 11.5 |
| 180 | 17.9 | 29 | 11.5 | 12 |
| 18.2 | 29.5 | |||
| 185 | 18.5 | 30 | 12 | 12.5 |
| 18.8 | 30.5 | 12.5 | 13 | |
| 190 | 19.2 | 31 | 13 | 13.5 |
| 195 | 19.5 | 31.5 | 13.5 | 1 |
| 19.8 | 32 | |||
| 200 | 20 | 32.5 | 1 | 1.5 |
| 205 | 20.4 | 33 | 1.5 | 2 |
| 20.7 | 33.5 | |||
| 210 | 21 | 34 | 2 | 2.5 |
| 21.3 | 34.5 | 2.5 | 3 | |
| 215 | 21.7 | 35 | 3 | 3.5 |
| 220 | 22 | 35.5 | 3.5 | 4 |
| 22.4 | 36 | |||
| 225 | 22.6 | 36.5 | 4 | 4.5 |
| 230 | 23 | 37 | 4.5 | 5 |
| 23.2 | 37.5 | |||
| 235 | 23.6 | 38 | 5 | |
Good to know: Take a look at the size of the inner shoe sole! It should be no more than one centimetre longer than the sole of your child's foot.
The right equipment for a day on the slopes
Now that you know what size ski boots your children need, you have cleared the first hurdle. The next logical step is the right length of children's skis and the size of the ski poles. If you are planning to visit an INTERSPORT Rent shop for the right children's ski boots, our ski experts will also be able to advise you on the other equipment. In addition to the right protectors, jackets and helmets you will also find ski goggles for children in the range. And if you're already browsing, we've put together some information about gloves or mittens in our RENTertainer blog. We look forward to seeing you.
Frequently asked questions about the kids’ ski boot size:
How much space should there be in a ski boot?
It is generally said that when standing upright, the toes should lightly touch the front of the boot. As soon as you bend your knees and exert pressure, the foot slides backwards and provides sufficient space. If you are unsure about the right size, our RENTertainers will be happy to help. Just drop by one of our 800 locations and ask for advice.
What does the sole length of ski boots mean?
The sole length indicates the distance between the front toe of the ski boot to the rear end of the heel. This information is used to determine the distance between the front and rear part of the binding. The relevant value is often engraved or printed on the bottom of the sole or on the outer shell.
How important is flex in ski boots for children?
The right flex is a decisive factor when buying a ski boot - including ski boots for children. This value indicates the hardness of the ski boot or its forward resistance.
While a low flex is more comfortable, a harder ski boot ensures that movement impulses can be better transferred to the ski. From a boot size of 22 to 26 Mondopoint, the flex value is between 60 and 90. Both body weight and skiing ability are decisive factors in determining the right flex. The higher the weight and/or ability, the higher the flex value should be. If you are unsure, the winter sports experts at INTERSPORT Rent look forward to hearing from you.
INTERSPORT Rent Tip
In the INTERSPORT Rent shops we are prepared for everything. And finding the right size for children's ski boots is our daily bread. We usually measure the children's feet with a slide gauge to determine length and width and select the right boot based on this. We have a wide range of ski boots for children depending on their age, size and level of skiing - from rear-entry to single and multi-buckle boots.
Our tip: Anyone wearing ski boots for the first time will realise that not only putting them on and taking them off, but also the walking itself takes some getting used to. Children feel the same way. That's why it's so important to make their first experience a positive one and not to put them on skis right away. Ideally, you should have a few games ready (standing on one leg, obstacle course, long jump, etc.) so that the kids get used to the ski boots.
