Snowfeet 38 cm vs 44 cm: Which to Start With

If you want the easiest first day, I’d start with 38 cm. If you want more control on resort runs, I’d go with 44 cm. That’s the short answer.

Here’s how I’d break it down:

• 38 cm: best if you want to use winter boots, keep costs down, and ride local hills or easy green runs
• 44 cm: best if you already have ski or snowboard boots and want a more ski-like ride on groomed slopes
• 50 cm: best if you want a middle option with more stability than 38 cm

Those 6 cm don’t sound like much. But on snow, they change the feel in a big way. The 38 cm turns with less effort and packs smaller. The 44 cm feels more settled once you pick up speed.

Snowfeet* & Skiskates Complete Guide | All you need to know about Skiskating

Quick Comparison

Model	Best for	Boots	Feel	Best terrain
Snowfeet 38 cm	First-timers, kids, travelers	Winter boots or snowboard boots	Light, nimble, loose	Local hills, packed snow, easy green runs
Skiskates 44 cm	Snowboarders, skaters, resort riders	Ski boots or snowboard boots	More planted, more ski-like	Groomed green and mild blue runs
Snowfeet 50 cm	Riders who want a middle pick	Ski boots or stiff snowboard boots	More stable, less twitchy	Resort runs, packed snow

A few fast facts:

• 38 cm is about 15.0 in
• 44 cm is about 17.3 in
• The length gap is 6 cm, or about 2.4 in
• 44 cm supports more boot-specific use, with listed compatibility up to EU 49 / US 14.5

So, if you’re standing there thinking, “Which one will feel less awkward on day one?” - I’d say 38 cm for ease, 44 cm for control. Simple as that :)

If you want a good visual on how short skis and skiskates ride, these videos can help:

• Snowfeet Official on YouTube
• Skiskates videos on YouTube

From there, I’d choose based on your boots, your hill, and how much stability you want right away.

How 38 cm and 44 cm Feel to Learn On

Snowfeet 38 cm: Easy to Step Into, Fast to Turn

The 38 cm model feels light and nimble, so those first turns on gentle slopes come easier. If you want the smoothest first day possible, this is the big difference: 38 cm gives you fast, snappy turns, while 44 cm leans more toward steady control.

The catch? Stability. Once you pick up speed, 38 cm feels less planted and asks more from your balance. So, 38 cm is the quicker, looser choice. 44 cm gives you more control.

Skiskates 44 cm: More Planted and More Ski-Like on Slopes

The 44 cm Skiskates feel more stable underfoot, which stands out on groomed resort terrain. They still feel playful, but that extra length gives you more control on steeper or crowded groomed runs.

If you already feel at home in ski or snowboard boots, the 44 cm model tends to click fast. It’s still easy to get into, but it gives you more confidence when you want to move past the easiest slopes.

Side-by-Side: Stability, Maneuverability, and Confidence

Feature	Snowfeet 38 cm	Snowfeet Skiskates 44 cm
Turning ease	Very easy and quick to turn	Easy, with a more planted feel
High-speed stability	Lower	Better
Turning style	Quick pivots	More controlled turns
First-day suitability	Excellent for true beginners and casual riders	Better for riders with some ski or snowboard boot experience
Best terrain	Easy slopes and local hills	Green runs and mild blue groomed runs

The next deciding factor is boots and terrain, because both can change how each model feels.

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Boots, Terrain, and Where Each Model Works Best

Boot Compatibility: Winter Boots vs. Snowboard Boots vs. Ski Boots

For first-time buyers, boots can narrow the choice fast. If you want to ride in winter boots, the 38 cm is the clear winner. The 44 cm Skiskates need ski boots or snowboard boots.

If you already have snowboard boots, either model can work. That said, the 44 cm tends to feel more planted on groomed runs. It has a steadier, more locked-in feel, which many riders like at the resort.

Once you’ve sorted out boots, terrain usually makes the choice a lot easier.

Best Terrain: Local Hills, Resorts, Parks, and Packed Snow

The 38 cm is the better place to start for casual laps on local hills or easy green runs. It fits that grab-and-go style well. For beginners, groomed snow often feels less sketchy and builds confidence faster.

The 44 cm holds steadier on groomed resort runs, including green and mild blue runs. On that kind of terrain, it gives more control than the 38 cm.

Neither model is made for deep powder. Both do best on packed or groomed snow, whether that’s at a resort or a local hill. Soft, ungroomed snow just isn’t where they shine.

So now it comes down to a simple trade-off: do you want more stability, or do you want the most portable setup?

Side-by-Side: Portability and Hill Conditions

Feature	Snowfeet 38 cm	Snowfeet Skiskates 44 cm
Boot type	Regular winter boots or snowboard boots	Ski boots or snowboard boots
Best terrain	Local hills, easy green runs	Groomed resort runs, green and mild blue runs
Best snow type	Packed or groomed snow	Packed or groomed snow
Resort use	Casual, green runs	Green and blue runs

Both are easy to travel with, but the 38 cm is the most compact.

With boots and terrain sorted, the next step is figuring out who should start with 38 cm, 44 cm, or 50 cm.

Who Should Start With 38 cm, 44 cm, or 50 cm

Now that boot fit and terrain are sorted, the last piece is simple: pick the length that fits how you ride and where you're starting from.

Start With 38 cm: True Beginners, Kids, Teens, and Travelers

Go with 38 cm if you want the easiest way in, plan to ride in winter boots, and care a lot about portability. It’s the grab-and-go option. Toss it in a bag, head out, and you’re set.

It also works well for kids and younger teens because it’s easier to handle. Less board to manage means less fuss on the snow. That’s a big win when you’re just getting your feet under you :)

Start With 44 cm: Skaters, Snowboarders, and Regular Resort Riders

Pick 44 cm if you already have ski or snowboard boots and want a more planted, ski-like feel on groomed resort runs. If you come from skating or snowboarding, this size tends to feel like a natural step.

It also stays more settled at moderate speeds. That starts to matter once the slope gets a bit steeper and you want more support underfoot.

When Snowfeet 50 cm Makes More Sense

If you don’t want the smallest option or the more locked-in feel of 44 cm, 50 cm sits right in the middle. It’s the in-between pick.

Choose 50 cm if you want more stability than 38 cm and more control than 44 cm. For a lot of riders, that middle lane just feels right.

Length & Model	Stable	Agile	Boots	Best For
38 cm Snowfeet	Low–moderate	Very high	Winter boots	True beginners, kids/teens, travelers
44 cm Skiskates	Moderate	High	Ski or snowboard boots	Skaters, snowboarders, resort riders
50 cm Snowfeet PRO	High	Moderate	Ski or stiff snowboard boots	Intermediates, frequent resort visitors

Conclusion: Which Snowfeet Should You Start With?

Start with the boots you already own. Then pick the length that fits where you ride and how much stability you want.

If you want the easiest first day, 38 cm is the clear pick. Go with 38 cm if you want the simplest setup: winter boots, easy packing, and a short learning curve on local hills or beginner runs.

If you already use ski or snowboard boots, 44 cm will likely feel like the more natural fit. Pick 44 cm if you want a more planted, ski-like feel on groomed resort runs.

Choose 50 cm if you want something in between. It gives you more stability than 38 cm, but keeps more agility than 44 cm.

Key Points to Remember

Here’s the short version:

• 38 cm - winter boots, easiest setup, best for beginners and travel
• 44 cm - ski or snowboard boots, more planted, best for resort riders
• 50 cm - middle ground for riders who want more stability
• Full-length skis - only for riders who care most about speed, steep terrain, and classic ski performance

So, beginners and travelers tend to start with 38 cm. Skaters, snowboarders, and resort riders often lean toward 44 cm.

For most casual riders, Snowfeet is the simplest and most portable way to get on snow without dealing with the bulk of full-length skis.

FAQs

Can I switch from 38 cm to 44 cm later?

Yes - you can switch from 38 cm Mini Ski Skates to 44 cm Skiskates as your skills improve.

The 38 cm model is a great place to start. It helps you learn the basics without feeling like you're wrestling with too much ski under your feet.

Once you feel more in control, the 44 cm Skiskates make a lot of sense. They give you more stability, more speed, and better carving on groomed runs. So if the 38 cm version is your learning setup, the 44 cm model is the next step up.

The nice part? The move between the two feels smooth and pretty natural. Both use similar tool-free adjustment systems, so you’re not dealing with a whole new setup or learning curve just to get started.

Which size feels safer for nervous beginners?

For nervous beginners, 38 cm Mini Ski Skates are often the safest place to start.

Why? Their short length makes them easier to turn and less scary on snow. They also help prevent one of the most common beginner mistakes: crossing ski tips.

For a lot of first-timers, they feel more natural too. The stance is close to ice skating, which can make the learning curve feel less steep. And there’s another nice bonus: you can often wear familiar winter boots or snowboard boots instead of stiff ski boots.

How much does boot choice change the ride?

A lot. Your boot choice changes how the ride feels from the first turn.

Ski boots give you the most stability and the most precise edge control. That makes them the better pick for speed and clean carving on groomed trails. The trade-off? They’re heavier, stiffer, and kind of a pain to walk in.

Snowboard boots feel softer and more comfortable. They make it easier to maneuver, spin, jump, and walk around the resort without that stiff, robot-leg feeling.

The nice part is that _Snowfeet Skiskates (44 cm)_* work with both. So you can pick the setup that matches how you want to ride.

Related Blog Posts

• What Makes Skiskates Different From Mini Skis?
• What Terrain Is Best for Skiskates?
• Honest Review: Snowfeet 38 cm Mini Ski Skates After a Season
• Skiskates vs Mini Ski Skates: What's the Difference