The three sports are cross-country skiing, ice skating and Roller Skiing. With nordic boots you can step onto a cross-country ski, an ice skate blade, or a Roller Ski, and attach it quickly to the bottom of your boot, using an interchangeable binding system.
What's special about the boots?
The boot sole and the ski binding are designed to snap together, allowing you to kick back (classic technique) or push to the side (skating technique).
Why are there five different styles of boots?
The five styles are Skate, Classic, Combi, Back Country, and Junior. Here's a description of each:
Skate. Skate boots are the highest, stiffest, and generally the most expensive. A stiff, rigid boot with good ankle support is necessary for an efficient sideways push, whether you're skate-skiing on snow, or skate-skiing on roller skis, or Nordic Skating across the ice on a frozen lake. The best skate boots are stiff and supportive, yet lightweight, warm and comfortable, all at the same time.
Classic. Classic boots are made for 'kick-and-glide' style skiing on groomed trails. They are simpler, lighter and less expensive than skate boots. That's because no ankle support is needed, and instead of having a rigid sole, classic boots have a flexible sole in the forefoot to promote a strong, efficient classic kick.
Combi. Combination boots simultaneously give you the ankle support you need for skating, and the flexible forefoot you need for an efficient classic kick. They are the ideal solution for kids who outgrow their boots every year. But for adults whose feet are not growing anymore, combi boots can be an awkward compromise. It is often a better investment to buy separate skate and classic boots, or to focus on just one technique.
Back Country. Back country boots are similar to classic boots, except they are heavier with a more rugged sole that is designed for hiking as well as skiing.
Junior. Junior boots are often slightly narrower than adult boots. They have less ankle support than adult boots because they are designed for short, lightweight skiers with a low center of gravity. Many women can wear junior boots, but they are not recommended for men.
What boot models are available? Here's a complete list.
Skating Boots
Alpina RRS roller ski boot $269
Alpina TCS, CCS & SK race boot $229 new, $169 demo
Hartjes Pilot Anatomic $229
Hartjes Pilot Pro $209
Rossignol X-ium World Cup Skate race boot $249
Rossignol X-11 Skate $219
Rossignol X-9 Skate $159
Rossignol X-6 Skate $99
Salomon S-Lab Carbon Skate race boot $249
Salomon Carbon Pro Skate race boot $229
Salomon RS Carbon & Vitane Carbon $229
Salomon Active 8 & Vitane 8 $199
Salomon Active Pilot & Vitane Pilot $139
Sportful 6.9 Pilot $99
Classic Boots
Alpina RRC roller ski boot $229
Alpina SCL race boot $169 new, $109 demo
Hartjes Race Classic $129-149
Hartjes Touring $79-99
Alpina Touring $49-79 new, $29-59 demo
Combi (Skate/Classic) Boots
Alpina SP40, Eve 40 & SP45 $159
Alpina SP30 & Eve 30 $119
Hartjes Vario Tech $189
Rossignol X-ium World Cup Pursuit $199
Rossignol X-7 $149
Rossignol Max Combi $139
Rossignol X-6 $119
Salomon Pro Combi Pilot $179
Salomon Skiathlon $159
Salomon Active 8 SC $129
Fischer CS Combi $59 used
Back Country (BC) Boots
Alpina BC2050 $139 new, $99 demo
Alpina BC1560 $119 new, $89 demo
Alpina BC1550 $99 new, $79 demo
Lundhags X-Arc & X-Pro $99
Lundhags Svartloga Leather Telemark $99
Junior Boots
Alpina ST10jr & TR15jr Classic $49
Alpina RJ Combi $99
Rossignol X-ium J Skate $109
Rossignol Comp J Combi $79-99
Rossignol X-ium J Classic $49
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