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What you need to know about ski boot construction

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volklgirl

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Ski Boot Construction – What It Means to You

Just like skis, the way a boot “feels” or behaves depends on the combination of its measurements, the materials used in its construction, and its construction methods. This means that three boots with the exact same dimensions could still feel significantly different depending on their construction. Fortunately, some generalizations of behavior can be made when it comes to measurements\angles, materials, and construction methods, but first we’ll examine the basics of boot construction.
(Each pic can be clicked for a larger view)

ANATOMY OF A BOOT
The main parts of a boot are: Lower shell, upper shell or cuff, and liner. Each of these parts have their own features that affect boot fit and performance.

BootParts.jpg


The Shell
The most important features to look for in a shell are: How closely the shape of the lower shell matches the shape of your foot, how closely the chosen size fits your foot, the stiffness (durometer) of the plastic they’re made of, and the height/diameter of the upper cuff. These attributes are best evaluated by a professional boot fitter based on your foot size and shape and a discussion between the fitter and yourself regarding your current ability and future aspirations and desires.

Other features to consider include the material and adjustability of the buckles, the presence of a cuff adjustment, forward lean and/or forward flex adjustments, and permanent or removable heel and toe pieces. The cuff alignment adjustment is paramount if you are knock-kneed or bow-legged because it allows the upper cuff to follow the natural movement of your shin during flexing, helping to eliminate lower leg pressure points and odd boot-to-ski pressure transmission.
Replaceable heel and toe pieces (or lugs) are important if you need dramatic canting or you spend time walking in your boots (bad, bad, bad!!!).

alignment1.jpg

Inside the shell, you’ll find the footboard. Its main functions are to establish “ramp angle” (the amount your heel is above your toes, AKA Zeppa), insulate your foot from the cold plastic and snow, absorb shock from the ski, and provide a flat platform for the liner. Here’s a footboard outside the boot:

Bootboard.jpg

A view of the shell without the footboard:

ShellOnly.jpg

With the footboard in position:

ShellOnly.jpg

The back of the boot shell (usually on the upper cuff) is where you’ll find a flex and/or forward lean adjuster, if available. On this boot, both forward lean and flex are adjusted by the number of bolts and positon of the plate attached to the upper cuff and the top of the lower shell. The top of the upper cuff can be split or ground down to allow room for a woman’s lower and larger calf muscles.

BootBack.jpg


Micro adjustable buckles are a nice feature that allows you to adjust the buckle by minute amounts to help avoid pressure points. Some boots also have moveable buckles (most have this on the upper cuff, and Salomon also offers this feature on the instep buckle of some models).

All boot manufacturers use 1 shell for at least 2 sizes. With the exception of Atomic, the shell size itself changes at the even size. For example, a size 25.5 and a 25.0 are the exact same size boot except the 25.0 uses a thicker footbed or footbed spacer (see the liner section) to take up the extra ½ size.

The Liner
The liner determines the “cushiness” and responsiveness of the boot. Most are now made with Thinsulate in the padding so are warm regardless of thickness. You may find the powerstrap attached to the liner rather than the shell, and like this liner, you may find a removable spoiler that takes up extra space for thinner calves and creates more forward lean. The liner also includes the tongue of the boot.
Liner.jpg
LinerBack.jpg


Inside the liner, you’ll find the footbed and spacer (possibly). The spacer, if used will be on the bottom of the liner and the foot bed will be seated on top of that. The stock footbeds are merely space snuggers and sweat soppers. Throw them away immediately and get yourself some custom footbeds. A view from the rear shows the difference in form and support between the stock footbed and a custom footbed.

Footbeds.jpg


Footbeds1.jpg
 

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volklgirl

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Part II

MEASUREMENTS AND ANGLES
Heel Pocket: The area of the boot that surrounds your heel, Achilles tendon, and anklebones.
Forefoot: The area of the boot that surrounds the arch of your foot.
Toe Box: The area from the widest part of your foot, forward.

Flex Rating: The overall stiffness of the boot – determined by the type and thickness of plastic used for the shell and the method of attachment of the upper cuff to the lower shell. This rating can only be compared within a manufacturer’s line, not between manufacturers.

Forward Lean: The angle at which the upper cuff sits relative to a flat surface.
Ramp Angle: The angle at which the entire boot is tilted forward from the bottom (the type of binding used will affect this as well).

rampandlean.jpg


Cuff Cant or Shaft Alignment: Tipping of the upper cuff relative to the lower shell to match the contour of the skier’s lower leg.

Cant: Side-to-side alignment of the boot and lower leg so the knee joint tracks straight over the center of the boot during flexing.

picture.php


Canting: The process of assessing side-to-side alignment using measuring tools then obtaining alignment using footbeds, in-boot wedges, under-binding wedges, or boot-sole grinding.

picture.php


Balancing: Alignment of the skier’s joints and center of gravity fore-and-aft for maximum flexibility, power, and balance. (Click on this pic for larger view - it has some great info on the left margin)

picture.php


OK, SO HOW DOES ALL THIS AFFECT ME????​
Here’s where the generalizations regarding ski boot construction and behavior come in. Keep in mind, these are generalizations only and the actual behavior or feel of a boot is determined by the combination of ALL of these components and your own physique, fitness level, and technique!!

  • Beginners Boots: Thinner, softer plastic, thicker liner, shorter and more upright upper cuff – all of which will make the boot easier to flex and less likely to respond to accidental body movements. To keep cost down, they usually have few to no adjustable features (cuff alignment, adjustable buckles, etc.).
  • Intermediate Boots: Somewhat thicker, stiffer plastic, thinner liner, taller cuff, and more forward lean – this combination makes the boot quicker to respond to more refined movements without demanding unceasing precision. These will usually have at least 2 micro adjustable buckles and a single-bolt cuff alignment.
  • High Performance Boots: Even thicker, stiffer plastic, more forward lean, and a more refined liner – this allows more precise fitting and makes the boot even quicker to respond. Removeable/cantable sole lugs and multi bolt cuff alignment as well as flex and forward lean adjustment usually shows up here.
  • Race Boots: Very stiff and demanding with plenty of forward lean and a very close fitting liner. These are best used by powerful and precise skiers only. Comfort is usually sacrificed for increased performance. Few to no adjustment features is common as customization is typically done by a fitter.
  • Plug Boots: The stiffest and most demanding. Upper cuff is usually bolted directly to the lower shell allowing very little flex. Little to no padding in the liner. Made of very thick plastic to allow total customization by grinding material from the inside of the shell to conform to the shape of the skier’s foot. These should only be used by dedicated racers or the strongest top-notch skiers. Comfort is NOT a priority! However, if properly fitted (usually through several visits to a fitter), these can be comfortable.


The most important part of the lower shell is how well the shape matches the shape of your own foot. The area surrounding the ankle, heel, Achilles tendon, and instep are THE MOST important! This area should fit VERY snugly. Padding this area to fix a too-big boot is rarely an effective endeavor. The forefoot is the next most important. A too-tight forefoot and toe box can be easily stretched (punched or ground) to provide any needed room, again, padding a too-big forefoot is rarely effective. Another consideration for the lower shell is ramp angle. This measurement however should be considered in conjunction with forward lean and binding ramp angle (delta).

The important parts of the upper cuff are cuff height, cuff wrap, and forward lean. The shin and calf should be wrapped snugly without pressure points or calf cramps. A too-high cuff can be addressed by grinding or cutting the upper edge of the cuff, or adding a heel lift inside or under the liner to lift the lower edge of the calf up out of the cuff. Appropriate forward lean depends on the skier’s physique, range of dorsiflexion (ankle flex), power, and preferred ski speeds. Faster, more aggressive skiing usually requires more forward lean to keep the skier in balance while in motion. Typically, forward lean should place the skier’s knee on a straight line from somewhere between the lower shell buckles to the end of the toe box.
 

ski diva

Administrator
Staff member
Thanks, Kris -- this is great stuff! So much so that I think it should stand by itself.

If anyone wants to discuss anything in here, please start another thread.
 
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