If you've spent any time shopping for Telemark boots, you've probably heard someone say things like:
"Scarpa runs narrow."
or
"Garmont boots are wide."
Or maybe you've wondered why a size 27.0 and 27.5 sometimes appear to be the exact same boot.
Those statements all contain a little truth—but they're often missing important context.
Understanding how different manufacturers size their boots can make shopping for both new and used Telemark boots much less confusing.
In this guide I'll explain how shell sizing works, how the major Telemark boot manufacturers approach sizing, and why the individual boot model is often more important than the brand alone.
I've spent years skiing, collecting, restoring, and selling Telemark boots through Freeheel Life. One of the questions I answer most often is, “Will this boot fit me?” This guide is designed to help answer that question by explaining how the major Telemark manufacturers have approached boot sizing over the years.
In This Guide
- Start With Your Mondo Size
- What Is a Shell Sizing Break?
- Scarpa & Crispi Shell Sizing
- Garmont, SCOTT & Black Diamond Shell Sizing
- Quick Reference
- Myth #1: "Scarpa Boots Are Narrow"
- Myth #2: "Garmont Boots Are Wide"
- What About Crispi?
- Last Width Isn't Everything
- Need Help Choosing a Pair?
Start With Your Mondopoint Size
Before comparing brands, you first need to know your correct Mondopoint size.
If you haven't already measured your feet, I recommend starting with my Telemark Boot Sizing Guide.
Once you know your Mondopoint size, this article will help you understand why different manufacturers build and label their boots differently.
What Is a Shell Sizing Break?
Understanding shell sizing is especially helpful when shopping for Used Telemark boots. Many older Telemark boot models follow different shell sizing philosophies than today's boots. Knowing where a manufacturer's shell sizing breaks occur can help you choose the correct size, compare models more confidently, and avoid buying a boot that doesn't fit as expected.
Throughout the Telemark industry you'll often hear people talk about shell breaks.
A more descriptive term is shell sizing breaks.
A shell sizing break is simply the point where a manufacturer changes to a different plastic shell.
Instead of producing a unique shell for every single boot size, manufacturers typically use one shell for two consecutive sizes before moving to the next shell.
Understanding where those shell sizing breaks occur makes shopping for used Telemark boots—and dialing in the proper fit—a whole lot easier.
Scarpa & Crispi Shell Sizing
Scarpa and Crispi use shell sizing breaks on the half sizes. This means a 26.5 and 27.0 share the same plastic shell, while a 27.5 and 28.0 share the next shell size.
The plastic shell is identical within each pair. The shell remains identical within each pair. The labeled size difference typically comes from a slightly shorter liner and, in some cases, a shorter stock footbed.
| Plastic Shell | Boot Sizes |
|---|---|
| 26.5 Shell | 26.5 & 27.0 |
| 27.5 Shell | 27.5 & 28.0 |
| 28.5 Shell | 28.5 & 29.0 |
| 29.5 Shell | 29.5 & 30.0 |
Garmont, SCOTT & Black Diamond Shell Sizing
These manufacturers followed a different philosophy.
Their shell sizing breaks occur on the whole sizes.
| Plastic Shell | Boot Sizes |
|---|---|
| 26.0 Shell | 26.0 & 26.5 |
| 27.0 Shell | 27.0 & 27.5 |
| 28.0 Shell | 28.0 & 28.5 |
| 29.0 Shell | 29.0 & 29.5 |
Again, the shell remains exactly the same between those two labeled sizes.
The smaller size is generally fine-tuned with a slightly shorter liner and, in some cases, a slightly shorter stock footbed.
Quick Reference
Scarpa
Half-size shell pairs: 26.5/27.0, 27.5/28.0, 28.5/29.0, etc.
Crispi
Half-size shell pairs: 26.5/27.0, 27.5/28.0, 28.5/29.0, etc.
Garmont
Whole-size shell pairs: 26.0/26.5, 27.0/27.5, 28.0/28.5, etc.
SCOTT
Whole-size shell pairs: 26.0/26.5, 27.0/27.5, 28.0/28.5, etc.
Black Diamond
Whole-size shell pairs: 26.0/26.5, 27.0/27.5, 28.0/28.5, etc.
The easiest way to remember it: Scarpa and Crispi pair a half size with the next whole size. Garmont, SCOTT, and Black Diamond pair a whole size with the next half size.
Myth #1: "Scarpa Boots Are Narrow"
This is probably the most common statement I hear.
The truth is more nuanced.
Scarpa has produced several different Telemark boot designs over the years, and they haven't all shared the same fit.
| Model | Published Last |
|---|---|
| T1 | 100 mm |
| T-Race | 100 mm |
| Original Terminator | 100 mm |
| Original T2 | 100 mm |
| T2X | 102 mm |
| T2 Eco | 102 mm |
| TX | 102 mm |
| TX Pro | 102 mm |
| TX Comp | 102 mm |
| TX Pro (Current Generation) | 102 mm |
The original T-Series boots—including the T1, T-Race, Original T2, and Original Terminator—were built on a 100 mm last.
Beginning with the T2X and T2 Eco, Scarpa moved to a 102 mm last, and that continued with the TX, TX Pro, TX Comp, and the current-generation TX Pro.
Although the newest TX Pro has a noticeably sleeker exterior profile, Scarpa still publishes it as a 102 mm last.
The takeaway?
Don't ask whether Scarpa boots are narrow.
Ask:
"Which Scarpa model?"
Myth #2: "Garmont Boots Are Wide"
This reputation was once largely deserved.
The original Ener-G and Syner-G became known for their roomier 103 mm last, giving Garmont a reputation for producing wider-fitting Telemark boots.
That changed when Garmont introduced its first NTN boot—the Prophet.
The Prophet moved to a 100 mm last, and after SCOTT acquired Garmont's Telemark line, that narrower platform continued in boots like the SCOTT Voodoo.
One notable exception was SCOTT's later blue-and-white Energy, which returned to the original Energy mold and its wider 103 mm last.
Once again, don't judge the brand.
Judge the individual model.
What About Crispi?
Crispi has long been known for producing Telemark boots that many skiers describe as having a slightly roomier fit than comparable Scarpa models.
Current Crispi NTN boots are generally recognized as using a 101 mm last, although fit depends on much more than a published last width.
Older Crispi models—including boots like the XP and XR—are still an area I'm researching. Manufacturer specifications for those earlier boots aren't always easy to verify, and I'd rather publish accurate information than guess.
As I continue building the Freeheel Life Telemark Archive, I'll update this guide with verified historical specifications.
Last Width Isn't Everything
Published last width is only one measurement.
Two boots with the same published last can feel completely different.
Fit is also influenced by:
- Toe box shape
- Instep height
- Heel pocket
- Shell volume
- Liner construction
- Cuff shape
- Shell stiffness
That's why I always recommend evaluating the complete boot rather than focusing on a single published number.
Continue Learning
Finding the right Telemark boot isn't just about the size printed on the shell.
It's about understanding how manufacturers build their boots, where the shell sizing breaks occur, and how each model fits.
Whether you're buying a brand-new boot or a used classic, I hope this guide helps you make a more informed decision.
As I continue expanding the Freeheel Life Knowledge Base, I'll keep adding historical specifications, fit comparisons, and buyer's guides to make this one of the most complete Telemark boot resources available.
- Telemark Boot Sizing Guide
- Used Telemark Boots
- Scarpa TX Pro Guide
- Scarpa T1 Guide
Need Help Choosing a Pair?
I've spent years skiing, collecting, restoring, fitting, and selling Telemark equipment.
If you're unsure which boot is right for you, I'm always happy to help.
Whether you're buying a new pair or a used pair from Freeheel Life, feel free to reach out before ordering.
Email: team@freeheellife.com
Text: 801-450-9986