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 have 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 of ski boots, the smallest width has been created 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 the 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!

Hello my ski friend! This winter season, you have firmly decided that you will get up on alpine skis and learn to carve like the stars of the Olympic Games. You have everything: enthusiasm, money, energy, drive, but you don't have the most important thing - knowledge. How to choose ski boots and? How much money is needed? How not to make a mistake when choosing ski equipment? All these questions are faced by any green newcomer. What to do? Don't worry and read my recommendations below.

Today we will deal with the most complex and important inventory item - ski boots. If you choose the wrong ski boots, your season can end on the first day! I am not kidding. Pressing, callus-rubbing, knuckle-reducing, cold, flimsy, blood-restricting, dangling shoes discourage all cravings for skiing, and even lead to serious injuries. Want to discourage a friend from skiing? Buy him bad shoes for his birthday. On the contrary, choosing the right ski boots, you will be delighted with the scorching winter sun on the slopes, the adrenaline and endorphins you get from skiing. And in the summer you will shed crocodile tears, nostalgic about the winter season and your favorite pastime in the mountains. I hope you understand the importance of choosing the right ski boots? Then to business.

Before moving on to the article, let's figure out what a ski boot consists of and what are its characteristics. For clarity, I made an image.


1. Inner soft shoe. It can be taken out to dry.

2. Clips. Fasteners that fix shoes on the leg.

3. Adjusting the canting (tilt angle). Available only on top models. If you have O or X feet, then take boots with canting.

4. Shaft strap. Fixes the upper part of the leg.

5. Most often here they write the stiffness of the boot in numbers. Some boots in other places.

6. Outer boot shell. The plastic from which the shoe is made.

7. Shoe sole. Freeride boots (dynafit, TLT) have a good tread to make it easy to climb uphill. Normal shoes have slippery soles.

There are many more features on ski boots, but it's impossible to describe them all. You can find out more detailed information about your shoes in your passport or on the Internet.

Men's, women's, children's ski boots

All ski boots are aimed at a specific group of people. There are children's shoes, men's and women's. The parameters of the boots take into account the weight, dimensions, anatomical features of a person. Never take shoes from another target group. Firstly, it is not safe, and secondly, you will throw them out for the second season and will not be able to ride normally.

Shoes can be identified by their appearance or with the help of a sales consultant. In extreme cases, you can look for shoes on the Internet. See the characteristics and already in the store try on and buy the right product.

Men's boots- have a high and narrow top, since the lower part of the lower leg in men is longer, and the calf muscle is located higher. In the ankle and heel area, men's shoes are wider than women's.

Women's boots- have a low and wide bootleg. Women's boots have a built-in "hidden heel" that allows skiers to more easily adjust their turns.

Unisex- ski boots, both for men and for the weak half of humanity - women. I do not recommend taking. Since they do not take into account the structure of the legs of either one or the other. No matter how marketers and PR people try to equate men and women, physiologically we are different. So run from these boots like hell from incense.

Baby- as a rule, they measure from 22 to 23 cm. Their soles are narrower and lower than those of adult boots. The materials of children's shoes are softer and cheaper.

Discipline and type of skating

In fact, there is not much difference in the form of riding styles. The contrast can only be felt by a professional and highly specialized skier. For an ordinary person, it will be difficult to feel the difference between sports and universal boots. (not including lightweight boots for ski touring and freeride). Therefore, I advise you to take universal boots or familiarize yourself with the disciplines below and choose your direction.

Sports boots for prepared slopes

Speed, drive, carving, slalom, sports, mark the special sports shoes. The difference with the universal ones is in the inner boot, which is much thinner and cooler. Losing in warmth and comfort, we get more precise maneuverability and control on the prepared slope. Sports shoes also have a plastic sole, it is less durable and not designed for rough landings when jumping. Rumor has it that sports shoes have a weaker shell, but I think this is just misinformation. After all, stiffness for sports shoes is extremely important.

Versatile boots for prepared and unprepared slopes

Do you like powder (fresh snow), off-the-beaten paths, virgin snow, jumping from natural ski jumps, the lack of a lot of people? And sometimes you are drawn to the opposite pole, to ride on a prepared track with a crowd and squeeze everything out of your body? Then your choice of versatile ski boots. The boot is wrapped in warmth and comfort, but at the same time the boots themselves are tough and maneuverable, not inferior to sports ones. Add to this the fact that the sole has an extremely durable base and is designed for heavy loads. And if insidious marketers do not lie, then the shell of the boot should be a little tougher than that of sports shoes. Most people pick up these bots and are not even aware of their real origin. If you ride on prepared and unprepared slopes, I strongly advise you to take universal boots. But if you are an ardent athlete and ride only on prepared slopes, sports boots are your choice.

Special boots, which are designated by the term Tech, TLT. Designed for ski touring/freeride, these boots are equipped with a walking/skating system with a large shaft of travel and a rubber sole. They are lightweight and compatible with TLT bindings (lightweight ski touring bindings). If you like ski touring, walking a lot, discovering new lines, take boots with Tech technology. These boots are also great for freeride and backcountry.

Freestyle boots

Do you like to jump from natural drops, springboards? Can't live without beautiful tricks? Then you need special jumping boots. They are equipped with a double shock-absorbing sole in order not to beat off the feet during intense ski jumping.

Ski boot size

So we got to the most important part in choosing shoes. You can't buy ski boots like ordinary shoes. This requires experience and knowledge. The problem is that beginners, and many experienced ones, do not know how to choose ski boots for the foot and not make a mistake in size. The comfort and health of your legs and knees will depend on the right pair. Injuries due to the wrong size of shoes are very common, and sometimes lead to sad consequences, up to bone fracture. Therefore, I advise you to read this chapter carefully and choose your shoes wisely.

The first option is to choose the right size. To do this, we go to the store and, with the help of a sales assistant, we select the necessary pair. To do this, they have a special line of legs, by which you can find out the length and width of the foot. However, it is worth noting that most often there are no such lines in Kazakhstani stores. (corrected in 2017: already there!) and no one will help you choose shoes. They will tell you to dress and choose a friend yourself. Trust my sad experience. I drove through all the shops in the city of Almaty, both large and small. And nowhere were leg patterns used. And by the way, the given length and width of the foot does not always solve the problem of the correct size of the boots. Each brand has its own sizes, which must be carefully measured and selected for an individual foot. And in order not to run into an unqualified seller or consultant, read the second option, where I give practical advice from real life, and do not tell fairy tales, as most people who sell goods on the other side of the counter like to do.

The second option is trickier and requires precious time. Attention! Before you go to the store for ski boots, you need to measure your foot at home. This is done simply: we take an A4 sheet and any felt-tip pen. We put our lovely foot on a sheet of paper and circle it with a felt-tip pen.


Next, we take a ruler and measure in the outlined figure, first the length of the foot (from the big toe to the extreme back of the foot), and then the width (at the widest part). We fix the dimensions on paper with a ruler and get our foot size. For example, the length of the foot is 26.5 cm, this is 265 mm, and the width is 10 cm, which means 100 mm. The dimensions of the last width are indicated on the sole of the boot and on the box. The length of the boots is often indicated on the box, although it is also found on the boots. Just do not confuse the length of the sole with the size of the inside of the boot. Having received this information, you can safely go to the store for a purchase.


By the way, you can find out the European or other size of ski boots using the table. A very handy and practical item. Let's say I measured my foot and set the figure to 26.5 cm. So the European size of my ski boots is 42, Russian size 41, American men's 8.5. Comfortable? I think yes. Just do not forget that there is no foot width here. It must be viewed separately on the shoe or box.

Ski boots size chart

Cm. Rus. EUR USA men USA lady UK
23,5 36,5 37,5 5 6 4
24 37 38 5,5 6,5 4,5
24,5 38 39 6 7 5
25 38,5 39,5 6,5 7,5 5,5
25,5 39 40 7 8 6
26 40 41 8 9 7
26,5 41 42 8,5 9,5 7,5
27 41,5 42,5 9 10 8
27,5 42,5 43,5 9,5 10,5 8,5
28 43 44 10 11 9
28,5 44 45 10,5 11,5 9,5
29 44,5 45,5 11,5 12,5 10,5
29,5 45,5 46,5 12 13 11

Arriving at the scene of the crime with footprints, you can safely begin the search for a suitable pair of ski boots. The size of the shoes you buy can be seen on the bottom of the sole (numbers are stamped) or on the back of the sole on a small sticker. If there is no size on the boot, look at the box or in the passport.


Be sure to select at least 5 pairs to try on. Although the sizes will match your anthropometric data, this does not mean that they will fit perfectly on your foot.

So how do you choose the perfect couple for a great skiing experience? We take pre-selected shoes in size from the seller, put them on the leg, snap all the clips and the strap on the top. The boot should sit tight, perhaps a little pressure (it should seem that the size is a little small). But pain and discomfort should not be at all. In no case do not take a boot if it dangles or sits too freely on the leg. Try to bend forward, the heel should be fixed and in no case hang out. The boot should perfectly fit the foot and sit well. Do not be afraid that the size is a little small. The boots expand and the liner adjusts itself to your foot. But you should be wary of a large size, if the leg dangles, then over time this will only aggravate the situation and you will not be able to control the skis at all. Be sure to walk around the store for 10-30 minutes in each pair. There should be no pressure on the knuckles anywhere, the blood should circulate freely. Be sure to try on other shoes and repeat the procedure.

When you're done, you should pick a pair that:

1) Sits tightly on the leg without causing discomfort

2) The heel does not dangle

3) Nowhere, nothing presses or pinches

4) The size fits, the leg does not hang anywhere

We take out champagne and rejoice in victory! After choosing the right ski boots, you can be sure of a good and productive vacation. But there are times when all the recommendations are followed, but the shoes do not fit. Most often, this problem is caused by flat feet. I will talk about it a little later, after selecting the stiffness of the boots.

Boot stiffness

What is boot stiffness and why is this parameter so important? Everything is simple. The stiffer the boot, the better it transmits commands to the skis and the easier it is to maneuver into carving or slalom turns. You can compare it with a car. The better tires, suspension and brakes a car has, the more stable it is on the road. It's the same with skis. If your goal is to improve and drill technique, you need to take good boots with the right stiffness. If you are a lazy mountaineer, then you can not bathe and take boots of any stiffness.

The stiffness of the boots varies from 15 to 160 Nm/deg. Rigidity can be seen on the outer shell of the boot, on the label or in the passport with the box.


Soft boots for beginners

Boots for beginners are indicated by stiffness from 15 to 60 Nm / deg. I would rather recommend this to children. For novice adults, I advise a minimum stiffness of 50 Nm / deg. No way less.

Boots for beginners are usually soft and warm. Such boots are comfortable, but do not fix the leg well. However, soft boots forgive some mistakes and allow you to ride on green and blue trails. I don’t advise you to meddle in such boots on black tracks, the response is weak, the leg dangles, you can get injured.

Medium stiffness boots for experienced

Boots for experienced have a stiffness of 60 to 90 Nm / deg. If you want to grow and develop in alpine skiing, I advise you to take boots with a stiffness of 80-90 Nm / deg right away (softer for women). Only in them you can feel the ski well and develop filigree technique. Do you have a sports background and a desire to develop? Take the stiffness of 90 Nm / deg and you will not regret it.

Rigid boots for professionals

Boots for professionals start with stiffness from 100 Nm/deg to 160 Nm/deg. However, when you hear the word professional, you should not be afraid of these boots. The only difference is that they are stiffer and better controlled. I don’t advise a green novice to take such, but for an experienced one it’s completely. For the needs of most good skiers, a stiffness of 100 to 130 Nm / deg is enough. 160 Nm/deg is too hard, they quickly get tired and numb legs, you have to take breaks. If you like to ride fast, if you want to improve your technique, if you have an athletic body, take ski boots with a stiffness of 100-130 Nm/deg.

I’ll add from myself, if you want to save money and are sure that you will ride more than one season, I advise you to take ski boots with a hardness of 90 to 130 Nm / deg. Firstly, you will not need to throw out beginner boots and buy others in a season. Secondly, you will be able to improve your technique for at least 3-4 seasons. Thirdly, good shoes will give you confidence and you will progress faster. But, as elsewhere, there are exceptions, if you come to a ski resort to relax, soak up the sun, get some fresh air and do not strive for good technique, then take ski boots for softer.

P.S. It is also worth considering the weight of the skier! If a skier is a beginner, but weighs 120 kilograms, then he needs to take boots with a stiffness of 110-120. In a similar situation, but with a weight of 60 kg, you can take a stiffness of 90-100.

What to do if you have flat feet

You ran around the shops, tried on everything you could, followed the recommendations for every step, but did not find the right ski boots. Trouble, sadness. I'll have to upset you, but most likely you have flat feet or a non-standard leg structure. If all the shoes that you tried on cause discomfort, the bones on your legs ache, your legs get tired quickly, most likely you have flat feet or an asymmetrical leg structure. There is a solution to the problem, but it is so insidious and delicate that it requires a lot of time, effort and material costs.

Advice: if you are sure that you have flat feet, I advise you to choose a snowboard. Perhaps this is the best solution in this situation. Snowboard boots have a construction similar to regular boots and there is no such problem as with ski boots. And if you are a beginner, it is even easier for you. Knowing about your problem with your feet, you can immediately get on a snowboard and forget about all the problems.

But you're stubborn, right? And will you search until the end for your ski boots? Well, then this chapter is for you. You fell in love with skiing and want to solve your problem at any cost. Welcome!

The first thing you have to do is visit the clinic and make yourself orthopedic insoles or buy ready-made ones in specialized ski shops. It is better to take your ski boots with you and explain the situation to the orthopedic doctor/seller.

The second is to find problem areas where it presses, hurts, burns and try to identify the cause. Having found the areas that cause pain and discomfort, we take our inner boot and cut holes in places where it presses or presses. Or vice versa, we put foam rubber, filling the voids.

How to deform the outer shell in boots, at home, I will not write. Since I myself have no such experience, and I think that it is better to find a specialized boot fitting store. I know that some Kulibins send the outer shell to the oven and then work with it like with plasticine. Take risks or not, it's up to you.

Third, you double-check everything and try to ski. There is no absolute solution to the problem. Points of discomfort will most likely remain (with an independent solution to the issue), but they will no longer be as annoying as they were before.

But the best option is to find a boot fitting store. Where they will pick up special insoles for you and bake a boot for your individual foot. Pleasure is not cheap. The cost will be about the same as your new ski boots. There is another option, buy a thermoformable boot (for example, Fischer Vacuum and the like) and enjoy life. A thermoformed boot is certainly not a boot fitting in its entirety, but also a good option for a reasonable price.

ski boots price

The price of boots varies greatly, the simpler the boots, the cheaper. Children's shoes start from 20,000 tenge * and higher. Adult soft boots from 30 000 tenge * and higher. The average price of good ski boots starts from 60,000 tenge * . Professional ones can cost under 150,000 tenge and more (I’m not talking about ski tours, which have a price of 200,000 tenge). Yes, skiing is expensive. Therefore, if you want to do this, you need to earn good money. I advise you to take the cheapest one only as a last resort, if you are not sure that you will continue skiing next season. But it's easier to rent and see your true intentions than to waste money.

As I wrote above, I advise you to take boots with a stiffness of 90 to 130 Nm / deg., at a price of 50,000 tenge to 100,000 tenge * and more expensive. This is advice for people who want to improve and increase their skill in skating technique.

*Price for 2014.

Is it worth taking boo boots

Not worth it! Laconic and short. What is the reason? The whole point is that used shoes are usually worn out and it is difficult to find your size. Even if the katana boots are one season old and are offered at an extremely low price, do not rush to take them. They need to fit your feet. Finding used boots in good condition and the right size can take a huge amount of time. But you can not make it before the start of the season or take in a hurry not your size or ushatannye. The prospect is not bright, so I do not advise you to save on ski boots and take used ones. Better save some money and buy new shoes, the right size and the right stiffness.

Tip: You can take used boots only if they are katana for a maximum season and in excellent condition. And most importantly, the right size for you. Otherwise, just rent shoes and save money for new ones.

Conclusion

I hope my article helped you decide and understand how to choose ski boots. No need to rush into the choice, do everything carefully and deliberately. And better prepare the sleigh from the summer. There is still time to choose boots, but you need to hurry, the ski season will begin soon and you can easily miss the moment, wasting time and buying the wrong boots. If you have never ridden these shells, it is better to skate the first season on rental equipment. And only after being firmly convinced that this is your sport, you can safely buy ski boots and other related equipment.

Have a good winter holiday and adrenaline fever on the mountain!

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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 turn.
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, since the lower part of the lower leg in men is 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 different types of boots are designed for different ski disciplines, 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 the moment, manufacturers are popular in Russian sports stores: 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 the ski poles are made 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 your gear right, and very soon you will be able to hit the slopes and feel the joy of skiing!

Enjoy the shopping!

It is the most important component of your ski gear and it is worth spending a little more time, money and energy to find the right pair with a comfortable fit. Your boots are the only way to transfer all of your body's intentions to the ski, so a precise fit is essential for better control and performance.

The body of ski boots is made of hard plastic, so conflicts between the shape of your feet and the shape of your boots can lead to health problems. The goal of choosing the right ski boots is to find the right size and shape that you feel comfortable with without sacrificing performance on the slope.

Each rider's foot is unique and there is no one "one size fits all" way to fit a boot. The size, shape, stiffness and other features of your ideal pair of boots depend on the level of skiing, wishes, height and weight, the number of days you plan to ride per year, terrain and other factors. Because of their construction and the function they are supposed to perform, ski boots will never be as comfortable as everyday sneakers, and you shouldn't try to rate them the same.

Remember that the foam used to fill the liner will shrink over time, so if a new boot feels stiff, it will become softer after a few days of skiing. When choosing ski boots, consider the following points:

Skier Level

Start by thinking about whether you fit into the table below. This will give you an idea of ​​what type of boot, flex, and other features to look for in ski boots. We have broken down the types of skiers into three groups based on skill level:

Beginner / advanced rider

You prefer green and blue trails and tend to ride groomed, groomed terrain. You are still mastering skiing, but you are progressing noticeably. The best option for beginner/intermediate riders is a softer to medium flex and a fit that will allow them to ride comfortably all day long.

Progressive / advanced rider

You enjoy different speeds and riding conditions, including steeper descents, and require more precise control from your boots. You ski on both blue and some black runs and experiment with off-piste routes. Advanced skiers ski regularly, for several years in a row, and should look for a medium flex boot with a precise fit that will give you complete control in a wide variety of conditions.

Advanced / Expert

You ski all over the mountain with confidence! You can easily transition from marked trails to the backcountry and navigate all types of snow, including powder, ice and hard snow. You should look for boots with high stiffness and a very precise fit.

Expert-level boots are sometimes deliberately made smaller, both in length and in volume, and then separately work on the most comfortable fit of the boots. By the way, boots for professional park riders are usually softer and more comfortable than for expert freeriders.

Size

Ski boots are measured using the Mondopoint scale, which is based on your foot length in centimeters. In fact, Mondopoint is the length in centimeters.


Choose your size carefully. While most people can walk comfortably in shoes that are too big or too small, skiing is more of a challenge, so everything must fit perfectly.

When trying on ski boots, we recommend wearing a thin or very thin sock. A thicker sock can be a bit warmer, but the plastic shell and foam liner provide more insulation for the foot, and the extra thickness in the sock between your foot and boot reduces ski control and response. For this reason, the best skiers wear the thinnest socks.

Beginner/advanced skiers should choose boots with the Mondopoint length listed, or slightly longer if they feel the boot is too small. Keep in mind that the foam in the boot will shrink after a few rides and you will have enough room for your toes.


Progressive/advanced riders should also choose a boot size close to the size shown in the table, or slightly shorter but with more stiffness. Pay attention to the width of the boot, and if possible, choose one that sits more comfortably on the foot.

Advanced/expert skiers typically choose a boot size 1/2 down to the specified size for ultra-precise feel and response. Professionals choose hard and very hard models.

Size tables of famous ski brands:






Suitable size

A slight to moderate amount of pressure on your big toes when the boots are buckled and the legs are upright usually indicates that after some use the boots will take on the perfect size. If the boot feels too small, try bending it hard by lifting the top by the toe and pushing the knee hard forward towards the tongue a few times. This will push your heel back into the heel of the boot and create more room in the front.

Check the fit of the liner to make sure the pressure is coming from the toe of the liner and not from the hard plastic shell. All ski boots wear well. And it's better to have a boot with a perfect fit at the end of the season than the first time you try it on.


boot body

A common method of measuring liner length is called "body fit" and it's a good way to check how close your boot is to the correct size. To do this, you need to pull out the liner of the boot. Then insert your foot into the bare body and slide it forward until your long toes touch the body wall. Then check the distance between the heel and the back of the case. Most people do this with their hands or some object of known thickness.

When measured with fingers, a distance of "one finger" or "one and a half fingers" (15-22 mm or 0.6 to 0.9 inches) is considered appropriate. A gap of more than two toes is generally considered large, while less than one toe falls into the "expert racing boot" category.


Note that ski boot manufacturers don't make half-size outer shells, so 26.0 and 26.5 boots usually have the same shell. If you are trying on a size 26.5 boot and it seems too big, go for the next size 25.5 instead of 26.0.

insoles

The perfect fit doesn't just depend on the length of your boot. Like the foot, every ski boot has its own unique shape. Most shoe manufacturers now make two or three separate models or "insoles" to fit different foot shapes. As a rule, these insoles can be divided into narrow, medium and wide, and they are related by the width of the forefoot.

Narrow shoe insoles usually have a forefoot width of 97 to 98 mm, and they are also quite narrow in the middle. These shoes are best for people with narrow and thin legs.

The middle insoles have a forefoot width of about 100mm. Boots with these insoles are well suited for riders with medium foot widths. They provide a softer fit due to a smooth transition from the wide part of the insole to the heel.

Wide insoles are best for skiers with wider, longer legs. The width of such an insole in its front part goes from 102 mm to 106 mm.


If you know what width of insole you usually use in street shoes, then choosing the right insole is not difficult. For example, a foot with a width of "A" or "B" feels better in a boot with a narrow insole, while a foot with a width of "C" or "D" usually corresponds to an average insole of about 100 mm. Skiers with an "E" foot width or larger should look for the widest insoles of 102mm or larger.

As with boot length, insole width is not an absolute standard among different boot manufacturers, and everyone has their own formula for sizing. But we made good general recommendations.

By the way, stiffer high performance boots were previously only available with narrower insoles, and experienced skiers with wider feet were forced to just endure the pain or completely redesign the insoles for themselves. And beginners and advanced skiers looking for soft stiffness often had no choice but to buy a wide “comfortable” insole, even if they had a very narrow and small foot.


Fortunately, this trend is actively changing, but experienced skiers with very wide and large feet and beginners with very narrow and small feet may still be faced with a limited choice of insoles.

Ski boot manufacturers often create more than one model with different stiffness, so if you find a boot that fits well but is not comfortable with the stiffness, see if that model is available in a softer or stiffer version.

Boot size

Volume usually (but not always) goes hand in hand with forefoot width. Shoes with a narrow forefoot tend to have less volume through the midfoot and heel, while boots with a wide forefoot tend to be more comfortable throughout their length. Boot manufacturers don't list volume as a number, unfortunately, so the best way to find out if a boot's size is right for your foot is to try it on.

Rigidity

Rigidity in ski boots refers to how difficult or easy it is to bend the boot in half. The stiffness of boots ranges from very soft to very stiff, indicated by a numerical "flex index", which is usually a number between 50 (soft) and 130 (very stiff). Often this number is written on the outside of the cuff.

The method for determining the stiffness index is not standardized between boot manufacturers, so a boot with a stiffness of 100 from one company may not match the same stiffness index from another company, so use the numbers as a starting point, but don't get too hung up on them. In addition, some companies use a scale of 1-10 to rate hardness.


Professional athletes and some expert skiers prefer boots with a stiffness greater than 130, and these boots are usually available on special order with a very small insole and forefoot widths from 92mm to 95mm.

Riding level beginner-progressive progressive-advanced advanced-expert expert racer
Rigidity rating 60-80 85-100 110-120 130+
Feel soft medium tough very hard

Again, since there is no standard for measuring stiffness, it is best to use the stiffness index only as an aid to choosing the model you are interested in or to compare models within the same brand.

Terrain, speed, and snow type also play a role in boot stiffness. Pros and freeriders often opt for slightly softer boots than the top World Cup racers, and park pundits prefer even softer boots.

Mixed snow and very rocky terrain often require a little more cuff movement, while hard and smooth snow surfaces (such as racing tracks) require more effort and pressure on the skis, resulting in boots with more stiffness. The serious beginner can handle both medium and hard boots perfectly, while some experienced skiers prefer shoes with more rigidity.

Your height and weight also contribute to choosing the best boot stiffness. A rider of small height and weight (for example, a woman) will not transfer much pressure to the ski boots and, therefore, to the skis, so very stiff boots will only limit the movement when skiing.

Riding level beginner-progressive progressive-advanced advanced-expert expert racer
Rigidity rating 50-60 65-80 85-100 110+
Feel soft medium tough very hard

Because women have a lower body mass for their height and leg height than men, women's ski boot flex ratings are slightly lower.

Cuff shape

The fit of the cuff to the size and shape of your calf is an important part of ski boots. The shape and height of both the shell and the liner can be an important consideration when choosing boots for women (whose shin is usually lower and proportionately larger than men's) and simply for those with a large shin.

If the top buckles on the boots are very tight, then most models have top buckles that can be moved to several different positions, sometimes with a screwdriver or wrench, giving you a greater range of adjustment. Most manufacturers now produce women's special boots that are designed to comfortably accommodate larger and lower shins.

Tilt angle

As a rule, ski boots have a fixed angle of inclination between 11 and 18 degrees vertically. The angle or angle of the boot (lower inside of the boot) relative to the ski is usually fixed, but can sometimes be adjusted by placing shims under the bindings or wedges between the boot and the liner. Some skiers are more sensitive to lean than others.

Peculiarities

Ski boots offer a number of special features to enhance performance, comfort and ease of use.

Inners

The lining is a removable soft inner part of the boot that protects and insulates the foot from the hard outer shell. Over time, all liners mold to the skier's foot, and those that feel too hard the first time you try them on will take on the shape of your foot after a few days on the slope.

Some boots offer a fully customizable heat-resistant liner that you can heat up in the store and it will instantly mold to your foot and won't change when it cools down.

Thermoformed case

Some brands (Salomon and Atomic) offer boot shells that can be heated in a convection oven and made to order. This process will allow you to change the shape of the outer shell of the boot, which is, let's say, too rigid. The thermoforming process must be carried out by qualified personnel.

Reinforced strap

This is the Velcro strap at the top of the ski boot cuff (some boots come with mechanical buckles). When tightened, the strap increases the power transfer and control of the boot. It acts as an additional adjustable buckle and helps reduce the gap between the foot and boot.

Buckle micro adjustment

This feature is necessary to achieve an accurate fit of the boot. The micro adjustment actually shortens or lengthens the buckle and allows you to fine-tune the straps. Turning the buckle clockwise tightens it and makes it tighter, while turning the buckle counterclockwise makes it longer and loosens the boot.

rear spoiler

This is a removable element that is located between the liner and the outer casing, directly behind the lower leg. It does two things: pushes the liner forward slightly and fills in the top cuff to reduce the gap between your leg and body, which can be important for those who want to place the liner a little forward or for skiers with very thin feet.

Hiking mode

Many ski boots have the ability to switch from fixed ski mode to hiking mode. This feature is becoming more and more popular on hiking boots, which are designed for use both in the ski area and in mountaineering.

Sole

The rubber outsole aids in walking and hiking on rocks, ice and pavement. Many hiking boots have a forefoot curved outsole for better snow traction and a natural gait.

Buying shoes online

Now that you know what boots you need, you can start looking! We strongly recommend that you do not buy shoes based on price or color alone. It is better not to save on suitable ski boots.

Nobody knows your feet better than yourself. If you think you've found the right boots that fit great and have the right amount of stiffness, wear them at home for a bit before hitting the slopes. Both you and the shoes must understand that they are made for each other!

In our catalog you can choose ski boots from famous brands for every taste!