How to choose the right ski boots? Dimensions of ski boots

For training in skiing, you can rent equipment. But in order to seriously engage, it is better to have your equipment. Particular care should be taken when choosing ski boots. Their dimensions do not coincide with the marking of ordinary footwear. To find the right pair, you will have to spend more time or even get help from specialists.

Features of skiing

This type of active recreation makes it possible to feel the adrenaline rush and positive emotions on the snow-covered slope. To the process of learning the technique of descent was faster, you should not force events and move from the trails for beginners immediately on the steep slopes. It is important to follow the consistency in training and clearly follow the instructor's instructions.

The first descents already make it possible to understand whether the inventory is properly selected, and especially the ski boots. The dimensions are indicated on the equipment, but the selection only for the applied numerical designations is usually not enough. A simple fitting on the principle of "just to not shake the shoes" is also not suitable.

Boots and skis are rigidly fixed. Any movement of the foot means a change in the configuration of the slip planes. If the body is not ready to react quickly to a change in the situation and restore balance, inevitably a fall.

Design Features

Footwear for mountain skis has two layers. The one outside is made of rigid plastic. It does not correspond to the parameters of the foot and shin and serves only as a skeleton. On it a platform for fastening to skis is formed, there are adjustable clasps.

There are models with additional adjustments for aligning the position in the horizontal or vertical plane. This is convenient, because you can maximally adjust the design for a specific person. The inner layer (boot) is made of a soft and ductile material. The sizes of ski boots are determined in accordance with its parameters.

At models for beginners this layer is thicker and more plastic. He comfortably clings to his leg, practically does not press. For beginners, it's also good that skiing does not react instantly to "teams". The accidental movement of the foot does not always and does not cause a change in the direction of sliding skis.

Inventory selection

Is it possible to master the technique of riding on improperly selected equipment? Certainly not. And first of all you need to pay attention to the ski boots. The sizes on footwear at different manufacturers though are put down according to the general principles of gradation, but forming "pads" at all different.

Even if the first successful experience of descent in the model of one brand is received, it is not a fact that the same result will be for another. The marking, shape, type, design of the fasteners may coincide, but the leg will not feel the same comfort. A wide range of adjustments does not always help.

There is an opinion that when choosing a "shoe" for mountain skis should not be saved. This is the right approach, but it's not just about price. At once it is necessary to be defined, for whom shoes are selected: children's, men's, women's (universal). They differ in the height of the boot, in the shape of the arch, in width.

General principles of choice

Practically everyone knows the size of the wearable shoes. An experienced consultant in a specialized store only on this parameter will offer you several variants of shoes for fitting. There are special templates where you can put your foot and size.

You can prepare at home for fitting. The choice of the size of ski boots in the first place depends on the length of the foot. With his foot on the sheet of paper, they outline her outlines. Measure the length from the heel to the end of the thumb, the width - according to the maximum size. The size in centimeters will be the basis. This value is advised to add 0.5 cm (half the size). Usually, digital designations are on the shoe itself or on the package.

Different manufacturers can use the traditional marking for the region (UK, US, EU, RU). Deal with it and translate data from the American or European system into the Russian standard size can be done using tables. But they are better at all only to navigate. The final choice should still be made on the basis of fitting.

How to choose the right size ski boots?

Athletes engaged in more than one season, have a decent experience, they know the specifics of the choice and will manage themselves. Knowing the basics is needed more for beginners. Ski boots (sizes) are selected for fitting based on the stiffness index. For beginners, the appropriate option is 60 Nm / deg.

A suitable model is shod, clasps all clips, adjust the tension and are determined with the first impressions. What do they pay attention to? The shin should be fixed. The foot is crimped securely, but without pain. You can move your toes with your toes. The foot does not become numb after five to ten minutes of movement. The heel should press against the back and not "walk" when turning or lifting. The thumb can slightly touch the inner surface of the "boot", but not be pressed into it.

If this is all right, you can try to simulate the situation of descent. It makes sense to sit down and stand up. If this is successful, then the rigidity index is acceptable. Further evaluation of the model is done on the basis of comfort for the feet. You can assume a feeling of insignificant tightness. This is normal, because when you roll, the inner "boot" will form exactly under your foot, and the shoe, in general, will shrink. Better let him from the store will be a bit tight, than a bit too big.

How to determine the size of ski boots for a child?

The same principle is used. The length of the foot is taken as a basis. The rest is determined on the fitting. But with the child this process often passes with complications. To understand if the "shoe" is suitable, you need to walk around the store at least ten minutes (better). Making a child do this in uncomfortable shoes is not always possible.

There is a sense to simplify the choice. On the right foot shoes shoes one model. On the left - another. Walking around the store, the baby determines which leg is more comfortable. The child can cheat, and point out the wrong option. He may be interested in color, inscriptions, form. This should be provided and try to offer a choice of shoes of the same style. The final test is the offer to sit down. If the child does not fall down and confidently maintains the balance, then both the size and rigidity, and adjustments are matched correctly.

Advice of specialists

The selection of ski boots in size is an important stage of preparation for the season. Fitting in the store should ideally last more than an hour, and you do not need to be shy. Use this is better than just special socks. Nails should be cut, otherwise the choice made will be biased.

If the shoes are suitable, then after half an hour the discomfort felt at first disappears. The slightest doubt should be seen as an unsuitable option. Even after spending an hour or two, it is better to wait a while with the purchase and visit another store, come later and try another pair from a new batch or another manufacturer than to buy an almost suitable "shoe".

Good shoes will last more than one season. And it makes sense to spend at least a week of daily hikes in search of the ideal option. This is the only way to get full control over the skis and maximum enjoyment of downhill skiing.