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AT Boot Sizing Question

Original Post
Matt Thomas · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 325

I have the opportunity to buy a pair of Black Diamond AT boots for pretty cheap. They're sized 30.0 (Mondo). BD says this corresponds to size 13 US. I usually wear 11.5 US in street shoes, however I have a pair of Lange ski boots in 29.5 Mondo that fit pretty tight.

Do you have any thoughts about BD vs Lange ski boot sizing? Are they pretty comparable or do Lange boots run smaller than BD in the same Mondo size?

Mike McL · · South Lake Tahoe · Joined Dec 2007 · Points: 2,030

I can't comment on BD versus Lange sizing specifically, but I bet they're gonna be too big. Hell I wear about an 11 street shoe and use 27.5 BD AT boots and they're comfortable. Are you wearing thick socks or thin ski socks?

BD breaks the shell size on the whole number. So a 30 will be the next shell size up from a 29 and 29.5.

One way to estimate the fit is to check the boot sole length. If the BSL is close then there's a better chance they'll fit. If they're way off, then I'd be wary. But this is nothing more than a starting point.

Another consideration is the width of the last. BD ski boots tend to run wide. You can compare this number as well to get a general idea.

All of that being said, nothing beats trying them on. Boot fit is pretty critical to skiing/skinning performance. You don't want a sloppy boot. I wouldn't buy boots without trying them on, but that's a personal preference. I suppose if they're in good shape and the deal is great you could re-sell them if the fit isn't right.

Good luck.

Chris Wenker · · Santa Fe · Joined Dec 2007 · Points: 1,887

$0.02. I wear a street shoe US 12. I bought my BD Methods in a 29.0 and am very happy. With one thin sock, that's a good performance fit.

Eric Fjellanger · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2008 · Points: 870

Lange is generally thought to have a narrow fit, and BD less so. I personally found BDs to have a wider toe box which didn't suit my foot at all, I have really narrow feet and the boots that have come closest for me have been Dalbellos and the Garmont Megaride.

Conventional wisdom is you must try the boots on to get a decent fit. Pull the liner out, stand in the boot with your toes brushing the front, and check how much space is between your heel and the rear of the shell. You want "one to two fingers" or 1-2 cm. This is the most basic fitting, a good bootfitter will check all around your foot for more subtle qualities of fit.

Those boots sound to me like they're going to be too big for you. I had too-big boots for years. It's worth spending money to get the right boot (and custom liners and bootfitting work if necessary).

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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