Boot flex can be a pretty important part of the boot fitting process. Having a boot that’s too stiff or too soft can make skiing a lot less fun, a lot more difficult, and a lot more painful. But there are plenty of myths surrounding the concept as well.
For one, needing a stiffer boot does not necessarily make you a better skier, and using a softer boot does not necessarily make you a worse skier. It’s all about what you’re able to flex. Secondly, the idea boot flex index doesn’t actually come from anything official.
As The Ski Monster‘s master boot fitter, George, explains, ski boot flex index originates in nothing more than the reference numbers found in plastic.
Master Boot Fitter, George, talks about how the ski boot flex index came to be.
This isn’t a super helpful discovery if you’re on the search for new boots, but hopefully it can break some people away from the idea of needing a stiffer boot just because they’re a good skier. Ideally you should sit down with a boot fitter to find the right fitting boot for you.