Ski boots with a wide last. How to choose ski boots for beginners. In this lesson, we pay special attention to the choice of shoes.

You can read about how to correctly choose a ski suit in one of my previous ones. Today we will talk about ski boots, and about such an important parameter in choosing these shoes as stiffness.

Each skier (whether a beginner or a professional) should have his own boot model that suits him best. Shoes borrowed from friends or from a rental can cause leg deformities, calluses and terrible bumps. Reasons: incorrectly selected stiffness and size.

Rigidity of ski boots

The flex index is the force in Newtons that bends the shaft by one degree. The stiffer the boot, the better it transfers the force of the foot to the ski and better controls it. As a general rule, the stiffer the boots, the more expensive they are.

Rigidity mining ski boots measured by a value from 15 to 160 units. This parameter can usually be found on the boot itself, on a sticker or in the product passport.

A common mistake that beginners usually make is to purchase shoes in the wrong category for their riding experience.

Beginner skiers you should choose shoes that are softer, with a stiffness of 15 to 60 units. If your foot is less than 39 sizes, only a hardness of 15 to 30 will suit you. Boots for beginners perfectly cushion, sit comfortably on the foot and forgive mistakes, that's just easy movements or turns body, such boots may not be noticed. Modern models for beginners are very often equipped with "walking - skiing" modes, so that you can quickly get used to the boots.

Experts boots with a stiffness of 60 to 100 units are suitable. These boots have big amount adjustments, and are made of a harder material. These boots must be chosen based on the place where you are going to ride, taking into account your weight. These boots come in different colors: for off-piste skiing and skiing on prepared tracks.

Sports boots are used only by professional skiers. The stiffness of such boots is from 100 units to 160. The number of adjustments on such models is the maximum.

Varieties of ski boots

Men's boots have a narrow and elongated shaft, this is due to the physiological characteristics of the structure of the lower leg in men, as well as the fact that calf muscle located higher than in women. Men's shoes in the heel are slightly wider than women's.

Women's boots boast a hidden heel that gives skiers the ability to press the toe of the foot into the ski during the turn and more easily regulate the movement.

Unisex boots, this, as they say: "Neither ours nor yours." These shoes are made for both men and women, and do not really suit anyone, because. does not take into account the structural features of the legs. Do not rush to buy such shoes on sale, you will make it worse for yourself.

Children's Shoes softer than adults, and their soles are narrower and lower. These boots are much cheaper.

Freeride boots Ideal for riding on fresh snow and wild slopes. These boots are strong enough, easily tolerate temperature changes, equipped with metal fasteners "inside out".

Boots for carving very elastic, soft. Ideal for skiing on ready-made tracks, they perfectly absorb and obey the owner.

Freestyle boots designed for ski jumping, performing complex tricks. These ski boots are equipped with a second shock-absorbing sole.

Buckles on ski boots

When choosing ski boots, be sure to pay attention to the clips (fasteners) that this or that model is equipped with. Plastic clips can easily crack in the cold or when strong blow, so it is better to give preference to boots with metal clips. You should buy boots with four clips and a strap, only in this case the boots are well fixed on the leg. This is necessary for your own safety. There is also such a good thing as micro-adjustment clips.

Other important feature- the presence of a canting that regulates the internal inclination of the boot. Canting is especially necessary for skiers with X-shaped or O-shaped legs.

How to choose the right size ski boots?

The main rule: take boots clearly in size, you can not take ski boots one size larger. Your size is the length and width of your foot. To accurately determine these parameters, use a special meter, which can often be found in specialized stores. Moms: never take shoes for a child to grow!

How to put on ski boots correctly?

Try on ski boots for a long time - at least 15 minutes. Put on your boots by fastening the clips and tightening the straps around the shaft (the strap should not be tightened all the way - this typical mistake). In this position, you impair the blood supply to your legs, and they quickly freeze on the slopes. In these 15 minutes, walk around in boots, squat in them, fasten them to your skis. Do not take shoes if you feel discomfort or pressure. Different manufacturers make boots using the same lasts, and if you don't like a pair from one brand, go straight to another rather than try on five pairs from the same manufacturer.

Thermoformable zones

Good boots are almost always equipped with a thermoformable felt boot. During skiing, the fabric of the inner soft felt boot slightly heats up and swells the foot, making the boot fit as comfortable as possible. You should not mold the boots with a special hairdryer, be patient until the slope.

Heated ski boots

The boot warmer function is a very useful thing, especially for active skiers. The legs are the coldest part of a skier's body, and also the most difficult to warm up. These shoes are made from special fabrics. The heating function can be controlled by a special remote control.

adult sizes.

Children's sizes

Note: Boot size tables are approximate and may not take into account the characteristics of all manufacturers.

Top tips for choosing ski boots

Basic requirements for boots:

1. Correct size.
2. Convenience.
3. The level of skiing or the required stiffness of the boots.

It is right to start the selection of ski equipment with the choice of boots. But if you want to first decide on the model of skis, you can go to the boots in the second place.
It is impossible to say which of the ski boot companies is the best. There is no such thing, all firms compete with each other in a variety of models and technologies. The best pair of boots is the one that is most comfortable with the right stiffness.

Each company makes shoes with a different shape of the last. Therefore, it is necessary to try on several models of different companies in order to choose a more suitable block.
Before you start trying on shoes, you need to determine the size of your feet using a special ruler. As a rule, few people know exactly their foot size, especially women with a foot size over forty :).

It is necessary to determine whether the boot fits in size when the boot is buttoned up. An open shoe always seems small.

The general feeling in the boots should be:

– BY LENGHT: in a buttoned boot, the toes do not touch the toe of the boot with the leg bent at the knee, and touch or even rest against the straight leg.
– BY WIDTH, BY BLOCK: the absence of obvious pain from the design of the boot.
-- The heel of the foot does not come off strongly from the insole when BENDING THE FOOT IN THE KNEE.

The model is good for a particular person, if after a few minutes of being in a tightly buttoned boot there is no pain or numbness.
It is permissible to buy shoes for children 1.5 - 2 sizes larger. Then, perhaps, they will be enough for more than one season.

In this lesson, we pay special attention to the choice of shoes.

Why? Remember, for sure, at least once in your life your favorite shoes were rubbed. Now think about the dangers of improperly selected ski boots for active and intensive skiing for many hours? Not only spoiled mood, but also calluses, additional falls or quickly freezing feet.

We avoid this and choose comfortable shoes that will give you a lot of positive and the most positive emotions!

Ski boots exist for both men, women and children

Each shoe is designed for a person, with a certain weight, size and physiological characteristics, so you should not try to save money and buy children's shoes instead of women's. They are NOT SAFE for adults.

You can determine which shoes are intended for whom by their appearance, with the help of a sales assistant, or get information from the "price tag" or "passport" attached to each pair of shoes from the manufacturer.

Each “group” has its own characteristics of boots, based on physiological differences:

Shaft on men's shoes elongated and narrow Bottom part shins in men are longer than in women, and the calf muscle is located higher. In the "ankle" area and in the heel, men's shoes are wider than women's.

Women's boot has a “hidden heel”, which allows skiers to more easily adjust turns - press the toe of the foot on the ski during the turn.

Unisex boots designed for both women and men, but in fact they are suitable for units, so in the end they do not take into account the structure of the legs of either one or the other. Therefore, such boots can often be found in the "Sale" section.

Boots up to 22-23 cm are considered children's! Their soles are narrower and lower than those of adults. They are made of softer materials, and cost an order of magnitude cheaper than adults.

Choose boots for your future riding discipline

Despite the fact that for different ski disciplines are intended different types shoes, their choice does not have much influence in the learning process. You will only feel the difference when you ride confidently.

Therefore, or try to immediately understand which of the directions is closer to you. Or decide to go empirically and buy versatile boots first.

If you have not decided on your future riding style, choose boots for beginners:
- They are softer, more easily and intuitively adjustable. Often, these boots are equipped with a “walking-skating” (“Ski/Walk”) mode, which is designed to get used to the boots more quickly.
- At the same time, they are in a lower price category, and you can save a lot on the first stage.

If you want to ride on unprepared slopes and fresh snow, then choose freeride boots:

Freeride boots are very durable and will withstand long and intense skiing, frequent changes in temperature and much more. The fasteners on them are metal, the bottom one is made “inside out”, so fresh snow cannot get inside the clip and open it during the ride.

If you want sporty riding with sharp and precise turns on groomed trails, then buy carving boots:

- They are quite soft, elastic and well cushioned. The boots convey well all the commands and efforts of the athlete to skiing and at the same time help him maintain balance.

If you are going to jump from trampolines and slide on railings doing tricks, then take freestyle boots:

- They have a second shock-absorbing sole so as not to kick your feet during frequent jumps. It is best to purchase boots with metal clasps (clips), since in very cold weather the plastic may crack upon impact.

Choose shoes according to stiffness

Rigidity will transmit your command through the boot to the ski when you want to edge, stand on the edge of the ski, make a big or small turn.

Rigidity is measured by a value from 15 to 160. The value is usually applied directly to the boot, on a sticker on the boot, or listed in the "passport" attached to each pair of boots from the manufacturer.

Soft boots suitable for beginner

For beginners, stiffness from 15 to 60 is considered optimal.

For a foot up to 23 cm, only stiffness from 15 to 30 is suitable.

Soft boots are able to forgive mistakes, i.e. they will successfully respond to the athlete's confident commands, but may not notice slight movements. Plus, they provide excellent cushioning. They are easier to move on the slope.

Rigid boots suitable for experienced skiers

Rigid boots respond perfectly to all skier commands, including erroneous ones. Because of their rigidity, they require more effort and skill to handle.

We select your size

The right size is your comfort while skiing, and how comfortable it will be for you to move and control your skis.

In fact, the size is the length of the foot and the width of the block (foot).

The size of the foot can be selected using the “poke” method, or you can use a special meter, which is often found in stores (contact a consultant).

With the help of the meter you will understand both the length and width of your foot. After that, you can choose shoes, immediately focusing on the desired size.

Trying on shoes

Try on your favorite boots. Be sure to fasten the clips (clasps), tighten the strap on the shaft. Please note that you should not tighten the strap to the end, because after wearing it for a long time on a slope, the blood will stop flowing down and the leg will freeze.

If you are not sure that the boots fit you 100%, then walk around in them for about 15 minutes, try to tighten the strap more or less, “bounce” your foot in the air, fasten them to your skis and try to sit down and stand several times. After this time, you will definitely feel the “true” comfort of the boots.

Parents!

In no case do not take shoes for children "for growth"! It is very dangerous!

To determine the size, fasten the boots to the skis, put them on the child and ask them to sit in front of you several times. If the little skier manages to stay upright, then the boots fit.

You can order boots online.

But only if you are sure about this particular pair. For example, if you have already measured them in the store. Otherwise, it is likely to miscalculate, either with the size or with the rise of the boot.

To help the size table (length) of the boot:

How much should ski boots cost?

In Russia, the average cost of ski boots varies from 3,000 to 30,000 rubles.

At present, in Russian sports stores manufacturers are popular: Atomic, Salamon, Fischer, Rossignol, Head, Technica, Roxy and others.

Brand ratings vary depending on the country of manufacture, the country of purchase and the value of the boots, so we do not advise you to pay attention only to specific brands. These concepts are too unsteady, and change every few years or even more often. Much more important are the materials from which the shoes are made.

Decide how much money you are willing to spend on a purchase and start researching boots in this price range.

The main points that affect the cost:

1) Notice the fasteners. Metal fasteners are more durable and wearable than plastic fasteners, which break quickly and are more susceptible to damage from weather changes, shocks, jolts, and other factors.

2) Ski/Walk - additional ski boot mode, when you can switch them to "skating" or "walking", making skiing more convenient.

3) Inner boot can be made from different fabrics, have an additional insole and heating functions (including from a special remote control).

4) thermoformed zones. The essence of thermoforming is that when you accelerate, the fabric of the inner soft boot heats up and envelops the foot, adapting to it and giving maximum comfort, which is especially true for those who want to ride for hours.

5) Rigidity - an important parameter, from the value of which the cost can change dramatically. The softer the boots, the cheaper they are, the stiffer, the more expensive.

Should you take your shoes off?

It is worth it if they are no more than 1-2 years old, there are no visible flaws, damage.

And remember that for a long time the shoes look like in the store, but every year they lose some of the elasticity and become more fragile. You may not notice this, but with severe wear and tear, this factor can play a role. Therefore, take a closer look at a used accessory with triple attention.

Only after choosing the boots we buy ski poles

Ski poles are your mainstay while skiing or skiing, and a must for all sorts of ski tricks.

Since, in fact, poles are more of a skier's consumables, we advise a beginner to choose a pole according to two parameters - length and cost.

How to determine the length of a stick?

A suitable pole length is ¾ of the skier's height:

Turn the stick upside down and stand it vertically, holding it with your fingers under the ring.

The angle formed by the shoulder and forearm at this point should be 90 degrees. If there is such an angle, the stick is suitable!

What affects the cost?

The cost is mainly affected by the material from which they are made. ski poles and their rigidity.

Almost all modern models of ski poles are made on the basis of light metal alloys, so you are unlikely to find very heavy poles.

Rigidity for beginners is not much difference. It matters already for professional athletes. Therefore, it makes no sense to overpay for it.

On average, ordinary sticks can cost from 1,000 to 10,000 rubles.

Ski binding adjustment

For beginner skiers, in order to avoid various troubles on the slope, I recommend entrusting the installation of bindings to the employees of the store where you buy them! They can do it quickly and correctly.

After installing the mount, it must be adjusted to the sole of the boot:

Put the boot into the binding - insert the toe of the boot into the toe of the binding

Then lower the heel of the boot into the mount

Adjust the binding if the heel of the boot does not match the length of the binding (the end of the binding is too far or too close)

To do this, twist the lever to increase or decrease the length of the mount. The adjustment lever is usually located in the middle of the binding (between the nose and heel) and looks like a "screw" or a sliding "bracket".

When the length of the boot and the binding match, click the binding - lower the heel down (using the lever on the heel of the binding).

Check if the boot is loose in the binding.

Adjust one more parameter on the mount - actuation force.

This parameter allows the skis to automatically unfasten at the time of a fall to reduce the danger to the athlete.

On the toe (on the head), as well as on the heel of the mount, find the scale - the actuation force regulator.

Determine the number you need - this is your weight divided by ten. This is the value above which it is impossible to set a figure in any case, otherwise the ski will not come unfastened when it falls, and this is fraught with injuries. For example, with a weight of 80 kg, the figure should be no more than 8.

Please note that this scale must be adjusted both on the toe and on the heel of the binding!

So, we chose ski boots, picked up the right ski poles and fixed the bindings on the skis! It's time to get properly equipped, and very soon you will be able to hit the slopes and feel all the joy skiing!

Enjoy the shopping!

They are primarily interested in skiing, not paying attention to equipment. However, good riding and a sense of comfort are not provided by them, but by special shoes. If you carefully analyze the information and learn how to choose ski boots, then you can spend the planned time on the slope as productively as possible, enjoying it. Unfortunately, most of the first shoes are bought on the basis of the principle “it seems normal, I take it”. But after a while, the whole bouquet of shortcomings of such shoes becomes noticeable.

Of course, someone can get lucky. But most users will be very disappointed in their choice. If you don’t want to tempt fate and play such roulette, then you should arm yourself with professional advice on choosing ski equipment for your legs.

General rules for choosing ski boots

When choosing ski equipment the most difficult question begins to torment you even at the initial stage: which ski boots are better to choose? Not only the quality of skiing, but also the safety of a person depends on good sports shoes. Therefore, this is not the case when you can save. In bad shoes, skiing is almost impossible. At the very least, it is very difficult to do it well and competently. They clearly and accurately do not transmit the necessary force to the skis.

There are many models of boots for production. Depending on the level of training and the complexity of the skiing itself, shoes are selected. In any case, first of all, the thing should fit snugly to the leg and at the same time give a feeling of comfort to the owner. Boots for amateur skiing, beginners and children are designed for soft snow cover and low speeds. They are designed so that the child can easily put them on or take them off. In professional boots, athletes ride at high speeds. Therefore, they are more rigid and not suitable for beginners.

Boot stiffness

Flexion resistance determines the stiffness of ski boots. How to choose the right parameter if a beginner thinks he is good at skiing? You can take the model a little tougher, but it will not be professional. The difference between boots in terms of stiffness is as follows:

children's - soft;
light for beginners - 30-60 Nm / deg;
for amateurs - 40-80 Nm / hail;
for experienced - 60-90 Nm / deg;
for experts - 70-12 Nm / deg;
competitive boots - 110-160 Nm/deg;
professional - the most rigid.

To determine the stiffness of ski boots, manufacturers use a scale: newton * meter / degree. It is quite difficult to compare the hardness and elasticity of shoes from different companies. However, soft boots should not be taken due to the fact that they do not allow you to feel the force of the impact on the ski, make it difficult to control - this minus can only be assessed intuitively. In addition, in such shoes it is very problematic to fix the leg correctly.

What influences the choice of stiffness?

How to choose ski boots by stiffness? It is also influenced by riding style, height and weight. The higher the last indicator, the higher the stiffness should be in order to keep the athlete well. A properly selected boot will not fold under the weight of a person at the moment of pressure with the shin on the tongue.

If this happens, you need to choose a level higher. It takes into account the fact that in the fitting room of the store, stiffness will be less felt than under normal operating conditions on the street. Also, the taller the person, the stiffer the boot should be. This will provide a person with additional stability.

Many believe that there is nothing wrong with taking the level of rigidity. But it's not. First, the leg will be squeezed, which leads to severe discomfort. Secondly, the cost of such shoes is much higher. And if you do not consider it for permanent use, from the economic point of view this is an unreasonable decision. It is also taken into account that boots with a high degree of rigidity bring inconvenience:

difficult to put on and take off at sub-zero temperatures;
walking in them, and especially going down the stairs, is very difficult;
the foot in such shoes is colder;
professional and expert models determine a greater angle of inclination forward, delivering additional load.

The style and place of riding determines the rigidity. For professional sports it will be maximum, while you will need a narrow shoe and a large forward angle. For freeride, it is better to buy warmer boots. Their forward bias should not be strong. The degree of rigidity in this case is much lower. For riding in the park, buy softer, warmer boots, which provide for the so-called anti-shock.

What to look for when choosing?

First of all, a beginner skier pays attention to convenience, comfort and warmth. In addition to these characteristics, communication with skis is also important for a professional, which means that attention should be paid to the block. Therefore, when deciding on the question of how to choose ski boots, it is important to consider that appearance- this is far from the most important component, which is worthy of first attention. When buying, in addition to the stiffness that we analyzed, you need to look at the inner shell. It is made of a special heat-retaining material. In more expensive models, there are downy liners inside, which are divided into several types:

thermal molded;
traditional thermal molded;
molded foam.

If possible, you need to take models with the most comfortable thermoplastic inside. For beginners, almost all shoes are wide. Versatile boots denser, professional - narrow.

Shoe size: fitting rules

How to choose Trying on is a mandatory procedure in choosing shoes, especially sports shoes. Ideally, the size of the boot and the foot are the same. The fitting is done on a thin sock. It is also taken into account that the inner liner will become smaller over time. A wide block is felt immediately. It is normal for the toe to lightly touch the toe of the boot. If the specimen fits in length, but is small or large in width, this is an unsuitable model.

On a wide leg, you need to measure shoes for a long time. Discomfort can be felt only after 20 minutes of wearing. If the leg becomes numb or feels burning, the boot is narrow. In this case, buy shoes one size larger. If you feel a rapid pulse in the foot, it is possible that during the fitting you pinched your leg with clasps. Shoes should not only be worn right leg but also on the left.

The heel rises when the leg is tilted forward - the model is large, you should choose a smaller size. After the purchase, it is recommended to walk at home for at least half an hour. If something does not suit you, you need to make an exchange. The main condition is that the boot should hug the foot well. Buying ski boots without measurements is at least unreasonable, so take the socks in which you will ski and go for a fitting, sparing no time. In specialized stores, boards are provided for measuring the length and width of the foot.

boot sock

Before trying on, be sure to put on a thin elastic sock for skiing. It should end above the shoe.

When buying a sock, it must be worn with the boot. In this case, the leg should be tightly fixed, but not squeezed. If it dangles, then calluses will form. As for the material, professionals recommend paying attention to synthetics. Choosing the wrong socks for ski boots can not only cause discomfort, but also cause serious injury.

Fitting rules

You need to dress properly. At the first inconvenience, do not immediately take off your ski boots. How to choose them correctly, you know. Now remember the following important rule: time will pass - the heel and toe will take their position. All fasteners (starting from the bottom) must be fixed with minimal effort, without pinching the feet. Stiffness is checked as follows: you need to press your lower leg forward with all your weight so that the boot bends. After the heel is in place, the clasps are slightly tightened, but the toes feel free at the same time. The foot in the wide part should not be pinched. You need to walk, sway, bend over in boots. Only after 15-20 minutes you can understand whether the shoes fit or not.

Heated liners

The foot must be well fixed in the boot, otherwise you can get injured. When purchasing shoes for frequent skiing, you need to pay attention to heating, without which you can not do. The presence of a thermoforming liner - required condition. To fix the calves, clips and cuffs are provided. This is true, with the exception of the cheapest models, each manufacturer provides such liners that, when heated, take on the shape of a leg.

Boots for beginners

How to choose for beginners? First of all, riding should be fun. Well-chosen shoes can make learning easier, while poor-quality shoes will only cause more discomfort, and they can cause frequent falls and injuries. Constant pain in the leg will not bring pleasure. And even the most best skis the situation will not be corrected.

It makes no sense for beginners to buy ski boots with a professional degree of rigidity. How to choose the right one is easy to remember here. The inconvenience and unpreparedness of the foot will discourage any desire to ride if the model is too stiff. And soft boots for beginners are easy to put on and take off. Plus, they are warm and comfortable. The boots for beginners have switching modes: walking / skating. As a rule, these are models equipped with a central outlet. For professional amateurs, there is only a front entry and many additional adjustments.

Women's boots

There are no constructive and significant differences in male and female models. In the second case, the anatomical structure of the leg is taken into account. For example, the lift is shifting. In addition, the design of shoes for ladies is distinguished by calm elements, not so aggressive. Like all other models, women's outwardly made of hard plastic. Inside they are warm and soft with comfortable liners. In the calf area, shoes for women are made wider, manufacturers provide auxiliary volume settings.

Shoes for little skiers

How to choose ski boots for children? The first thing you need to know is that you should not pass on your shoes by inheritance or take someone to whom they have become small.

Also, children should not be dressed in adult shoes that are designed for big foot and taking into account the weight of the person. Up to a size of 22-23 cm, the soles of children's models are much narrower. Pay attention to fasteners. They must be either universal or clearly correspond to the type of block. These shoes are cheaper, they are soft and brightly colored. And it has the following characteristics:

For children's shoes, the stiffness index is usually 60-80 Nm / deg.
The child must bend own weight boot. If this does not happen, then you need to choose a softer model.
The stiffness index should increase with the size of the child's foot.
Shopping doesn't have to be time consuming. It is better to spend 20 minutes on 2-3 pairs than 5 on each.

If, in boots fastened to skis, the baby can do a few squats and not fall, then the shoes are suitable. For children, you can take shoes with a small margin for growth.

ski boot last

The shape of the legs is different for everyone. It is simply impossible to make a universal model. The last width of ski boots varies from 92 mm to 108 mm. How to choose the best option? In some models, it can be measured. The width can directly depend on the stiffness of the shoe.

Usually, the higher this figure, the narrower the block. Each company produces its own form. Therefore, it is very difficult to choose the right one. This is a time-consuming process for both the seller and the buyer, who will be able to make a final decision only after long fittings.

Salomon X Pro 100 at a Glance

The ideal choice for professional skiers is the ski X Pro 100. Reviews of this model are mostly positive. Some owners of such a pair claim that the inner thermoplastic requires additional warming up so that it fits the leg better. Which company to choose ski boots, it is up to the buyer to decide. If the product meets all the requirements for skiing a particular level, then the model can be considered of high quality.

Thanks to 4 clips, the leg is well fixed, creating a soft fastening. Good power transmission is carried out due to modern Twinframe technology. This model of boots is considered one of the best in its class. If, after 20-30 minutes after trying on, there is no discomfort in the calf muscle, there is no numbness, burning, the leg does not dangle, but is tightly fixed, then the boot is suitable.