Where to Ski And Snowboard -

These boots were made for ...

22nd October 2011, by Dave Watts

Technica Dragon 100 (left), Fischer Soma Vacuum (right)

The idea is to keep those precious feet comfortable, while optimising technique and power – as well as making ski boots as easy to clump around in as possible. They’re not the best of hikes at any time, but this year’s selection should feel pretty darn good! We sum up the season’s trends (extract from WTSS 2012).

BOOTS CUSTOM FITTED AND MADE FOR HIKING

Salomon introduced its Custom Shell concept three years ago. Now it is available on a much wider range including the Impact and women’s Idol ranges. The boot is warmed up in an oven in the shop, you then step in to it, and the plastic outer shell as well as the liner are moulded to the individual shape of your foot. When it cools down, you have a perfect fit. All in 20 minutes.

Fischer have a new Vacuum Fit boot that uses a new type of plastic 15% lighter than normal which when heated in a special oven becomes very soft and malleable. It can then be moulded, using special equipment and compressed air, to the exact shape of your foot. Fischer says that this heating and moulding can be repeated up to five times if you are not happy when you go skiing.

Tecnica introduced a new Airshell boot last season and this season have extended the concept to nine of their models – you inflate or deflate a bladder contained in the boot to customise the fit. Because the bladder traps air next to the foot there is greater insulation and warmth too.

Last season, Salomon introduced a Quest range of lighter high-performance boots that has been extended for 2011/12 and makes hiking up to find powder and ski touring easier. As well as a more grippy sole than on a normal boot there’s a walk mode clip that slackens the cuff of the boot.

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• equipment
• boots
• ski boots
• 2012

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