Ski boots - what are they and how to choose? How to choose cross-country ski boots - features, cost

Ski boots are quite complex sport equipment, in the manufacture of which the manufacturer takes into account such important factors, how:

• operation in severe weather conditions;
• exposure to high loads;
• requirements for the level of comfort and hygiene;
• athlete's foot structure;
• protection from cold and snow.

In stores today you can find many types and modifications of ski boots. We will help you understand everything so that you can make the right choice.

Types of ski boots by purpose

Ski boots can be divided into several categories according to their purpose, depending on the way they are used and the riding style:

Walking and hiking option.

Such boots are suitable for people who ski in the park or forest, and beginner athletes can also start training on them. The requirements for shoes in this class are not the highest, so you can find both expensive and cheaper options. The price depends on the materials used. Expensive models usually have microfiber insulation - Thinsulate, and cheaper products are insulated with faux fur.

Ski boots for classic skiing.

The boots are small in height, so they do not hinder the mobility of the skier's ankle joint. Boots of this type often have soft soles.

Ski boots for skating.

Sufficiently high boots with a cuff, securely fixing the ankle of the leg. They have a hard sole and are used mainly by professional athletes.

Combined option.

High boots have a removable cuff and are suitable for classic riding (if the cuff is removed) and for skating. The outsole is medium firm. Combined ski boots are most often used by beginners and amateurs.

Which ski boots to choose for beginners and for professionals

According to the level of skiing, boots are divided into professional and amateur. The first are created modern technologies from innovative materials. Boots easily carry the most high loads, so the manufacturer pays Special attention quality and reliability. Professional ski shoes do not have leather elements, as they are made from better and more practical synthetic materials.

Amateur ski boots are suitable for ordinary walks for beginners and tourists. Shoes are not made according to the latest technologies, but has a fairly high degree of comfort and stylish appearance. Amateur class boots are suitable for beginners and former athletes.

When choosing boots for cross-country skiing, you must also consider the types of ski bindings, which are also selected depending on the skill level of the skier. You can read more about it on our website.

When choosing an option for attaching boots to skis, you will have to choose between several basic types:

• NN 75;

The type of fastening depends on the accuracy of the transfer of forces and how the direction of sliding will be set. Unreliable bindings can spoil the riding experience, even if the rest of your equipment is of high quality and expensive.

Selection of ski boots by gender and age

According to these criteria, ski boots can be divided into:

1. Men's. Differ in a wider block.
2. Women's. They have a narrow last, often a bright appearance, a soft sole and are insulated with Thinsulate material.
3. Universal. Suitable for men and women. Boots of this type are often used by female athletes, since the soles of these models are stiffer than those of women.
4. Baby. They are distinguished by high strength, comfort and perfectly retain the heat of the feet.

Almost all cross-country ski boots have laces. This is convenient, because for the convenience of putting on the boots, you can relax them as much as necessary. Properly tightened boot fixes the foot well, without squeezing it. Some boots, in addition to lacing, have Velcro at the top, which prevents snow from getting inside and provides additional fixation of the leg.

It is necessary to buy ski boots only after trying them on in socks. It is better to wear thermal socks with polypropylene, as they retain heat better and wick moisture away from the skin. Woolen socks - no the best option, as they absorb all the sweat and quickly become wet.

The ski boot should not be too tight, but it should also not be too loose. When trying on, walk in boots, wait, try to tear your heel off the floor (all movements should be comfortable).

When buying boots for skating ski run, they should have a high cuff that fixes the leg, but does not squeeze it and does not interfere with the movement of the ankle. Boots for skating are the most rigid, for classic - soft, and as a universal option is suitable medium hardness.

10.07.2013

Prices for ski boots range from 1500 r. (tourist), up to 9000 rubles. (racing). The former are universal, i.e. fit both the skate and the classics and are made of simple and inexpensive materials. If you are not an athlete, then acquire the most expensive models not necessarily, because for you, such ski boots will not greatly affect the speed and handling. But if you decide to skate in style, then you need to choose special boots that have a high cuff that covers the ankle. This cuff supports and strengthens the ankle, which allows you to more effectively push off and keep the trajectory of movement when skating. There are also universal models of ski boots, called combined or "combi", in which you can remove the cuff and ride in a classic style.

When choosing shoes, you need to pay attention to their convenience and comfort. Ski boots should be moderately hard and insulated, while sports models should "breathe". Various manufacturers use different lasts - you need to find one that fits your feet perfectly. If you're looking for touring ski boots, the well-established Spine cross-country boots are great, while for more professional skiers and athletes, the Madshus ski boots are the perfect choice. Do not be afraid to take boots from past seasons, they are cheaper and almost as good as new ones.

For skiing in the forest, pay attention to tourist-grade boots. Ski bindings must be selected for the appropriate sole (NNN or SNS). Keep in mind that the soles in ski boots wear out quickly when walking on asphalt, so use a change of shoes when traveling to the ski area.

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If you are a leisurely skier in the winter, or even an amateur athlete, then you are very likely to use additional funds to improve the performance of your skis, such as paraffins, waxes, accelerators and emulsions. These tools can significantly improve the glide of your skis, thereby increasing your motivation if you are an amateur or improve speed performance and time to cover the distance if you are training for results.

04.02.2018

To achieve a given standard for cross-country skiing, it is necessary not only to train long and hard, but also to use professional ski equipment and accessories. First of all, pay attention to skis for skating or classic skiing, because from their weight, dynamic characteristics and the quality of the sliding surface depends on how long you can maintain a high pace.

02.02.2018

Before using skis, they need to be processed. Skis are prepared according to weather conditions. In order to avoid recoil during the classical course, the skis under the block are lubricated with holding ointments. For recreational skis, the block on which holding ointments are applied starts from the heel of the boot, and continues for forty to fifty centimeters towards the toe of the ski. In cold weather, the ointment is applied in a very thin layer on a large surface - fifty to fifty-five centimeters. For riding in warm weather, the ointment should be applied in a thick layer, or more correctly in several layers at a distance of thirty-five to forty centimeters.

The 1980s saw a breakthrough in the world of cross-country skiing. One day the world champion in cross-country skiing, Svan Gunde (Sweden), decided to try using a long pole along with an accelerated move. Thus, an accelerated system of movement was discovered, which is called the skating style of skating.
Due to the fact that such a skating technique was very different from the classical one, it required different equipment. Boots, skis and ski poles for this method had to perform special functions.
Consider the basic properties of boots for skating. These shoes should be large in height (above the ankle). This design can protect the athlete's foot from injury. The rigidity of boots for skating should also be greater than other types. This gives protection from injuries and facilitates the movement due to good ankle fixation.
If you use classic skate boots, then the leg gets tired very quickly and further discomfort is created for the athlete.
When choosing boots for skating style, you need to take into account the fact that the measurement should take place exactly on the leg - without stocks. Almost all modern manufacturers skate boots take into account all the necessary nuances, so they are made from a special soft skin with additional internal insulation. So it is not necessary to wear warm socks on your feet.
Don't skimp on ski boots. Because it is the most important attribute for good skating and sufficient speed. good boots will serve you for 10 years or more.
Choosing ski boots for skating
The first thing you should pay attention to when buying is the correct fixation of your ankle. Each manufacturer that produces such shoes has its own version of the shoe. Therefore, before buying, it is recommended to try on several shoes. various firms and stop the choice on the most convenient.
Traditional flagships in the production of skate boots are Madshus. If the budget allows, then you should pay attention to them. You can buy Spine skating boots or models from past seasons for less.

Types of ski boots

Currently there are 4 different kind ski boots. Skate boots are of the sports type. This category also includes boots for classics, as well as combined boots that can be used for both styles of skiing. This possibility exists thanks to special cuffs that can be easily removed if necessary.
The heaviest loads fall on sports group boot. Therefore, this type has the most requirements. After all, the average duration of an athlete's training can reach 4-5 hours a day.
Both boots and soles and bindings are constantly tested for strength not only by temperature changes, but also by the effects of load, friction and moisture. Because of such difficult conditions operation for sports boots use the most modern and technological materials. This is usually synthetic, which was developed specifically for extreme conditions. Of course, sometimes natural leather is also used, but only in combination with other materials.
In addition to the sports type of ski boots, there are also boots for sports tourism. This shoe is more versatile and durable and is designed for off-road ski touring, and sometimes even for skiing on foot. They are made from high quality materials. Most often it is genuine leather, combined with synthetics of increased strength. Removable cuffs are also often used in sports hiking boots to protect the ankle.
The next category is touring ski boots. It presents the largest assortment - from the simplest and most inexpensive models to elite expensive items.
And finally, it is worth saying a few words about ski shoes for children separately. The main priority for this type is hygiene, warmth, comfort and safety. Also, the emphasis is on the sole - the material for it is chosen one of the most durable.

Let's talk about fasteners.

According to the type of fasteners, boots are divided into 2 groups - standard and profile. The first category of boots (75 mm) has holes for bindings. The second is provided by a special sole with several notches. In turn, the fastenings have protrusions, due to which the boot is fixed.
At profile system(NNN, NIS and SNS) have a number of advantages. The most important of them is the effectiveness of the push when running. rubber parts in profile fasteners have different rigidity, on which the effectiveness of the push directly depends. That is why for the classics they use an elastic band with a stiffness index of 95, for a skate - 115. Under combined style 105 hardness tires are best. The highest cost is at the 105th combined model.
Mounts are divided into 3 more subgroups - mechanical, automatic and semi-automatic. The main difference between them is the method of fastening/unfastening. Automatic mounts do this with a special button, but with mechanical mounts you have to do it manually. Automatic machines are even a little cheaper, but the main advantage of mechanical ones is a more reliable and lightweight mechanism (it is less affected by moisture, temperature changes and contains fewer parts).
There are two fastening standards for profile boots - SNS and NNN. The main difference between them lies in the notches on the boots. There are two for NNN and one for SNS.

Proper ski care.

Ski boots are a must proper care. It is important to constantly ensure that they are waterproof. To do this, they are impregnated with special ones.
Before the impregnation process of ski boots, they must be cleaned. After lubricating shoes, some time must pass for the lubricant to be absorbed. You can repeat the procedure several times.

Skiing promotes health, improves the overall tone of the body and improves mood. But this happens only if the equipment is chosen correctly. Ski boots are one of the most important pieces of ski equipment.

Like any other footwear, such boots, being uncomfortable, can bring a lot of problems, the smallest of which will be rubbed calluses. Therefore, the choice of ski shoes should be approached especially carefully so that playing sports is a pleasure, and does not turn into torture.

Kinds

Ski boots can be classified according to two criteria: by the type of operation and by the type of fastening.

Type of operation

According to the type of operation, boots are:

• For skating. These shoes are characterized by rigid ankle support and a rigid sole. The main purpose of such boots is to remove the load from the ankle and fix it. This is necessary in order for the athlete to better control the skis.

• For the classic move. With their appearance and characteristics, these are more reminiscent of ordinary sports sneakers. The classic move is more familiar to a person, and therefore the legs can be given more freedom. This shoe features a soft sole and a loose upper.

• Combined. Suitable for both techniques, but, like everything combined, they are not particularly versatile. Distinctive features Combined boots are soft soles and rigid ankle support. Having stopped the choice on such equipment, you should carefully examine the model you like. Some that are commercially available and claimed to be combined, in fact, are not. Instead of ankle support, they have an imitation that fixes the leg without the necessary rigidity.

Mount type

There are only 5 types of ski boot attachments:

• NN 75. This option was used back in Soviet times. At the moment it is no longer relevant. A distinctive feature of this type of fastening is a metal bracket that fixes the boot. The advantage of shoes is its low cost. The disadvantages include the fact that such mounts are not suitable for skating, the materials do not differ high quality and it is very difficult to find the right one.

• NNN (New Nordic Norm). This is a Norwegian fastening system, represented by two guides that are located at a certain distance from each other. The distance is determined by the size of the shoes. Also, the mount has a rubber stop, the rigidity of which is determined by the chosen style of travel. The advantages of shoes include a huge range, additional stability when riding, versatility and the possibility of both automatic and mechanical fastening.

• NIS (Nordic Integrated System). This mount is an improved descendant of the previous type. It is a special board built into the ski. Boot mounts are easily inserted into this board. At the same time, boots with such a binding are compatible with the NNN type, have all its advantages and the ability to choose the position for bindings.

• SNS (Salomon Nordic System). Mounting system developed in France. It is divided into two types: SNS Profile and SNS Pilot. The first is characterized by a guide and a rubber stop with adjustable stiffness. The second contains one guide and two brackets, one of which acts as a flexor and adjusts the stiffness. For a classic walk, a stiffness of 85-95 is recommended, for combined shoes - 95-115, and for skating - 115-125. The second option has added benefit- the ability to control the rigidity, due to the presence of a second bracket.

• Turnamic is a product high technology, running on the IFP platform. There are three options: children's, racing, automatic. They are fixed by means of metal brackets, which do not affect the features of the skis. Mounting base - rotary mechanism, thanks to which it will not be difficult to unfasten the skis even with gloves or mittens. Fully compatible with the NNN system.

Device and work

Ski boots are not just shoes, but complex device, consisting of several parts and mechanisms:

• The outer boot is the visible part. In hard boots, it is made of polyester or polyester, and in soft boots, it is made of polypropylene.
• Boot or cuff - the movable part of ski shoes, which is connected to the lower, fixed part by hinges. Depending on the type of boot, it can have different stiffness, which is determined by the type of plastic.
• A mechanism that allows you to change the stiffness of the inclination of the boot in the front or rear directions. Switched by the athlete depending on the condition of the track and the type of skiing.
• The mechanism that regulates the angle of inclination forward. Set by skiers depending on individual features feet, as well as performance.
• Canting is a device that allows you to adjust the angle of the top in lateral directions, depending on the anatomical features of the athlete's legs.
• The clip is the clasp of the boot. It serves to fix the foot in the shoe. Modern ski boots are most often equipped with 4 buckles made of plastic, metal or combined materials.
• The power belt serves for additional fixation of the boot. It can have a width of 2.5 to 4 cm, as well as a different degree of shin coverage - full or partial.
• The inner part is a boot enclosed in a shell. Its function is to provide maximum comfort skier's leg. It has heat-insulating, vibration damping, protective and reinforcing inserts.

How to chooseski boots

When you have decided on the type of boots, the type of fastening (the advantages and disadvantages of which were discussed above) and the scope, the question arises of selecting shoes by size. Majority modern models have insulation inside, which allows you to wear them without thick woolen socks. When you go to the shop to try on your boots, you should bring socks of the thickness you plan to use them with.

Ski boots for skating must firmly fix the foot, and therefore they must be taken strictly in size. In addition, when trying on, keep in mind that the insulation inside will wrinkle, and the shoes will become a little wider. In skating technique, it is unacceptable for the foot to “walk” along the boot.

When choosing boots for a classic move, the foot can be free, because it is constantly moving. It is very unpleasant if, when repulsed, the fingers rest against the sock. Therefore, when trying on, give preference to looser shoes. By the way, it is easy to check how comfortable it will be for you to use shoes - bend your leg, as if pushing off. Fingers should only lightly touch the toe.

When choosing a cost, keep in mind that the ratio - heat = price does not work. Thermal insulation properties shoes are determined by its purpose. Racing ski boots are not as well insulated as walking boots. For sports, shoes should be light. If you like racing boots, then you can either buy an insulating cover or buy good thermal underwear.

In summary, the ideal ski boots should be:

• Lungs.
• Comfortable.
• Not wet.
• Warm.
• Allowing good control of the ski.

The closer your shoes are to perfect, the more fun skiing will give you.

Too many things depend on ski boots - skiing safety, ski control, well-being during the day, ease of learning and speed of progress. Boots are the most important part of a ski kit, even more important than the skis themselves, so be careful with your choice!

A large number and variety of lines and models is due to the combination of comfort, rigidity and ease of fit of the boot on the leg, the ability to individually customize the boot to your needs.

What to consider when choosing:
Your skill level
· foot size;
pad width;
Required rigidity
The purpose of the model and specific features.

1. Level of riding and experience
It is very important to choose ski boots based on your skill, style and experience of skiing and planned progress.
For beginners and those who prefer calm skiing, the comfort of the model is very important, but rigidity and great control are in the background. The higher the level, the more important the control and coordination of management skiing and a big role is played by the rigidity and narrowness of the block, the accuracy of the fit of the model.
In the Head collection, boots are divided into 5 levels: for athletes, experts, advanced riders, improving and beginners.

.SPORTSMAN - competitions, sports disciplines, aggressive style, maximum speeds, prepared slope, ice.
For current or former athletes, for tough prepared competition tracks.
Suitable models with a width of less than 98 mm (the width of the shoe here and below is indicated in size 26.5; with an increase / decrease in size, the width of the shoe increases / decreases proportionally) and a hardness of 120 for men, for girls from 100.
100% ski control, lightning-fast response, no sizing, boot customization and bootfitting.

. EXPERT - aggressive style, high speed, slopes in various condition(prepared, ice, bumps, offpist).
It doesn't matter to you the condition of the slope, you can handle the hard prepared track in the morning, with ice, with a broken afternoon track, mounds or fresh dry virgin soil.
Shoes with a fairly narrow last of less than 100 mm, with a stiffness of 110 for men, from 90 and above for girls, are suitable for you. This combination of width and stiffness will provide maximum control on the slope. The size is selected without stock, it is necessary fine tuning and boot fit, bootfitting recommended.

. ADVANCED - confident arcing, speed above average, tracks in various conditions (prepared, ice, bumps, off-piste).
You are equally at home on a well-prepared and broken track, on a steep slope or on knolls and are not averse to riding fresh snow off the track.
Boots with a width of 100 mm or more are suitable for you (depending on the width of your foot, you can choose wider options), with a stiffness of 110 for men, from 80 for girls. This combination of width and stiffness will provide comfort and good control on the slope.
The size is selected without a margin, fine tuning and fitting of the boot is necessary, boot fitting is recommended.

. IMPROVING - confident riding style, average speed, various conditions slope (prepared, broken, offpist).
You strive to progress on the slopes in any condition, but for now you are at the stage of perfecting your technique.
Choose models with a comfortable last from 102 mm, with a hardness of 90 to 110 for men, for girls from 70 to 90. In such a boot you will be comfortable all day long.

. BEGINNING - calm style, low speed, prepared track.
You spend time on the slopes in good condition, ride calmly or just learn.
A wide boot block from 102-104 mm and a stiffness of no more than 90 * are best suited for you, for girls no more than 80.

*There is an expert opinion that even for beginners, it is recommended to take a boot that is as stiff as possible in order to have more control and returns. Also, when choosing a level of skiing, be sure to consider your plans for the next 2-3 seasons. If you are in good physical shape and spend enough a large number of time on the slope, you can level up in technique over the course of the season.

2. Rules for fitting and sizing
Ski boots, like all sports shoes, are measured in centimeters (Mondopoint, MP). In order to accurately know your size, you need to measure your foot. Put a sheet of paper on the floor, put your foot on it, relax your foot, make marks on the heel and the most protruding toe, measure the resulting length, be sure to measure the other foot, round the resulting value to 0.5 cm. At the same time, measure the width of the foot, this value is the same may be useful to you when choosing shoes.

All ski boot manufacturers produce one size outer boot for 2 sizes, i.e. size 27 and 27.5 will have the same outer boot, but will have different liner sizes.

Try on your boots with the ski socks you will be wearing. If you do not already have specialized ski socks, be sure to purchase them in advance.

Put on and try on boots while standing! Put on your boots, fasten the clips, starting from the bottom. The position of the foot in the boot when skiing will be different. In order to understand if the boot is right for you, take a “ski stance” - bend your knees slightly, lower leg rests on the tongue of the boot, the body is above the knees, the weight is evenly distributed throughout the foot, the heel does not come off the insole. Swing a little, shifting your weight from toe to heel. In this position, the foot moves back and takes correct position. Tighten the clips, if necessary, tighten the top strap.

What should be the feeling? The heel sits tight, the toes do not rest, but you can feel the toe of the boot. The boot tightly fits the entire foot and lower leg without critical pressure points. Bend your knees to the right or left without lifting your feet, sway, shifting weight from toe to heel, or rise on your toes, the foot should not go inside the boot, the heel should not hang out and move up and down or right and left.

The most common mistake when trying on a boot, that at the beginning of the fitting it may seem to you that the shoes are small. This can be a deceptive feeling. Do not rush to make a decision until you try on the boot according to all the rules. Walk around, stand in a ski stance, try to feel the pressure points. Most Head boots have a thermoformable liner. The boot will sit better and fit better after a couple of days on the slope. You can also thermoform your boots in a special oven that heats up the inner and outer boot and adapts it even better to your foot. Have a boot fitting done in a shop or specialist workshop.

If the feeling that the shoes are small does not leave you, try on a size larger and compare how you feel. Be careful, if the boots are too big for you, then after a few days on the slope you will feel discomfort. The boot will sit too loose, this will affect the reduction in handling. And with even more tightening of the clips to compensate for the free space, signs of numbness may appear.

3. Suitable width and volume of boots - important aspect when choosing

Choosing the right size is half the battle. The width of the last and the internal volume of the boot are also very important components of the selection. Models are divided into narrow ones less than 98 mm, medium ones 100-102 mm and wide ones more than 104 mm (the width of the shoe hereinafter is indicated at size 26.5, with an increase / decrease in size, the width of the shoe increases / decreases proportionally). Boot volume is the internal volume in cubic centimeters. For example, for sports workshop boots with a last width of 93 mm, the volume is 1500, and for station wagons with a width of 102 mm - 2100. The smaller the volume of the boot and the narrower the last, the more precise the control. The wider the last and the more internal volume, the higher the comfort.

Please note that beginners with a narrow foot may have trouble fitting because beginner models have a large width, in this case narrow expert boots can be found. Likewise, judges with wide feet will also run into problems, since all expert boots are less than 100mm wide, this problem can be solved with a boot fitting.

The feeling of comfort in the instep and arch of the foot is very important. A shoe that is too narrow can cause serious discomfort on the slope. Spend at least 15 minutes in fully zipped boots.

4. What hardness should I choose?
The flex index of the model is responsible for the rigidity of the plastic and the fixation of the boot, it is also responsible for handling and control, as well as the width / volume of the last. Flex ranges from the softest 60 (for beginners) to the very hard 160 (for athletes). Very often, stiffness is displayed in the name of the boot, for example, the Advant Edge 105 has a stiffness of 105 units. In some models, the stiffness can be adjusted by 10-20 units.

Male athletes choose a stiffness in the approximate range of 120-140, experts 110-130, for advanced and improving we recommend choosing a stiffness of at least 90-100. For women, shoes are selected with a stiffness of 10-20 units less than for men.

The choice of firmness that suits you depends on your skill, riding style and the type of slopes you prefer. The more aggressive your style of skiing, the harder the slopes and the higher the speed, the more control the skis require, the narrower the boot last and the higher the rigidity. Riding in the park or freeride requires less rigidity.

5. Women's ski boots
Women's models are characterized by great comfort and special geometry, which is better suited to women's legs. Girls weigh less and ride less aggressively, so models with less stiffness will suit them.

For beginner girls, a stiffness of 50-70 is suitable, for advanced and improving ones from 70 to 90, for expert girls and athletes 100-110.

The uppers of the girls' boots are lower and slightly wider to better fit the shape of the female calf muscle. The liner is usually warmer, as comfort is the most important thing for women.

If you have any questions, be sure to ask your consultant!