Winter Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Skate, Classic and Combi Nordic boots?

SKATE BOOTS

The boot designed for skating has a very rigid upper cuff built up with thick plastic to support the foot and ankle. Skaters push off with their inner ski edges in a powerful motion similar to rollerblading, and lower-cut boots leave the foot, ankle and associated muscles twisting in the wind. The plastic sole material on a skate boot is dramatically stiffer than its classical counterpart, which works to stabilize the foot and keep the ski close to the heel. If you are in disbelief, first flex a classic and then a skate sole with your hands. Rigidity is the name of the game with skating equipment. Because of this, classic skiing with skate boots is not recommended; you’ll be waddling along in a mock-worthy frankengait because the boot soles do not flex enough for a comfortable kick and glide experience. The more expensive the skate boot, the lighter and stiffer it usually becomes.

Full-on skate boots are not for everybody, however; take a look at what combi boots have to offer before making your decision.

COMBI BOOTS

The word "combi" refers to the boot’s winningest trait: A two for the price of one combo. You can use a single pair of combi boots with your skate skis and your classic skis with excellent results. Combi boots possess a fairly stiff upper cuff (though not as stiff as a skate boot) which makes for great skating performance. The sole is necessarily less rigid than a skate boot, however, so the boots flex naturally at your toes for the kick and glide of classical skiing.

Believe it or not, most classical-only skiers benefit from the upper cuff provided by combi boots. The added stability gives confidence on uneven tracks or while flying downhill. Overuse injuries can be prevented because the ligaments surrounding the supported ankle are not required to do as much work. In practice, the upper cuff does not impede the classical skiing motion either. For these reasons we recommend combi boots for all classic track skis. Not all combi boots are created equal; some may be better suited to skating and some to classic, based on the stiffness of the cuff and sole.

Recreational skaters may also opt for a combi boot as a less expensive (in some cases) alternative to full skate boots.

CLASSIC BOOTS

The feature that defines a classic boot is typically the softer, more flexible plastic sole for unimpeded striding and gliding. Racing boots often do away with any type of cuff to save weight and allow complete and total freedom of movement, but this places all the burden of staying balanced on the shoulders of the skier. As with any product designed for racing, they are not meant for the masses.

The more popular and user-friendly classic boots are built with some type of ankle support, which is usually in the skier's best interest. The Light Touring boots on the left have plenty of support for skiing through fields, on the local golf couse, or places with informal ski trails but no actual grooming (we loosely define this as, you guessed it, "Light Touring.") They are also great for trails at the local x/c resort.

The two backcountry boots (the NNN-BC and the 3-pin) are designed out of stiff materials to provide stability and confidence while skiing in the backcountry through deeper ungroomed snow. This most often includes touring on hiking / biking trails or backcountry ski trails that feature steeper descents, off-camber trails and devious natural obstacles of rock and stump. We call this Rugged Touring. All things being equal, the NNN-BC boots often kick & glide better because the boot pivots on a thick pin; conversely, the actual sole of a 3-pin boot must flex during touring which adds to the fatigue factor a little bit. 3-pin boots have a more secure binding connection, however, and because of this offer more power and lateral support while making a telemark or a parallel turn. Each has their advantages, and one is typically the obvious choice given the goals of the particular skier or the chosen ski.

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Bike: Johnny's 10 Bike Tips Local MTB Rides Ski & Board: How-To Waxing Guide Winter Ski/Board F.A.Q. 06-07 Ski Gallery		Winter Frequently Asked Questions back to FAQ What is the difference between Skate, Classic and Combi Nordic boots? SKATE BOOTS The boot designed for skating has a very rigid upper cuff built up with thick plastic to support the foot and ankle. Skaters push off with their inner ski edges in a powerful motion similar to rollerblading, and lower-cut boots leave the foot, ankle and associated muscles twisting in the wind. The plastic sole material on a skate boot is dramatically stiffer than its classical counterpart, which works to stabilize the foot and keep the ski close to the heel. If you are in disbelief, first flex a classic and then a skate sole with your hands. Rigidity is the name of the game with skating equipment. Because of this, classic skiing with skate boots is not recommended; you’ll be waddling along in a mock-worthy frankengait because the boot soles do not flex enough for a comfortable kick and glide experience. The more expensive the skate boot, the lighter and stiffer it usually becomes. Full-on skate boots are not for everybody, however; take a look at what combi boots have to offer before making your decision. COMBI BOOTS The word "combi" refers to the boot’s winningest trait: A two for the price of one combo. You can use a single pair of combi boots with your skate skis and your classic skis with excellent results. Combi boots possess a fairly stiff upper cuff (though not as stiff as a skate boot) which makes for great skating performance. The sole is necessarily less rigid than a skate boot, however, so the boots flex naturally at your toes for the kick and glide of classical skiing. Believe it or not, most classical-only skiers benefit from the upper cuff provided by combi boots. The added stability gives confidence on uneven tracks or while flying downhill. Overuse injuries can be prevented because the ligaments surrounding the supported ankle are not required to do as much work. In practice, the upper cuff does not impede the classical skiing motion either. For these reasons we recommend combi boots for all classic track skis. Not all combi boots are created equal; some may be better suited to skating and some to classic, based on the stiffness of the cuff and sole. Recreational skaters may also opt for a combi boot as a less expensive (in some cases) alternative to full skate boots. CLASSIC BOOTS The feature that defines a classic boot is typically the softer, more flexible plastic sole for unimpeded striding and gliding. Racing boots often do away with any type of cuff to save weight and allow complete and total freedom of movement, but this places all the burden of staying balanced on the shoulders of the skier. As with any product designed for racing, they are not meant for the masses. The more popular and user-friendly classic boots are built with some type of ankle support, which is usually in the skier's best interest. The Light Touring boots on the left have plenty of support for skiing through fields, on the local golf couse, or places with informal ski trails but no actual grooming (we loosely define this as, you guessed it, "Light Touring.") They are also great for trails at the local x/c resort. The two backcountry boots (the NNN-BC and the 3-pin) are designed out of stiff materials to provide stability and confidence while skiing in the backcountry through deeper ungroomed snow. This most often includes touring on hiking / biking trails or backcountry ski trails that feature steeper descents, off-camber trails and devious natural obstacles of rock and stump. We call this Rugged Touring. All things being equal, the NNN-BC boots often kick & glide better because the boot pivots on a thick pin; conversely, the actual sole of a 3-pin boot must flex during touring which adds to the fatigue factor a little bit. 3-pin boots have a more secure binding connection, however, and because of this offer more power and lateral support while making a telemark or a parallel turn. Each has their advantages, and one is typically the obvious choice given the goals of the particular skier or the chosen ski. back to FAQ