HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR CROSS-COUNTRY SKI BOOTS?

In recent years, cross-country skiing has seen more and more people (re)-discovering its pleasures. To offer themselves new sensations, more and more ski lovers are trying out classic or skating cross-country skiing. So that you can enjoy fulfilling outings, we tell you how to choose your cross-country ski boots.

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Cross-country skiing: more like classic or skating cross-country skiing?

The first question to ask yourself before choosing your cross-country ski boots is to know which discipline you are going for. Indeed, while classic cross-country skiing and skating are both practised on groomed tracks, the technique and equipment are radically different.

In classic cross-country skiing, you'll move in tracks, skis parallel thanks to the diagonal stride, i.e. moving one leg forward after the other. In skating, you will stay on the track but use the skater's step, i.e. a lateral propulsion (as in rollerblading) that will challenge your balance. For each of these cross-country skiing practices, you need to choose shoes that will offer you comfort and technicality for perfectly executed movements.

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The specifics of classic cross-country ski boots

The classic cross-country ski boots are said to have a "low shaft". To give you movement range and freedom in your diagonal stride, they are not tight at the top, allowing your shins to move freely and guiding your feet to efficient support. Their sole is flexible to promote comfort even during long outings. Depending on your level, you can choose cross-country ski boots with certain technical features that will accompany you in your quest for performance.

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The specifics of skating boots

Here we talk about "high shaft" boots. To be able to perfectly support your feet and reinforce your stability, they will be higher and stiffer than classic cross-country ski boots at the ankle. They also have a collar that clamps the top of the boot and secures the fit. In regards to the sole, the materials will also be stiffer to ensure you have better impulse and a toned skater's step. If you're just starting out, opt for skating boots that have good thermal insulation. As your level increases and your outings get longer, you may want to look at models with increased stiffness but lower weight to gain speed and save energy.

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Choosing your cross-country ski boots: our summary about bindings

There are fortunately a few things in common between classic cross-country skiing boots and those for skating. The first is the binding standards. All 4 systems can be found on both types of boots:

• NNN norm: this is the most common standard. The boots have a single attachment point and two slots to perfectly fit the corresponding skis.
• Prolink standard: this standard is identical to the NNN. This allows perfect compatibility with NNN skis.
• SNS norm: owned by Salomon, it only fits on the brand's or Atomic's skis, but has met with significant success thanks to its two-bar attachment. Note that the SNS Pilot version also fits SNS skis.
• Turnamic: thanks to their rotating system, they will allow you to easily snap on your cross-country ski boots. It is compatible with NNN and Prolink norm skis.

Between skating and classic, you'll have to make a decision to choose your cross-country ski boots. But whether you're more of a diagonal stride or skating step cross-country skier, you'll only enjoy your outings once you've got comfortable ski boots!