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From slippers to vices...May 24 '01 Write an essay on this topic.
Popular Products in Sport and Outdoor
The Bottom Line They can make or break your day, trip, or even skiing aspirations. Shop well.
Ski boots are without a doubt the most important thing to having fun skiing. If your feet are not comfortable, you will not enjoy yourself, but this is a preventable issue with the right choice. When purchasing new or used boots there are several things to keep in mind. 1) Boots should fit snugly and be as close to the length of your foot as possible. This might seem like common sense, but people often buy boots that are too big because the next size down is a little tight, and boots that are too big can be easy ways to injure your ankles. Advanced skiers especially, the rule of thumb is smaller is better, avoid easy injuries. 2) The stiffness of the boots should be soft enough to flex, but not so soft that flexing the boot is effortless. Generally, beginners use softer boots to make turning easier and more advanced skiers use stiffer boots. If you ski bumps get softer boots, if you race get stiffer boots...stiffer boots don't absorb shocks as well, but offer more power and response in turning. 3) DO NOT GET REAR ENTRY BOOTS. (This section is an opinion) The whole eighties fad of having boots that were so easy to put on is over. The performance is terrible and makes it easy to sit back on your skis (the #1 problem with people who have difficulty turning and controlling their speed). Front entry, 3-4 buckle boots are best...besides, the amount of time you spend with your boots on versus the time putting them in is...well, you get the picture. 4) Find boots that fit your feet. Not everyone has the same feet. What feels good to your buddy, might be painful to you. Try and get boots that are as wide inside as your feet and fit your ankles well. A hotspot (or area of irritation) you feel in the store, probably won't go away on the hill, and might ruin your trip. If you don't find a pair of Tecnicas that fit, try Nordicas...allow your self to try on a bunch of pairs...they'll probably be with you for a while (mine have 5 yrs on them). 5) Get custom foot beds. If the boots feel good in the store, they'll feel even better with custom footbeds or form injection. Footbeds can correct many problems with your feet (mine are flat, ankles roll in) and insure that your skis rest flat on the snow when standing. 6) Liners will compress a bit. IF the boots are a bit tight in the store when you buckle them up, but still feel good, relax, the liners will compress slightly as the boots get broken in. This doesn't mean you can shove you foot in a boot and get one buckle barely latched and expect to be comfortable later, just that the boots will compress a bit, and if you can only get a little under halfway latched (every latch, just under half way) you should be fine. Generally, boots can be comfortable. Shop around a bit, find the right ones. ____________________________________________________________ Rough Boot Guide Nordica - Typically run a bit narrow and long Tecnica - Bit wider, bout 1/2 size smaller than street shoe size Lange - Little Narrow Raichle - Soft Boots Salomon - Bout normal, bit wide Atomic - Touch narrow  |
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