Ski boots

The choice of ski boots, of course, depends on your preferences, region and the complexity of the trek. First of all, you need to treat the set: boots, binding and skis as a single system. Since not all bindings fit all skis, and boots do not fit all bindings. And what fits is sometimes irrational.

There are the following types of bindings:

• Series of Rottofella standards: NNN BC, Xplore, NN 75,
• Modern universal bindings: Hagan X-trace Pivot or OAC EA 2.0 Universal,
• Domestic universal bindings: Azimut or Boytsovskie,
• Ski touring bindings: Silvretta 400/404 and.

I do not consider domestic universal Azimut and Boytsovskie as outdated bindings with a low level of control and a number of problems. Putting forward logical requirements for winter — high reliability,

In the article, we will consider only the most interesting and convenient options for ski treks in the Kola Peninsula and beyond. This does not include all sorts of

When choosing ski boots, you have 2 options:

The budget option is to use your summer trekking boots with overboots with universal bindings.

The best and most convenient option is to use boots for a special binding: NNN BC, xPlore, NN 75. The most common and convenient option is NNN BC.

Summer trekking boot

A universal binding allows you to use the existing summer trekking boots. With an elastic plastic platform on Hagan bindings or a hinged platform on Hagan Xtrace, only soft leather boots are suitable, i.e. their sole must bend at the toe. A hard platform can simply break the binding, so they are not suitable.

The summer trekking boot does not have insulation, so insulated overboots are needed.

The main requirements for overboots:

1. Breathable outer fabric, NOT membrane.

2. The amount of insulation in the main part is 100–150 g/m².

3. The boot must fit the overboot as tightly as possible, without any extra space, otherwise it will slide and interfere with ski control.

4. Height — to the calf. Insulates the legs and prevents snow from getting on the boots.

In such a combination, it is comfortable to walk on skis on average at temperatures from –5 °C to –30 °C.

Boot with NNN BC, Xplore, NN 75 standard

The boot is selected equally in all versions of the fastening standard on the sole. Skiing moves quite differently from walking, so ski boots often have a different, more spacious instep.

The size of the ski boot should be taken with a margin of an average of 1.5 sizes, and in some cases 2 sizes.

The boot must be tried on with the socks you will use on the trek, as their volume is noticeably larger.

If you use tourist insoles, you should try on the boot with them.

Remember that a boot with a fastening standard is not so easy to insulate, so always choose the warmest boots.

If the boots do not have a built-in gaiter, then it is necessary to use gaiters. Any will do, but, of course, the most comfortable option is membrane gaiters. They protect the boot and pants from getting wet better than others, which regularly happens due to snow melting in this area.

NNN BC: ski boot with optimal standard. The widest range of model choices from the most popular and suitable brands in Russia: Alfa, Alpina, Lundhags, Fishcer. The fastening is located in the form of a bracket on the sole of the boot, specially designed for trekking conditions and, unlike ordinary cross-country NNN, the term BC — BackCountry translates as remote area, and I think it is most suitable for ski tourism. Providing better forward movement and bending in the right place.

On the sole there are ответные направляющие пазы that match the fastening on the skis. Therefore, the sole of the boot cannot be covered with an overboot.

Xplore: the sole of the boot is stiffer in all directions than NNN BC and NN 75, which gives better response in control. The pins are located closer to the edge of the shoe and, in terms of movement, are closer to NN 75, giving excellent control.

NN 75: the oldest standard of the range of bindings described here. The least interesting.

Gaiters

If the boot does not have a built-in gaiter, then removable ones must be used. Of course, any will do, but the most comfortable option is membrane gaiters. Snow always gets on the boot and the bottom of the pants, which in the sun or from its own heat begins to melt, and ordinary gaiters can get wet, moisture goes to the bottom of the pants and sometimes socks, which can be critical in a winter trek. Membrane gaiters reliably protect against dry and wet snow, even if they briefly step into water, they can protect against water ingress, which we have repeatedly experienced on our treks. The membrane 100% does not let wind through and partially limits breathability, so these gaiters are slightly warmer than conventional ones made of softshell.

Gaiters should fix the hook behind the laces, it is more reliable when the hook faces from bottom to top, so they are less likely to be pulled up.

Socks

To avoid chafing your feet and freezing them, it is worth using 2 socks at once.

First: thin synthetic Liner. It perfectly protects the foot from chafing, instead of skin, friction occurs between sock and sock. It perfectly removes moisture from the foot to the next layer, to the thick sock. Protects the outer, warm sock from sweat contamination, prolongs cleanliness. Use at the rate of 1 sock per 3–4 days.

Second: warm synthetic sock. Keeps feet warm. Use at the rate of 1 sock per 2–3 days.

The composition can be different, all kinds of synthetics with the addition of wool. The main thing is that the socks are trekking ones, with an anatomical fit, to sit firmly in place.

Insoles

Standard insoles in ski and trekking boots serve only as hygienic. For the correct placement of the foot with support, which we need in difficult conditions of daily нагрузки and kilometers with additional weight.

Insoles will unload the arch of the foot, muscles and ligaments of the ankle, which will relieve muscle pain and some fatigue.

Since 2020, I have been using molded Sidas Nordic insoles. They are specially designed for cross-country skis, classic and skating techniques, which repeats the movement of tourist skis. This will give the best push, sliding and maneuvering.

They are also suitable for summer, pedestrian hikes, and vice versa, summer ones — for ski boots. With them, it's much better than without them.

You can achieve the greatest effect and make individual sports insoles Igli or Formotics.

It is important to understand that insoles will take up some space in the boot and may not fit due to size, so it is worth making sure of this right away. The ideal option is if you first take the insoles and then try on a new boot with them. This allows you to achieve the most ideal fit.