What Are XC Ski Boots?

The term "XC" is simply a short form for cross-country, with XC ski boots referring to cross-country ski boots. Part of the Nordic family of skiing, cross-country utilizes specialized boots with toes that clip into the bindings of cross-country skis. As with many winter sports, technological advances in equipment have resulted in boots that are now lighter and more functional than ever before.

  1. Cross Country (XC) Skiing

    • Cross-country skiing dates back thousands of years to when humans living in wintry locales realized they could travel faster when hunting in snow-covered areas if they attached thin pieces of wood to their feet. Cross-country skiing involves a lift-and-glide technique, and it differs from alpine (downhill) skiing in that cross-country is performed on comparatively flat terrain. Because of the strenuous effort exerted, cross-country is considered by some exercise physiologists and researchers as the best aerobic fitness activity.

    XC Ski Boots

    • Cross-country skiing requires both arms and legs to be used simultaneously, with equipment consisting of skis, poles and boots. Unlike alpine skiing, which requires tight-fitting boots made of hardened polythene polyester to support ankles, today's XC ski boots are similar in style to a running or jogging shoe. While alpine ski boots clip firmly into bindings on the ski, a cross-country boot only clips at the front of the boot, allowing the skier's heel to lift.

    Types of XC Ski Boots

    • There are three primary types of XC ski boots, each geared toward a specialized type of cross-country skiing: the classic XC boot, a low-cut, flexible boot designed for cross-country trailes; the telemark or back-country boots, which offer more ankle support for turning and descending, and may have "power straps" that offer added control; and the AT (all-terrain) boot, which is stiffer and wider than other types of XC ski boots, resembling alpine ski boots, designed for use in deep snow and off-track skiing.

    Skate Ski Boots

    • Skate-skiing is becoming an increasingly popular form of cross-country skiing, in which the skier pushes outward on each ski in a motion similar to that of ice skating. Ski boots designed for this variation of XC skiing have features that stabilize feet and ankles while increasing responsiveness to the "push off" motion. These boots are also stiffer than standard XC boots, because the boot should flex only enough to forcefully drive the ski forward.