Best_Cross_Country_Ski_Boots

Often overlooked when compared to alpine skiing, its more glamorous brother, cross country skiing, also called nordic skiing, is a great way to stay fit during the winter and explore the mountains in a different way. The high speeds you may reach while sliding down the slopes can provide adrenaline and excitement, but gently gliding between the mountains will make you connect with nature in a way you would not have expected.

As with any outdoor activity, and specifically the ones that have to do with snow, the gear you have with you is crucial to your enjoyment of the experience. In this article, we will take a look at the best cross country ski boots you can buy. Their job will be to keep your foot nice and warm while working in unison with the ski to propel you along the snow. Flexibility, durability and fit are some of the main characteristics you should be looking for, so join us as we take a look at the best options the market has to offer.

1

OUR TOP PICK

Alpina Blazer 75mm

Alpina Blazer 75mm


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Summary

Designed for the 75 mm bindings, the Alpina Blazer cross country skiing boots deliver all the warmth and flexibility you need to make the best out of your experience. Made with a synthetic upper that provides Thinsulate insulation, coupled with fleece lining, the Alpina Blazer boots are a very comfortable and durable product that both professionals and amateurs will enjoy.

The boot flexes easily to allow freedom of movement and features a T4 touring sole. The speed lacing system lets you quickly adjust the fit without bothering, while the molded heel delivers that stable feeling that all skiers look for. The Alpina Blazer are some of the best Nordic ski boots you can find, they have stood the test of time and are still here to prove their worth.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Soft but durable boot offers great freedom of movement
  • Thinsulate insulation
  • Easy to use lace system
  • Molded heel
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Size: 36-49

Upper: Synthetic

Binding Compatibility: 75mm

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2

EDITORS CHOICE

Whitewoods New Adult 75mm

Whitewoods New Adult 75mm


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Summary

Comfort is king with the Whitewoods New Adult cross country ski boots, which feature an anatomic footbed as well as an extremely comfortable heel counter. Also usable as touring ski boots, this model from Whitewoods features an upper made out of King Tex fabric, that is durable, waterproof, windproof all the while remaining breathable.

The model fits the 75mm binding system and sports Thinsulate insulation that will keep your lower extremities nicely warm and dry. Quick-dry lining at the top works wonders in keeping the snow out and the laces provide excellent ergonomic pressure thanks to the metal guides. A protective layer around you toe prevents injuries and rounds off a superbly well-rounded product.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Anatomic footbed for maximum comfort
  • Thinsulate insulation
  • Protective layer around the toe
  • Unisex model
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Size: 36-49

Upper: King-Tex

Binding Compatibility: 75mm

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3

BEST VALUE

Alpina Alaska NNN-BC

Alpina Alaska NNN-BC


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Summary

The Alpina Alaska are some of the best cross country ski boots you can buy, even if they will come at a slightly higher price than the rest. This is justified, though, since you are buying a premium model that many professionals recommend. Made out of natural leather, waterproofed with Alpitex, the Alpina Alaska give you a medium flex that is rigid enough to tackle more demanding terrains.

The boots are as tough as a mountaineering model and feature low-bulk Thinsulate insulation that does an excellent job at keeping you warm. The anatomical footbed delivers supreme comfort and the boots are compatible with NNN BC bindings. The ankle is cradled by a soft collar and firmly supported by lace with metal guides. The Alpina Alaska are top rated Nordic ski boots that will hold their own in basically any situation.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Medium flex is strong enough for rougher terrain
  • Waterproof
  • Made of natural leather
  • Soft ankle collar
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Size: 39-47

Upper: Leather

Binding Compatibility: NNN BC

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4

Rossignol X-2 XC

Rossignol X-2 XC


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Summary

Beginners will find in the Rossignol X-2 XC cross country boots an excellent model to get into the sport and one that will not weigh too much on the wallet. Made of a PVC upper with polyester lining, the Rossignol X-2 delivers a snug and comfortable fit with a laterally reinforced plastic heel that optimizes power transmission to the sky.

For users that will not stray out of the groomed tracks, the Rossignol X-2 boots deliver all the features that are needed for an enjoyable experience. They are compatible with NNN bindings and provide Thinsulate insulation for warmth and dryness. The quick tension laces allow you to adjust the fit without having to deal with frozen knots.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Great model for beginners
  • Thinsulate insulation
  • Reinforced heel
  • Quick tension laces
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Size: 40-44

Upper: PVC

Binding Compatibility: NNN

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5

Salomon Escape 7 Prolink XC

Salomon Escape 7 Prolink XC


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Summary

The Salomon Escape 7 Prolink XC cross country ski boots might fool you with their simple look, but their features make them some of the best Nordic ski boots you can find. Sporting excellent Thinsulate insulation and an ergonomic design, the boots cozily wrap around your foot and let it perform to the maximum.

The Quicklace system makes them a breeze to fasten and unfasten, even while wearing gloves. The supportive cuff sustains the ankle and laces are kept out of the way thanks to a convenient diagonal zipper. A waterproof coating completes the package and proves why the Salomon Escape 7 Prolink boots have stood the test of time and are still one the most complete models you can find.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Easy to fasten and unfasten
  • Thinsulate insulation
  • Waterproof coating
  • Excellent ankle support
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Size: 8-16 (US)
Upper: Synthetic
Binding Compatibility: SNS, compatible with NNN

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How To Choose Cross Country Ski Boots – Buying Guide

How_To_Choose_Cross_Country_Ski_Boots

Size

The size of your cross country ski boots is a crucial factor in determining how efficiently you can push yourself through the snow. Even the best Nordic ski boots won’t be of much help if they are not the correct size since the movement of your foot inside them will make you lose much of the energy that should be transferred to the ski. Luckily, your everyday shoe size is a good starting point to choose which boots to buy, since they follow the same system. Keep in mind that you will probably be wearing thick socks to keep you warm while you’re skiing, so you might want to allow a little extra space for those. All models will feel a little stiff when you take them out of the box but that is a good sign. They will adapt to the shape of your foot with time, after the breaking-in period, so if you’re worried about finding cross country ski boots for wide feet you can rest assured the market has you covered.

Related Review: Ski Boots For Wide Feet

Insulation

Good insulation is a must-have for cross country ski boots. This kind of activity will have you spending long hours in the snow, and this is simply inconceivable if your feet are not warm. Manufacturers are well aware of this and all of the models we have presented on our list feature some kind of insulation. The best cross country ski boots usually come equipped with Thinsulate protection, the top of the line option, and are guaranteed to keep your feet well protected at all times. They might come at a slightly higher cost but when it comes to gear items such as these it is worth spending a little more, so you won’t end up paying when you’re out on the slopes.

Related Review: Ski Boots For Narrow Feet

Support

The amount of support you will need from your boots, especially for your ankles, will depend on the terrain you plan to use them on as well as the skiing technique you choose. Skating will place much more strain on your joints than the regular diagonal skiing, so the most basic cross country ski boots might not guarantee the amount of protection and stiffness you need. Carefully planning your trip before you head out will let you accurately predict what you need your gear to do, so you can know in advance which are the items that will help you the most. 

Waterproof 

As with any piece of gear that you plan to take out on the snow, a defence against water and humidity is paramount. Think of the discomfort that wet socks cause and multiply it by at least one hundred since you won’t have any dry pair available if you’re far away from everything on the side of a mountain. The best cross country ski boots all feature some kind of waterproof layer on the outside, and those are the ones you should look for. This is another case where paying a little more for a product will save you a great number of problems later on. Be careful though, as some manufacturers will not pay so much attention to waterproofing since cross country skiing is believed to be a fair-weather sport. 

Binding Compatibility

Pay close attention to the binds on your skis before buying boots, since incompatibility is not rare. Depending on the style of cross country skiing you plan to do, your choice has to go in precise directions. The most common bindings are New Nordic Norm (NNN) and Nordic Integrated System (NIS), which will both function with NNN or NIS boots. These will work on groomed trails and off-trail skiing that doesn’t arrive on to extreme terrain. Other available bindings are 75mm 3-pin and New Nordic Norm Backcountry (NNN BC). These are wider and bulkier and will not work for in-track skiing, but thanks to their strength they are best suited for ungroomed terrain. 75mm bindings, however, are an older model that is slowly falling out of production. Lastly, for groomed tracks, the Salomon Nordic System (SNS) binding is available. It is only compatible with SNS boots and sits slightly higher than NNN boots for extra leverage when you around turns.

Cushioning

Cushioning will prove essential after you spend several hours on the snow. Your ankles and heels will be the first parts to start feeling sore, so look for boots that provide soft surfaces around or under them to reduce the pain. A little discomfort is normal after you’ve spent hours on the tracks, but the best cross country ski boots will go to great lengths to keep it to a minimum and let you enjoy the experience to the full. 

FAQs

Q: Do I Need Special Boots For Cross Country Skiing?

A: 

Yes, you do. Just like for any other activity that involves skiing, you need a dedicated pair of boots that will allow you to remain attached to the skis. Unfortunately, there is not really a way around this or some trick you can use to cross country ski without boots. You need a good pair that will make you feel warm and comfortable and that is flexible enough to allow for the movements you need to make.

Q: What Size Cross Country Ski Boots Do I Need?

A: 

Luckily, for cross country boots you can rely pretty accurately on your normal shoe size. They follow the same logic, so you won’t find yourself having to do complicated calculations or conversions, except if you’re not used to European or American measurement. In any case, it is best to try on your boots before you head out to make sure if the fit is indeed correct, and in case return them. You might even try and buy a slightly smaller sized boot to ensure a tighter fit which will give you better control on the movements of your feet. However, if you consider the fact that you will be wearing heavy socks under your boots, it could be better to stick to your usual size or even go slightly bigger.

Q: What Are Cross-Country Ski Boots?

A: 

Cross country boots are a crucial part of crosscountry skiing equipment. Their role is to fasten your toe to the ski binder while leaving the heel free so you can correctly execute the movements that propel you through the snow. There are several types of cross country ski boots available. The classic type is usually lighter and thinner and with a tougher heel counter for increased power transfer. These are perfect for regular cross country skiing techniques. Skiers who use skate style can use skate cross country boots, which are tougher to sustain the higher stresses this technique entails and also feature a stiff sole for a more powerful kick. Finally, combi cross country ski boots bring together features from both models, with a soft sole like in classic boots and a reinforce ankle like in skate boots. This type of boot gives you the best of both worlds and gives you the maximum freedom when out on the trail.

Q: How Tight Should Cross-Country Ski Boots Fit?

A: 

Your cross country ski boots should wrap snugly around your foot, without being too tight. Do not be alarmed if the tip of your toe doesn’t touch the front of the boot, this will not affect the boot’s performance. The tightness of the fit will influence the efficiency of your motion, with a looser fit being more comfortable but better for recreational use. If your foot moves around inside the boot the power transfer to the ski will not be as smooth and efficient as it should. The amount of force that can be transferred to the ski greatly depends on the fit of your heel. If you feel it rising up after you push it means the boot is too loose and much of the effort you are putting in is going wasted, so pay attention to how the boots feel before you put them into action.

Globo Surf Overview

There is not a huge amount of gear required to go cross country skiing, but this means you should pay special attention to every part of it. Boots, in particular, may not seem the most crucial, but their role will show all of its importance as soon as you’ve glided for a couple of miles. In our cross country ski boots reviews we have highlighted what are the best choices for items that can be used both as men’s or as women’s cross country ski boots. This will enable you to make an informed decision and head out on the slopes with a product you know you can trust on your feet. Take your time to make an informed decision and you won’t come back to buy another pair anytime soon.

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