Ski Boots
Ski boots & ski touring boots at eXXpozed
What is the difference between a touring ski boot and an alpine ski boot?
Are you looking for the perfect ski boots for your next trip? Or are you looking for ski boots for your next ski vacation? Then you should pay attention to a few small things when making your choice. Touring ski boots are very different from alpine ski boots. Unlike alpine ski boots, ski touring boots are not only worn during the descent, but also during the ascent. In addition, during the ski tour you are often far away from the groomed slopes. There are also some gradations in the category of ski touring boots. Depending on whether the functionality during the descent or the ascent is the main focus. Descent-oriented models offer more stability and high power transmission, making them almost similar to a freeride ski model. Ascent-oriented touring boots, on the other hand, are rather light and agile.
What types of touring ski boots are there?
- Ascent-oriented touring boots: In advance, you should consider what factors are important to you. The lighter the touring ski boots, the more comfortable the ascent. Therefore, ascent-oriented models usually weigh no more than one kilogram. The weight is very low because the boots and binding have a minimalist design and are made of lightweight materials such as carbon. Therefore, the padding in the inner shoe is thinner in these variants. The shoe has only two buckles and a Boa sytsem. The Boa system (lacing system) can create a fit that is accurate to the millimeter. It consists of three main components: a finely adjustable twist closure, lightweight, extremely resilient ropes and low-friction rope guides. This not only minimizes weight but also increases mobility in the boot. It also has a higher shaft rotation to make the ascent more comfortable.
At a glance:
- Low weight
- 2-3 buckles as closure
- High shaft mobility
- Descent-oriented touring boots: Descent-oriented ski touring boots focus on the stability of the boot. These models have a lower shaft rotation and a higher flex. This makes the touring boots stiffer and offers more safety on the slopes. The ski touring boot has a higher number of buckles, which in return offers better control. Due to the improved power transmission, the downhill performance is even more fun. The stability of the boot makes the ascent much more strenuous. Thus, descent-oriented touring ski boots are significantly heavier. Short ascents can nevertheless be mastered well, but longer distances require significantly more stamina.
At a glance:
- Medium weight
- 3-4 buckles for closure
- High shaft mobility
- Inner shoe offers good insulation & power transmission
- Allrounder ski touring boot:You are not sure what kind of ski touring boot to choose? Then all-rounder touring ski boots are perfect for you. This model trumps with a lower weight despite good stability, so that you can cope optimally in every situation during your ski tour and you are always adapted to the conditions.
At a glance:
- Medium weight
- 3-4 buckles as closure
- Medium shaft mobility
- Inner boot offers good insulation
- Freestyle touring ski boots: Freestyle touring ski boots fit tighter, since more is walked than skied. The shoe has 4 buckles and a pre-shaped and optimally insulated inner shoe, as well as a progressive flex. The regulating flex also called progressive flex, serves to adjust the shoe. By changing the flex, the shoe becomes harder or softer and reacts adaptively. On easier slopes, a light setting is usually chosen. At the same time, the flex provides a higher weight and stability on the descent. The shaft mobility is not quite high here.
At a glance:
- Medium to high weight
- 4 buckles as closure
- Medium shaft mobility
- Tight and stiff fit
- Inner boot provides good insulation & power transfer
- Racer: In ski touring competitions, every second counts. To simplify the ascent as much as possible, the models of competition runners are extremely light and act like cross-country ski boots. The shoes also have a very high mobility and an easy-to-use closure. In return, these are not very stable on the descent and heat insulating. In these touring shoes, the construction and material is only designed to get you to your destination quickly.
At a glance:
- Extremely low weight
- Often only one buckle
- Very high shaft mobility
- Very stiff
What are the types of alpine boots?
- Comfort: Soft shoe, soft and warm padding, wide last, less support and poorer power transmission
- Women's boot: Narrower and softer boot, warm and soft padding, low shaft, narrow heel
- All Mountain: Hard shell, soft padding, medium last width
- Freeride & Freestyle: Softer and cushioned shell, absorbs shocks, high mobility given, less support
- Race: Hard shell, hard core and narrow last for a direct power transmission, low comfort
What are the special characteristics of a touring ski boot?
- Shaft rotation: This refers to the mobility between the boot and shaft in ascent mode (expressed in degrees). The higher the shaft rotation, the more flexible the boot. The more flexible the boot, the more comfortable the ascent, especially flat or snow-free passages can be mastered comfortably.
- Lean angle: The lean angle defines the forward lean of the shaft in downhill mode. The greater the angle, the more aggressive the ski on the descent.
- Flex: Flex is the forward resistance (stiffness) of the ski boot shaft. The higher the flex, the more flexible the ski boot shaft. This means it offers more support. On the other hand, the all-important mobility of the ankle joint is limited.
What should you pay attention to when buying touring ski boots?
- Time of purchase: It is best to buy touring ski boots in the afternoon or early evening, as the feet swell somewhat during the day.
- Fit: To find the right fit, you should: test, test, test.
- Socks: Proper socks are rather thin than thick, heavy wool socks have no place in touring shoes. It is best to use compression socks or ski socks. Some manufacturers also offer special ski touring socks.
- Inner boot: The volume of the inner boot can decrease due to compression during the first tours. Make sure your foot doesn't have too much space in the retail store.
- Buckles: There are touring boots with 2, 3 and up to 5 buckles. More important than their number is the position to transfer the rider's force to the ski. Nevertheless, you can use them to adjust the boots optimally for descent and ascent.
- Ski binding: Depending on the binding, different boot systems are required. If you have a PIN binding, your boot should have the appropriate receptacle for it.
Our favorite topics: Touring ski | Dynafit ski touring boots | Ski bindings | Ski socks | Scarpa touring shoes | Ski & touring backpacks