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.
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!!!).
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:
A view of the shell without the footboard:
With the footboard in position:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!!).
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:
A view of the shell without the footboard:
With the footboard in position:
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.
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.
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.