Yahoo News Best ski boots
Ski boots are the most important piece of equipment you can purchase as a skier. Whether you're just starting out, or have skied for years, no single item will make your skiing experience like a pair of finely fitted boots.
Now to many, this process seems like a luxury. "You had them fitted? Isn't that really expensive?" Well the short answer is yes. Yes it is an expenditure you may think unnecessary, but you'd be wrong. For those who have skied in rental boots, you'll be able to attest to the bone-chilling pain of poorly fitted boots. Toes crushed, shins almost bleeding, ankles about ready to snap. But it needn't be this way.
Your skiing ability is also of high importance when out on the slopes. Typically skiers of lower skill and confidence will take a boot that has a lower flex, say 80. This means that the boot is able to flex more easily, giving you the sense that you're in control, and allowing those minor mistakes to happen without sending you tumbling. On the other hand, more experienced (or larger) skiers will opt for a 120 or 130 flex. These stiffer boots offer a far superior response and allow you to put more force through each turn. Naturally, there's a whole lot more to boot fitting and selection than meets the eye, so I travelled to Ellis Brigham to find out more.
The Boot Fitting
The initial step is a complete analysis of your feet. After measurements are taken, your feet are assessed to see where your pressure points are, alongside a full discussion on your skiing ability and needs. Honesty is key here, and I'm told clients generally exaggerate or understate their abilities. There's no need to boast or shy away here. Once your fitter is happy with all the information, a number of boots are selected to meet your specific requirements, and each one is tried on to see which offers the best fit.
After this, custom footbeds (insoles) are created to ensure the best possible support for your feet. Your feet are placed in a silicone mould while the footbeds are heated. Once the silicone has taken shape, the footbeds are placed into the mould and cooled, forming the exact shape of your sole. The footbeds are then fitted into your boot liners, and you test them to make sure they’re comfortable.
The shell of the boots are then baked in an oven for 10 minutes to make the plastic malleable before you step into them to allow the plastic to expand or contract to fit your foot. The same is done with the liners, and you leave with perfectly fitted ski-boots.
As a first-time ski-boot buyer, this service proved highly important, and skiing in fitted boots is simply sublime. No cold toes, no pain, just snug comfort and performance. Ellis Brigham has locations in Kensington, Covent Garden and The City.
The technology going into ski boots nowadays is comparable to that of Formula 1. Strength, performance and weight are all areas that see year-on-year improvement, so here are some of the best to suit your specific needs.
Fischer Cruzar 100
The beginner is exactly that, just beginning. You may have skied a few times in the past, but you're generally more unstable and rarely venture off green or easy blue runs. You're looking to hone the basics. The Fischer Cruzar takes downhill racing technology and places it within an accessible, comfort-focussed ski boot. However, there's still plenty of performance, and as your skills improve, these boots will still serve you well.
Best for: Beginners looking to improve their skills
£270, Ellis Brigham, Buy it now
Nordica Speedmachine 100
The intermediate skier is one who has spent significant time on the slopes and feels comfortable skiing down most runs. Reds are easy, Blacks are ok. You generally have the basic skills mastered and are looking to push a little harder. Nordica has long been a favoured brand among pro-skiers, yet these Speedmachine 100's are perfect for the intermediate. Moving away from a comfort fit to a sport fit, these will help you build on the basic skills to enjoy greater stability, speed and performance.
Best for: Intermediate levels and transitioning towards advance
£270, Ellis Brigham, Buy it now
Atomic Hawx Prime 120
The advanced skier has generally spent years skiing, and is very comfortable with all on-piste terrain, and is looking to tackle the harder off-piste. You've mastered the basics and are pushing harder and harder to improve your carving skills, speed and finesse. The Atomic Hawx Prime 120 is a stiff boot and aimed at those who know how to transfer power in tight turns. They are performance fitted to offer the greatest in feel, control and speed.
Best for: Advanced
£360, Ellis Brigham, Buy it now
Full Tilt Drop Kick
The freeride skier has far surpassed the advanced level of skiing. You are now looking to take your skills into the snowpark to ride rails, hit jumps and practice tricks. Gone are the days of skiing on pistes, you're now looking for air. The Full Tilt Drop Kick is one of the few boots on the market aimed solely at the freerider. They are supple, light and highly responsive to offer the best control when performing and landing tricks.
Best for: Freeride
£330, Ellis Brigham, Buy it now
Salomon S/LAB MTN
The backcountry skier spends most of their time off-piste in the backcountry. You have been avalanche trained, enjoy deep powder and touring to find hidden spots. You are an expert skier who looks to tackle every face on the mountain. The Salomon S/LAB MTN is one of the best backcountry boots on the market, offering advanced technology for both touring up and skiing down. At just 1.5kgs per boot, these are incredibly light, and thanks to the Grimalid+ cuff and clog, and a carbon spine, the power and strength remains unaffected.
Best for: Backcountry
£550, Ellis Brigham, Buy it now
Salmon QST Pro 120
The all-round skier is generally an advanced skier who enjoys all elements of the mountains. From touring into backcountry to enjoying the pistes, you like skiing on everything the mountain has to offer. The Salomon QST Pro 120 is the ideal boot for both on and off piste. Its simple construction, fully customisable boot and liner, reduced weight and touring function make it perfect for a day spent in the backcountry or a day on the piste.
Best for: All-Round
£375, Ellis Brigham, Buy it now
Hugh Francis Anderson is a freelance writer specialising in adventure, motoring and luxury lifestyle. Follow him on Instagram @hughfrancisanderson, and visit his website hughfrancisanderson.com
