You need to choose ski boots no less carefully than casual shoes. The comfort of your legs when riding, sensitivity to frost, maneuverability and fatigue depend on the correct selection. In addition, on the mountain slopes, the safety of the skier will largely depend on this factor. Modern models provide complete comfort, even for beginners. If the size, shape and equipment are chosen correctly, you can enjoy skiing for a long time and without inconvenience.
Dimensions
This parameter must be given special attention. Ski boots should ideally fit under your foot, be quite a bit cramped. In a short period, they will acquire the desired shape and provide optimal comfort during operation.
Below are the sizes according to the international system / Russian version / American standards (for male models):
- 31/46/13.
- 31.5 / 46.5 / 13.5.
- 32/47/14.
- 32.5 / 47.5 / 14.5.
The following are the same options for women:
- 26 / 41/9.
- 26.5 / 41.5 / 9.5.
- 27/42/10.
- 27.5 / 42.5 / 10.5.
- 28.5 / 43.5 / 11.5.
Varieties
Ski boots are divided into several categories (according to style and class of use):
- Professional modifications. These shoes are made specifically for athletes. The products are stiff, providing the best repulsion for a running push.
- Amateur models. The shoes are for beginners, softer and equipped with flexible soles.
- Versions for the classic move. They are characterized by low side height, relatively soft and light.
- Cross country ski boots. These versions are quite high, with a hard sole, the cuff serves as a mount.
- Universal option. It combines the parameters of the species discussed above, suitable for the ridge and classic move.
How to choose ski boots?
When choosing a special shoe under consideration, it is necessary to take into account several basic characteristics, namely:
- Stiffness indicator. For beginners, it is advisable to choose bots softer, because they are more convenient. The hard option is suitable for professionals, which is associated with better equipment management at high speed and with active maneuvers.
- The size. This parameter is determined by the inner boot. The width of the block varies from 95 to 106 millimeters. For professionals, modifications from 95 to 98 mm are provided. Before the main load, it is recommended that you measure your foot. It can vary within 10 mm in length and 0.5 mm in width. For measurement it is necessary to take a position with bent knees.
- Weight. This indicator is important when climbing the slopes. The fact is that sports modifications weigh more than other analogues.
- Outsole in length. The ski boot mount plays no less important role than all the other factors mentioned. The length of the sole should be consistent with the standard for this characteristic parameter.
- Adjusting devices. They help tailor shoes to adapt. For example, the clips guarantee the fixation of the ankle with the right effort, reducing the total pressure on the leg.
- Type of retainer. It must fully match the ski mount.
How much are ski boots?
The following is an overview of several brands.
Nordica Hell & Back H1 ("Nordica Hell & Back"). Reviews about this manufacturer indicate the high quality of skis and ski boots of this brand.
Among the advantages:
- Light ski variations, characterized by high quality and the introduction of innovative materials.
- The rigidity ranges from 110 to 120 units, depending on the conditions, so without any problems you can adjust the shoes for traveling on a soft crust or on an icy slope.
- With a mass of two kilograms, this is one of the lightest shoes on the domestic, and not only market. They have huge advantages if you need fast speed.
- According to the owners, the model is easy to put on and does not fall through the snow.
- The design uses a three-piece system that allows you to quickly put on and take off your ammunition.
- A large section for fingers and cuffs contributes to the flow of blood to the fingers.
The average price is from 17.5 thousand rubles.
The disadvantages of this shoe are the owners of a rather high cost and difficulty in repairing.
Salomon Quest Access 70 ("Salomon Quest Access")
These ski boots will be considered for comparison. They belong to elite models among analogues. In addition, this brand takes care of beginners, as it produces interesting modifications designed for universal use. Those who decided to purchase skis and ski boots of this brand will certainly fit its characteristics. Shoes are soft, do not limit mobility, perfectly "sits" on the foot. A width of 104 millimeters makes these boots an ideal option for users who are not accustomed to tight and narrow shoes. And they are just taking their first steps in skiing. The price of more than 10 thousand rubles does not seem so big. However, you should not expect much from these shoes. At least this is what consumer reviews indicate.
Scarpa Freedom SL ("Scarpa Freedom")
Among the advantages, consumers note the possibility of switching between Alpine and backcountry modes. Features - boots are mainly suitable for leisurely skating.
Let's try to figure out what is the difference between shoes for one and the other style? Alpine manufacturers focus on maximum performance, while backcountry stylists rely on comfort and flexibility. The model in question combines both qualities that quickly allow the athlete to switch from light mode to the stage of the race. This design makes it possible to avoid accidental falls and slippage in certain sections of the route. At a price of 25.7 thousand rubles, you will receive an original product created by specialists in emergency descents (Chris Deynvportom). For real professionals, these boots are not suitable, because they lose in certain positions the qualities necessary for an active skier.
Lange RX 120 ("Lange")
Forget how much ski boots cost. This brand offers shoes on which, without problems, you can not only ride along the slope, knocking everything on the way, but also make your way along slopes and hills that can hide various secrets.
Despite the fact that the rigidity is only 120 units, boots are considered one of the most robust options. However, for beginners, this is not the best shoes. Novice users are better off not choosing this model. Firstly, the softness and fit is designed for the pros. Secondly, you need to buy insoles and other accessories.
This modification has an attachment for ski boots type RX 120. This design includes a clip design with four clips. The thin lining, coupled with a low-profile configuration, creates a free feeling in motion, but has a kind of protection against inappropriate actions. It consists in the presence of teeth and corrugations on the sole, which absorb excess vibration and wobble. This, oddly enough, allows many users to save not only soft spots with bruises, notes and real injuries. This is especially true for injured teeth and fractures. Among the minuses, users note cuffs that do not have sufficient rigidity and height. In general, design and fixation are a success. The cost of the package starts from 27 thousand rubles.
Classic
Classic ski boots are low and light in themselves. In this type of skating, it is not necessary to fix the ankle joint. Shoes have a soft and well-bent sole, not equipped with special professional inserts. The product is made of innovative materials that retain heat and prevent the foot from freezing.
For women
Ladies ski boots are not much different from men's. The main difference is the configuration of shoes in the area of female calves. In addition, the bots have an oversized heel and an increased angle of inclination. Such models are mainly made of soft leather or artificial analogues that are resistant to low temperatures.
For younger age
Ski boots for children differ from adult variations in the increased level of softness. Such shoes should be fixed on skis as safely and comfortably as possible. When choosing a children's boot should take into account the fact that the child’s leg is growing. Therefore, the acquisition of growth in this case has the right to be. The model must have at least four clip-on fasteners; the boot is fixed securely during operation without backlash (hanging).
Well-known manufacturers
The following is a list of manufacturers of ski boots that are popular not only in the domestic market, but throughout the world:
- Rossignol (Rossingpool). These models are equipped with a thermal control system that will not allow your feet to freeze. The brand is focused on the issue of women's ski boots.
- Salomon ("Salomon"). These boots tightly fit the legs, guarantee comfort and ease of wearing, which is important for children and women.
- Botas ("Botas"). This manufacturer produces medium-height boots, focused on the classic move. Feature - the presence of an external water-repellent coating.
- Alpina ("Alpina"). The brand is developing models for skating and classic skiing. Models feature a soft and flexible sole, equipped with an anatomical insert, a quick lacing system.
- Fischer ("Fisher"). Instances from this manufacturer are designed for professionals, they have a lightweight body, fitted by anatomical parameters. The boots perfectly support the ankle joint in the ridge. A wide and narrow sole range for amateur skating has also been developed.
Total
As you can see, there are no special problems with the choice of ski boots. The main thing is to correctly approach the acquisition of this product, slowly to buy the first available model. Competent fitting and accounting of the use of shoes is the basis of successful pastime on mountain slopes and slopes. In general, a variety of modifications are presented on this market, of which there is something to choose based on financial capabilities and professional priorities.