People who decide to go skiing are primarily interested in skiing, not paying attention to equipment. However, good riding and a sense of comfort is provided not 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 from the principle of "like normal, I take." But after a while, the whole bouquet of the shortcomings of such shoes becomes noticeable.
Of course, someone may be lucky. But most users will be very disappointed in their choice. If you do not want to try your luck 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 riding, but also human safety depends on good sports shoes. Therefore, this is not the case when you can save. In bad shoes, skiing is almost impossible. At least, it is very difficult to do it well and competently. They clearly and precisely do not transfer the necessary effort to the skis.
There are many models of ski boots available. Depending on the level of training and the complexity of the ride itself, shoes are chosen. In any case, first of all, the thing should fit snugly to the leg and at the same time deliver a sense of comfort to the owner. Boots for amateur skating, 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 tougher and not suitable for beginners.
Boot stiffness
Bending resistance determines the stiffness of ski boots. How to choose the right option if the beginner thinks he is good at skiing? You can take the model a little tougher, but it will not be professional. The difference in boot stiffness is as follows:
- children's - soft;
- easy for beginners - 30-60 Nm / deg;
- for lovers - 40-80 Nm / deg;
- for experienced - 60-90 Nm / deg;
- for experts - 70-12 Nm / deg;
- competition shoes - 110-160 Nm / deg;
- professional ones are the toughest.
To determine the stiffness of ski boots manufacturers use the scale: Newton * meter / degree. Comparing the hardness and elasticity of shoes of different companies is quite difficult. However, soft boots should not be taken due to the fact that they do not allow you to feel the force of influence on the ski, make it difficult to control - this minus can only be estimated intuitively. In addition, in such shoes it is very difficult to fix the leg correctly.
What affects the choice of stiffness?
How to choose ski boots for rigidity? It is also influenced by riding style, height and weight. The higher the last indicator, the higher the stiffness must be in order to keep the athlete well. A correctly selected boot will not fold under the weight of a person at the moment of shin pressure on the tongue.
If this happens, you need to choose a level higher. It takes into account the fact that in the fitting room the rigidity will be less felt than under normal outdoor conditions. Also, the taller the person, the stiffer the boot. This will provide the person with additional stability.
Many believe that there is nothing wrong with taking shoes high in terms of stiffness. But this is not so. Firstly, 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 an economic point of view this is an unreasonable decision. It is also taken into account that shoes 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 stiffness. For professional sports, it will be maximum, while you will need a narrow block and a large forward angle. For freeride, it’s better to buy warmer boots. Their forward slope should not be strong. The degree of rigidity in this case is much lower. To ride in the park, buy softer, warmer boots that have 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, for a professional, communication with skis is also important, which means that attention needs to be paid to the block. Therefore, when deciding on how to choose ski boots, it is important to consider that appearance is by no means the most important component, which is worthy of first attention. When buying, in addition to the rigidity, which we analyzed, you need to look at the inner shell. It is made of special heat-retaining material. In more expensive models, there are downy liners inside, which are divided into several types:
- thermally molded;
- traditional thermally molded;
- molded foam.
If possible, you need to take models with the most comfortable thermoplastic inside. For beginners, almost all shoes are wide. Universal boots are denser, professional ones are narrow.
Shoe size: fitting rules
How to choose the size of ski boots? Trying on is a mandatory procedure in choosing shoes, especially sports shoes. Ideally, the size of the boot and legs match. Trying is done on a thin sock. It is also taken into account that the inner liner will become smaller over time. A wide shoe is felt right away. It is normal for the finger to lightly touch the toe of the boot. If the specimen fits in size in length, but is small or large in width - this is not the right model.
On a wide leg you need to measure the shoes for a long time. You can feel discomfort only after 20 minutes of wearing. If the leg is numb or a burning sensation is felt, the boot is narrow. In this case, buy shoes one size larger. If you feel a rapid pulse in the foot, you may have squeezed your foot with fasteners when trying on. Shoes should be worn not only on the right foot, but also on the left.
The heel rises when the leg is tilted forward - the model is large, it is worth choosing a smaller size. After the purchase, it is recommended to go home for at least half an hour. If something does not suit you, you need to do an exchange. The main condition is that the boot should hug the leg well. Without measurements, buying ski boots is at least unreasonable, so take the socks that you will ride in and go to the fitting without sparing time. In specialized stores, planks are provided for measuring the length and width of the foot.
Shoe sock
Before fitting, a thin elastic toe for skiing is always worn. 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 hangs, then corns form. As for the material, professionals recommend paying attention to synthetics. If you choose the wrong socks for ski boots, this can not only cause discomfort, but also cause serious injury.
Fitting Rules
You need to put on the shoes right. At the first inconvenience, do not immediately remove 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 clamping the foot. The stiffness is checked as follows: you need to push forward with your shin forward with all the weight so that the boot is bent. After the heel fell into place, the clasps are slightly tightened, but the fingers feel at the same time free. 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 are suitable or not.
Heated liners
The foot should be well fixed in the boot, otherwise you may get injured. When purchasing shoes for frequent skating, you need to pay attention to the heating, without which you can not do. The presence of a thermoforming liner is a prerequisite. Clips and cuffs are provided for fixing calves. This is so, with the exception of the cheapest models, each manufacturer provides such inserts that, when heated, take the shape of a leg.
Boots for beginners
How to choose ski boots for beginners? First of all, skiing should be fun. Well-chosen shoes can facilitate training, and low-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 best skis will not fix the situation.
For beginners, it makes no sense to buy ski boots with a professional degree of rigidity. How to choose the right one here is easy to remember. The inconvenience and unpreparedness of the legs will beat off any desire to ride if the model is too rigid. And soft shoes for beginners just put on and take off. In addition, they are warm and comfortable in them. In the boots for beginners, switching modes are provided: walking / skating. As a rule, these are models equipped with a central output. For amateur professionals, there is only a front entrance and many additional adjustments.
Women's shoes
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 rise is shifted. In addition, the design of ladies shoes is characterized 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 field of caviar, 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: do not inherit your shoes or take someone to whom they have become small.
Also, children should not be worn in adult shoes, which are designed for a large foot and taking into account the weight of a person. To the size of 22-23 cm in children's models, the sole is much narrower. Pay attention to the mounts. They should be either universal, or clearly match the type of pad. Such shoes are cheaper, they are soft and brightly colored. And she has the following characteristics:
- For children's shoes, the stiffness index is usually 60-80 Nm / deg.
- The child must bend with its own weight. If this does not happen, then you need to choose a softer model.
- The stiffness indicator should increase with the size of the child’s legs.
- Shopping should not be time consuming. It’s better to spend 20 minutes for 2-3 pairs than for each of 5.
If the baby is able to do several squats in the boots fastened to the skis and still not fall, then the shoes are suitable. For children, you can take shoes with a small margin for growth.
Ski boot
The shape of the legs of all people is different. To make a universal model is simply impossible. It varies from 92 mm to 108 mm in the width of the ski boot pads. How to choose the best option? In some models it can be measured. The width may directly depend on the stiffness of the shoe.
Usually, the higher this indicator, the narrower the block. Each company produces its own form. Therefore, choosing the right one is very difficult. 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 trying.
Salomon X Pro 100: Overview
The ideal choice for professional skiers is the Salomon X Pro 100 ski boots. Reviews about this model are mostly positive. Some owners of such a pair claim that the internal thermoplastic requires additional heating so that it better fits the leg. Which company to choose ski boots, it is up to the buyer. If the product meets all the requirements for riding a specific level, then the model can be considered high-quality.
Thanks to 4 clips, the leg is well fixed, creating a soft mount. Good power transmission through modern Twinframe technology. This shoe model is considered one of the best in its class. If after 20-30 minutes after the fitting there is no discomfort in the calf muscle, there is no numbness, burning, the leg does not hang out, but is firmly fixed, then the shoe is suitable.