Snow Ski Equipment - The Ski Boot
When you first begin skiing, you will probably spend a considerable amount of time renting your skis and boots. This can be a hit or miss experience. While the rental skis may be adequate for all intents and purposes, many novice skiers discover that rental ski boots often feel like the equivalent of a size small girdle around your feet. If you consider the fact that all of the essential movements of alpine skiing initiate in the feet, you will understand that your ski boots are your most important ski equipment purchase.
Here are some factors to be considered when selecting ski boots:
Skiing Level: It is important to be honest about your ski skills when speaking to the sales person at a ski shop. Boots are available for all types of skiers. Finding boots suitable for your skill level will help you advance to the next level. Although there are a variety of sub-categories, in general ski boots come in three different styles:
• Entry Level Boots: These boots are usually affordable. Since they are designed for beginners, they are more flexible and comfortable than other ski boots.
• Recreational Boots: Once you have established some basic skills, you will want to move up to a boot that will help you improve your carving skills and tackle more challenging terrain. Since recreational boots are stiffer than entry level boots, they may take a bit longer to break in.
• Performance Boots: Performance boots are more responsive than recreational boots. As such, they are designed to handle challenging terrain such as moguls, powder and backcountry.
• Expert Boots: Expert boots are designed for aggressive skiers, as well as competitive and recreational racers. They are the stiffest boots on the market.
Anatomy of a Ski Boot: Once you have determined which ski boot is appropriate for your skill level, you will want to think about the components of your boot. Although many of the components are standard, some companies add a few extra features. Let’s take a look at the anatomy of a ski boot.
• The Shell: The outer shell of a ski boot is composed of a hard, waterproof plastic. Depending on the skill level that the boot was intended for, this shell may either be stiff or flexible. In general, the stiffness of the shell corresponds to the type of boots described above. Entry level boots have the most flexible shells, while expert boots have extremely stiff shells.
• Lining: The liner, also referred to as the inner boot, is composed of soft foam that conforms to the shape of your foot. Liners are responsible for temperature control and moisture management, which are actually interrelated. As you continue to use your ski boots, the liners will become compressed.
• Power Strap: This Velcro strap at the top of the boot provides a snug fit.
• Flex Adjustment: The flex adjustment is usually found in recreational, performance and expert boots. It allows you to adjust the resistance to the forward movement of your ankles. This tool is helpful when cold or warm weather conditions change the fit of your boots.
• Forward Lean Adjustment: This is another feature of a more advanced boot. It allows you to change your stance by pulling your shin closer to the top of the boot.
• Ski/Walk Adjustment: Some boots have an adjustment in the back that lets you change the settings when you are walking, as opposed to skiing.
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