Guide to Purchasing Cross Country Ski Boots

Choosing cross country boots that suit your needs is pivotal for your skiing experience, irrespective of which style you opt for. To assist you in making a well-informed choice, we have gathered some vital tips.

This purchasing guide covers the following topics:

How to Determine the Correct Size for Cross Country Ski Boots

Cross country boots need to fit securely enough to hold your heels firmly during skiing. The aim is to avoid an excessively tight or overly loose fit. Sufficient space at the front of the boot is necessary to allow your toes some movement, preventing injury from compression. Extremely tight boots may disrupt your balance and affect circulation. Most skiers prefer wearing thicker socks, so it's advisable that the boots be about half to a full size bigger than your regular trainers.

Refer to the specific sizing guide of the boots you are interested in when shopping at SkatePro. This can help you match your foot dimensions to the right boot size. We often share recommendations based on feedback in our size guides.

Deciding on Cross Country Skis According to Intended Use: Leisurely vs. Competitive Skiing

It's important to align your cross-country ski boot selection with the setting you'll be skiing in. Boot design varies depending on whether you are skiing casually or participating in events like Sweden's notable Vasaloppet.

Boots for Leisurely Cross Country Skiing

For casual skiing, suitability and warmth are prioritized. Such cross-country boots ensure warmth and relaxation with a laid-back fit for extended journeys. These features are also ideal for novices or children eager to relish the snowy terrain.

Boots for Competitive Cross Country Skiing

Performance-oriented boots are made to fit more snugly, enhancing the energy transfer from your legs to the skis. Lightweight materials like carbon are employed to minimise boot weight, boosting speed and nimbleness. Comfort takes a back seat, as these boots cater to seasoned skiers.

Exploring the Different Types of Cross Country Ski Boots

There are four main types of cross country ski boots, tailored to fit the style of skiing you intend to do. Additionally, we include a fifth type designed specifically for roller skiing.

Classic Cross Country Ski Boots - Softer Soles

Classic cross country boots feature pliable soles to accommodate the flexibility needed in the forefoot for conventional skiing strides.

Skiers, regardless of their expertise level, can find a fitting boot in this range if they opt for classic skiing. Beginners should seek boots that keep the feet cosy with thicker linings and offer support around the ankles and heels. This type is well-suited for a traditional winter holiday or an initial attempt at the vibrant Vasaloppet event.

Advanced classic cross-country ski boots tend to be lighter. Their thinner liners reduce weight and lessen the likelihood of overheating during intense activity. Enhanced heel counters boost energy transfer as well.

Browse through our selection of Classic Cross Country Ski Boots.

Skate Ski Boots - Elevated Ankle Support and Rigid Soles

The design of skate ski boots contrasts with classic-style boots, accommodating the unique skate skiing movement. This style imposes greater strain on the ankles due to lateral movements, necessitating robust ankle support through a stiffer and higher brace commonly crafted from plastic or carbon.

The soles of skate ski boots are rigid, allowing for full-footed kicks, unlike the forefoot-specific kicks in classic skiing, enhancing kick power.

Explore our collection of Skate Ski Boots.

Cross Country Combi Boots - Combined Soles with Elevated Ankle Support

If you delight in both skating and classic skiing and prefer one boot for both, or need additional ankle support for classic skiing, combi boots are worth consideration.

Combi boots blend the attributes of both classic and skate boots. They provide robust ankle support ideal for skating while maintaining stability during kicks. Meanwhile, their soles are soft, akin to classic boots, allowing smooth forefoot rolling in classic strides, which skate boots make difficult.

Look through our selection in Skate Ski Boots or Classic Cross Country Ski Boots.

Backcountry Ski Boots - Resilient and Weatherproof

Specifically designed for ventures into the wilderness, backcountry ski boots come equipped with features that optimise your outdoor excursions. Their resemblance to hiking boots is intentional, providing warmth and comfort for extended backcountry trips. Key features include high cuffs that offer ankle support and prevent snow penetration.

To sum it up, for backcountry exploration, you need boots that are specifically designed to be durable, comfortable, and weatherproof nnn bc boots.

Explore our range of Backcountry Ski Boots.

Rollerski Boots - Optimal Ventilation

Regular cross-country ski boots are often used for out-of-season rollerskiing, which is acceptable. However, if your feet become uncomfortably warm in the summer, we advise investing in roller ski boots designed for NNN bindings (NIS). These summer boots offer lighter weight and superior ventilation compared to typical cross-country boots.

Remember, using cross country boots for rollerskiing can increase wear, especially around the zippers. For longevity, clean them of dirt and store them dry when not in use.

Explore our selection of Roller Ski Boots.

Ensuring Cross Country Ski Boots and Bindings Match

It's important to check the compatibility of your cross country boots with bindings before making a decision. Selecting boots that will work with your bindings, or conversely, depends on aligning boot soles with the correct bindings.

Use the chart below to review options in either of two ways. First, determine your boots to see all compatible bindings. Alternatively, pinpoint the bindings on your skis to identify which boots will fit. This process aids in ensuring you select boots compatible with your bindings.

Cross Country Boots with Bindings: Compatibility Chart

	NNN Bindings	Prolink Bindings	Turnamic Bindings	SNS Profil Bindings (Classic)	SNS Pilot Bindings (Skate)	NNN BC Bindings
Alpina Boots	x	x	x
Atomic Prolink Boots	x	x	x
Atomic SNS Pilot Boots (Skate)					x
Atomic SNS Profil Boots (Classic)				x
Fischer Boots	x	x	x
Madshus Boots	x	x	x
Rossignol Boots	x	x	x
Salomon Prolink Boots	x	x	x
Salomon SNS Pilot Boots (Skate)					x
Salomon SNS Profil Boots (Classic)				x
Alpina, Fischer or Madshus NNN BC Boots						x