Ski boots are the most important piece of ski equipment, so getting to know skiing starts with them. It is better to approach the choice of skis, being already shod. The process of choosing ski boots is very interesting and complicated, but it is a necessary part of the quest. Correctly selected ski boots- it's comfortable even with many hours of riding.

Ski boot size

How to choose ski boots? The choice of ski boots should begin with determining the length of the foot in millimeters. Ski boots should fit like skates or roller skates, tight and secure. To control skis in loose boots, you will have to put in more effort.

The width of the ski boot is determined individually by experience. If, after putting on the boots, you feel some tightness of the leg, this is not a problem. All shoes to one degree or another are pressed under the foot, and after a while they become freer. After you have chosen ski boots, you need to stay in them for a while, walk around, try to repeat the movements during the descent (press your lower leg on the tongue of the inner boot).

Ski boot stiffness

The more you weigh, the more rigid your boot will be. The ski boot should hold you. If the fully buttoned boot folds under you when you press your shin against the tongue of the liner, then it is advisable to pay attention to the higher level. But you must also understand that when trying on a boot in a warm store, its stiffness will be felt significantly lower than what the boot will have at low temperatures. During the fitting, it should bend a little under your pressure. The higher the height, the higher the rigidity. Simple physics - tall people have more leverage.

Soft ski boots provide comfort, hard ones give better control over the ski. If you don't chase speed and don't strive to perfect your technique, if you prefer calm descents on blue pistes and regular photo sessions with all the local attractions, then, of course, it makes sense to take soft, comfort-oriented boots. However, don't expect them to accurately transfer power to the skis.

ski boot last

The width of the block in ski boots ranges from 92 to 108 mm - this is the distance between the walls of the boot in the widest zone. If you decide to choose ski boots from the catalog, keep in mind that the parameter indicated there is given based on boot size 27.5. With a decrease in the size of the boot, it also decreases. In addition, different brands and even different models of the same brand will feel differently on shoes with the same last width. So get ready to measure, measure and measure again. If the boots seem narrow to you, you don’t need to try a larger size, this model probably just doesn’t suit you. If you experience very little discomfort, keep in mind that the liner will sit on your leg after rolling out, and in addition, its molding will also help to expand it somewhat in problem areas.

Trying to create the perfect boot for everyone, some manufacturers make models in which the width of the plastic boot can be changed mechanically in problem areas ( Head Adaptive Fit) or through a soft insert - this technology is found, for example, in boots Atomic(technology live fit). You can also change the last width by thermoforming the outer plastic boot. True, not all manufacturers of ski boots have this opportunity. The thermoforming of the liner also allows you to adapt the ski boot to your foot. The width of the last can be directly related to the stiffness of the boot. The higher the level of the boots, the narrower, as a rule, the block. In sports models of ski boots, the smallest width has been created for maximum foot fixation.

Ski boot strap

The strap of the outer boot is a strap, usually Velcro, or a booster with a metal buckle. Straps and boosters can have different widths, the wider they are, the better the fixation of the lower leg, which provides a better transfer of effort to the ski. A wide strap is most commonly found in freeride and park models with three clips (or even two), as well as sports boots. Width from 25mm to 65mm.

ski boot sole

Ski boot sole standards:

• DIN(ISO 5355) is the standard for all-round ski boots. Sports shoes are made according to the same standard - a plastic straight sole, on top models there is an increased height for further adjustment to a particular athlete. Not suitable for use without milling;
• Touring(ISO 9523) is the standard for ski touring boots. Ski touring boots have their own special sole, higher, most often rubberized, deep protectors. It happens that ski touring boots come with interchangeable pads that allow you to use these boots with standard bindings. In many standard boots Touring additional mounting holes available TLT (Dynafit);
• WTR technology (Walk to ride)- the standard for backcountry boots. WTR in fact, it is the standard for bindings that allow you to change the position of the mounting jaws as for standard soles DIN as well as for the standard Touring. In ski boots sharpened for backcountry and freeride, you can often find lining Vibram besides the Salomon boots, these guys use their own technology Contagrip.

ski boot liner

The liner can be fully thermoformable or partially. In addition, the materials themselves have varying degrees of susceptibility to molding. One of the leaders in the production of molded liner boots is the company Intuition. The first difference between the interiors Intuition from other molded boots is the higher density foam used. The second distinguishing point is the design of the boot. Overlap used in most models of this manufacturer. This design allows you to fill a large volume between the foot and the outer boot.

Initially, the main target audience for the development of such liners were freeriders and freestylers, for whom the classic hard grip of the ankle is not acceptable, as there is a fatal risk of injury after landing from a jump. The Intuition liner provides good cushioning and a flexible fit that is not welcome on the piste as it dulls the feel of the ski.

ski boot insulation

The molded foam material itself is directly responsible for maintaining heat - the basis of the liner. The thicker the liner, the warmer it is. That is why, for example, shoes Intuition much warmer than others. And vice versa, sports ski boots (competitive) have an extremely thin base in the shin and foot area, 2-3 times thinner than an ordinary one, and therefore are considered absolutely cold. In the competition for the buyer, manufacturers began to additionally insulate models of ski boots. Traditional wool and down are used as insulation, as well as synthetic material. 3M Thinsulate. However, often shoe manufacturers use their own designs.

We remind you that a ski boot and pure woolen or cotton socks are two incompatible things. They do not wick moisture away too well, which can cause your feet to freeze quickly. Low socks are also unacceptable. Buy ski socks along with ski boots right away, they provide moisture removal, and being high, they will prevent chafing in the shin area.

If your feet are cold in the boot

There may be several reasons. Perhaps you just overdid it with a puff. Try to tighten the clips more evenly. Clamped vessels do not provide proper blood circulation, which leads to freezing. Perhaps you spend a lot of time in the wrong stance: in a straight stance, the pressure on the calf muscles increases, respectively, the vessels in this area are strongly pinched. It is important to remember that with the help of boots you will control alpine skiing, so they should sit very tightly on your foot, but you should not experience discomfort.

When choosing ski boots, you do not need to pay attention to the manufacturer. In a world of fierce competition, there are simply no bad shoes. If you already have skis of some manufacturer, then there is no need to select the same boots. All ski boots are suitable for any ski binding, with the exception of ski touring boots.

We wish you happy shopping and great riding!

When purchasing ski equipment, the most An important and difficult process is the selection of suitable ski boots. This is the first thing you have to put on before getting on your skis.

Rationally selected shoes of this kind Provides secure support for feet and ankles, suitable ski control and a fairly high level of comfort, especially when skiing for many hours.

How to choose the right size ski boots?

Before you start choosing ski shoes, it is recommended to correctly determine the size of the foot in centimeters. Many people often prefer to purchase shoes that are a size larger than required. In the situation with ski boots, this does not work.

Shoes of this kind must sit on the foot like roller skates or ordinary skates: reliable and durable. Excessive length in this case will not bring anything but harm.

Reference! It is believed that shoes bigger size provide less fatigue to the legs. This is a big misconception. When skiing in shoes that are too loose, you will have to exert much more effort.

To independently determine the size of shoes, you must:

• put a sheet of paper on the floor;
• step on the paper, while relaxing the foot;
• without taking your feet off the sheet, mark the heel and the longest toe;
• measure the distance between them with a ruler;
• measure the other leg in the same way.

The largest result will be the size of the foot. Most the exact size that you should be guided by when choosing ski boots is the size in centimeters.

Size chart for men, women and children:

Having determined the length and width of the foot, the specialist will be able to choose the most suitable options., thus significantly reducing the expected search circle. Subsequently, the acceptable width of such shoes determined individually during the fitting process.

If your feet feel a little cramped in the chosen shoes, it's not a big deal. Any shoes sooner or later "knead" under the foot, while becoming more comfortable.

Ski boot stiffness

This indicator is determined by the resistance of the ski boot to bending forward. In most cases, the stiffness of such shoes is indicated directly in its characteristics.

The following factors influence the determination of the optimal level of rigidity:

• weight and height of the skier;
• riding style;
• degree of preparation;
• the place chosen for skiing.

Influence of riding style

For each riding style, certain parameters matter. Soft ski models guarantee maximum comfort, and hard ones provide better control over the skis.

For intense riding it is better to choose rigid models, equipped with fasteners for fixing the legs in the four most vulnerable points, and having sufficient strength.

Freestyle models with a double shock-absorbing sole are suitable for the safe performance of various tricks and jumps. These ski boots are mostly has metal clips, well resistant strong blows and loads.

The influence of weight and height of a skier on the choice of ski boots

The greater the weight of the skier, the higher the stiffness index of shoes of this kind must be.. In the process of fitting, ski boots must bend slightly under the pressure of the person trying them on.

His height matters too.. The higher it is, the more important the optimal stiffness index should be. It should also be taken into account when choosing that the stiffness of shoes in a warm store is felt much lower than in low temperatures.

Important! Ski boots from different manufacturers with the same stiffness index can have significant differences. Effort increases in different ways for everyone, not in a linear fashion.

Level physical training the skier plays an important role. For beginners, the best indicator would be a stiffness index in the range of 60-80 units.

For intermediate and advanced skiers the best choice would be shoes with a stiffness index of 85-100. Experts in most cases choose an indicator in the range of 110-120, and for athletes, the best option would be a stiffness index of 130-140 units.

The influence of the sport and the place of skiing

Depending on the functional purpose, ski boots, like skis, have certain features:

Sport- the maximum level of rigidity; block having a narrow width; relatively thin inner boot and a more significant forward lean angle;

Freeride- in most cases, a less significant forward slope formed by the shaft; block having a width of medium size; tighter inner boot; the stiffness index does not play a special role in this case;

A park- a small level of rigidity, the presence of shock-absorbing inserts, low weight.

ski boot last

When determining the right block it is necessary to take into account the style of riding and the individual characteristics of the legs skier. In various models, the width of the block (Last) can range from 95 to 104 mm(the distance between the walls of the boot at the widest part of the foot). There is no general standard, as in the case of the rigidity of these shoes.

Conditionally ski boot block can be attributed to one of three groups:

• narrow - 95-98 mm;
• medium - 100-102 mm;
• wide - 102-104 mm.

Important! In some models, the width of the plastic boots may vary (Manufacturer Head Adaptive Fit). This problem is solved by thermoforming the inner boot.

Professional ski boots has a special design:

• plastic outer boot: molded or not molded;
• power belt as a rule, it is a Velcro strap or a booster with a metal buckle;
• inner boot- soft boot that provides comfort to the foot;
• outsole - TLT(Dynafit standard for ski touring and ski mountaineering) or WTR (Salomon and Atomic standard for backcountry and groomed trails);
• clip- fastener of the outer boot for fixing the leg.

What to look for when buying ski boots?

The main thing in choosing ski boots is size. It depends on two mandatory indicators: foot length and width. The length can be measured at home on your own, and the width is determined directly in the fitting process.

Experienced freeriders and lovers of dynamic karting will certainly appreciate the ability to bend the boot in the metatarsus, which is not inherent in all models.

Walk/skate switch

With this function, you can fix or release the stop, which controls the forward inclination of the cuff of the shoe.

It can be placed both on freeride / backcountry / ski touring shoes, and on comfortable, recreational options.

Warming

The base of the liner, made of foam material, is responsible for maintaining heat in ski boots. The level of heat directly depends on the thickness of the liner.

The area of ​​insulation varies. It can be the entire liner or just the area of ​​​​the fingers. An additional "plush" layer provides an increased level of warmth and comfort.

If your feet are cold in ski boots, this may be due to the fact that the size of the shoes is not chosen correctly and the shoes are too loose on the feet. Another cause of freezing may be too narrow shoes.. In this case, blood vessels or nerve fibers can be pinched.

The fitting process should not take less than 15-20 minutes. If during this time there is no feeling of tightness in the legs, numbness and burning, this is an excellent model. When choosing unisex ski boots, you need to know that such shoes do not take into account all the features of the structure of the foot, so they are not suitable for everyone.

It is the most important component of your ski gear and it is worth spending a little more time, money and energy to find the right pair with a comfortable fit. Your boots are the only way to transfer all of your body's intentions to the ski, so a precise fit is essential for better control and performance.

The body of ski boots is made of hard plastic, so conflicts between the shape of your feet and the shape of your boots can lead to health problems. The goal of choosing the right ski boots is to find the right size and shape that you feel comfortable with without sacrificing performance on the slope.

Each rider's foot is unique and there is no one "one size fits all" way to fit a boot. The size, shape, stiffness and other features of your ideal pair of boots depend on the level of skiing, wishes, height and weight, the number of days you plan to ride per year, terrain and other factors. Because of their construction and the function they are supposed to perform, ski boots will never be as comfortable as everyday sneakers, and you shouldn't try to rate them the same.

Remember that the foam used to fill the liner will shrink over time, so if a new boot feels stiff, it will become softer after a few days of skiing. When choosing ski boots, consider the following points:

Skier Level

Start by thinking about whether you fit into the table below. This will give you an idea of ​​what type of boot, flex, and other features to look for in ski boots. We have broken down the types of skiers into three groups based on skill level:

Beginner / advanced rider

You prefer green and blue trails and tend to ride groomed, groomed terrain. You are still mastering skiing, but you are progressing noticeably. The best option for beginner/intermediate riders is a softer to medium flex and a fit that will allow them to ride comfortably all day long.

Progressive / advanced rider

You enjoy different speeds and riding conditions, including steeper descents, and require more precise control from your boots. You ski on both blue and some black runs and experiment with off-piste routes. Advanced skiers ski regularly, for several years in a row, and should look for a medium flex boot with a precise fit that will give you complete control in a wide variety of conditions.

Advanced / Expert

You ski all over the mountain with confidence! You can easily transition from marked trails to the backcountry and navigate all types of snow, including powder, ice and hard snow. You should look for boots with high stiffness and a very precise fit.

Expert-level boots are sometimes deliberately made smaller, both in length and in volume, and then separately work on the most comfortable fit of the boots. By the way, boots for professional park riders are usually softer and more comfortable than for expert freeriders.

Size

Ski boots are measured using the Mondopoint scale, which is based on the length of your foot in centimeters. In fact, Mondopoint is the length in centimeters.

Choose your size carefully. While most people can walk comfortably in shoes that are too big or too small, skiing is more of a challenge, so everything must fit perfectly.

When trying on ski boots, we recommend wearing a thin or very thin sock. A thicker sock can be a bit warmer, but the plastic shell and foam liner provide more insulation for the foot, and the extra thickness in the sock between your foot and boot reduces ski control and response. For this reason, the best skiers wear the thinnest socks.

Beginner/advanced skiers should choose boots with the Mondopoint length listed, or slightly longer if they feel the boot is too small. Keep in mind that the foam in the boot will shrink after a few rides and you will have plenty of room for your toes.

Progressive/advanced riders should also choose a boot size close to the size shown in the table, or slightly shorter but with more stiffness. Pay attention to the width of the boot, and if possible, choose one that sits more comfortably on the foot.

Advanced/expert skiers typically choose a boot size 1/2 down to the specified size for ultra-precise feel and response. Professionals choose hard and very hard models.

Size tables of famous ski brands:

Suitable size

Slight to moderate pressure on your big toes when the boots are buckled and the feet are upright usually indicates that after some use the boots will take on perfect size. If the boot seems too small, try bending it hard by lifting it up. upper part behind the sock and direct the knee with force forward to the tongue several times. This will push your heel back into the heel of the boot and create more room in the front.

Check the fit of the liner to make sure the pressure is coming from the toe of the liner and not from the hard plastic shell. All ski boots wear well. And it's better to have a boot with a perfect fit at the end of the season than the first time you try it on.

boot body

A common method of measuring the length of an liner is called "body fitting" and this is good way check how close your shoe is to the correct size. To do this, you need to pull out the liner of the boot. Then insert your foot into the bare body and slide it forward until your long toes touch the body wall. Then check the distance between the heel and back corps. Most people do this with their hands or some object of known thickness.

When measured with fingers, a distance of "one finger" or "one and a half fingers" (15-22 mm or 0.6 to 0.9 inches) is considered appropriate. A gap of more than two toes is generally considered large, while less than one toe falls into the "expert racing boot" category.

Note that ski boot manufacturers don't make half-size outer shells, so 26.0 and 26.5 boots usually have the same shell. If you are trying on a size 26.5 boot and it seems too big, go for the next size 25.5 instead of 26.0.

insoles

The perfect fit doesn't just depend on the length of your boot. Like the foot, every ski boot has its own unique shape. Most shoe manufacturers now make two or three separate models or "insoles" to fit different foot shapes. As a rule, these insoles can be divided into narrow, medium and wide, and they are related by the width of the forefoot.

Narrow shoe insoles usually have a forefoot width of 97 to 98 mm, and they are also quite narrow in the middle. These shoes are best for people with narrow and thin legs.

The middle insoles have a forefoot width of about 100mm. Boots with these insoles are well suited for riders with medium foot widths. They provide a softer fit due to a smooth transition from the wide part of the insole to the heel.

Wide insoles are best for skiers with wider, longer legs. The width of such an insole in its front part goes from 102 mm to 106 mm.

If you know what width of insole you usually use in street shoes, then choosing the right insole is not difficult. For example, a foot with a width of "A" or "B" feels better in a boot with a narrow insole, while a foot with a width of "C" or "D" usually corresponds to an average insole of about 100 mm. Skiers with an "E" foot width or larger should look for the widest insoles of 102mm or larger.

As with boot length, insole width is not an absolute standard among different boot manufacturers, and everyone has their own formula for sizing. But we made good general recommendations.

By the way, stiffer high performance boots were previously only available with narrower insoles, and experienced skiers with wider feet were forced to just endure the pain or completely redesign the insoles for themselves. And beginners and advanced skiers looking for soft stiffness often had no choice but to buy a wide “comfortable” insole, even if they had a very narrow and small foot.

Fortunately, this trend is actively changing, but experienced skiers with very wide and large feet and beginners with very narrow and small feet may still be faced with a limited choice of insoles.

Ski boot manufacturers often create more than one model with different stiffness, so if you find a boot that fits well but is not comfortable with the stiffness, see if that model is available in a softer or stiffer version.

Boot size

Volume usually (but not always) goes hand in hand with forefoot width. Shoes with a narrow forefoot tend to have less volume through the midfoot and heel, while boots with a wide forefoot tend to be more comfortable throughout their length. Boot manufacturers don't list volume as a number, unfortunately, so the best way to find out if a boot's size is right for your foot is to try it on.

Rigidity

Rigidity in ski boots refers to how difficult or easy it is to bend the boot in half. The stiffness of boots ranges from very soft to very stiff, indicated by a numerical "flex index", which is usually a number between 50 (soft) and 130 (very stiff). Often this number is written on the outside of the cuff.

The method for determining the stiffness index is not standardized between boot manufacturers, so a boot with a stiffness of 100 from one company may not match the same stiffness index from another company, so use the numbers as a starting point, but don't get too hung up on them. In addition, some companies use a scale of 1-10 to rate hardness.

Professional athletes and some expert skiers prefer boots with a stiffness greater than 130, and these boots are usually available on special order with a very small insole and forefoot widths from 92mm to 95mm.

Again, since there is no standard for measuring stiffness, it is best to use the stiffness index only as an aid to choosing the model you are interested in or to compare models within the same brand.

Terrain, speed, and snow type also play a role in boot stiffness. Pros and freeriders often opt for slightly softer boots than the top World Cup racers, and park pundits prefer even softer boots.

Mixed snow and very rocky terrain often require a little more cuff movement, while hard and smooth snow surfaces (such as racing tracks) require more effort and pressure on the skis, resulting in boots with more stiffness. The serious beginner can handle both medium and hard boots perfectly, while some experienced skiers prefer shoes with more rigidity.

Your height and weight also contribute to choosing the best boot stiffness. A rider of small height and weight (for example, a woman) will not transfer much pressure to the ski boots and, therefore, to the skis, so very stiff boots will only limit the movement when skiing.

Because women have a lower body mass for their height and leg height than men, women's ski boot flex ratings are slightly lower.

Cuff shape

The fit of the cuff to the size and shape of your calf is an important part of ski boots. The shape and height of both the shell and the liner can be an important consideration when choosing boots for women (whose shin is usually lower and proportionately larger than men's) and simply for those with a large shin.

If the top buckles on the boots are very tight, then most models have top buckles that can be moved to several different positions, sometimes with a screwdriver or wrench, giving you a greater range of adjustment. Most manufacturers now produce women's special boots that are designed to comfortably accommodate larger and lower shins.

Tilt angle

As a rule, ski boots have a fixed angle of inclination between 11 and 18 degrees vertically. The angle or angle of the boot (lower inside of the boot) relative to the ski is usually fixed, but can sometimes be adjusted by placing shims under the bindings or wedges between the boot and the liner. Some skiers are more sensitive to lean than others.

Peculiarities

Ski boots offer a number of special features to enhance performance, comfort and ease of use.

Inners

The lining is a removable soft inner part of the boot that protects and insulates the foot from the hard outer shell. Over time, all liners mold to the skier's foot, and those that feel too hard the first time you try them on will take on the shape of your foot after a few days on the slope.

Some boots offer a fully customizable heat-resistant liner that you can heat up in the store and it will instantly mold to your foot and won't change when it cools down.

Thermoformed body

Some brands (Salomon and Atomic) offer boot shells that can be heated in a convection oven and made to order. This process will allow you to change the shape of the outer shell of the boot, which is, let's say, too rigid. The thermoforming process must be carried out by qualified personnel.

Reinforced strap

This is the Velcro strap at the top of the ski boot cuff (some boots come with mechanical buckles). When tightened, the strap increases the power transfer and control of the boot. It acts as an additional adjustable buckle and helps reduce the gap between the foot and boot.

Buckle micro adjustment

This feature is necessary to achieve an accurate fit of the boot. The micro adjustment actually shortens or lengthens the buckle and allows you to fine-tune the straps. Turning the buckle clockwise tightens it and makes it tighter, while turning the buckle counterclockwise makes it longer and loosens the boot.

rear spoiler

This is a removable element that is located between the liner and the outer casing, directly behind the lower leg. It does two things: pushes the liner forward slightly and fills in the top cuff to reduce the gap between your leg and body, which can be important for those who want to place the liner a little forward or for skiers with very thin feet.

Hiking mode

Many ski boots have the ability to switch from fixed ski mode to hiking mode. This feature is becoming increasingly popular on hiking boots that are designed to be used both in ski area as well as in mountaineering.

Sole

The rubber outsole aids in walking and hiking on rocks, ice and pavement. Many hiking boots have a forefoot curved outsole for better snow traction and a natural gait.

Buying shoes online

Now that you know what boots you need, you can start looking! We strongly recommend that you do not buy shoes based on price or color alone. It is better not to save on suitable ski boots.

Nobody knows your feet better than yourself. If you think you've found the right boots that fit great and have the right amount of stiffness, wear them at home for a bit before hitting the slopes. Both you and the shoes must understand that they are made for each other!

In our catalog you can choose ski boots from famous brands for every taste!

Boots are probably the most important piece of ski equipment. It depends on them whether you will be comfortable, warm and safe, or vice versa. Absorb the text completely - I have already squeezed out the water and left valuable: how to choose the right ski boots and enjoy them?

But before

If you are going to the mountains for the first time, do not rush to buy your own equipment: skis, boots and poles can be rented at any resort. After 2-3 trips, you will understand what is closer to you - skis, a snowboard or a sofa - and then you can visit the store. This time.

Two. If there is not enough money for everything, buy boots, not skis. Own comfortable shoes are the key to satisfaction and good mood.

The key function of ski boots

Ski boots are made of durable plastic, have a high top to support the tibia and a clip for a tight and secure fit on the leg. All this is necessary to control the ski: it depends on the position of the boot and the effort applied to it, where and at what speed you will go.

Imagine that you need to press the tip of the ski into the snow (and this is how it happens). How to do it easier - in high and hard shoes, firmly fastened to the ski, or in soft slippers? When will you be able to push with all your weight, and when will you be able to push with just your foot?

Conclusion? The key function of ski boots is to transfer the force applied by the skier to the ski. With this knowledge, we proceed to the choice

Key features of ski boots

Boots have four important characteristics:

• size;
• rigidity;
• block width;
• convenience.

Let's start with size. The shoe should fit snugly on the foot. The fewer gaps, the better. You need to measure the boot in a ski stance, that is, bending your legs at the ankle, knee and hip joints. This will help the foot to take the correct position and you will understand - it presses, dangles, or the boot has sat down as it should.

flexible index, or "stiffness index" - this is a number from 10 to 170-180 (or from 1 to 17-18), which is drawn on the boot and shows how much effort must be applied to bend it. There is no single method for measuring stiffness, so you just need to measure shoes. Based, of course, on the recommended values:

• from 10 to 40 - for children,
• from 50 to 90 - teenage,
• from 40 to 80 - female,
• from 70 to 130 - male,
• from 110 - sports.

Strongly built skiers and cross-country skiers should add 10-20 points to the numbers given.

Of course, the stiffer the boot, the more accurately the applied force is transferred to the ski, the easier it is to control. However, shoes for beginners are still boots of medium hardness. They are more willing to react even to not entirely correct movements of the skier and do not require filigree technology.

Shoe width- the second important characteristic of the boot. The narrower it is, the easier it is to manage the ski, the “more accurate” the boot. However, tight shoes are a hard labor if you have a large and wide foot. Therefore, even if the sensations have not yet come through with might and main, remember the numbers: 98 mm are men's sports boots (tight-tight), 102 mm are boots for comfortable riding, 104 and wider are full relax. I have 102 mm and I'm practically happy.

The third and most important characteristic of the boot is convenience. Even not so: Convenience! His Majesty. The manufacturer can write anything about stiffness, last width and fashionable technologies, but if the boot is uncomfortable, put it off without hesitation.

I had to change two pairs before I got close to the ideal. The first ones were too loose and it was difficult to control the skis in them. The next ones turned out to be too narrow - a terrible 98 mm is needed in sports, but not when riding from morning to evening. Finally, the current couple is good in almost everything. Except for one thing: they still press on the bone, and this is unpleasant.

How to buy ski boots

You will need a shop where you can try on 3-4, and preferably 7-10 pairs of the right size and in the right stiffness range. Set aside a day or two for the expedition, and go try it on.

In fully buttoned shoes, you need to spend at least 10-15 minutes. Walk, bend over, imitate skiing. Do not sit - just stand, bend over, squat, press on the tongue. Remember: everything that you feel in the store "a little bit" will come out on the slope with a huge bullshit. Presses? Pressing? Rubs? Keep track of this when buying, not on the first day of riding. Do not spare time and money: it is better to buy shoes for 2-3 thousand rubles more expensive once than to change them every year in search of that very perfect pair.

Which brand of ski boots to choose?

Good. Lange, Nordica, Salomon, Atomic, Dalbello, K2, Head, Rossignol - you can try all this. "Home" brands of mass sports stores (in particular, Wed_e) - better not. As long as it's a pig in a poke, why risk your own money and time?

Where to buy ski boots?

It is best to buy ski boots in specialized stores - where there is a choice and where sellers can give good advice. Depending on the region, such a store may be:

• Kant (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Samara, Yekaterinburg, Sochi, Chelyabinsk + online store);
• Trial-Sport (many, many cities, including not too large ones);
• Bicycle prestige (Rostov-on-Don).

10% discount in KANT stores

With our promo code L5474TOP8 You can get a 10% discount on all sports equipment in the KANT chain of stores. The conditions are simple.

The best winter holiday is, of course, ski resort. But for skiing, you need to carefully prepare: buy thermal underwear, a special jacket, gloves, a hat, skis and, of course, ski boots for them. Initially, such boots were made only of leather, they had strong lacing, with the help of which the leg was tightly fixed.

Over time, new materials and manufacturing technologies appeared, and the production of ski boots took a step forward. Now they have two components: internal and external. Instead of lacing, clips made of plastic or metal are now often used. Appearance has also improved a lot - now the boots are not only comfortable for skiing, but also look attractive.

In shops sports equipment you can find a lot of different ski boots, among which the choice is suitable in size, shape, color, stiffness. The most important criterion is rigidity. Tougher ones are usually acquired by athletes or skating professionals. Beginners in this business choose softer. In general, there are such types of ski boots:

• sports;
• freeride;
• ski tour;
• new school;
• wagon.

You can learn more about modern developments, characteristics and types of boots from the video clip:

As you can tell by the name of this type of boots, they are designed for professional skiing. This includes slalom, giant slalom, downhill and others. These boots have the highest rates of rigidity. The block is narrow - about 95 mm. Boots are maximally adjusted to the athlete's foot for complete control of the skis while riding.

SALOMON X LAB 110+

This model of ski boots belongs to the unisex category. The boot has a high rigidity. Thanks to the latest technology, the boots fit the foot perfectly. Powerful, precise and stable for professional skiers.

Characteristics:

• Hardness index: 110;
• Shoe Width: 95;
• Inner boot with My Custom Fit World Cup technology that provides a perfect fit to the boot;
• Price: from 45 thousand rubles.

SALOMON X LAB 110+

Advantages:

• Ideal pad width;
• Professional system for fitting the foot to the boot.

Flaws:

• Not identified.

Characteristics:

• Hardness: 130;
• Shoe Width: 97;
• 4 aluminum clips;
• Composite Flex Control technology that provides good stiffness characteristics.
• 3D canting system for fine customization;
• Average price: 39 thousand rubles.

FISCHER RC4 CURV 130 VACUUM FULL FIT

Advantages:

• Composite stiffness control;
• clutch precision;
• Optimal comfort.

Flaws:

• Not identified.

ATOMIC REDSTER PRO 120

Boots for trail skiing.

Characteristics:

• Hardness index: 120;
• Shoe Width: 98;
• Memory Fit technology for a perfect fit in minutes
• Ultra-rigid Carbon Spine for superior responsiveness
• Price: from 37 thousand rubles.

ATOMIC REDSTER PRO 120

Advantages:

• Carbon reinforcement for better power transfer;
• Thermoformable liner for a perfect fit
• Anatomic footbed for greater comfort.

Flaws:

• Not identified.

What sports ski boots do you like?

Poll Options are limited because JavaScript is disabled in your browser.

FISCHER RC4 CURV 130 VACUUM FULL FIT 35%, 25 votes

ATOMIC REDSTER PRO 120 28%, 20 votes

06.10.2017

Freeride and New School Ski Boot Rating

Freeride ski boots are used for freeride skiing. Freeride skis are designed to ride both on the track and in deep snow. That is, they are wider and stiffer. At first they used sports boots for this purpose, but over time they developed special, freeride boots. What is their difference from the usual ones?

For jumping and extreme riding, additional elements were created: a gel tongue and a thin soft plastic between the inner and outer layer so as not to break the shin, an absorbent element under the heel, so as not to damage the heels. Also, freeride boots need to be lighter, which is what manufacturers are aiming for, reducing the number of clips and using lighter plastic in production.

More video tips for choosing freeride and freestyle boots:

New school boots - designed for skiing in the style of new school. This is a new, extreme style of riding, which includes performing various tricks and jumps on special rails, boxes, railings, and the like. That is why there was a need to create such ski boots. They are distinguished by a wide and comfortable block, low rigidity.

For complex routes over rough terrain with extreme ascents and descents, special skis and, of course, special ski boots must be used. Good ski touring boots have more travel for easy movement, low weight, curved rubber sole for more comfortable movement on rocky areas, lacing on the liner.

We decided to combine all three types of ski boots into one group, since most manufacturers produce models for two or all three categories due to the similarity of their characteristics.

Waymaker Tour 110 Light

Model for ski-tour and freeride. Belongs to a series of high-level boots. They showed themselves excellently on difficult ascents and descents, which is necessary for a ski tour.

Characteristics:

• Outer boot made of a material that provides lightness and at the same time good support;
• Carbon reinforcement at the bottom and on the cuff for better support on steep slopes;
• Free/Lock system to unlock the cuff and lower part boot, which is necessary for comfortable walking and putting on the boot. If you block the system, then you can control the movements on the slopes as accurately as possible;
• Touring clips for comfortable foot movement;
• Intuition liner with Flex Zone;
• Belt width 35mm;
• Hardness index: 110;
• Live Fit Zone.

Waymaker Tour 110 Light

Advantages:

• Possibility to lock/unlock the boot;
• Special clips for greater comfort when climbing;
• A light weight;
• Carbon reinforcement.

Flaws:

• Not identified.

Full Tilt Seth Morrison

Designed for comfortable and safe freeride and new school riding.

Characteristics:

• Original Shell 3-Piece Design;
• Shoe 99 mm;
• Rubber Toe & Heel Sole technology provided by a natural rubber outsole;
• Aluminum clips for quick adjustment
• The Intuition Pro Quick-Fit Liner liner is built to the highest quality, with 7mm foam for warmth, a snug fit and precise power transfer;
• High hardness index;
• Price: from 22 thousand rubles.

Full Tilt Seth Morrison

Advantages:

• A light weight;
• Progressive stiffness;
• Thermal fit of the inner boot;
• Convenient adjustment;
• Maximum flexibility when bending the leg forward.

Flaws:

• Insufficiently high top;
• Clips often break.

Free Power Wrap 4 by Movement

Boots for freeride and ski touring from a Swiss company that manufactures skiing for freeride, ski touring and new school. They combine all the modern technologies of freeride boots and ski touring boots.

Characteristics:

• Free Power Wrap Intuition liner with high-density foam and additional wrap around the ankle for high stiffness and good heel hold;
• Hardness index: 120;
• Power Strap 40 mm for additional fixation;
• aluminum clips;
• Good adjustment from walking to riding within -20 to +25 radii;
• Price: from 28 thousand rubles.

Free Power Wrap 4 by Movement

Advantages:

• Convenient block;
• Convenient clip system, ankle and foot are well fixed;
• Reliable walking/skating switch;
• Good inclination and height of the shaft.

Flaws:

• Inconvenient second clip from the bottom, which is very tight and almost impossible to unfasten.

Rating of universal ski boots

Universal boots are designed just for the widest range of users. In this line of ski boots, you can see a huge variety of models with different constructions, last widths, stiffness, etc. Outwardly, they are very similar to sports shoes, but they have less rigidity (130-150 units versus 60-130 units), a large shoe width (95-98 mm versus 98-106 mm), and universal boots are made of cheaper materials and simple technologies, and therefore cost less.

Atomic Hawk 2 130