Ski boots

Skiing is something very exciting, and in some places even extreme. There are several types of skiing: cross-country skiing, skiing, ski jumping and even skiing.

In addition, skiing is divided into several categories: northern species, alpine species, a species called freestyle and snowboarding. For each category there is a certain type of ski and sports equipment, thanks to which you can most easily and successfully perform tricks or ski trips.

Skiing is also good for winter hiking, because due to the large amount of snowfall, movement in the forest area may be somewhat difficult. It is much easier and safer to ski on deep snow, due to load sharing.

With independent movement, you run the risk of falling your foot into a snowdrift, and in some cases even damaging your joints, tucking your leg or even making a fracture.

The skis themselves appeared quite a long time ago and were common in human habitats, where the harsh northern climate with heavy snowfall prevails, because it was skis that were the most common way to travel in the snow.

But in the old days, skis were fastened to their feet with the help of some improvised means, ties and elastic bands. And only a little later appeared ski boots, greatly facilitating the process of skiing.

Ski boots do not have any special definition, it lies in the name itself - these are shoes designed for skiing, shoes that are worn exclusively with skis.

Ski boots are necessary in order to carefully fasten and fix the foot on the skis. Strong and proper fixation is a guarantee of safe riding, maintaining all bones and joints in a holistic state.

Ski boots, being quite unusual sports shoes, should have a number of characteristics and features. For example, universal boots should not be too long and have medium stiffness and, according to the method of attachment, fit several types of skis.

Ski boots for skating have a special mount, the design of which is called “boot in boot” and is designed in such a way that when moving the model is very similar to a regular skate and its movement.

The sole of ski boots is made of a special type of dense, thermoplastic rubber. It is quite rigid and does not give in to strong deformation. The condition of the sole changes only in accordance with changes in the position of the foot (if it is a classic model), or even does not change or deform at all if the sole has strong rigidity and, for example, skiing.

Winter boots have insulation, which are provided through the use of natural heat-resistant materials. Some combined models combine several types of materials, as well as a double insulation, due to which the shoes can be used even in the most severe frosts.

There are sliding ski boots, which are mainly presented in children's models. Since the child’s leg is growing rapidly, sliding shoes can adapt to some parameters of the leg and last much longer.

The range of ski boots is not so wide, basically, the differences lie in the varieties corresponding to a particular type of skiing. The main differences between the models are only in the division into men, women and children.

Models tend to have a more sophisticated look. They are made of light shades and often have an attractive decorative print in the form of images of flowers, various curls and feminine ornaments.

Models look more restrained, are made mainly in dark colors and practically have no decorative elements. Male models are most often decorated with stripes, a combination of different colors or even a cellular print.

For children's models, bright colors are characteristic. Ski boots for boys can be green, red, blue, orange and purple. Shoes for girls most often have yellow, pink, blue and light green colors.

There are a lot of varieties of ski boots, as well as varieties of skiing, each of which is characterized by a number of specific features. And this or that type of ski boots should correspond to these features.

• For example, cross-country ski boots are designed for high-speed cross-country movement, with snow cover. Inside the boot should be insulation for maximum protection of the feet from the cold. The outer part is made of durable, tough material that protects the foot from injury.

• Racing ski boots practically do not differ from cross-country ones and have all the same functional characteristics, with the exception of mounts, which are more durable in this type.

• Classic ski boots do not have a number of special characteristics, because with this type of skiing the minimum load on the ankle is carried out. Classic running shoes are low, with soft soles and no cuffs. Classic ski boots are divided into tourist, walking, professional and sports models.

• Expedition ski boots designed for long trips may be suitable for hunting or walking skis. Very often, this model is disguised as ordinary hiking boots and is equipped with lacing, which is even better, since a stronger fixation of the leg is provided.

• A separate model exists for a skiathlon - a race in both classic and skating. This type of boots should have universal characteristics and be suitable for skis of both types, corresponding to their bindings.

• Snowboats have a rather interesting appearance, reminiscent of ordinary sports winter boots. This model is the most comfortable and suitable for skiing with children. The insulated lining and the most comfortable pad provide the foot with a safe position and protection from the cold.

There are also other types of ski boots, for example:

• with two brackets - for better fixation;
• welt - an old shortened model with a classic square toe, distinguished by universal characteristics;
• heated - to provide maximum heat for skiing in the most severe frosts.

Ski boots are made of different materials, on which not only the appearance of the products, but also their functional qualities depends. Consider the features and benefits of each material.

Leather models are very warm and comfortable, but not quite practical. The fact is that the skin is quickly deformed, various kinds of defects appear - cuts, scuffs and scratches. Some of the defects can affect not only the appearance of the boots, but also the durability and functionality of the boots.

Ski boots made of materials such as nubuck are very practical, they are quite durable, do not let moisture in and do not absorb dirt. Quite common models of membrane material, which also have good wear resistance.

To ski in the cold, you need to purchase warm ski boots. Insulated models are equipped with a fleece lining, a dense layer of padding polyester or some other insulation.

The interior of some models has fur trim, thanks to which the shoes become even warmer. In more budget options, faux fur is used, and models with a higher cost have a lining made of natural fur, most often from sheepskin.

Ski boots made of softer materials have velcro fasteners that allow you to adjust the width of the shoe. Models made of denser materials are in some cases equipped with adjustable fasteners made of heat-resistant plastic. And some sports-style shoes, as already mentioned, have lacing.

In order to get a good pair of ski boots, it is necessary to study the offers of different manufacturers in order to understand what quality of goods they offer and whether this quality corresponds to the stated price policy.

The French brand, which appeared in the early 70s, has not lost its popularity in the sports goods market for quite some time.

The French manufacturer warrants for the quality of goods and ski boots as well, as well as presents many models of all kinds of shades.

The fashionable Russian brand, which appeared recently, is part of the multi-million dollar corporation A.T.B. - Sport.

The selection of sports items provided by this brand is quite large. Among them there are ski boots made in the same color scheme as skis and ski poles.

Another domestic brand whose products are manufactured at the famous Klinsky Shoe Factory. The Marax brand is a relatively "young" manufacturer, which appeared only in 2003. Although the company is engaged in the production of sportswear, including, the main focus of this brand is the production of sports shoes.

Among the many products there are several models of ski boots for practicing different types of skiing.The cost of ski boots of this manufacturer is quite low, which does not affect quality at all. Boots are comfortable and durable.

The French brand, founded in 1907, is perhaps one of the very first manufacturers of sports goods.

Many models of boots for both cross-country and alpine skiing provide consumers with an easier and faster choice of the most comfortable ski shoes.

Products of this brand are manufactured and manufactured in Russia, have a fairly flexible pricing policy, and therefore are quite affordable for customers with almost any budget.

Ski boots, although they fall into the category of goods of economy class, still have pretty good quality and are quite durable.

? One of the largest Russian brands producing ski boots of medium quality, at a very reasonable cost.

The lineup is not as extensive as that of other brands, but there is still a choice. Everyone will be able to choose a suitable pair.

The brand, which appeared in the Czech Republic in 1949, was originally called “Botana” and was renamed to “Botas” only in 1963.

The production of ski boots is exactly where the company started. Models are of average quality and fairly low cost, so they are publicly available.

A brand that has existed in the sporting goods market for over fifty years, specializes in the production of high-quality goods.

The pricing policy of this company is very flexible, some of the models have a very low cost, while the cost of others can be called even overpriced.

The country of manufacture is Karelia, which is reflected in the name of the company.

Perhaps the most famous sports brand, the name of which is daily heard and whose products are available, perhaps, in every wardrobe.

Adidas ski boots are characterized by the highest quality, which ensures their long-term service, as well as somewhat overpriced.

It is worth paying attention to such brands as Next, Combi, Motor, Quechua, Nordic, which are also very popular among supporters of skiing.

Often, shoes are sold in sets with other parts. Such kits can greatly simplify the selection of equipment, since with an independent choice there is a risk of making a mistake.

The most common kit, which is available at sporting goods stores, consists of ski boots and special covers for them. Covers are necessary for the proper storage of ski shoes and the protection of all built-in parts necessary for fastening.

Very often, complete kits are available for sale, with sticks and other accessories. Usually, in addition to boots and poles themselves, such kits also include fastenings and skis themselves, which is very convenient.

Choosing such a kit, you should not be afraid to "miss", because the bindings are already selected in accordance with the type of ski and model of boots. The choice is made based on personal parameters: height, weight and size of the legs.

A fairly common detail that is often found in sets with ski boots is the pads, which are also called treads. Such overlays provide the most comfortable walking in ski boots that are not attached to skis.

In addition, treads provide protection for the soles of ski boots and maximize their protection from rapid wear. The pads are made of heat-resistant material, so they are suitable for use even in the most severe frosts, in addition, they are quite simply worn on the sole of the ski boots.

Choosing ski boots is quite simple, you just need to follow some tips. For example, if you want ski boots to last as long as possible, you need to opt for high-quality models, since a low-quality product will quickly become worthless.

To choose a comfortable model of ski boots, it is necessary to clearly establish some individual parameters:

• carefully measure the foot and determine the size of the leg;
• determine the level of their own training, in accordance with which the model of boots should be chosen;
• determine the style in which you ride;
• Select a model according to your budget.

When choosing ski boots, it is necessary to take into account some functional characteristics, for example, stiffness. It is better for beginners to buy soft boots, and hard ones are perfect for professionals, since it is they who most accurately convey the speed of effort and impact on the ski itself.

Sizing ski boots is an essential part of their choice. But many may have problems and questions regarding how to choose the right shoe size. To simplify the selection, there is an international dimensional grid in which a correspondence is established between the parameters of the leg and the size of the shoe.

If you do not know how to determine the size of the legs, do not panic, because doing this is quite easy and simple. For a more accurate and easy measurement, you need to circle the stack attached to the sheet of paper. Then you need to measure the distance from the protruding place - the thumb area, to the middle of the calcaneal region.

After taking the measurements, it is necessary to compare the results with the size table presented below.

Often, beginner athletes are faced with the problem of choosing ski boots and are in long thought about which ones are better to take. Feedback from people who have already made a purchase and have tried a particular model in business can help in this matter.

After analyzing customer reviews, it becomes clear that the choice of shoes directly depends on how much this or that model costs. Most often, the choice is not based on functional characteristics, but on price.

Most buyers who prefer more budget models, nevertheless pay attention to the quality of shoes and try to choose the best of possible models. The other part of buyers are eager to purchase ski boots at the lowest price, without paying special attention to quality.

If you make a rating of ski boots of different brands, then in the first places there will be more economical options for popular brands, such as Karjala, Botas, Larsen. Models with higher cost, for example, Adidas, despite the great popularity of the brand, occupy the middle positions of ratings.

Since ski boots are not quite ordinary shoes, it is not enough just to put your feet on the skis and start skiing, you need to fix the boots on the surface of the skis in order to protect yourself from falling and your body from damage or even fractures.

First of all, you need to familiarize yourself with the types of mounts that are different. It is necessary that the mounts on the skis and on the boots themselves completely coincide, otherwise, the products simply will not fit together.

If the skis are equipped with anchorages of the front type, then on the sole of the ski boots there should be a protruding toe, on which there are three holes. To fix these shoes, you need to stand on the skis and press the toe with a special arch made of metal. Such a mount is convenient in that the skis are quite suitable for boots of any size, even for children.

Fans of skiing probably often hear about the SNS and NNN mounting system.For beginners, not yet knowledgeable skiers, the question arises: what is it?

This type of fastening is divided into automatic and mechanical. With mechanical fastening, it is necessary to insert the boots into the fasteners, fit it to the desired size, and then fix it.

With automatic fastening, everything is much simpler - the side parts of the boot are placed in special grooves and snap into place.

It is worth making sure that the shoe is selected in accordance with the size and consideration of the warm toe, as well as that the shoes are well-set and the foot feels comfortable. Only with the most comfortable position of the legs you can make long ski trips.

Ski boots are not as easy to maintain as they seem at first glance. Although they are sports shoes, they still do not allow neglect of themselves, therefore, they require appropriate care, which can last for many years.

Some models of ski boots are already equipped with a waterproof layer applied by the manufacturer in the manufacture of shoes. And some of the more affordable options for such impregnation do not have.

To ensure the waterproofness of ski boots, you can purchase a special tool, or you can do otherwise by making such an impregnation at home.

For this we need:

• Fish fat;
• Castor oil.

1. Three teaspoons of fish oil must be mixed with one spoon of castor oil. The resulting mixture must be lubricated with ski boots, pre-heating and shoes, and the resulting fluid, for easier and more effective application.
2. It is necessary to apply several layers of this liquid. The welts of the boots can be lubricated with a special ski grease for thawing, which should also be heated. And to maintain the quality of the sole, it is necessary to impregnate it with a material such as natural drying oil, which is often used in repair and construction.
3. Then you need to hang the shoes and wait until the grease dries. For the best effect, it is better to carry out such manipulations about four times during the winter, as well as before you put the shoes away in the closet for the summer.

In addition to leaving questions, some are interested in whether it is possible to carry ski boots, if they were purchased end-to-end?

It is worth saying right away that the ski boots are very tight and it will be impossible to stretch them no matter how hard you try. Neither tricky life hacks, nor workshops specializing in the provision of this service will help here.

You can only carry boots designed for cross-country skiing. As already mentioned, you can contact a specialized workshop, where a service of this kind will be performed efficiently at a very reasonable price.

And you can use the cunning tips for wearing shoes, which are discussed in detail in this video.