Ski boots

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

The ski boot is a plastic construction that connects with the ski mount, is securely fixed, and thus keeps the skier's feet in place, saving from injury and helping to move. The ski boots are heavy and hard, they consist of two parts: a plastic boot and an inner soft boot. On the outside there are clips with buckles that fix the design on the leg.

This is a very specific shoe that eventually adapts not only to the anatomical features of your feet, but also to your physical fitness and skiing techniques.

Most manufacturers produce models, unisex, but it is better to give preference to women, which are designed from softer material, taking into account the features of the female figure and leg structure. When the legs are in a half-bent state, in women the center of gravity is more shifted back, which is important. Also, the calves are often bulkier than the males, so the cuff height should be lower.

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

Can be running or ski.

• Running are suitable for speed skating and classic riding style and for any type of riding: tourist, recreational or professional. These are high boots with moderately rigid soles and a removable cuff.
• Ski use for skiing on the slopes or off-piste - in deep snow. They can adjust the incline of the tops, taking into account the style and conditions of riding. They need to be carefully selected in size.

Designed for skiers who ride in a classic style - it does not imply a strong load on the ankle. There are recreational, tourist and sports. These are low shoes that do not constrain the movement of the foot. They have a soft sole and no cuffs, so you can walk without skis. The only caveat to take into account - they are not suitable for skating.

Designed for quick movement over long distances through the snow-covered area. Therefore, it is important that they protect the foot from moisture and cold and provide a safe ride. This is a two-layer model that is not afraid of low temperature.

They are radically different from the previous model and consist of an external and an internal boot.By rigidity are divided into three types: for beginners, for experts and for professionals. The harder the boot, the more accurate and faster will be the transfer to the skis, and the more your weight, the harder they should be.

This type of skating derives its name from the fact that the skier’s movements resemble those of a skater. You need to push off with two legs, usually they do it in order to accelerate.

These are tough shoes that should cover the ankle and prevent injuries. They are selected individually, taking into account the peculiarities of the structure of the foot. They should not dangle on the foot, provide reliable fixation of the foot and provide an effective push.

Suitable for a mixed-type ski race consisting of a classic and ridge course. This is a rather complicated technique, because in the course of the race a constant change of skis is necessary. In this case, the mount on the shoes should be universal to fit the skis of both styles.

They have a hard sole and reliable ankle support, which is maintained even if the cuffs are undone. Most often, these shoes are bought only by professional athletes, they are no good to the ordinary fan.

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

One of the leading manufacturers, was created by a group of professional skiers. Brand 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.

The brand, which at one time developed a system of ski bindings «meil carres». On the company's account a lot of open, which were of great importance for the world of skiers. Winter sports shoes brand won the market almost since its inception.

The legendary brand, the creators of which was coined three-clips ski boot with 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, footwear 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 novice skiers. Its founder became the progenitor of snowboarding as an extreme sport and opened the world's first enterprise for the production of snowboards. Produces equipment, clothing and shoes for skiers and surfers, its products remain the benchmark of the highest quality.

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

Before buying, it is important to know your foot length, level of training, riding style and determine for yourself how much you expect.

• Rigidity. The most important selection criteria. The toughest are designed for professionals. They have a rather high top and 4 clips. These boots are the least comfortable, but they help to carry out an exact transfer to the skis, which is important when driving fast.

• The size. It is determined by the internal boot, which fits tightly to the leg. Wider models are designed for amateurs, narrow fit 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 shoe should fit tightly over the entire length of the leg.

• Weight. Professional boots are harder, you should pay attention to this, because the weight of the shoes will affect lifting.
• The length of the sole. It is listed separately, because the size does not match. Necessary in order to properly adjust the mounting ski.
• Mount. Must be exactly the same as the ski mount. Best of all, if they are from the same manufacturer.
• Regulators. They allow you to adjust the shoes to the foot. The minimum number on children's shoes and models for beginners.

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

1. Open the boot from top to bottom, open the tops of the flaps, pull out and pull the tongue to the side. Stick your foot into the boot, making light rotational movements. It should be “screwed” into the shoes.
2. Replace the tongue and leg flaps in place. To make the heel fit better, lightly tap your foot on the ground.
3. Button clips bottom-up. It is necessary to fix the leg well, but not very tightly. After a few descents, the boot warms up, and you can “pull down” the clip, if necessary. It is especially convenient to do this if it is threaded.

You will be able to visually see and repeat how to put on and take off ski boots if you watch the video.

With the storage of shoes is much easier. They have the shape of the letter G, so folding them comfortably “facing” 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 that are on each shoe.

The box in which they are sold is rather cumbersome, so it makes no sense to keep shoes in it. They are plastic and tough, so they are not deformed and will not lose their shape. So they do not gather dust, cover them with a cover or put in a bag. They occupy a minimum of space when they are standing on a rack vertically. But if you are more comfortable, you can put them on - this does not affect the shoes.

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

These shoes remain fairly conservative, manufacturers use well-established production scheme. Only the variable flex and the inner boot are improved, which they are trying to bring to the ideal. One of these new products - the model Raptor B2 RD from the brand Head.

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

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

In general, good brands manage to realize their plans, but such shoes are very expensive, and cheap ones do not stand up to scrutiny. It’s definitely not worth saving, so you’ll have to spend a lot on quality shoes.

In either case, the most important thing is the weight of the shoes, since 1 kg on the legs is the same as 5 in a backpack. To facilitate the model of this segment, manufacturers use carbon. It allows you to retain stiffness, but reduce the thickness of the boot, for example, as in SCOTT Cosmos boots.

The Fischer brand has become a real innovator in this area, releasing the Travers Carbon model. When creating it, not only carbon was used, the brand also abandoned locks in favor of lacing! Also, the outer boot became thermoformable, which made it possible to obtain an ideal model.

Even without being professional, most skiers say that it is better to buy your own shoes, rather than take them at the box office. 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, are distinguished by reasonable prices, but at the same time provide reliable fixation of the leg.

Brand Head lovers like comfort - in the shoes of this brand, you can skate and enjoy a hot drink in a coffee shop.

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

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

Seasoned skiers give some important tips:

1. Do not use used shoes, 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. After a year or two, they will have to be changed to tougher ones, but they are expensive.
3. Buy a model with 4 clips, with the presence of micro-adjustment and straps for donning.
4. Do not buy shoes whose stiffness is below 90; they are not suitable for prolonged use.
5. It is worth buying shoes designed for your gender. For example, in women, the foot is wider and higher is the rise, the manufacturer takes this into account when producing.
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 with leg problems are worth it.