When you’re shopping for ski boots, you’ll notice labels like LV (Low Volume), MV (Mid Volume), and HV (High Volume). These aren’t “performance levels” or ability ratings — they’re about fit.
Picking volume is essentially getting the correct size within a size. You could buy the right length boot (say a 26.5), but if you’re in the wrong volume, it won’t fit properly. Too small a volume and the boot will crush your foot; too big and your foot will swim around. Either way, your skiing suffers.
Think of volume as how the boot matches your foot’s width, instep height, and overall shape. That’s why boot fitters spend so much time on it — because the wrong volume in the “right size” is still the wrong boot.
- LV: narrow foot, snug fit (98 mm or less)
- MV: average width (99 - 100 mm)
- HV: wide feet, higher insteps (101 - 102 mm)
- EHV: extra wide feet, high insteps (103 mm +)
*IMPORTANT*
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.
More on how ski boot last changes with size
Signs You’re in the Wrong Volume
- Too much volume: Feet ache, your heel lifts, and you may feel like you’re skiing in the backseat. The boot isn’t holding you in place, so you’re constantly chasing control.
- Too little volume: Feet go numb, the top of your instep feels crushed, and boots are painfully difficult to put on.
How to Gauge Your Boot Volume at Home
We want ski boots to feel snug, secure, and with pressure as consistent as possible. Molded liners and break-in will help a little bit, but you still need to pick the best starting point. When we do custom boot work, that’s always the end goal: pressure that feels even, balance that feels natural, and control that feels precise. From a fit perspective, the closer the boot feels to that right out of the box, the better.
If you’re experimenting at home, here’s a simple approach:
- If a Mid Volume (MV) boot feels good, try stepping into a Low Volume (LV) option to see if you can handle the snugger fit.
- If the LV feels crushing or unmanageable, go back to MV — but at least you’ll know you tested your options.
- Don’t default to “roomier” just because it feels easier at first. A little snugness is normal and will ease with liner molding and skiing.
The idea is to start with the most precise fit you can realistically tolerate. A good boot fitter can always add space where you need it — but they can’t shrink a boot that’s too roomy.
Shop: LV Ski Boots
Shop: MV Ski Boots
Shop: HV Ski Boots
Shop: EHV Ski Boots
Boot Fitting Matters
If you’re experiencing these issues, it doesn’t always mean you bought the wrong boot entirely. Sometimes it’s just a matter of making small tweaks: stretching, punching, grinding, or adjusting the liner. A professional boot fitter can assess whether you truly need a different volume — or if a simple adjustment will solve the problem.
👉 Book a Boot Fit or Custom Footbed Appointment in Boston
The Bottom Line
Ski boot volume isn’t about performance labels — it’s about fit. LV, MV, HV, and EHV exist so every skier can find a boot that matches their foot shape, not just their shoe size. The wrong volume, even in the “right size,” will leave you uncomfortable and skiing poorly.
Start with the boot that feels snug, secure, and evenly pressured — that’s the best foundation. From there, molded liners and break-in will fine-tune the fit, and a professional boot fitter can make tweaks if needed.
The right volume means better balance, more control, and happier feet — which always equals better skiing.