Ski boots

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

In addition, skiing is divided into several categories: northern views, alpine views, a form 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.

Skis are also good for winter hikes, since due to the large amount of snowfall, moving around a wooded area can be somewhat difficult. Skiing is much easier and safer to move on deep snow cover due to load distribution.

When moving independently, you risk falling into a snowdrift with your foot, and in some cases even damage your joints, tuck your leg, or even make a fracture.

By themselves, skies appeared quite a long time ago and were common in human habitats, where the harsh northern climate prevails with abundant snowfall, because skis were the most common way of moving through the snow.

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

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

Ski boots are necessary in order to carefully fix and fix your foot on skis. Strong and correct fixation is a guarantee of safe riding, preservation of all bones and joints in a complete state.

Ski boots, being a rather unusual sports-type shoe, must 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, are suitable for several types of skis.

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

The sole of a ski boot is made of a special type of thick, thermoplastic rubber. It is quite tough 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 this model is a classic), or even does not change at all and does not deform, if the sole has strong rigidity and is, for example, about alpine skiing.

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

There are sliding ski boots, which are mainly represented in children's models. Since the child’s foot grows quickly, sliding shoes can adapt to certain parameters of the foot and last much longer.

The range of ski boots is not so wide, in general, the differences lie in the varieties corresponding to one or another type of skiing.The main differences of the models are only in the division into men, women and children.

Models, as a rule, have more refined appearance. They are made of materials of light shades and often have an attractive decorative print, in the form of an image of flowers, different curls and feminine ornaments.

Models look more restrained, are made mainly in dark colors and have almost 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 are characterized by bright colors. Ski boots for boys can be green, red, blue, orange and purple. Boots for girls most often have yellow, pink, blue and light green colors.

There are quite a few varieties of ski boots, as well as varieties of skiing, each of which is characterized by a number of any features. And one or another type of ski boot must comply with these features.

• For example, boots for cross-country skiing are intended for high-speed movement over rough terrain, with the presence of 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 do not differ much from cross-country and have all the same functional characteristics, with the exception of mounts, which in this type are more durable.

• Classic ski boots do not have some special characteristics, because with this type of skiing there is a minimum load on the ankle. Shoes for a classic move are low, with a soft sole and no cuffs. Classic ski boots are divided into tourist, leisure, professional and sports models.

• Expedition ski boots designed for long hikes may be suitable for hunting or recreational skis. Very often, this model is disguised as ordinary tourist boots and is equipped with lacing, which is even better, since a stronger leg fixation is ensured.

• A separate model exists for the skiatlon - racing both classic and skating. This type of boots should have universal characteristics and be suitable for both types of skis, and correspond to their fastenings.

• Snowboots have a rather interesting appearance, reminiscent of ordinary winter sports boots. This model is the most comfortable and suitable for skiing with children. The warmed lining and the most comfortable shoe 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;
• rantovy - the old shortened model with a classic square toe, characterized by universal characteristics;
• heated - to ensure maximum heat for skiing in the most severe frosts.

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

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

Ski boots made of materials such as nubuck are very practical, they are quite durable, they do not leak moisture and do not absorb dirt.Models made of membrane material that also have good wear resistance are quite common.

For skiing in the cold you need to buy warm ski boots. Warm models are equipped with fleece lining, a dense layer of padding polyester, or some other insulation.

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

Ski boots made from softer materials have velcro fasteners that allow you to adjust the width of your shoes.. Models of more dense materials in some cases are equipped with adjustable clasps made of heat-resistant plastic. And some shoes in sporty style, 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 the quality of the 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 sporting goods market for quite a long time.

The French manufacturer vouches for the quality of goods and ski boots as well, and also presents a variety of models of various shades.

A fashionable Russian brand that has just emerged is part of the A.T.B.- Multi-million corporation. Sport.

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

Another domestic brand, whose products are manufactured at the famous Klin Shoe Factory. The Marax brand is a relatively “young” manufacturer that appeared only in 2003. Although the company is engaged in the release 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 various types of skiing. The cost of ski boots of this manufacturer is rather low, which does not affect the quality at all. Boots are comfortable and durable.

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

Many models of boots for both cross-country and alpine skis provide consumers with a simpler and faster selection 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 buyers with almost any budget.

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

? One of the largest Russian brands producing ski boots of average quality at an affordable price.

The lineup is not as extensive as other brands, but there is still a choice. Everyone can choose a suitable pair.

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

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

The brand that has been in the sporting goods market for more than fifty years has specialized 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 even be called overestimated.

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

Perhaps the most famous sports brand, whose name is on a daily basis and whose products are, perhaps, in every wardrobe.

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

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

Often boots are sold in sets with other parts. Such kits can greatly simplify the selection of equipment, because if you choose yourself there is a risk of making a mistake.

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

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

Choosing such a kit, you should not be afraid to “overshoot”, because the fasteners are already selected in accordance with the type of skis and the model of boots. The choice should be made on the basis of personal parameters only: height, weight and foot size.

Quite common detail, which is often found in sets with ski boots, are the linings, which are also called protectors. Such linings provide the most comfortable walking in ski boots that are not attached to the skis.

In addition, the protectors protect the sole of the ski boot and protect it as much as possible from rapid wear. Pads are made of heat-resistant material, so they are suitable for use even with the most severe frosts, in addition, they are quite simply worn on the sole of ski boots.

Selecting 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, as a low-quality product will quickly become worthless.

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

• carefully measure the foot and determine the size of the foot;
• determine the level of their own training, in accordance with which the shoe model should be selected;
• determine the style in which you ride;
• choose a model in accordance with the acceptable budget.

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

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

If you do not know how to determine the size of the legs, do not panic, because to make it pretty easy and simple. For a more accurate and easy measurement, you must circle the foot attached to the sheet of paper.Then you need to measure the distance from the protruding place - the area of ​​the thumb, to the middle of the heel area.

After the measurements are made, it is necessary to compare the results with the size table below.

Often, novice athletes are faced with the problem of choosing a ski boot and are in long reflections on what is best to take. Feedback from people who have already made a purchase and have tried one or another model in action 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, still pay attention to the quality of shoes and try to find the best possible model. Another part of the buyers tend to buy ski boots at the lowest price, without paying much attention to quality.

If you make a rating of ski boots of different brands, then the first places will be more economical options for popular brands such as Karjala, Botas, Larsen. Models with a higher cost, for example, Adidas, despite the great popularity of the brand, occupy the average position of the 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 must fasten 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 fasteners that are different. It is necessary that the mounts on skis and on the boots themselves be completely the same, otherwise, the products simply do not fit together.

If the skis are equipped with front-end mounts, then on the sole of the ski boots there should be a protruding toe, on which there are three holes. To secure such shoes, you need to stand on the skis and press the sock with a special metal arc. This mount is convenient because the skis are quite suitable for shoes of any size, even for children.

Fans of skiing, probably, often hear about the system of fastening SNS and NNN. Beginners who are not yet knowledgeable skiers, the question arises: what is it?

This type of mounting is divided into automatic and mechanical. For mechanical fastening, you must insert the shoes into the fasteners, adjust it to the desired size, and then fix.

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

It is worth making sure that the shoe is selected in accordance with the size and due to the warm toe, and that the shoes are well seated and the foot feels comfortable. Only at the most comfortable position of your feet can you take long ski trips.

Ski boots are not as easy to maintain as it seems at first glance. Although they are sports shoes, they do not allow themselves to be negligent, therefore they require appropriate care in which they can serve for many years.

Some models of ski boots are already equipped with a waterproof layer applied by the manufacturer when making shoes. And some more budget options do not have such impregnation.

To ensure the waterproofness of ski boots, you can purchase a special tool, and you can do something else, having made such impregnation at home.

For this we need:

• Fish fat;
• Castor oil.

1. Three teaspoons of fish oil should be mixed with one spoon of castor oil. The resulting mixture must be lubricated ski boots, pre-warming and shoes, and the resulting liquid, for easier and more efficient application.
2. It is necessary to apply several layers of this liquid. Rant shoes can be smeared with a special, designed for thaw, ski ointment, which should also be heated. And to preserve the quality of the sole, it is necessary to saturate it with a material such as natural linseed oil, which is often used in repair and construction.
3. Then you need to hang the shoes and wait until the lubricant dries. For the best effect, such manipulations are best carried out about four times during the winter, and also before you take your shoes away to the closet for the summer.

In addition to the issues of care, some are interested in, is it possible to carry ski boots, if they were purchased at the same time?

It should immediately be said that the ski boots are very dense and it will be impossible to stretch them, no matter how hard you try. Neither tricky lifehacks nor workshops specializing in the provision of this service will help.

It is possible to carry only boots designed for cross-country skiing. As already mentioned, you can contact a specialized workshop, where a service of this kind will be performed qualitatively at an affordable price.

And you can use clever tips on shoelacing, which are discussed in detail in this video.