skating boots

My son David is keen to start x-c skiing using the skating technique (he's done a bit of classic x-c in the past and is a good alpine skier) and has found that the boots for hire locally here in the Alps are a compromise between a classic boot and a true skating boot.   So he wants to buy boots and is looking at the Salomon Activate Skate or the RS Carbon; the latter is the more expensive of the two and has a carbon plate which he think is probably worth paying for.   I'd be very grateful for any advice anyone can give on skating boots, as I'm a classic skier and haven't a clue.

David has tried on a size 45 Salomon Active Combi Pilot boot which was comfortable but he has learnt that with downhill boots it's actually a good idea to buy a size smaller than feels comfortable at first.  I don't think this rule applies to x-c boots but we'd be grateful for any advice anyone can give.

Jackie Becker

Comments

[Jim Davidson]

Jackie

The boots should be a comfortable fit similar to trainers/running shoes. If they are too small the toes will hurt when skiing in classic technique. There is a clue in your description of the boots David has tried, ie Combi. Combi boots are for both classic and skating technique, and are utilised by athletes competing in pursuit competitions, or skiers who want to save money. A classic shoe, or boot allows for maximum flexibility at the ankle- essential for good classic technique. In addition the sole of the boot is flexible to permit pressure to be applied through the ball of the foot to get the maximum grip from the classic ski wax pocket, or no wax scales. The skating boot has a stiff sole with no flex - the foot should be flat on the ski surface (although the ski itself may be edged) and the push/pressure is transmitted through the whole sole of the flat boot. The stiff sole also keeps the ski close to the boot to assist with skating technique. Additionally pilot bindings have an attachment that connects to the boot to ensure that the sole of the boot is close to the ski. Combi pilot boots also have that attachment, but the sole is a compromise and not so stiff as the pure skate boot.

Active 8 boots are acceptable for a athletic skater, however, if racing is being considered then an upgrade to RS Carbon, or the ultimate S Lab Carbon are better options. It all depends on depth of pocket(cash not wax), and performance ambition.

Hope this helps

regards

jim Davidson