Skip to main content

No more “shrink and pink:” Snow brands finally get serious about women’s ski boots

While many people point to skis as the most important part of their snow gear quiver, a properly fitting pair of boots tend to matter much more. Of course, boots connect wearers directly to their skis and if they happen to inadequately fit, the impact it has on even the best skiers is a negative one. For women, who often have fewer boot options designed specifically for them, the issue is amplified.

Take the general anatomy of a woman compared to a man, for instance. Women tend to feature longer calves, wider hips, a lower center of gravity, shorter femurs, and so on. Taking just this structure into consideration, there’s absolutely no reason for men and women to wear the same style of ski boot.

“As recently as 5 years ago, women were not necessarily seeking women-specific skis and boots,” said PSIA National Alpine Team member, Robin Barnes to Digital Trends. “In the past 5 years, more high-end women-specific products have emerged as women are adventure skiing more often, joining expert skiing groups, etc.”

Image used with permission by copyright holder

This growth in interest by women only helps the case for more specific products. Selkirk Sports’ Josh Parry recognizes this growing trend, classifying it as a “real need for women-specific boots.” Parry is a boot fitter by trade, though in his close circles he’s referred to as the Boot Doctor. Not only does Parry spend his days manipulating boots to fit people but he’s an expert at figuring out what works and what doesn’t. As any avid skier would attest, this skill is priceless.

“The number one mistake made is buying boots too big but there are a lot of different factors that go into it,” Parry added. “Women often have smaller skeletons than men, so they will have narrower ankles. Another big factor is women’s calves tend to attach lower than on men and this has the tendency to cause pain, or cramps, in the calf.”

Rather than “shrink and pink” like many sports brands have done in the past, the ski industry now takes women’s needs very seriously, as they remain a fast growing market.

“Bottom line, if a boot doesn’t fit correctly, it’s not going to be warm or comfortable, and it certainly won’t perform,” added Tecnica market manager, Leslie Baker-Brown to Digital Trends. “Women’s anatomy is different, so it is absolutely necessary to build boots based on this anatomy. Women make up about 40 percent of the market. We felt we could better address this market with better products and messaging, by communicating and educating women to make skiing a better experience for them.”

Image used with permission by copyright holder

According to SIA Snow reports of 2015, sales of women-specific snow products and gear saw a stark rise in popularity. Tecnica took this data to heart, starting a European focus group and a North American focus group to test, develop, and enhance equipment. The women in these focus groups helped create the Blizzard Black Pearl, the best selling ski in the country for any gender over the ’15-’16 season.

Tackling the design of its boots was also a central part of the company’s new program. Tecnica Italy partnered with the University of Verona to test performance on snow. By using sensors under the footboards, Verona measured where a woman’s balance point is regarding their favorable stances.

“One of the major issues is the lower leg,” explained Brown. “It generally is larger and sits lower on the leg, so it’s difficult to fit. At the same time, there are women with skinny calves that have the opposite problem. We created a solution to be able to adjust the upper collar of the boot and liner so it forms to the shape of the female’s lower leg – whether it needs to allow for a larger calf or a smaller one.”

As demand grows and technology expands, the future of proper-fitting women’s products only figures to become much brighter.

Kate Erwin
Kate’s first job as a kid was working at a climbing gym and her first mastered computer program was 3-D Studio Max (around…
Segway introduces two e-bikes, a robot mower, and new e-scooters at CES 2025
Segway Xyber e-Bike parked by a rock wall bordering a beach.

Innovative micromobility company Segway introduced new products at CES 2025 in three categories. The company's first e-bikes, the tech-rich Xafari and Xyber, are available for presales today. Then there are the Navimow X3 Series robot mowers that were designed to mow and trim up to 2.5 acres. Finally, a new generation of e-kickscooters includes entry-level models and two super scooters.
Xafari and Xyber e-bikes integrate smart tech

Segway's first e-bikes address different user preferences ,but share the Segway Intelligent Ride System (SIRS), innovative tech that helps riders manage and protect their bikes. The Xafari is a Class 2 all-terrain e-bike with a step-through frame and standard storage features that could make it an ideal commuter bike. The Xyber is a hard-charging, fast scrambler-style e-bike decidedly not for street use.

Read more
Aventon Abound SR e-bike (Winner Selected)
aventon abound sr e bike giveaway january 2025 dt

If you've been trying to save up for an electric bike but life keeps getting in the way, why not try your luck in this giveaway for the Aventon Abound SR? It's made by one of the top makers of electric bikes, and here's your chance to get one as a prize!

Joining the giveaway is extremely easy, so there's really no reason not to enter if you've always wanted an e-bike. We wish you the best of luck in this giveaway!
Giveaway Has Ended
Enter here to win the Aventon Abound SR

Read more
Aventon goes all in on smart security and connectivity on Level 3 commuter e-bike
Aventon Level 3 right profile with Queen Mary in the background.

Aventon invited me to a pre-launch press briefing on its new Level.3 commuter e-bike in Long Beach, California. The Level.3 has several significant upgrades from the Level.2, including increased range and an adjustable suspension seat post, but the greatest upgrade is the Aventon Control Unit (ACU).

The ACU is a proprietary technology that incorporates 4G, Bluetooth connectivity, and GPS tracking. It enables a host of security, convenience, and personalization features. The Level 3 isn't the first Aventon model with the ACU; the Abound SR utility and cargo e-bike was the initial ACU-equipped e-bike.

Read more