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How to choose the right ski touring boots?
6 minutes
Your touring ski boots are at the end of their life? You've bought touring skis for the first time and want to get compatible ski boots? Make sure you make the best choice according to your needs to enjoy your days on the skis. There's nothing worse than being uncomfortable and unstable in your boots once on the mountain.
Discover the elements to consider before getting a pair of touring ski boots.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PRACTICE?
- Backcountry skiing: This type of skiing is for skiers who want to enjoy both descents and ascents at their own pace. Opt for lightweight and comfortable boots, but ones that are rigid enough for descents.
- Off-piste skiing: This is the ideal practice for downhill skiers who want to focus on off-piste descents. Get yourself stiffer and heavier boots that will offer you better performance on the descent.
- Ski touring: This is the perfect type of skiing for endurance sports enthusiasts who want to string together ascents and descents. Prioritize lightweight but high-performance boots to maximize your uphill speed.
FLEXIBILITY AND RIGIDITY
En montée, les bottes doivent offrir une grande amplitude de mouvement au niveau du collier. Un débattement de plus de 60° est généralement recommandé pour permettre une bonne liberté de mouvement lors des ascensions.
En descente, il est essentiel que la botte soit rigide et qu’elle maintienne bien le pied et la cheville. Le degré de rigidité (flex) doit être suffisamment élevé pour offrir un bon contrôle en descente, surtout si vous êtes un skieur avancé. Plus le flex est élevé, plus la botte est rigide.
WEIGHT
Lightweight boots are more pleasant to wear on long ascents, but they often perform less well on descents. For greater versatility, opt for a weight between 1000 g and 1500 g per boot. Heavier boots are suitable for those who prioritize off-piste descents.
COMPATIBILITY WITH BINDINGS
Ensure your boots are compatible with your bindings. Some regular ski boots are compatible with low tech bindings, which are lightweight bindings designed for backcountry skiing. However, not all ski boots are compatible with backcountry ski bindings.
Ideally, you should get ski boots specifically designed for backcountry skiing. Otherwise, opt for boots mainly equipped with an ISO 9523 sole or a Gripwalk sole. These soles are equipped with tech inserts at each end, making them compatible with backcountry ski bindings.
WHICH SLIPPER TO CHOOSE?
Opt for boots with a thermoformable liner that will adapt to the shape of your foot once heated in a special oven. This type of liner offers enhanced comfort and support to achieve better performance.
It is also important that the liner is insulated and breathable to wick away moisture and thus avoid being hot on the way up and cold on the way down.
WHICH OUTSOLE TO CHOOSE?
Get boots with a lugged, grippy outsole that will offer better stability when it's time to take off your skis to climb a steep slope or even a rocky section.
WHAT BOOT SIZE TO CHOOSE?
It is generally recommended to choose a smaller size than your street shoes for better support and to prevent your feet from moving in your boots.
Choose a boot that suits the width of your feet. Some boot models are designed for wide feet and others for narrow feet. So be sure to choose the right boots for your feet.
SHOP OUR ALPINE TOURING SKI BOOTS
All you have to do now is put on your new boots and jump on your skis to enjoy the joys of ski touring! Before you leave, be sure to get warm, breathable clothing to regulate your body temperature properly. If you have any doubts about layering clothes to optimize your enjoyment, go to the La Cordée store nearest you, our advisors are ready to help you.
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