Best Ski Boots 2008 - Lange

One of Best ski boot, Lange are back with Ellis Brigham after a break of two seasons, because we felt we really needed the kind of fit that they offer; slightly closer but still very anatomical. It seems many companies now offer a more generous fit in the shape of their boots, but Lange have stuck to their original concepts on foot shape and are now one of very few companies to offer a solution to people with narrower feet searching for a good fitting ski boot. As you would expect from an Italian based company their boots are beautifully designed both in looks and function, and this is clearly apparent in the CRL boots we are stocking. Another interesting feature of Lange boots is that they do not go up in 10mm shell sizes, the increases are actually 8mm, meaning that it is easier to find a shell that fits accurately .

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Best Ski Boots 2008 - Head

The Best Ski boot, Head are still quite new to the Ellis Brigham boot range and this is their third season as part of our line-up. In this short time we have been hugely impressed with their boots, both in terms of how well they fit and the excellent value for money that a Head ski boot represents. We carry 2 ranges from Head.
The first one is the S range, designed for aggressive and powerful skiers who are looking for solid shells and effective and adaptable features. S range boots are typically kept quite simple but provide a whole heap of fitting options and ski exactly like you would want a top level boot to perform.
The second range is made up of the Edge boots, designed for skiers seeking a bit more luxury and as such feature a lovely comfy wide forefoot and a whole host of extras, from adjustable flex settings to massive ranges of adjustment on the buckles.

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Selecting Ski Boots Guide

Ski Boots form the essential link between you and your skis. The Boots should connect perfectly to your bindings transferring all your body movements and pressure shifts directly to your skis. A good ski boot should have a snug fit with enough inside padding to prevent injuries and bruises, but with a tough outer shell to protect you from overstretching. Choosing a good boot is essential for your skiing safety and enjoyment. One of the most common complaints in skiing and snowboarding is burning or otherwise hurting feet. The right boot can minimize this.

A Detailed Look At Ski Boots
Boots are another essential piece of equipment for skiing. Together with the bindings they form the link between your skis and your body. Good boots should be snug, supporting your foot and ankle, while allowing enough flexibility to maneuver with. They should keep your feet warm, dry and padded against impacts.

Plastic Outer Shell
Ski boots typically have a stiff plastic outer shell that gives the boot its sturdy support and the most direct transfer of body movements to the skis. They protect your ankles and feet from bending to far and possible resulting injury. The outer shell is water proof and tough enough to protect your feet and lower legs from impacts. The outer shell size is very important in finding the right boot as it is always fixed and will not flex or change at all.

Inner Boot
The padded inner boot liner keeps your feet warm and the padding protects you from impacts. Different manufacturers make different kinds of liners for different kinds of feet. It is very important to make sure that the liner is snug and has the shape that matches your foot. The Inner boot will change as you use your boot more. It will get compressed.

Entry Point
Most common ski boots have either top or rear entry. Rear entry boots allow you to slide your foot into the boot from the rear. One or two clips are used for fastening the boot and adjusting the fit. Top entry boots use more clips and you need to insert your foot from the top. Mid entry boots have both a flexible front and back side allowing you to enter the boot in the middle. In general rear entry boots are easier in use but top entry boots give more support. Both boots however, have higher top end models that give both great comfort and fit.

Power Strap
The Velcro strap at the top end of the boot can be used to make sure that the top of the boot gives a snug fit connecting well with your calves and shin is the power strap.
Flex AdjustmentThe flex adjustment allows you to change the amount of resistance to the forward movement of your ankle. You can make this flex stiffer or softer. People often use this feature to compensate for the flexibility changes of the boot under cooler and warmer weather conditions.

Forward Lean
AdjustmentForward lean adjustment allows you to change the angle that your shin makes with the boot closed. By using this adjustment you are able to change your stance and center of mass.

Lateral Upper-Cuff Adjustment
The lateral upper-cuff adjustment allows you to shift the upper boot. This feature is very useful for bowlegged or knock-kneed people who need to adjust their upper boot to the angle of their lower legs. Many boots only offer lateral upper-cuff adjustment, some more advanced models offer this adjustment for the inner boot as well.

Ramp Angle Adjustment
Some boots allow you to change the angle in which your feet rest on the sole of your boot. In this way you are able to shift your center of mass forward or backward. This feature is the ramp angle adjustment.

Ski-Walk Adjustment
The ski-walk adjustment allows the boot's upper cuff to hinge backward. This will give you the room you need for a more natural walking motion. Although this is a handy feature most skiers choose a more solid rear in favor or walking comfort

Choosing The Right Boot
This will be the most important question you will need to answer. Boots and Bindings are often a combination where not every boot is suitable for each type of binding and the other way around. Check to make sure. Especially when you need a heel-free system you will need to make sure that the binding-boot combination is the correct one.

How do I choose the right size and shape?
Each foot is different in both size and shape. Most boots are designed for a general foot and does not take your specifics into account. If you have shoes that are really comfortable then the size and shape of that shoe is a good indication of the size and shape that you need. If possible take out the sole of your most comfortable shoe and compare it to the sole of your skiing boot.

How should I fit Ski Boots?
The way the boot fits, holds, and supports your foot and ankle is the most important part about selecting Ski boots. To try ski boots do the following:

• Put on special skiing socks or at least the thick wool socks that you would wear when you go out skiing. Do not try your boots with regular socks or even two pairs of socks. You might not think so, but the added thickness of the socks matter a lot when it comes to the size and fit of your boot.
• Insert your foot into the boot and fasten the clips securely.
• When you stand straight your toes should lightly touch the front end of your boot.
• When you bend your knees however your foot should move backwards pressing your heel into the heel cup and your toes loose from the front of the boot.
• Make sure you feel no single pressure points or other painful areas. If you feel them now, you will really feel them when they come under the added pressure of actually skiing.
• Make sure you feel an evenly distributed snug fit all around your foot, not only at the soles of your feet, but also on top. The same goes for the upper boot. Make sure your ankles and calves are connecting well to your boot but not too tight. Make sure your calve muscles are not restricted in their movement.
• Check that you have firm support around the instep of the boot, around the ankles and lower legs. They should stop you from over bending these body parts. You should be able to bend your ankles forward with increasing support as you bend further. Assure that you can bend to your natural limit and no further. Make sure that as you bend forward you feel pressure evenly distributed along your shin and not in a few isolated areas.

Choosing The Right Size Boot
Feet change size with age, pregnancy, weight loss or gain and even as a result of athletic activity. Taking into account all these variables, it's a good idea to have your feet measured with a brannock device. Since the Brannock device is not available for online measuring, we have provided a chart with standard US measurements and some important instructions for choosing the right size.

Grab a pen or pencil, a piece of paper and a ruler.

Put on the pair of socks that you intend to wear with the boots you are ordering. Please keep in mind that through the course of the day your feet will swell, so it's best to measure your feet at the end of the day.

Sit down in a chair and place your foot flat on a piece of paper. Lean forward, putting more weight onto the foot you are going to trace, then proceed to trace your foot. (Always trace the larger foot if you have one.)

With a tape measure or ruler, measure the length of your traced foot from the heel to the tip of your longest toe. Using the chart below find your measurement. If you are between measurements, size up to the next larger size. It's easy to add a pair of socks to take up a little extra room.

Size Chart
Just because you're a size 8 in one brand of shoe doesn't necessarily mean you're going to be an 8 in another. Footwear shapes and sizes vary from brand to brand: please keep this mind when using the chart below to advise you in a size. Salomon ski boots run a little different then other brands in sizing, please advise the chart below for reference.

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BEST SKI BOOTS 2008 - TECNICA AGENT

Tecnica Agent AT also known as Best Ski Boots 2008 - Hey secret agent man, have you been hiding in the backcountry, slipping through the trees, rocking the steeps and flying with invisible quickness when you have to go on-piste? Not just for gate bashers anymore, Tecnica has gone AT with some sick boots made with secret stash stormers in mind.
Rock the free-riding world in the Tecnica Agent AT ski boots with other back country agents. These lightweight, trim boots are known to be rocked by the likes of Ashley Battersby, Tim Russell, Chris Collins and the name dropping list could go on but I think you have got the point. Get out in the backcountry with ease, Tecnica’s rockered Vibram hiking soles, trim upright AT stance, and adjustable rear spoiler all combine for easy transitioning from free-flex touring ease to responsive, sturdy stiffness for serious shredding. The 2007 of ski boots, you’ll be sure to rip out every mission in style and tuck into the trees with such stealth that the snowboarders reefing in the backcountry will think they just saw a ghost. Freeride with some extreme steeze in your Tecnica Agent AT ski boots.


3D Shell Contruction: A sweet combo of soft and hard plastics placed strategically throughout the boot so you get comfort when touring and quick response and full energy transfer when shredding.



Liner Material: Ultrafit EVA

Rear Spoiler Adjust: The rear spoiler can be adjusted to various height positions to accommodate alpine touring.



F.I.T. System Tongue: The FIT system tongue is designed to move with the leg and shin while the boot is being flexed. The base of the tongue is attached to the liner with an elastic material that allows the whole tongue to slide. Contact is maintained between the shin and tongue, providing a precise and comfortable fit and reducing any uncomfortable pressure.



Tongue Handle Pull Strap: A tongue handle pull strap, found on all models, aids in the entry and exit of the boot, as well as making sure the tongue is correctly seated for additional comfort and performance.

SuperFit Liner: Thermaforable pad conforms specifically to your foot while the ethafoam conforms to the boot, so you get a high performance, highly comfortable fit.

Forward Lean: Yes Weight: [Pair, size 27.5] 7lb 1oz (3200g)

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Ski boot

Ski boots are specialized footwear that are used in skiing to provide a way to attach the skier to skis using ski bindings. This ski-boot-binding combination is used to effectively transmit control inputs from the skier to the snow.

Ski boots were originally made of leather and resembled standard boots. As skiing became more specialized as a form of recreation, so too did ski boots. Currently, most ski boots fall into the categories of Alpine skiing, Nordic or Randoneé/Alpine Touring. These varying disciplines each use a specialized type of ski bindings and as such, are generally not interchangeable.
Boots intended for downhill use (Alpine, Randoneé, and Telemark) are generally composed of a hard plastic shell with a softer foam liner to provide warmth and comfort. Concerning liners, a thick soft liner will be more comfortable and provide more insulation while thinner, harder liners provide more precision. Comfort has been improved in recent years by the use of conformable linings (usually heated to fit) which allow an otherwise stiff liner to be molded to the foot and comfortably accept a large variety of foot shapes.

Shells come in various degrees of stiffness; beginners typically like a softer and more padded boot, while more advanced skiers generally prefer a stiffer boot with a thinner liner. Softer boots are able to be flexed with less pressure applied to the cuff making them a good choice for lighter or less aggressive skiers and translates into a more forgiving ride. This quality is also desirable when efficiency and comfort during touring is a concern. Softer boots are often lighter as well due to thinner shell material; a desirable quality when touring as well. Increased boot stiffness generally translates into more precise energy transmission from the skier to the ski. It also provides better support for increased g-loading during high-speed turns, and heavier skiers. Stiff boots however are often less comfortable and heavier than their softer counterparts.

• Boots which are too soft for a skier will not feel sufficiently responsive, and will over flex during high-performance skiing.
• Boots that are too stiff for a skier will transmit unintended control movements to the skis, and will not flex sufficiently in varying terrain or during normal intensity skiing.
  

Alpine
Alpine Ski Boots have rigid soles and attach to the binding at both toe and heel using ISO DIN standard bindings. Because of the bindings, they forego rubber soles in favor of hard plastic for better safety and precision. There are three basic types of ski boots which vary in the way the ski boots close around the lower leg: rear-entry, front-entry, and mid-entry ski boots.

Front-entry Ski Boots
"Front-entry" boots are the primary boot of choice for performance-oriented skiers. The high, rigid cuff provides excellent power and control transfer from the skier to the binding. Buckles across the shin, instep and forefoot provide much adjustability and control in fit, and due to the rigid cuff, lateral boot stiffness is generally very good. Forward-flex is varied depending upon intended use, but ranges from easily flexed beginner/intermediate boots to extremely stiff boots intended only for racing.

Rear-entry Ski Boots
This is the simplest and cheapest type of ski boots and is good for beginners. They offer ease in entry and exit by unbuckling an independent hinged cuff at the rear of the ski boot. This type of boot however does not adjust to fit across the front of the foot, often resulting in a poor fit and considerable "slop" in the forefoot area. These boots were very popular until the late 1990s due to their economy and ease of use. Recent improvements to Front-entry and mid-entry boots, primarily in the areas of comfort and ease of entry/exit, have diminished their popularity, though they remain very common as rental boots.

Mid-entry Ski Boots
These combine many of the strengths of both rear-entry and front-entry ski boots. While still adjusting via buckles across the forefoot and shin, the rear cuff of the boot is allowed to hinge back slightly to allow for a larger opening and thus an easier entry to the boot. In this way it provides the convenience of wearing rear-entry ski boots, while at the same time offering much of the performance and versatility of front-entry ski boots. Mid-entry ski boots are recognizable by a wide-opening cuff which opens to the front and to the back.

Shell-fittings
A shell-fit is when the the technician removes the boot liner and has the customer place their foot in the shell and slide it foward until the toes begin to touch. Then the technician will slide his hand down the back and see how much room is behind the heel. You want between 1 to 2 figures to fit. This is the best way to determine if the boot is the right length for you.
Shell modification
When the boot is physically stretched to allow for specific feet.

Nordic
Cross Country
Cross country boots, like all Nordic equipment, attach to the ski only at the toe of the boot and are allowed to flex at the ball of the foot similarly to a normal shoe or boot. Cross Country boots generally use one of three attachment systems; NNN (New Nordic Norm), 75mm Nordic Norm ("three-pin" binding), or SNS (Salomon Nordic System). As these boots are intended for travel over generally flat terrain, they are optimized for light weight and efficiency of motion.
Telemark
Telemark refers to a specific technique for making downhill turns on Nordic equipment. This has resulted in highly specialized equipment designed for better performance in a downhill setting. Until 1992 Telemark boots were basically heavy leather boots with the front of the sole adapted to the 75mm Nordic Norm. Since then plastic boots have become more and more common and now make up almost all Telemark boots. Plastic allows for a laterally stiffer boot while still allowing freedom of flex at the ball of the foot through the use of bellows. Boots intended for more cross country travel generally have a lower cuff, softer flex and lighter weight. Boots specialized for downhill use have higher cuffs, stiffer flex and heavier weight. Telemark boots are almost always equipped with a rubber sole.

Randonée (Alpine Touring)
Alpine Touring boots are intended to allow cross-country travel while also being configured for downhill skiing using Alpine technique. Due to this they are a compromise between performance and light weight. Unlike Alpine and telemark boots which have standardized binding attachments, Randoneé boots are often specific to the type of binding being used. Boots designed for Fritchi, Silvretta and Naxo bindings use a toe and heel attachment very similar to Alpine Boots as Alpine boots may be used in these bindings (Alpine touring boots should not be used in Alpine bindings however). In the case of Silvretta bindings, plastic mountaineering boots are permissible for use. Boots designed for Dynafit bindings attach via two indentations on the sides of the toe of the boot, foregoing the hinged plate used by other AT bindings and instead pivoting and locking only to the boot itself. Alpine Touring Boots usually have rubber soles.

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2007-2008 Top Ski Boots

If you think of your skis as being extensions of your ski boots you will understand that your boots are the singular most important piece of equipment that can improve your skiing. No matter if you use a brand's entry level ski or if you are on the brand's FIS race model, your boots do the edging and sliding that makes for turning.

The Right Ski Boot and Fit
The real Catch-22 here is that once you realize the importance of the right boot and boot fit, it dawns on you that you don't get to spend a lot of time in the boots before you have to buy them. You don't have the luxury of spending a day demoing your top three choices, like you can with skis. So what's the best strategy to pick out new ski boots?

Do Your Part
You have to do your part. You need to be honest about the type of skier you are, and how much money you can invest in your boots.

Put these into an equation with your weight, foot size, and leg size, and a good boot fitter can narrow down the best boot available to your price range.

Try Different Brands
Remember to try on different brands to get a handle on how the brand specific shell designs fit your feet, i.e. heel and toe pockets, and ankle and calf volume. Next, you need to think about customizing the boot to your individual needs – custom foot beds and perhaps canting alignment.

Here is a look at some of the best of the 2007 - 2008 models.

Atomic Ski Boots
Atomic boots have long been well known for stepping on World Cup podiums and their Race Line continues that trend. This year, Atomic has a new line called Hawk. The rubber like gills are designed to flex your foot naturally. Remember, this is brand new technology, but it's Atomic, so consider giving it a try.

Head Ski Boots
The Head Raptor series is new this year, but, how can they not be a hit when the buzz is they are based on Bode Miller's boots? The women's Dream Thang, at about $600, is complete with faux fur lining.

Lange Ski Boots
Lange's World Cup 150 plug boot is back again at the top of the line, but, at about $900 retail, it's not for bargain hunters. However, there are models for juniors and seniors, as well as ski boots for everybody in between. The Fluid Performance Series is also back. The Men's and Women's Fluid offer comfort and fit to translate foot commands to the skis.

Nordica Ski Boots
The Nordica Dobermann Aggressor 100 is the high-end boot for women skiers. For the men, the Nordica Speed Machine gives a racing boot with a more comfortable fit.

Rossignol Ski Boots
Rossignol's Radical Pro Composite and Zenith Pro Composite are high-end pricey boots, but are well worth the price. The women's Electra is a true expert skier's boot, with a fit especially designed for women.

Salomon Ski Boots
The Salomon Falcon 10, will set you back about $850, but if you look around, you'll see a lot of pros wearing them. The same with the women's Idol.

Tecnica Ski Boots
The Tecnica Diablo series is once again all it's cracked up to be. The Ativa Flame is sure to be a bestseller on the women's side.

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How to Choose and Fit Ski Boots

Having a pair of ski boots that fit you and feel comfortable is essential. Ski boots transfer your movement - your "instructions" - to your skis and are very important for safe and enjoyable skiing. Here's information that will help you get on your way to having comfortable and functional ski boots.

Ski Boot Basics
Before You Buy Ski Boots
Ski boots are the most important part of your skiing equipment. Aside from the fact that you definitely will not enjoy your time on the slopes if your feet hurt or if your feet are cold, it is important to understand that your boots are the key to your skiing performance.

Best Ski Boots
Your ski boots need to fit you well and feel comfortable.

Here's how to buy ski boots, along with a review of some of the best, most reliable ski boot brands.

How to Fit Ski Boots
Before you rent or buy ski boots, it's important to make sure that the boots fit properly. The next step is to make sure that your boots are adjusted for optimal skiing.

Ski Boot and Ski Glove Dryer
Keeping ski boots and ski gloves dry goes a long way to help keeping your hands and feet warm. There are several brands of boot and glove dryers available and most all use flexible hosing to reach into the interior of the garments.
Ski Boot Customization

Custom Foot Bed Fitting
Here's how to decide if you need custom foot beds, how foot beds are measured and made, as well as information on where to get them.

Instaprint Custom Footbeds
Both telemark and AT boots are just as accommodating to custom footbeds as downhill boots. If you don’t get fitted for footbeds when you purchase telemark or AT boots I recommend that you take your boots to a shop that sells, custom fits, installs footbeds and will later correct and tweak them to your comfort and satisfaction.

Ski Boot Canting Information
Ski boot canting is an adjustment that is made to your ski boots to bring about a neutral stance that allows you to stand flat on both skis. The boot itself can be canted or the binding shimmed to bring your foot to a neutral position.

Ski Boot Canting
Here's a Step-by-step guide to ski boot canting, including how it is done, what's measured, and the final result.

Custom Replacement Ski Boot Liners
New liners can rejuvenate older boots. Not only will your ski boots feel as good as new, but with custom liners, they may feel even better than new.

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Before You Buy Ski Boots

Ski boots are the most important part of your skiing package. Aside from the fact that you definitely will not enjoy your time on the slopes if your feet hurt or if your feet are cold, it is important to understand that your boots are the key to your skiing performance.

Buying Your First Pair of Ski Boots
The most important rule for buying that first pair of boots is go to a reputable ski shop, preferably a specialty store with experienced salespeople who are themselves skiers. Better yet, search out a store with boot certified sales and service personnel. Either by reputation or, on the advice of friends who are familiar with your area ski shops, pick out one you feel comfortable dealing with. You want to trust their judgment as to the fit of the boots.
Ski Boot Buyer's Guide

Try Several Brands of Ski Boots
Not all boots are created equal. Some brands have wider widths, others run larger or smaller. Try your boots on with the socks that you will be wearing skiing. Ski boots are designed to be snug, so, you don't want to try on boots with heavier socks than you will be wearing on the slopes. Experts will need stiffer boots than beginners, because they respond more effectively to the movement of your legs. Try boots on later in the day because your feet tend to swell as the day progresses.
2007 - 2008 Ski Boots

Proper Ski Boot Fit
Most good quality ski boots can compensate for minor adjustments that may be needed to keep your stance on skis in alignment with the flat of your ski on the snow. However, there are people who need further adjustment to compensate for any number of physical miscues in their stance.

Boot Fitters
There are trained "boot fitters" who go to school to learn how to fit ski boots to the individual skier. Being knock-kneed, bowlegged, or having ankle tilting problems can be remedied through proper boot fitting. Foot or ankle issues should ideally be addressed when purchasing boots, because skiing in boots that will transmit your commands to your skis is the whole idea of enjoying the sport. A fitting can easily take more than an hour, so, give yourself plenty of time to shop.

Ski Boot Pricing
Pricing varies depending on brand and quality of the boot. Typically, beginner boots will cost less than expert boots. Prices can range from $100 for low-end basic boots, to hundreds of dollars for custom fitted boots.

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