Selecting the right boots is probably the most important decision when buying cross country ski equipment. First off you need to decide what type of ski boots you want. Skate, classic, touring, combi (both skate and classic) or backcountry. If you don’t own any existing equipment, we generally recommend you pick your boots first and then choose skis and bindings that will work with your boot choice. If you already have skis and bindings then you will need to select a boot that is compatible with your current setup. In the past this was simple, there was NNN and Solomon systems but over the past few years there has been several new binding systems introduced and there is a mix of compatibility.

Fear not, below is a compatibility chart to keep it simple.

If your boots don’t fit correctly, you will be uncomfortable and run the risk of getting blisters and/or cold feet. Buying a ski boot is not much different than buying a hiking boot or athletic shoe. You want it to fit snugly but not be tight on the widest part of your foot. You also want your heal to be snug in the back of the boot without too much wiggle room like you would any running or hiking shoe. You should still be able to wiggle your toes a little bit in the boot but they should not feel loose anywhere. You should try on your ski boots with the socks you intent to ski with. We recommend a medium weight wool sock for most people.

If you are into touring or backcountry skiing, then select a boot and binding that matches your skiing style and is appropriate for your terrain. As general rule we recommend people buy a package when it comes to touring and backcountry gear, so you know it all works well together. We highly recommend talking to people in your local area about what they recommend for your local conditions. If you wear gators or intend to use gators make sure the boots have a gator hook or are gator compatible.

You also need to consider how warm a ski boot you are looking for. Most of the recreational boots and backcountry boots tend to offer a bit more warmth while racing and higher end boots tend to offer a bit less warmth.

The harder choices come when selecting the best boots of skiing on groomed trails. If you are into exploring your local ski are on a touring ski, we recommend you try on a few different brands of boots to see which brand fits the best. If you are into just skate skiing, get a skate boot. If you are into just classic get a classic boot. It’s straight forward. If you do both then there are some decisions to make. Should you buy a pair of skate boots and a pair of classic boots. Well, if you are serious about the sport and have the budget go for it. If not, combi boots are a great option.

We often get asked what is the difference between a skate and classic boot and does it matter very much? Yes it matters a fair bit. A skate boot generally has a very rigid sole while a classic boot will have more flex in the sole allowing you to stride more efficiently and get better grip. A Skate boot provides additional ankle support to assist with the side-to-side skate motion.

There are a few features to look for in a ski boot. The first is a good snow cuff of some sort that goes up the ankle to keep snow and cold out of our boot. We prefer boots that the snow cover that zips over the lacing system and up the ankle. The lacing system is also an important consideration. There are various systems from tradition shoelaces to various speed lacing systems. They all fit somewhat differently so it is really about what feels the most comfortable on your foot, they all do the same thing.

My feet are always cold in my boots what should I do?

There are a few things you can do. One is look for a better fitting boot, a warmer boots, or one with a little more space to wear a warmer sock. You may also be wearing the wrong socks. We recommend a good pair of medium thickness wool socks for almost all conditions. Over time the insulation in you boot will start to be less effective or if it gets damaged. It might be time for a new pair of boots. When skiing in very cold conditions we highly recommend a pair of boot covers. There are many different styles available just make sure they fit over your boot and are compatible with your bindings.