A Guide To Buying Ski Boots

Some of the most important parts of your ski gear are ski boots. Yes, the skis do provide the connection between you and the snow. However, the best pair of skis are no better than a piece of wood without the boots to accurately transmit your muscle movements.

There are 2 basic functions of ski boots. The first is to translate body movements into ski movements and the second is to protect your feet from injury. Ski boots need a stiff outer shell for the most efficient control of the skis and a firm inner padding to keep your feet comfortable. The 3 basic styles of ski boots are front-entry, mid-entry and rear-entry. These terms refer to the way the boot closes around your foot and they each have their own advantages.

1. Front-entry boots

Front-entry boots provide the best control and support. Because they have a higher support for the lower calf than either rear-entry or mid-entry boots, front-entry boots can be used to shift your center of balance over the ski for various types of ski conditions. These boots are attached with 4 buckles that hold the foot firmly in place.

2. Mid-entry boots

Mid-entry boots combine the best of front and rear-entry boots. They offer more support than rear-entry boots and are easier to put on then front-entry boots. They are an excellent choice for intermediate level skiers, but those with a lot of skiing experience will probably appreciate the performance advantages of front-entry boots.

3. Rear-entry boots

Rear-entry boots are the easiest to use. There are 1 or 2 flaps at the back of the boot, which close with buckles. Although comfortable and uncomplicated, they don't provide the same kind of support as other styles. They are usually fairly inexpensive and are suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers.

Parts Of The Ski Boot

Most ski boots, as mentioned above, have a stiff plastic outer shell. This shell allows the movements of the body to be transmitted to the ski in the most efficient manner. The interior of the boot, made from firm foam, has a certain amount of "give" in order to be comfortable, but won't allow the feet to have too much movement inside the boot. The foam (and the outer shell) also provides protection against impacts in case of collisions.

There are some boots that have adjustment mechanisms. These mechanisms allow you to change the amount of support for various conditions. One of these adjustments is for flex -- the amount your ankle can bend. More flex equals more movement, so for high performance conditions you will want to set this to relatively little flex for more control. This is also used to compensate for the flexibility of the boot in various temperatures.

The forward lean adjustment changes the angle of the boot cuff, which allows you to vary your center of gravity. Another adjustment -- the ramp angle (the angle of the inner sole of the boot) -- affects your center of gravity.

People with angled lower legs should use lateral upper-cuff adjustments. This can be used to make the boots more comfortable for those who are bow-legged or knock-kneed.

If you need special control over how the boot fits your feet and lower legs, look for a pair of boots with these features, as not all of these adjustments are available on every pair of boots.

Buying Ski Boots

Remember to try ski boots with the socks you normally use when skiing. The feel and fit of regular socks is much different, so don't wear them. Take care that the boots don't pinch or cause pain. The inner boot should provide even pressure over all areas of your foot.

The salesperson is likely to be familiar with the qualities of various brands of boots. Tell the salesperson how the boot feels. If the ones you are trying on are uncomfortable, the salesperson will be able to find a better pair.