How to choose the right size ski boots. How to choose ski boots (complete guide). What is a ski boot

Boots are probably the most important part of a skier's 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 the valuable: how to choose the right ones mining ski boots and enjoy them?

But first

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, snowboard or sofa - and then you can visit the store. This time.

Two. If money is tight and you don’t have enough for everything, buy boots, not skis. Owning comfortable shoes is the key to satisfaction and a good mood.

Key function of ski boots

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

Imagine that you need to press the tip of your ski into the snow (and this is exactly what happens). How to do this easier - in high and hard shoes, firmly attached to the ski, or in soft slippers? In which case can you press with all your weight, and in which with only 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 begin to choose

Key characteristics of alpine ski boots

Boots have four important characteristics:

• size;
• rigidity;
• pad width;
• convenience.

Let's start with size. The boot should fit snugly on the foot. The fewer gaps, the better. You need to measure the boot in a ski stance, that is, with your legs bent at the ankles, knees and hip joints. This will help the foot to occupy correct position and you will understand whether it is pressing, dangling, or the shoe is sitting as it should.

Flexible index, or “stiffness index” is a number from 10 to 170-180 (or from 1 to 17-18) that is drawn on the shoe and shows how much force must be applied to bend it. There is no uniform method for measuring stiffness, so you just need to try on shoes. Based, of course, on the recommended values:

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

Tightly built skiers should add 10-20 points to these numbers.

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 react more readily even to the skier’s not entirely correct movements and do not require filigree technique.

Pad width- the second important characteristic of the boot. The narrower it is, the easier it is to control the ski, the more “accurate” the boot. However, narrow shoes are even hard labor if you have large and wide feet. Therefore, even if the sensations have not yet appeared with all their might, remember the numbers: 98 mm are men's sports boots (tight, tight), 102 mm are boots for comfortable skating, 104 and wider are full relax. I have 102 mm and I'm almost happy.

The third and most important characteristic of the boot is convenience. Not even that: Convenience! His Majesty. The manufacturer can write whatever they want about stiffness, last width and fashionable technologies, but if the boot is uncomfortable, put it aside without hesitation.

I had to change two pairs before I got close to perfect. The first ones were too loose and it was difficult to control the skis. 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 at 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 store where you can try on 3-4, or preferably 7-10 pairs the right size and in the desired range of hardness. Set aside a day, or even two, for the expedition and go try it on.

You need to spend at least 10-15 minutes in fully fastened shoes. Walk around, bend over, imitate skiing. Don't sit - just stand, bend over, squat, press on your tongue. Remember: everything that you feel “a little bit” in the store will come out as a huge pain on the slope. Pressing? Does it press? Rubbing? Keep track of this when purchasing, not on your first day of riding. Don’t waste time and money: it’s better to buy boots for 2-3 thousand rubles more once than to change them every year in search of that 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) – it’s better not to. For now it’s a pig in a poke, so 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 salespeople 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);
• Veloprestige (Rostov-on-Don).

10% discount in the KANT store chain

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

Ski boots are the most important element ski equipment, so getting to know alpine skiing begins with them. It is better to approach the choice of skis while already wearing shoes. The process of selecting ski boots is very interesting and complex, but it is a necessary part of the quest. Properly selected ski boots provide comfort even during many hours of skiing.

Ski boot size

How to choose ski boots? You should start choosing ski boots by determining the length of your foot in millimeters. A ski boot should fit like skates or roller skates, tightly and securely. You will have to exert more effort to control your skis in loose boots.

The width of the ski boot is determined individually by experience. If, after putting on your boots, you feel some tightness in your legs, it’s not a big deal. All boots, to one degree or another, bend under the foot, and after a while they become looser. After you have chosen ski boots, you need to stay in them for some time, walk around, try to repeat the movements during the descent (press your shin on the tongue of the inner boot).

Ski boot stiffness

The more you weigh, the higher the stiffness of your boot. A ski boot should hold you up. If your dressed and fully fastened boot folds under you when you press your shin on the tongue of the inner boot, then it is advisable to pay attention to a 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 subzero temperatures. During fitting, it should bend slightly under your pressure. The higher the height, the higher the rigidity. Simple physics - tall people have a larger leverage.

Soft ski boots provide comfort, while hard ones provide better control over the ski. If you are not looking for speed and do not strive to perfect your technique, if you prefer calm descents on blue runs and regular photo sessions with all the local attractions, then, of course, it makes sense to take soft, comfort-oriented boots. However, do not expect them to accurately transfer forces to the skis.

Ski boot last

The width of the last in ski boots ranges from 92 to 108 mm - this is the distance between the walls of the boot in the widest area. If you decide to choose ski boots from the catalog, keep in mind that the parameter indicated there is based on boot size 27.5. As the size of the boot decreases, it also decreases. Additionally, boots with the same stated last width will feel different between different brands, and even different models of the same brand. So get ready to measure, measure and measure again. If the boots seem narrow to you, there is no need to try a larger size; this model is probably just not suitable for you. If you experience very little discomfort, keep in mind that the inner boot will sit on your foot after rolling out, and in addition, its molding will also help to expand it somewhat in problem areas.

Trying to create the perfect boot that suits everyone, some manufacturers make models in which the width of the plastic boot can be mechanically changed 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 ski boots from all manufacturers have this opportunity. Thermoforming of the inner boot also allows you to adapt the ski boot to your foot. The width of the last can have a direct relationship with the stiffness of the boot. The higher the level of the boots, the narrower the last, as a rule. In sports models of ski boots, the smallest width is created for maximum leg fixation.

Ski boot strap

The outer boot strap is a strap, usually with 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 shin, which ensures better transfer of forces to the ski. Wide straps are most often found in freeride and park models with three clips (or even two), as well as in sports boots. Width from 25mm to 65mm.

Ski boot sole

Ski boot sole standards:

• DIN(ISO 5355) - standard for all-purpose ski boots. Sports boots are made according to the same standard - a plastic straight sole; on top models they have an increased height for further adjustment to a specific athlete. Without milling it is not suitable for use;
• Touring(ISO 9523) - standard for ski touring boots. Boots for ski touring have their own special sole, higher, most often rubberized, with deep treads. It is common that ski touring boots come with replaceable pads that allow you to use these boots with standard bindings. In many boots standard Touring Additional standard mounting holes available TLT (Dynafit);
• WTR technology (Walk to ride)- standard for backcountry boots. WTR in fact, it is a standard for fastenings that allows you to change the position of the fastening jaws as for standard soles DIN as well as for the standard Touring. In ski boots designed for backcountry and freeride, you can often find linings Vibram other than Salomon boots, these guys use their own technology Contagrip.

Ski boot liner

The inner boot can be fully or partially thermoformable. In addition, the materials themselves have varying degrees of susceptibility to molding. One of the leaders in the production of molded inner boots is the company Intuition. The first difference between the internals Intuition from other molded boots - this is a higher density foam filler used. The second distinctive 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 rigid ankle grip is not acceptable, since there is a fatal risk of injury after landing from a jump. The Intuition liner gives good cushioning and a flexible fit, which in turn is not welcome on the piste, as it dulls the feel of the ski.

Ski boot insulation

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

We remind you that a ski boot and pure wool or cotton socks are two incompatible things. They wick away moisture too poorly, which can cause your feet to quickly freeze. Low socks are also unacceptable. Buy ski socks along with your ski boots; they provide moisture removal and, being high, will prevent chafing in the shin area.

If your feet are cold in your boots

There may be several reasons. Perhaps you just overdid the tightening. Try to tighten the clips more evenly. Pinched vessels do not provide proper blood circulation, which leads to freezing. You may be spending a lot of time in the wrong stance: in a straight stance, the pressure on calf muscles increases, and accordingly the vessels in this area are severely compressed. It is important to remember that with the help of boots you will control the alpine skis, so they should fit very tightly on your feet, but you should not experience discomfort.

When choosing ski boots, you don’t need to pay attention to the manufacturer. In the world of cutthroat competition, there are simply no bad boots. If you already have skis from 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 boots for ski touring.

We wish you successful shopping and great riding!

Skis change regardless of the degree of wear and tear - sometimes following fashion trends or in pursuit of technically improved models.

Boots, as a rule, last a long time until the degree of wear begins to approach critical. Therefore, they are selected with all seriousness, taking into account the basis of the choice not on external attractiveness, but on functionality and reliability confirmed by the manufacturer.

Stiffness, first of all, is characterized as a criterion for choosing ski boots.

There are several functions of ski shoes:

• Ensuring rigidity when fixing ski boots in the mount with skis, which helps to increase maneuverability when moving downhill, due to their tight contact;
• Maintaining comfort (warmth, comfort).

How to choose the stiffness of ski boots?

The choice of boots determines the skier's level of training and skiing technique. The main indicator when choosing them is such a criterion as rigidity. It is determined for ski boots by the parameter "Flex index" and has an index from 30 to 160 conventional units. Flex index shows how much force must be applied to bend the shoe 1 degree (in Newtons).

The stiffer the boot, the easier the skis “obey” the owner, because in such a system they are practically a monolith, where a person can change direction, transferring the center of gravity of his body from one leg to the other.

The hardness is distributed in the following way, based on the skier’s experience and body weight:

• From 30 to 60 - ski shoes for beginner amateur athletes and for children;
• From 40 to 80 is an indicator for the average level of experience of skiers;
• From 60 to 90 - boots for experienced athletes;
• From 90 to 120 is an indicator for professionals;
• From 120 to 160 - this boot stiffness is for professional skiers taking part in competitions.

Alpine skiing training begins only in ski equipment with low rigidity. Not needed yet good results and performing complex tasks. At this stage it is necessary to master the simplest descent skills. Boots with higher performance are designed for skiers who have some experience and can glide fairly easily on the slope.

Useful article:
How to choose ski boots?
A guide to choosing the perfect ski boots for you. Advice on what you should pay attention to when choosing ski boots and how to avoid falling for the tricks of a seller who is only interested in selling paraphernalia?

What makes ski boots stiff?

The structure of modern ski boots is complex. There is no need to adjust them from the average size to the required one or wear several pairs of woolen socks so that the foot “sits” tightly in the boot and feels comfortable at the same time.

The boot consists of:

• An external plastic boot equipped with several fasteners (clips);
• The clips help to fix the foot even more firmly in the boot, which will not be amiss in boots with low rigidity;
• Laces - some types of “soft” boots are equipped with them, usually for children;
• Inner boot. It functions as a wool sock and is designed to provide warmth and comfort to the skier for as long as possible. It can be disposable, replaceable or permanent, depending on the boot manufacturer.

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 to go with them. Initially, such boots were made only from leather; they came with strong lacing, with the help of which the foot was tightly fixed.

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

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

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

More information about modern developments, characteristics and types of boots can be found in the video:

As you can judge from the name of this type of boot, they are intended for professional skiing. This includes slalom, giant slalom, downhill and others. These boots have the highest rigidity ratings. The block is narrow - about 95 mm. The boots are maximally adjusted to the athlete’s foot for full control skis when riding.

SALOMON X LAB 110+

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

Characteristics:

• Hardness index: 110;
• Pad width: 95;
• Inner boot with My Custom Fit World Cup technology that provides excellent foot-to-boot fit;
• 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;
• Pad width: 97;
• 4 aluminum clips;
• Composite Flex Control technology which provides good stiffness characteristics.
• 3D canting system for precise customization;
• Average price: 39 thousand rubles.

FISCHER RC4 CURV 130 VACUUM FULL FIT

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

• Not identified.

ATOMIC REDSTER PRO 120

Boots for piste skiing.

Characteristics:

• Hardness index: 120;
• Pad width: 98;
• Memory Fit technology for a perfect fit in minutes;
• Ultra-stiff Carbon Spine insert for high responsiveness of the boot;
• Price: from 37 thousand rubles.

ATOMIC REDSTER PRO 120

Advantages:

• Carbon reinforcement for better power transmission;
• Thermoformable liner for a perfect fit;
• Anatomical insole for greater comfort.

Flaws:

• Not identified.

Which sport 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

Rating of ski boots for freeride and new school

Freeride ski boots are used for freeride skiing. Freeride skis are designed for both piste and deep snow skiing. That is, they are wider and stiffer. At first they used sports boots for these purposes, but over time they developed special, freeride boots. What is their difference from ordinary ones?

For jumping and extreme riding, additional elements have been created: a gel tongue and a thin soft plastic between the inner and outer layer to prevent shin splinters, and an absorbent element under the heel to prevent damage to the heels. Also, freeride boots should be lighter, which is what manufacturers are striving for by reducing the number of clips and using lighter plastic in production.

More video tips on choosing boots for freeride and freestyle:

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

To navigate difficult cross-country routes with extreme ascents and descents, special skis and, of course, special ski boots must be used. Good boots for ski touring have more cuff travel for comfortable movement, low weight, curved rubber soles for easier movement on rocky areas, and lace-up inner boots.

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 touring and freeride. Belongs to a series of boots high level. They performed well on difficult climbs and descents, which is necessary for a ski tour.

Characteristics:

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

Waymaker Tour 110 Light

Advantages:

• Ability to lock/unlock the boot;
• Special clips for greater convenience when lifting;
• A light weight;
• Carbon reinforcement.

Flaws:

• Not identified.

Full Tilt Seth Morrison

Designed for comfortable and safe freeride and new school.

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 is made to the highest quality, using 7mm foam to maintain warmth, a snug fit and precise transfer of force;
• High hardness index;
• Price: from 22 thousand rubles.

Full Tilt Seth Morrison

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

• The boot is not high enough;
• Clips often break.

Free Power Wrap 4 by Movement

Boots for freeride and ski touring from a Swiss company that produces skiing for freeride, ski touring and new school. Combine everything modern technology freeride boots and ski touring boots.

Characteristics:

• Free Power Wrap Intuition liner features high-density foam and extra wrap around the ankle to provide high rate rigidity and good heel fastening;
• 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:

• Comfortable shoe;
• Convenient clip system, the ankle and foot are well fixed;
• Reliable walk/ride switch;
• Good slope and height of the boot.

Flaws:

• There is an inconvenient second clip from the bottom, which fits very tightly and is 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 designs, last widths, stiffness, etc. Outwardly, they are very similar to sports ones, but have lower rigidity (130-150 units versus 60-130 units), a larger last width (95-98 mm versus 98-106 mm), and also universal boots are made of cheaper materials and simpler materials. technologies, which means they cost less.

Atomic Hawkx 2 130