Types of Nordic Ski Boots

Modern cross-country boots have become increasingly specialized, reflecting the different disciplines in the sport. General touring boots are lightweight leather, sometimes with an integrated gaiter. For those who want to go off trail and explore the backcountry without going for the super steep chutes, backcountry touring boots are stiffer, melding plastic and leather. Boots are also compatible with different binding systems, including New Nordic Norm and Salomon Nordic System bindings.

  1. Touring Boots

    • Touring boots should fit like a sneaker or comfortable shoe. Common models of touring boots include Alpina, Atomic, Salomon, Fischer and Rossignol. Boots with a zip-up gaiter over the lace system will keep your foot drier and add a little warmth. Some boots also have a Velcro strap near the ankle to help snug up the fit and provide a little more support. When buying a touring boot for an existing cross-country ski setup, make sure the boot is compatible with your binding system.

    Skating Boots

    • Skating boots have a higher ankle cuff than traditional touring boots and often have a ratchet buckle at the ankle to increase the stiffness and support for the skating stride. Some skate boots also incorporate plastic stiffeners in the ankle area, from the sole up to the ratchet buckle. Alpina, Salomon, Fischer and Rossignol all make skating boots. Good skating boots also have a heat-activated liner that molds to your foot as you ski in it.

    Backcountry Boots

    • Backcountry touring boots are beefier, with increased torsional rigidity and more support in the ankle area. These boots usually have more plastic; some incorporate a separate plastic shell and leather inner boot like traditional downhill boots. Many backcountry touring boots use a variant of the New Nordic Norm binding, the NNN BC, which has a stiff toe bar connection for more support when skiing downhill or making traverses on steeper slopes. Alpina, Rossignol and Fischer all make good backcountry touring boots.