In ski boots, “last” refers to the internal width of the shell at the widest point of the forefoot. Manufacturers use last measurements to categorize boots into general fit ranges:
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LV (Low Volume): narrow foot, snug fit (98 mm or less)
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MV (Mid Volume): average width (99–100 mm)
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HV (High Volume): wide feet, higher insteps (101–102 mm)
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EHV (Extra High Volume): extra wide feet, high insteps (103 mm +)
A standard Mid Volume (MV) last is listed at 100 mm, but here’s the catch: that measurement is only true at a 26.5 shell size. For every shell size you go up or down, the actual width changes by about 2 mm.
That means:
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A 29.5 boot labeled as a 100 mm last is actually 106 mm wide.
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A 24.5 boot labeled as a 100 mm last is actually 96 mm wide.
So if you measure 106 mm wide at a 29.5, you’re not “extra wide” — proportionally, that’s the same as being 100 mm wide at a 26.5.
Ski Boot Last Width by Shell Size (Example for a 100 mm Last)
| Shell Size | Published Last | Actual Width |
|---|---|---|
| 24.5 | 100 mm | 96 mm |
| 25.5 | 100 mm | 98 mm |
| 26.5 | 100 mm | 100 mm |
| 27.5 | 100 mm | 102 mm |
| 28.5 | 100 mm | 104 mm |
| 29.5 | 100 mm | 106 mm |
Wide vs. Narrow Feet in Ski Boots
It’s common for foot width measurements to exceed the numbers listed on the widest ski boots available—but not to worry. Wide feet aren’t automatically a problem. Higher-volume feet often have more soft tissue, which means they can compress comfortably inside a ski boot. Narrow feet, on the other hand, tend to be more rigid and bony, so even small amounts of pressure can feel sharp or painful. That’s why a boot that feels snug isn’t necessarily a bad thing for wide feet, as long as the fit is balanced and secure.