Ski boots for beginners. How to choose the right ski boots! The influence of weight and height of a skier on the choice of ski boots

When purchasing ski equipment, the most an important and difficult process is the selection of suitable mining 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 enough high level convenience, especially when riding 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. Extra length in this case will do nothing but harm.

Reference! It is believed that larger shoes will provide the feet with less fatigue. 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 are required to bend a little 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.

The selection of ski boots is probably the most important thing when preparing for the season. After all, this is not just some kind of consumable, like skis and. Boots are used most often for several years or more.

Comfort while riding and ease of arching on the descent - all this is 99% dependent on the right size of boots.

We understand how difficult it is for a beginner skier to understand the requirements for sports shoes - therefore, in the article we will analyze this issue in detail and carefully. We will learn how to choose sizes, the level of rigidity, last, get acquainted with others important nuances, find out which sports products are best for beginners.

The publication is primarily intended for beginners and tries to solve the main issue - a summary of important characteristics that influence the choice of ski boots. This is not a guide to action, but advice and observations.

The Importance of Informed Choice

Properly chosen sports accessories are, without exaggeration, the basis for a safe and comfortable descent from the mountain. This is not the case when you can buy any copy, regardless of weight, gender of the skier, hope that cheap accessories will be of high quality, safe.

Incorrectly chosen equipment may not give a normal ride at all: ski control will be very difficult.

In previous publications, we wrote about complexity, and now an equally difficult topic is the choice of ski boots.

When visiting a store, you should pay attention, first of all, to the level of training, the degree of difficulty of the tracks where you prefer to ride. The more experienced the skier, and the harder, steeper the track, the more durable and reliable the shoes should be.

Remember that skis ski poles- this is a consumable item that often changes, but ski boots are usually bought for a long time and used with different equipment, so take the selection process as responsibly as possible.

4 characteristics for the right choice of ski boots

The most important parameter in the selection is the correct size. In order not to be mistaken, it is recommended to accurately measure the length of your own foot. It is important that the selected copy sits tightly, does not hang out and does not sting: comfort during riding and safety depend on this.

The optimal boot size depends on two mandatory parameters: foot length and width.. As a rule, in stores selling ski equipment and clothing, there are special meters with which you can accurately find out the parameters of your feet. Foot size is always measured in centimeters.! If the store where you choose ski boots does not have a special “foot gauge” device or at least did not offer to measure the size by tracing the foot on paper - go away from such a huckster!

As for the width, it is determined empirically directly during the fitting. Note that if the chosen option slightly squeezes the leg from the sides, in the process of wearing the shoes will “sit down”, it will become freer.

The ability to bend the boot in the metatarsus

This is the middle part of the human foot. Not all ski boots have the ability to flex the foot in this area.

And not all skiers need this opportunity. Most appreciated by experienced freeriders and lovers of dynamic carving riding.

Ski boot stiffness index

Keep in mind: than more weight athlete, the more stiffness index should be chosen. Tall people should aim for higher stiffness for a similar reason.

There are no boots for beginners. There are softer ones that are more comfortable, but do not give full control over the skis.

It is better to choose shoes empirically in the process of trying on- put on the shoe, fasten it completely. Bend the leg so that the shin presses on the inner tongue.

It should be borne in mind that in a warm store any boot will prove to be less rigid than on a mountainside. Therefore, it should bend slightly under the pressure of the leg - at low temperatures, during operation, the rigidity will be optimal.

Soft options are more comfortable, but will not be able to give full control over the ski. If you do not strive to achieve impressive success in skiing, and complex high-speed tracks do not attract you, you can get by with more comfortable, softer options.

The degree of rigidity is classified as follows:

You should not choose the most rigid ones for amateur skating - such a choice is irrational and unjustified.

The leg will be squeezed much more strongly, out of habit it can cause noticeable discomfort - this is the first.

Secondly, the price of hard professional boots is high; for rare skiing, this is an uneconomical choice. Hard shoes are difficult to remove and put on - this can be very annoying for a skier who has come to the mountains just to have a good rest and ride in comfort.

Optimal ski boot last width

In specialized stores, the buyer will find shoes that provide a last from 92 to 108 mm. is the distance from wall to wall in the widest section. If you choose boots on the Internet, then be aware that the width given in the catalogs is for size 27.5. As the size increases, this indicator automatically increases.

Different brands and manufacturers of the same width feel differently. Therefore, it is best to buy ski models by measuring several pairs one after another.

If the shoe is noticeably narrow, try a wider size. However, when the compression is uncritical, barely perceptible, and all other parameters suit you, you can make a purchase, during operation the shoe will “sit down” perfectly.

Many manufacturers produce products with an adjustable shoe, which is very convenient. These brands include Head Adaptive Fit, whose products can change the width in problem areas, as well as Atomic - the parameter is regulated by a special soft insert.

In addition, you can change the characteristics of the ski boot last through the thermoforming procedure.

Belt

This accessory is attached from the outside and, as a rule, comes with a hard Velcro. Sometimes there are models with a metal buckle. It is better if the fixation belt is wide - this design will be much more reliable to protect the skier from injury and provide better maneuverability on the slope.

On sale you can find models with a belt width from 25 mm to 65 mm, and there are even two of them in sports ski boots.

The choice of ski boots for beginners

Undoubtedly, professional athletes and experienced skiers, when buying special equipment, are guided by higher standards than beginners.

For inexperienced skiers, it is important to choose a more comfortable option that will make skiing easy and enjoyable. And speed, technique and other details will be perfected over time.

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It requires certain knowledge and careful choice. Like boots, a jacket with trousers must be chosen correctly so that it is warm and cozy!

It is important for a beginner to choose high-quality shoes so that there is no rubbing, squeezing, discomfort while riding. In addition, the wrong boots can prevent the skier from mastering correct technique ride.

It makes no sense to choose hard models: such a choice, on the contrary, can lead to injury to an inexperienced mountain climber.

For beginners, options are available with wide block so that the foot is not too tight. The more professional the model, the narrower it is.

A beginner skier is advised to buy soft boots that he can take off and put on without outside help: quickly and easily.
Such equipment, as a rule, is warmer and more comfortable, it is pleasant and comfortable to ride in it. In addition, some beginner-specific options are equipped with slow/fast speed switchable modes, which is very convenient.

Selection for women and children

If ski boots are selected for a lady with a small foot, you should not buy a children's model: it is important to choose an adult, but small pair. The fact is that in any case, an adult will have more weight than a child - children's ski equipment is not designed for such a load. A bad choice can lead to injury.

Keep in mind that women's models in most cases are equipped with a "hidden heel", which allows ladies to maneuver around corners more easily.

It is not recommended to choose a "unisex" series, because, although such models are considered universal, in fact they are not suitable for both men and women. Representatives of this particular series most often live up to sales.

Do not choose shoes based on external characteristics, design: women often sin with this approach. Much more important is comfort, safety, convenience, and only then fashionable details.

Options up to 22-23 cm long are considered children's. Such models have a lower sole and a narrower block, they are made of softer material. The cost of children's bots is usually significantly lower.

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If you are into cross-country skiing, then a detailed review is for you: and do not burn out. Many tips are universal and suitable for any shoe.

If you decide on the size of shoes for a child, you should not buy more than you need, in the expectation that your son or daughter will soon grow up. If the kid has to go down from the mountains now, the shoes should fit him, and not hang out: this is not only inconvenient, but also traumatic.

When choosing, be sure to try on the shoes. Carefully fasten all existing fasteners, belts and clips - as if you were going out on a mountain slope in a few minutes.

Important: do not tighten the belt too much, as it can pinch the veins, causing the legs to freeze faster.

Get up and walk around the room. Walk for about 15 minutes - during this time you can understand exactly whether it is convenient for you or not. Jump in the air, try to bend your leg, tighten the strap with varying degrees of intensity, sit down, stand up - do these movements several times.

It's quite normal when thumb feels the toe of the shoe - this does not mean that the latter is small (of course, if the toe is not bent). Approached in length, but wide or narrow in the block - does not fit.

If the foot is wide, the choice will be the most difficult. In this case, you can feel discomfort only after about 20 minutes of wearing: you will have to endure this time in order to guarantee the optimal copy.

15 minutes!

That is how much time you need to be in fully buttoned shoes to understand something.

Trying on different sizes of ski boots, experienced skiers advise wearing two different sizes on legs and look like 15. After that, less comfortable will be immediately determined. The first clip on the boot fastens the second from the bottom, and then fastens in turn from the top and bottom.

The sequence of fastening the clips. The first step in a ski boot is to fix the heel!

Important facts:

Any ski boot will create discomfort at the first fitting. After 15-20 minutes, the right size should leave all the uncomfortable sensations.
Pay attention to whether there is a heated liner: this feature is indispensable for those athletes who are used to riding often and for a long time.
When trying on, take thin elastic socks with you: it is in such socks that you are supposed to go down from the mountains. Just don’t take socks knitted by your grandmother!
In the right size, the toes should move, and the heel should not move.

Main varieties

The size tables for ski boots from all professional manufacturers take into account the physiological characteristics of women's, children's and men's feet, so even if female size supposedly corresponds to a child or vice versa, you should not buy such shoes, it can be dangerous both for health and for life.

Men's models are always wider at the heel and ankle, but at the same time they have a narrow and elongated shaft.

For ease of maneuvering, women's shoes have a small hidden heel inside, and children's shoes are always made soft and narrow.

Riding style

The purpose of specialized footwear is determined by some features in its structure, maneuverability and additional details. Of course, a beginner may not notice such details from his own experience, but if the training is only for a certain style, then it is better to immediately purchase shoes for this or universal ones.

In this case, the ski boot size tables will be exactly the same, the differences in structure:

Shoes for beginners are always soft and inexpensive.
Boots for descending from snowy peaks are able to retain heat well and for a long time, and also have an inside-out clasp so that the snow cannot open it. In stores, they are represented by a freeride line.
Riding on specialized tracks must be carried out in carving boots. Such shoes are well cushioned, responsive to maneuvers and help the athlete maintain balance in difficult turns.
For lovers extreme sports and stuntmen should choose shoes of the appropriate direction - freestyle boots. They absorb shock well and are equipped with strong metal clips.

Features of choice

To purchase suitable shoes for sports, be sure to visit only specialized stores. The size table of ski boots for children, as well as for adults, from eminent manufacturers always relies not only on European and American sizes. The main criterion here is its own Mondopoint (MP) scale.

At first glance, everything is simple, the dimensions are presented by the length of the foot in millimeters, rounded up to 0.5 cm, but each pair must be measured, as the boots may not fit in other ways.

It is also important to take into account the fact that the size table of ski boots refers to the length of the inner insole, outwardly shoes of several sizes can be exactly the same.

Fitting rules

For maximum comfort while skiing, the boots should be tried on with the same socks that will be used for riding. By the way, socks for this are also sold special - ski. The table of sizes of ski boots for children from some manufacturers may differ, as well as for adults, so you should allocate enough time for the selection to try on at least 5 pairs of shoes and spend 10 minutes in each: sit, walk, squat and rock.

It is also important to measure shoes only indoors and with feet already fully warmed up to room temperature, since under the influence of cold their characteristics may change.

And most importantly - do not buy ski boots with a margin.

Choice for a child

When choosing children's ski boots, the size table should be taken into account in the same way as for yourself, that is, in no case should you choose shoes “for growth” or “for a warm toe”. The safety and comfort of the baby depends on the tightness of the fit of the foot to the shoe; there should be no desire to save money here at all.

If you really want to spend less, it’s better not to put your child on skis or snowboards at all. If the purchase takes place, then you can understand how comfortable the baby is by asking him to sit down several times in his boots. He must stand firmly on his feet and not sway at the same time.

A special case

A person with flat feet can easily turn out to be a lover of conquering snowy peaks. In this case, the choice should fall on a snowboard, since skiing will be a real test and in order to feel comfortable, you will have to spend a lot of time on training.

In addition, you will definitely need to order special orthopedic insoles and hand them over with the boots to a professional bootfitter - a specialist who adjusts shoes to the characteristics of each person's foot.

Fitting

Even a perfectly fitting HEAD, SALOMON or ATOMIC ski boot size chart will put pressure on your big toe when unfastened. To remove this discomfort, you just need to put your heel in the desired position, for which you bend your knees slightly and press the heel as far back as possible.

You can hit the floor with your foot several times, and the heel will quickly take the required position. After that, you need to fasten the clip, located second from the top, it will fix the heel. Then the rest of the fasteners close from the bottom up and tighten the belts. If in this position the toe only slightly touches the wall of the boot, and the heel does not come off the sole even when trying to stand on tiptoe, then the boots fit perfectly. It is important that in this case the leg should be completely motionless, but not crushed - the fingers should move. After that, you should put on the second shoe and walk.

So, at first glance, a suitable pair of shoes will be small, but you should trust the size chart. ATOMIC ski boots, like some others, have a special thermoformed liner for this, which, after several skiing, will take the shape of a particular foot and become ideal for the athlete. If desired, the process can be accelerated by thermoforming directly in the store.

It is important, even if the shoes seem small, not to get a larger size, because after a few rides the foot will hang out in them, and if the straps are tightened too much, it will become numb. The bootfitter is also not able to reduce the size of the boot, only stretch it.

Another important criterion

The size table for SALOMON ski boots and other popular brands takes into account only the length of the foot, while its width is also the main criterion for comfort. Specialized manufacturers offer their customers several options for lasts, which are presented in their line in all sizes: narrow (98 mm), medium (100-102 mm) and wide (102-106 mm). Shoes with a last width of 95 mm are available only for professional athletes.

This indicator is measured at the widest point of the foot - at the base of the toes, but its compliance cannot guarantee that the leg will sit perfectly, because the height of the ankle, instep, heel width, and so on is also responsible for convenience, so when buying shoes you definitely need to measure.

Difficulties in choosing a model for beginners can be provoked by the fact that almost all manufacturers produce narrow pads on hard boots and wide pads on soft ones. The situation is facilitated by the special manufacturing technologies of external boots available for each brand.

Conclusion

It seems that it is easier to pick up children's ski boots. Dimensions and tables for this take into account fewer parameters, but it is not always possible to understand the feelings of the baby according to him.

In order for the choice of specialized shoes to allow a novice athlete of any age to quickly feel confident, only new shoes should be purchased. Already used by another person, even just a few times, the liner has the shape of someone else's foot, which can rarely fit another skier.

How to choose...

Acquaintance with skiing starts with ski boots. By right, this is the first thing you have to put on before you get on your skis. Therefore, in the store, it is better to approach the choice of skis, being shod. The process of choosing shoes is very interesting and somewhat tedious, but it is a necessary part of the quest. It must be understood that skiing is quite an extreme discipline, especially for beginners, and at first you will have to suffer. But already on the slope you will be rewarded for your patience. In general, about everything in order.

What is a ski boot?

A ski boot is a plastic construction that is a link between the skier's foot and the ski mount, which protects against external negative factors and is responsible for transferring force to the ski. Somewhat heavy and rigid construction, simply consisting of an outer plastic boot and an inner soft boot. Metal-plastic clips with buckles, located on the outer boot, serve to fix the entire structure on the leg. By its nature, this equipment is quite specific and very personalized, which will subsequently become in the full sense only yours, get used to your anatomy, physical fitness and, to some extent, your skating technique. If for you the slopes of the mountains and ski slopes each time they become more and more practical, then over time it will be easier for you to “fasten” into other skis than to “stand up” into other boots. Hence the conclusion: we do not recommend a long ride in a rental, or someone else's shoes.

What are they?

When you enter the store and see the entire range of boots for the first time, you will probably say that they are “different”. And you will be right. But all this set can be reduced to one denominator and conditionally divided into groups, of which there are not so many. Ski boots, like any footwear, are:

Where will you ride? The question in the case of newcomers is rhetorical. Where they will ride - everyone knows. This is not a geographic reference or the name of the resort, but an indication of the type of slope: whether it is prepared or not, a paved track with lifts or something off-piste (freeride) with piles of - perhaps - untouched snow, mounds and other difficulties. So, for beginners - only on the track, to the instructors in the paws. From here we distinguish three more types:

Trail ski boots- classic ski boots, consisting of a solid lower base ("shell"), connected to a sliding upper cuff (shaft), as well as three, and more often four buckle clips and an upper wide tie tape ("strap"). Inside all this is a soft boot. They are designed in 99% of cases only for skiing, so this design must carry with it a certain rigidity. These are used by both beginners and skiers-athletes on prepared (“travelled”) tracks.
All-mountain off-piste boots- they are also called freeride or backcountry boots, they are a specialized continuation of trail boots, but with an emphasis on the fact that they still have to go often, for example, up the slope and ride on soft snow. Some features already follow from here: three clip-on clips are standard, a “walking-skating” switch on the back of the boots, the presence of a sole, they are not narrow, they are relatively soft to bend. Relatively speaking, in these boots you can ride on the slopes and use as your first ones.
Boots for the "park"- saw a wild youth performing various tricks on a special track: jumps, flips, slips? So they ride in “park” boots - shoes that have also evolved from trail shoes. Their entire design is not aimed at holding in a turn and speed of force transfer, but, first of all, at ease of separation and clarity of landing. This shoe is not recommended for beginners.

What is your weight and riding level? The question is very popular when choosing, in principle, any ski equipment, including boots. People of different skiing levels and weights will "load" the ski in different ways, that is, different efforts will fall on, let's say, the boot design. The term “rigidity” appears, and rigidity must be measured with something. So, we can conditionally distinguish three categories of shoes:

Soft
medium hardness
Rigid

No two legs are the same. Manufacturers of any shoe strive to cover all imaginable sizes and shapes of feet. In the case of ski boots, it can be noted that to standard sizes the width of the foot (width of the shoe) is also added. As a rule, when it comes to an adult, they use a range of 95-110 mm. The width is taken as the distance between the metatarsus of the foot in its front part. Therefore, they say that a ski boot in size 44 and stiffness 120 has a last width of 102 mm. All three parameters are equally important. Not only the comfort and fit of the leg depends on this, but also the speed of transfer of force to the ski. Infrequently there are problems (corns, chafing, crushing, hypothermia) if your boots fit your feet. People who have some exclusivity in terms of their feet: flat feet, prominent bones, high instep, wide heels, should approach the choice of boots even more carefully, at this stage they will need the help of bootfitters.

Boot construction

Ski boots have a fairly simple design, although, at first glance, they are bulky and clumsy. First of all, it's two in one. The boot consists of a durable "outer" and a soft "inner"; clips, a strap, a sole are added to the first, an insole is added to the second.

Outer boot

It is the supporting element of the entire structure. It is made of impact-resistant plastic, not subject to noticeable changes at low temperatures. The entire load force of the skier falls on the outer boot, transferring his effort through ski binding on the ski itself. It consists, in turn, of two parts connected by means of a hinge to each other. Bottom part, rigid and motionless among skiers is called galoshes, soap dishes or shells. This is a molded plastic cup, which is the base of the entire boot. The sole is attached to it from below. The second part is attached from above - this is the "cuff". Depending on the stiffness of the entire boot, it is able to move back and forth under some pressure. Only with the cuff open can you put the boot on your leg. The properties of the plastic of a modern outer boot are such that, if desired, their owner can mold them in a special service to fit the geometry of their foot, that is, to make a more accurate fit.

Inner boot

He is a felt boot, boot, liner (liner) or just an liner, is responsible for the comfort and fit of the foot. Being filled with a porous material, it absorbs shocks and impacts coming from a hard outer boot. At the moment, there are at least three types of liners on the market: non-molding, molding, jellied. The difference between the last two and the first is quite striking. The main property of such liners is to remember the relief of the leg by filling in between it and the boot of excess volume. Only if some do this by heating a porous material, then others have a space inside filled with a special composition, which later hardens. You can heat it in a special oven - this is done by bootfitters, or with your own heat already in the process of skiing. Non-forming liner tends to wear out over time, it feels like the leg dangles in such liner and boots like a pencil in a glass. In addition, it is noted that they are relatively cold.

Insole

For people who know words like pronation and supination, choosing an insole can be a comparatively longer process. The foot in a fastened and adjusted boot should, for all its geometry, be in neutral position, that is, not be littered inward or outward. Otherwise, it affects the skating technique, and in the long run can lead to injuries to the musculoskeletal system. If you know that everything is in order with your feet, then the insoles that come with the boots will be enough for you. If on the contrary, we advise you to contact a specialist in a store who is engaged in fitting ski boots - bootfitting. He will help you choose and shape the insoles for your foot. Do not forget that there are heating insoles for those who suffer from cold. By means of a battery attached to the back of the boot and elements within the insole itself, they provide a gentle warmth that is sufficient to properly circulate blood in an immobile foot.

Sole

With the help of the sole of the boots, it is fastened into the ski mount. The sole can be replaceable, or it can be a continuation of the outer boot itself. Replacement seems to be a comparatively better option, since the sole has to be in contact with hard surfaces anyway, which wears it out. By replacing the sole, you prolong the life of the entire boot.

Clips, fasteners, buckles

There is only one essence - a mechanism that tightens the outer boot. Depending on the type of boot, from 2 to 4 fasteners are installed. In most cases, fasteners must be metal for strength. On many models of boots, the buckles have a micro-adjustment of tension, which allows you to make the fit of the boot adequate to the requirements and conditions of skiing.

Strap

Wide band at the top of the boot that secures it to the mid-calf/calf area. The tape has Velcro.

Roll/Walk Switch Mechanism

Located on the back of the shoe. By raising or lowering the flag allows the cuff of the outer boot to flex sufficiently for walking or locks it in place for skiing. Available, as a rule, on all boots of the all-mountain category, sometimes present on trail models.

Canting

Lateral tilt mechanism for the upper part of the outer boot. It is located on the same axis with the hinge. It helps to bring the boot to a neutral position relative to the plane of the slope, or, in a simple way, corrects the clubfoot or internal deflection of the legs.

Recco Sensors

Passive type devices reflecting the signal to the radar of rescuers in the process of carrying out rescue operations when they get into an avalanche. They are small in size, so they are mounted in various elements of ski equipment, including boots.

Selection and fitting

Mondo	EURO	UK	US men's	US wmn's
20	33	1,5	-	-
20,5	34	2	-	-
21	34,5	2,5	-	-
21,5	35	3	-	5
22	35,5	3,5	-	5,5
22,5	36	4	4,5	6
23	37	4,5	5	6,5
23,5	37,5	5	5,5	7
24	38	5,5	6	7,5
24,5	39	6	6,5	8
25	40	6,5	7	8,5
25,5	40,5	7	7,5	9
26	41	7,5	8	9,5
26,5	42	8	8,5	10
27	43	8,5	9	10,5
27,5	43,5	9	9,5	11
28	44	9,5	10	11,5
28,5	44,5	10	10,5	12
29	45	10,5	11	13
29,5	45,5	11	11,5	13,5
30	46	11,5	12	-
30,5	47	12	13
31	48	13	14
31,5	50	14	15

If this is your first pair of boots, it's best to work closely with a sales assistant or boot fitter to fit your new boots as closely as possible to your foot. It is necessary to determine for yourself the purpose of skating and - which is better - general physical ability. A competent specialist, before finding out the true size and shape of the leg, weight and level of skating, will definitely ask you about it.

Size (size): length and width

Before starting the entire fitting procedure, you will need to put on the exact socks in which you will ride. These are special socks that have the properties of support and rapid moisture removal, which helps to maintain comfort. They do not roll down, do not gather into an accordion, they are strong enough, depending on the conditions they have different thickness, height, and also contact zones. They will begin to find out the size.

Ski boot manufacturers use Mondo Size is the size equal to the length of your foot in centimeters. Remember that all measurements in the store are carried out using a special ruler. Mondo size is almost always indicated on the boot itself. Each Mondo size has analogues in the usual size chart.

A very important parameter is the width (last width) of the foot. It is measured in millimeters and, as a rule, is in the range of 95-110 mm. It is not always indicated on the boots. Guided by him, the models are divided into narrow and wide. Ski boots are always made for different lasts, i.e. for different widths of the foot, in exceptional cases there are those where, using a spacer mechanism, it can be increased by 1-2 mm. It is also important to know that the outer boot always has a whole size: 27.0, 28.0, but the thickness of the liner and insole is responsible for the “half”. Also on the boot itself, you can see another dimensional value, for example 320 mm, is the length of the sole. When trying on this parameter is not needed, it will come in handy when setting up ski mounts.

Boot stiffness (Flex)

A parameter that measures the transfer of force from the skier through the boot to the ski binding. The higher it is, the stronger the force required to deflect the boot by a certain degree. It is measured by a numerical value (from 50 to 130), which is indicated on the shoes or their packaging. Boots from different manufacturers, but of the same stiffness, must be compared. According to this parameter, the boot is selected taking into account several terms: gender, weight, level of skiing, degree of physical fitness. Here, when choosing, the help of a specialist is often required. It is important to understand that a beginner will not be able to bend hard boots and, as a result, keep himself on the slope in the arc of his own turn. Likewise with too soft shoes.

Fitting

The universal rule is that the fitting begins in the evening. At this time, the foot, slightly increasing during the day, acquires the size that will be characteristic of it after a few minutes of skiing on the slope. So:

We take out the liner and lower the foot into the outer boot, touching the front wall with the fingers. The remaining space between the heel and the back wall of the boot should include two fingers. If more, then this model is great for you, less - vice versa.
We take out the foot and put it on the inner shoe. We sit down and put on the outer. Tapping the heel of the boot on the floor so that the foot sits in it, we fasten all the clips and the strap. Clips, being fastened, should not hang out.
We get up and try to understand the sensations. Remember: the legs as a whole should be comfortable. Your fingers should touch the liner and, at the same time, move, but not too much. The heel sits tightly, unable to come off the insole and only has lateral micro-play. The general feeling of a strong handshake - the pressure is evenly distributed over the entire volume of the leg. If necessary, adjust the clips for a more precise fit. Retighten the strap. Give your foot some time to get used to: walk, squat.
After problems in the fit of the leg are identified (strong pressure, pinching), try trying on at least one more model. But do not get carried away with trying on, but it is better to immediately contact a bootfitter specialist to analyze the problem and carry out work on fitting the most optimal boot model.

After the purchase

Ride as much as you can! If the shoes are chosen correctly, then over time they will sit on the leg, and you will no longer feel their weight and pressure. But we must be prepared for the fact that certain shortcomings may appear, which are easily eliminated by a specialist in the service. Watch them: dry, check the condition of the clips, change, if necessary, worn out elements.

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. Properly selected ski boots are comfort even after many hours of skiing.

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 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 ski boots created the smallest width 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 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!

Ski boots for beginners. How to choose the right ski boots! The influence of weight and height of a skier on the choice of ski boots

How to choose the right size ski boots?

Ski boot stiffness

Influence of riding style

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

The influence of the sport and the place of skiing

ski boot last

What to look for when buying ski boots?

Walk/skate switch

Warming

The Importance of Informed Choice

4 characteristics for the right choice of ski boots

Ski boot stiffness index

Optimal ski boot last width

Belt

The choice of ski boots for beginners

Selection for women and children

15 minutes!

Popular questions

Main varieties

Riding style

Features of choice

Fitting rules

Choice for a child

A special case

Fitting

Another important criterion

Conclusion

What is a ski boot?

What are they?

Boot construction

Selection and fitting

Fitting

After the purchase

Ski boot size

Ski boot stiffness

ski boot last

Ski boot strap

ski boot sole

ski boot liner

ski boot insulation

If your feet are cold in the boot