SKI BOOTS

There are many different types of ski boots, and features that you can find on them, here the most important aspects and features of ski boots are explained.

Ski boots must be stiff to protect you, and to transmit the power you need into the skis. Because of this ski boots are rigid and will not let you move your ankles much. This does make it hard to walk in ski boots, some boots even have a walk mode so that the ankle can move a bit more and they are easier to walk in. The walk mode must be turned off for skiing though, so that the boots function properly and protect you.

Here are some of the features and properties to know about with ski boots:

Stiffness

Just like skis, boots have different levels of stiffness and again generally the more you are looking for performance not comfort the stiffer you want your boots to be.

Buckles

The buckles are the devices that do up the ski boots and keep them tight. There are many different variations of buckles that can be found on modern ski boots. The differences between them are generally unimportant, and virtually all work in the same way. Boots that have laces at the bottom, are generally intended more for comfort, and will not hold your foot quite so firmly.

Canting

Canting is an adjustment to change the sideways angle of the boot above the ankle, in relation to the sole of the boot. This can be used to take pressure of off ski edges if it is found that one edge is always dragging, but is generally not adjusted by most skiers.

Liners

The liner is the part of the boot that your foot goes inside, and is the softer insulating part of the boot. Most liners these days will mould to your feet if heated up, this is a good way of getting your boots to fit very nicely. For the ultimate fit you can buy liners where you inject the foam into them, so that they fit your feet even better. Please be aware though that different manufacturers make boots for different shapes of feet, and that heat molding the liners won't necessarily make uncomfortable boots comfortable. Making sure the boot was intended for your shape of foot is a priority. A good shop will be able to give you advise between the different makes of boot.

Straps

This is a strap that helps make the top of the boot tighter around your shin. Some boots claim to have an extra wide strap for more support, but there is not much difference between boots with this component.

Fitting Ski Boots

Ski boots should be a very snug fit, without any areas where there is a lot of pressure compared to the rest of the foot. Different manufacturers make boots that suit slightly different shapes of feet, so it is worth trying on boots from several manufacturers to see which gives you the best fit. You should be able to feel your toes gently touching the ends of the boots when you are stood straight, but when you lean forwards so that your shins start push on the front of the boots, that pressure should come away. Finding ski boots that fit you well and are comfortable is very important, as while skiing you are going to be wearing them all day, and even the smallest of pressure points, or areas where your foot moves, can cause a lot of pain and discomfort.

On to the the Ski Poles section.