12 best ski boots

Contrary to the opinion of many consumers that the main role in skiing is played by skis, professionals and experts recommend first of all to think about the qualities of the shoes. There are several reasons for this. First, the perception of the skiing effort is fully transmitted through them, and the more accurately the transmission is carried out, the better the rider feels the track. Secondly, shoes are a key source of comfort, which plays a significant role both in simple “resort” skating and in performing at world sports competitions.

There is nothing surprising in the fact that the most famous and proven manufacturers of ski boots are companies that specialize in the manufacture of ski paraphernalia and equipment. After researching the market and reading user reviews, we selected for you the 12 best models of ski boots, divided into four categories. The following criteria were taken as the basis of the rating:

• the popularity of the company and the model series;
• feedback from consumers and experts in the field of ski equipment;
• degree of novelty of the models;
• availability of technologies to enhance the controllability and comfort of shoes;
• optimal price / quality ratio;
• average lifetime of the kit.

The best ski boots for beginners

3 Salomon Quest Access 70

While the bulk of premium manufacturers continue to stamp models of shoes for professionals, Salomon is working to attract an audience of talented newcomers (and does so very successfully). The Salomon Quest Access 70 model did not become something exquisitely new and set the tone for the entire market, but still deserved its share of popularity. As in the case with the leader of the rating, the main emphasis of the manufacturers here was placed on providing comfort in operation, albeit by several other methods. The stiffness of the shoes was 70 units, which imposes some restrictions on honing the descent technique, but provides good protection for the feet from various sprains and injuries.

Separately, it is necessary to allocate the heat-insulating material of interior decoration. Salomon Metalwool allows you to securely lock the heat inside the kit, evenly distributing the temperature throughout the free volume. Nevertheless, the presence of a pair of thermonosks on the legs will not be superfluous - the circulation of cold air (when getting inside the boot, which is not uncommon) can play a cruel joke with health. For all its merits, Salomon Quest Access 70 has a rather high cost, which can only be fought off in case of intensive and long-term operation on the ski slopes.

2 Head FX GT

Head FX GT is a typical expensive representative of the brand series, created especially for beginners to learn the basics of alpine skiing.The main advantage of this model is sharpening for exceptional comfort in order to form the correct idea of ​​a good inventory. The soft finish of the shoes is complemented by a block of maximum width (from 102 to 106 millimeters, depending on the size of the legs), and allows you to run around the ski slopes for days without a feeling of inconvenience. Stiffness of 60 units indicates a high elasticity, which, however, is offset by a partial loss of parameters of operational durability.

Another "trick" Head FX GT is to simplify the process of putting on the boot on the foot. The Austrian company has developed a whole system (input / output) for this aspect, which it did not fail to implement straight into the kit for beginners. Therefore, it is not surprising that the main buyers of this model are adherents of true comfort (manifested in the riding process), for whom the question of cost does not play a big role.

1 Head Advant Edge 75

The new season 2017-2018 is ideal for advanced skiers, because it combines the principles of improved control and increased comfort on a slope. The painstaking work of manufacturers to change the overall geometry of the shoe and the location of the structural parts led to only minimal changes, which, in turn, greatly changed the balance layout and the feeling of a passable track.

Thus, a change in the angles of raising the heel and the inclination of the tops of 5 and 14 degrees, respectively, by 30–40% improved the transfer of force to the skis, together with their backlash. The shifting canting hinge also influenced the behavior of the shoes: allotted 14 millimeters back, it had a positive effect on the taxiing and control of the skis on the slope. From the rest, Head Advant Edge 75 can be distinguished by the presence of a stiffness structure on the tongue and cuff of the shoe, as well as their lengthening to ensure greater overlap of the legs and comfort when rolling.

Top men's ski boots

3 Atomic LIVE FIT 100

Ski boots universal series, which feature is a special, adaptive form. Thanks to the Live Fit technology, the model automatically adjusts to the anthropometry of the user's foot, providing a high degree of convenience and not interfering with free circulation.

The internal Atomic LIVE FIT 100 boot called Bronze is made of Dynashape material - a delicate version of the filler that regulates the heat inside and somewhat “unloads” the consumer’s foot. The 100 stiffness index still classifies the model as “for beginners,” although it expresses sharpening under some aggression when riding. Two clips with micro-adjustment allow you to remove and put on shoes without any problems, without losing the reliable fixation component on the leg and in the operating parameters in the component. As regards the deficiencies, there is nothing special about it: the people who bought the kit note various subjective nuances, but, on the whole, agree on its suitability for intensive use.

2 Salomon X Access 80

Available on sale in the 2017/2018 model year, the Salomon X Access 80 kit confidently holds the brand of adaptive universal equipment for aggressive descent from the slope. In fact, the low angle of the tops of the forward eloquently declares that this model is suitable mainly for beginners and ardent lovers of alpine skiing. Nevertheless, the experts also pay attention to the X ACCESS 80, even as a "pleasure" version.

Three things can be distinguished from the characteristic features of the model. First, the width of the pads is 102 millimeters - not the biggest size, but for people with a wide foot it will be fine. Secondly, the shoe has adaptation zones: the leg and tarsus section adjusts to the user's foot, providing excellent fixation and fit on the leg.Thirdly, the interior is made of a combination of neoprene and metal wool, which provides a good heat exchange and operating comfort. Regardless of the level of cost, SALOMON X ACCESS 80 is a good choice for beginner skiers, which is clearly confirmed by responsive users.

1 FISCHER Cruzar X 8.5

FISCHER Cruzar X 8.5 - classic ski boots, designed for use by amateurs and advanced athletes. In contrast to the “shopmates”, Fischer has long and stubbornly applied the technology of changing the heel and toe angles to provide increased comfort or an ideal ski feel. In this model, the emphasis is placed on convenience - the slope of the lower leg is 12 degrees, so that the foot almost never gets tired during the entire time of skiing. This also satisfies the level of rigidity of the boot: 80 units provide an almost perfect balance between elasticity and controllability.

The cost level of FISCHER Cruzar X 8.5 is in a good way incommensurable with the level of general quality and a set of initial parameters. Users who had time to test the kit in the case, note the complete satisfaction with the process of riding and the performance of all the declared functions with the boots. Model, definitely worth getting into the TOP.

Top Women's Ski Boots

3 Salomon X Access 60 W

Heavy women's shoes Salomon X Access 60 W do not present anything new in terms of constructive solutions, while maintaining the company's previous focus on ensuring ergonomics during operation. It sounds boring, but in reality everything turns out to be much more interesting. The riders who managed to acquire and test the model on the slopes, note its charge on the daring passage of the plots, inherent in purely professional models.

Working qualities Salomon X Access 60 W due to the use of two useful things: a large hinge Oversized Pivot and Twinframe technology (or "double frame"). There is a much more rational distribution of effort transferred to the skis, thereby increasing balance and control. The cost with all the inherent characteristics is very small - perhaps the whole thing is in the short life, however, consumers did not make any claims to the quality of performance.

2 Rossignol Kiara 60

Rossignol Kiara 60 is a bright representative of the Rossignol series of shoes, with a particular focus on the balance between handling and comfort. With not the highest cost, they combine many unique technologies of the French company, aimed at improving ergonomic performance. Thus, the Sensor technology somewhat changes the internal configuration of the shoe due to the reinforcement of the heel and the inclusion of foam rubber in the toe area to give an anatomical shape. Improving Sensor Fit, in turn, minimizes the backlash of the skis and reduces its impact on the rider's feet, provides a more dense foot coverage in the lift, as well as more accurate formation of the ankle zone.

The average level of rigidity allows you to use Rossignol Kiara 60 for walking, as well as for high-speed, dynamic work, which indicates its versatility and focus on results. An excellent choice for both cultivators and beginner athletes.

1 Elan delight 65

Even in the face of harsh sports reality, Slovenian manufacturers Elan care, first of all, about women's health. Model Delight 65 is a technological design that combines the principles of boots for alpine skiing and electronic heating systems. The main heat supply zone is in the area of ​​the toes - the most vulnerable place for the cold.When the temperature inside the boat is low, the system for generating warm air masses InTemp is turned on automatically and is regulated in two modes. In the first there is an intense heating of the inside, and in the second, energy saving - maintaining the steady-state temperature. In addition to the smart “heating system,” the Elan Delight 65 has an adaptive shape and an adjustable spoiler in the calf muscle area, which improves the support of the back of the leg and enhances the effect of the slope perception. With not the highest degree of rigidity (65 units), these shoes are perfect for experts and lovers of a more aggressive manner of descent.

The best children's ski boots

3 Atomic WAYMAKER JR 4

In the third place in the ranking is the most equipped, expensive, and, concurrently, a very reliable model of ski boots for children, Atomic WAYMAKER JR 4. Almost everything distinguishes it from a number of similar ones: and a well-designed asymmetrical internal design that provides more confident support for the legs during descents , and the progressive design of the external part, which has a positive effect on the results of young athletes, and a number of proprietary technologies that affect handling.

Also a good feature of Atomic WAYMAKER JR 4 is the ability to adjust the size for a specific case. The only bad thing is that the stock of the sliding mechanism is small: only half the size, which causes some impracticality of the model. Actually, this is the main disadvantage of Atomic shoes: with such a high cost, the fact of buying for one season is simply unforgivable.

2 Head Z3

A new generation of children's shoes from the company Head, designed to accelerate the study of the most subtle aspects of the descent from the slope. The model is equipped with three clips and is built in full accordance with more adult models: comfort is ensured by a comfortable shoe and a central rack. The tilt angle of the tops of the Z3 is only 13 degrees to ensure the best stability of the smallest riders.

Invisible outwardly, but very important during the ski slope, is the process of initiating turns. Due to the integrated approach to the design change, any light effort begins to bend the shoe, transferring the necessary impulse to the ski. The block has also undergone changes: since childhood is accompanied by an uneven growth of the foot in length and width, the geometry was adjusted in such a way as to compensate for any negative impact of this nuance. Unfortunately, this step does not always justify itself, but the gradual adaptation to the model gradually eliminates an unexpected drawback.

1 Elan EXPLORE 1

Great ski boots EXPLORE 1 from the company Elan for young sports fans just could not get past the ranking of the best. The novelty of the season 2017/2018, they have one very interesting feature. The manufacturer notes that for the design and manufacture of these shoes for the first time in history, a whole set of U-Flex technologies was used, designed to ensure the special comfort of a children's foot.

If adult shoes have a limiting effect on the leg, EXPLORE 1 shoes (with special elastomer inserts) do not interfere with mobility, bending in all three dimensions without the risk of injury. Another important feature of the model was the system of swiveling insoles, which allows you to include as many as three sizes in one shoe. There are no disadvantages in this configuration: according to the feedback from users, the shoes fit very well on their feet, have good heat-regulating abilities, and they are not too expensive.

How to choose ski boots

The process of selecting boots for skiing is very difficult and involves a lot of significant nuances that must be provided for before making a purchase. We recommend that you pay attention to the following aspects:

The size. To begin the selection of ski boots should be with this parameter, because it greatly depends on the degree of convenience of riding and results. You should not take shoes with a reserve - the model must fit snugly to the foot, otherwise there is a risk to earn a couple of corns, thereby completely eliminating the impression of an exciting sport.

Rigidity. Characteristic influenced by three factors: the anthropometry of the user's body (height and weight), style and level of skating. But for easier orientation, the choice should be remembered: the lower the rider's skill, the less rigid it is to give preference.

Geometry and width pads. The pad largely determines the convenience of the boot and the degree of feeling of the skis. There is no single principle of choice here - only long and painstaking fitting will help.

Belt. For ski boots of the initial and progressive level, narrow straps (strap) with velcro are characteristic. They provide a comfortable, but incomplete fit to the lower leg, which adversely affects the sensitivity. More professional models are equipped with boosters with adjustable clasps, through which you can adjust the fixation.

Fasteners. An element that has a huge number of nuances and represents almost the most important part of the boot for downhill skiing. If possible, buy shoes with large metal clips (which provides reliability and greatly simplifies handling with gloves), micro and macro adjustment, as well as protection from opening (optional).

Warming. As a rule, significant warming of the inner boot is found only in entry-level models, since the additional layers significantly reduce the feeling of skis. If you are a beginner, then pay special attention to the kits with non-massive insulation - this is the best option for those who want to effectively develop their skating skills.

Availability of walking / skating switch. Chip, which came from the shoes, oriented to freeride and skitur. Releases the shin when climbing and walks up the slope, i.e. gives extra comfort. Does not affect the skills of riding, but adds to the price tag a couple of extra rubles.

Popular vote - who is the best manufacturer of ski boots?
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Atomic

Elan

Fischer

Head

Salomon

Rossignol

Total voted: 79

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