Ski boots

Choosing the right ski boots is a guarantee that you will learn how to ride faster and enjoy not only when you take them off. Our article will help you get answers to your questions.

The ski boot is a plastic structure that connects to the ski mount, is securely fixed, and thus holds the skier's legs in place, preventing injury and helping to move. Ski boots are heavy and hard, they consist of two parts: a plastic boot and an internal soft boot. On the outside there are clips with buckles that fix the structure on the leg.

These are very specific shoes, which over time will adapt not only to the anatomical features of your legs, but also to your physical fitness and skiing technique.

Most manufacturers produce unisex models, but it is better to give preference to women’s ones, which are developed from a softer material, taking into account the peculiarities of the female figure and structure of the leg. When the legs are half bent, in women the center of gravity is more shifted back, which is important.Also, calves are often more voluminous than men's, so the height of the cuff should be lower.

Today, almost any company can find large models. For women - from 41, for men - from 46 sizes. Large manufacturers even provide the opportunity to make an individual order of boots for a certain type of riding.

Can be cross-country or ski.

• Jogging is suitable for speed skating and classic riding style and for any type of skiing: tourist, pleasure or professional. These are high boots with moderately stiff soles and a removable cuff.
• Skiing is used for skiing on the slopes or off-piste - in deep snow. They can adjust the tilt of the shaft, taking into account the style and driving conditions. They must be carefully sized.

Designed for skiers who ride in a classic style - it does not imply heavy loads on the ankle. There are pleasure, tourist and sports. These are low shoes that do not restrict foot movement. They have a soft sole and no cuffs, so you can walk without skis. The only caveat to consider is that they are not suitable for skating.

Designed for fast movement over long distances in snowy areas. Therefore, it is important that they protect the foot from moisture and cold and ensure safe riding. This is a two-layer model that is not afraid of low temperature.

Dramatically different from the previous model, they consist of an external and internal boot. The stiffness is divided into three types: for beginners, for experts and for professionals. The stiffer the boot, the more accurate and faster the gear will be on the skis, and the more your weight, the harder they should be.

This type of skiing got its name because the movements of the skier resemble the movements of a skater. You need to push off with two legs, they usually do this to accelerate.

These are hard shoes that should cover your ankle and prevent injury. They are selected individually, taking into account the peculiarities of the structure of the foot. They should not hang on the leg, provide a secure fixation of the foot and provide an effective push.

Suitable for mixed skiing, consisting of classic and skating. This is a rather complicated technique, because during the race you need a constant change of skis. At the same time, the mount on the boots must be universal in order to fit under the skis of both styles.

They have a rigid sole and reliable support for the ankle, which remains even if the cuffs are unfastened. Most often, only professional athletes buy such shoes; they are useless to an ordinary amateur.

There are only children, can be a maximum of 35-36 sizes. If the size is larger, zippers or laces are used as fasteners. As a rule, they are bought by children 5-10 years old, who can not cope with the lacing themselves. Designed for cross-country skiing only.

One of the leading manufacturers, was created by a group of professional skiers. The brand's shoes are fully thought out, so they are as functional as possible. Each model has its own unique features that delight skiers with their appearance.

A brand that at one time developed the ski mount system “meil carres”. The company has a lot of open accounts, which were of great importance for the world of skiers. The brand’s winter sports shoes have conquered the market almost from the moment they appeared.

The legendary brand, the creators of which was invented a three-clip ski boot with a ribbed tongue. The unique design was developed through the use of unique space technology. Subsequently, they became the prototype of modern plastic models for skiing.

The French brand specializes in the production of high-tech clothing, shoes and equipment for winter sports. The company has come a long way from the production of wooden skis to the introduction of innovative technologies.

The brand is known even to beginner skiers. Its founder became the progenitor of snowboarding as an extreme sport and opened the world's first snowboard factory. It produces equipment, clothes and shoes for skiers and surfers, its products remain the standard of the highest quality.

Most skiers purchase special socks and heated insoles that keep their feet warm. They operate on a compact battery that does not interfere with active movement. They are compatible with most models of boots, and thanks to the heating they ideally take the shape of the foot.

Before buying, it is important to know exactly your foot length, level of preparation, riding style and determine for yourself what amount you are counting on.

• Rigidity. The most important selection criterion. The most rigid are designed for professionals. They have a fairly high boot and 4 clips. Such boots are the least comfortable, but they help to carry out the exact transfer to the skis, which is important when driving fast.

• The size. It is determined by the inner boot, which fits the leg tightly. Wider models are intended for amateurs, narrow ones are suitable for professionals.

It is best to buy shoes in a specialized store where the seller will measure the length and width of the foot on bent knees - so the foot is a little longer. The boot should fit the foot tight along the entire length.

• Weight. Professional boots are heavier, it is worth paying attention to, since the weight of the shoes will affect when lifting.
• Outsole length. It is indicated separately, because it does not match the size. It is necessary in order to properly set up ski mounts.
• Mount. Must be identical to ski mount. Best if they are from the same manufacturer.
• Regulators. They allow you to adjust the shoes to the volume of the foot. The minimum quantity on children's shoes and models for beginners.

To put on your ski boots, first try to prevent them from freezing. Transport them in a tight bag or warm them up somewhere. It is best to wear special thermal socks under the shoes, which not only warm, but also prevent the occurrence of lumps and folds.

1. Unzip the boot from top to bottom, spread the shafts of the shaft, pull out and pull the tongue to the side. Put your foot in the boot, making slight rotational movements. It should be “screwed” into the shoes.
2. Put the tongue and shafts in place. To better fix the heel, lightly tap your foot on the ground.
3. Fasten the clips from the bottom up. It is necessary to fix the leg well, but not very much. After a few runs, the boot will warm up, and you can “hold out” the clip, if necessary. This is especially convenient if it is on a thread.

You can clearly see and repeat how to put on and take off ski boots if you watch the video.

With boot storage, things are much simpler. They have the shape of the letter G, so it is convenient to fold them “face” to each other, like Tetris. They have a slight slope, so it is difficult to press them tightly, but still, they will take up less space. To fix them with each other, fasten them with straps or Velcro, which are on each boot.

The box in which they are sold is rather bulky, so it makes no sense to store shoes in it. They are plastic and rigid, so they do not deform and do not lose their shape. To prevent them from gathering dust, cover them with a cover or put them in a bag. They occupy a minimum of space when they stand vertically on the rack. But if it’s more convenient for you, you can put them - this does not affect the shoes in any way.

Ski boots are constantly “evolving", so it is important to take into account current trends and new technologies. If you are going to buy a new pair, let it be in line with the latest trends.

Such shoes remain quite conservative, manufacturers use an established production scheme. Only the variable flex and the inner boot are being improved, which they try to bring to the ideal. One of these innovations is the Raptor B2 RD model from the Head brand.

Manufacturers are constantly trying to improve shoes from this segment, make them more comfortable, personalize them according to individual volume, and at the same time make them easier, but maintain sufficient rigidity for precision movement. Comfort depends on the inside of the shoe; the most advanced technologies today use the Sidas and Intuition brands.

The best personalization (the ability of shoes to adapt to the anatomical features of your foot) is obtained from the Atomic and Fisher brands. The lightest amateur boots are offered by Atomic and Salomon.

In general, good brands manage to realize their plans, but such shoes are very expensive and cheap shoes do not stand up to criticism. Surely it’s definitely not worth saving, so you will have to significantly spend money on high-quality shoes.

In both cases, the most important thing is the weight of the boots, since 1 kg on the legs is the same as 5 in the backpack. To facilitate models from this segment, manufacturers use carbon. It allows you to maintain rigidity, but reduce the thickness of the boot, for example, as in SCOTT Cosmos boots.

The Fischer brand has become a true innovator in this area by releasing the Travers Carbon model. When creating it, not only carbon was used, the brand also refused locks in favor of lacing! Also, the outer boot became thermoformed, which allowed to obtain the perfect model.

Even if they are not professionals, most skiers say that it’s better to buy your boots rather than renting them. This is especially important for those who have had injuries and broken legs. Many note the quality of Salomon and Atomic, which are suitable for beginners, at reasonable prices, but at the same time provide reliable fixation of the legs.

Head brand is liked by lovers of comfort - you can ride in the boots of this brand and enjoy a hot drink in a coffee shop.

If you have a narrow leg, it is advised to pay attention to the shoes of the Lange brand. They are quite rigid and at the same time they fix the leg well.

Most note that the main thing is not the company, but the right model. In the shoes you have chosen, you should feel comfortable so that the shoes do not press or rub and it is convenient for you to ride.

Experienced skiers give some important tips:

1. Do not use used boots, even if someone gives them to you for free. Modern models adapt to the anatomical features of the foot, and the new owner will be uncomfortable in them.
2. Even if you are a beginner, you should not buy soft shoes "for beginners". In a year or two, they will have to be changed to more rigid ones, but they cost a lot.
3. Buy a model with 4 clips, with micro-adjustment and straps to put on.
4. Do not buy shoes whose hardness is below 90, they are not suitable for long-term use.
5. It’s worth buying shoes designed for your gender. For example, women have a wider foot and higher rise, the manufacturer takes this into account in production.
6. If you have any features of the foot, it is better to purchase a special orthopedic insole, for example, you can find them from the Sidas brand. They are not cheap, but worth it with leg problems.