There are many questions skiing enthusiasts (and folks that are just starting out) like to type into their Google search bar. One of them reads: do Full Tilt Boots (still) run small? There’s a good chance you belong in that curious crowd! Well, you’re reading these words and wondering when we became masters of assumption, so…

Don’t mind the childish joke attempt. We’re here to talk about some serious skiing-boots-and-skiing-in-general-related stuff! Not only will we answer the question that brought you here, but we’ll also add some extra info every skiing enthusiast or beginner or whoever must know! Stick around to find out what’s that all about!

If you’re wondering do Full Tilt boots run small, know that they don’t. That’s just plain ol’ internet gossip. The thing is: they might feel too small once you try them on for the first time since their boot liners need to be heat-molded. That’s how the whole talk about them being too small started in the first place. 

That, of course, can’t be the whole picture, right? Right. That’s why should feel free to give this one a thorough read!

Ski boots 101 (FAQ)

If you’re an experienced skier you’re probably well aware of all the issues we’ll discuss in this section of the article. You may skip it completely. Or: you might wanna renew the knowledge you’ve gained a long time ago. Whatever the case – here we’ll show you some of the basic info related to this sine qua non of skiing equipment worldwide!

Can I ski without boots?

Unfortunately, such a scenario isn’t possible. Boots are an absolutely necessity when we’re talking about skiing equipment. And not just any boots. The thing is: ski bindings demand to have (as if they’re alive) a secure relationship (connection) to the ski boot. Needless to say, most shoes you’ll encounter in stores today aren’t made to fit these bindings. That’s why ski boots are a completely unique type of footwear.

Can you use normal boots for skiing?

Here’s the simplest answer: NO. However, it would be rather unfair to leave it at that. You can use normal boots when you’re out skiing, but not while you’re skiing. If that confused you, here’s another try: when you’re off the slopes, it’s best you have a reserve pair of normal boots since ski boots aren’t exactly the most comfortable footwear (especially if you’re taking long-distance routes before getting to the ski path).

Your so-called normal pair of boots should be warm, grippy in snow/ice, and, needless to say, waterproof. Without these attributes, your pair of “normal” shoes won’t stand a chance against the snow and ice that are synonymous with this wintertime sport.

Why are ski boots important?

Even though the importance of ski boots was implied in the previous paragraphs, we’ll give a more direct answer here. It’s safe to say your ski boots will be the most important piece of ski gear you’ll ever buy (even more important than the skis themselves). That’s because ski boots have to provide a comfy (not to mention: warm) and firm platform that does its job in making sure the connection between the brain and the skis functions without any (minor or major) issues. Ski boots are something you’d call a medium through which the energy from your whole body is transferred to your skis.

Why are ski boots more important than skis?

That’s because the contact and interaction between your ski boots and your trusty feet is the only relationship that matters in the world of skiing. Okay, only might be too big of a word, but you get what we’re trying to say. The way your ski boots and feet will interact will determine the quality of your skiing adventure. Imagine a situation in which your feet were moving but your skiing boots weren’t acting out on the commands; sounds a bit troubling, to say the least.

Speaking of skis here’s an article on the way you’ll need to maintain ’em.

Do all ski boots fit any skis?

Here’s the thing: it depends on what type of skiing are you planning to do. For instance, downhill ski boots and bindings are basically universal; different manufacturers produce the same. In other words: if you’re buying downhill ski boots you can be sure that they’re compatible with all downhill ski bindings (and here’s a piece on the latter). This is crucial to know when you’re ordering ski boots from the web; knowing what type of skiing are you up to makes all the difference.

Is it better for ski boots to be tight or loose?

Here’s another question folks like to ask Google about; whether ski boots should be tight or loose is an issue beginner skiers seem to be dealing with a lot. Luckily for them, the answer’s quite simple: ski boots should be snug. However, one must make sure they’re too tight since that can result in a painful experience. You’ll want enough room in the front so that your toes can wiggle back & forth. Also, you’ll want to reach the front with your toes when your heel’s all the way back touching the end of your boot.

A bit of an off-topic (but not that much, actually): if you’re wondering should mountaineering boots fir, we’ve covered that one, too.

Okay, so we’ve gone through this introductory section, answered some FAQs, etc. Now it’s time to answer the question everyone’s eager to tackle: do Full Tilt boots run small? 

Do Full Tilt boots run small?

First things first, let’s find out what’s so special about Full Tilt boots?

What are Full Tilt boots?

As you could’ve easily guessed, Full Tilt is a company that specializes in manufacturing skiing equipment. Needless to say, they’re a very reputable and easily-recognizable brand! They’ve started in 2006 with an intention to revive the old ski industry standard: the original 3-piece ski boot design! Today, this design is desired and sought-after by various athletes from all around the globe; anyone who’s anyone in the world of wintertime sports either knows this brand by heart or wears it!

Here’s something that might interest you: a while ago, we’ve published an article on the issue of whether or not skiers wear Burton, too. Click on the highlighted blue-ish part of the previous sentence to find out the answer!

What’s a 3-piece ski boot?

The name kinda says it all! The 3-piece ski boot design we’ve mentioned upstairs consists of:

• a shell. 
• a spine (behind the heel).
• a tongue that encloses the shin and a big portion of the forefoot. It also has so-called waves and ridges incorporated into its design.

Fun fact: the tongue of a 3-piece ski boot looks a bit like an accordion (just you can recognize this iconic design without thinking too much). Here’s what they really look like!

So, do Full Tilt boots run small?

If you were to check out some of your average skiing enthusiast’s favorite internet addresses (message boards and forums revolving around the same idea: skiing), there’s a good chance you’d find a post where someone’s saying that when ordering Full Tilt ski boots online, you should opt for a pair that’s one full size larger than your regular shoe size. We’re about to find out if that’s true or not!

So, why do folks feel like Full Title boots somehow run small? What could be the reason behind that stance most folks seem to share? Here’s the answer: if you were to try them on in a skiing equipment store, they’d probably feel (a bit) short and cramped. The thing is: the intuition liners that are used in the boots are meant to be heat molded; the heat mold process is the one that will generate some extra space inside the boots.

All in all: Full Tilt boots don’t run small, they’re just using liners that need to be heat molded. And we’ve got something of a suggestion speaking of heat molding ski boot liners!

How to heat mold Full Tilt ski boot liners

So, one might wonder if this process is doable in a DIY arrangement. One will want to know that, even though this process is, well, doable in the privacy of their home, chances are good for things to go a bit awry. That’s why going full-blown DIY here isn’t really recommended. Your best bet is to take your pair of Full Tilt ski boots to the shop and let professionals handle the process. That way, you’ll guarantee your boots stay unharmed by your desire to do everything in your manner, watching YouTube tutorials, etc.

Final words

Okay, so that should’ve concluded the do-Full-Tilt-boots-run-small talk. Now you’re sure all that mumbo-jumbo about Full Tilt boots being too small is just, well, plain ol’ mumbo-jumbo. Sorry if you haven’t heard that phrase for a while, but that’s just how things are.

Anyway, if you’re on the lookout for more tips on skiing and everything that’s even mildly related to his phenomenal wintertime activity, you’ll want to visit this page.