Ski boots facts for kids

Alpine ski boots

Ski boots are boots people wear when skiing. They cover the ankle and are rigid. Ski boots are connected to skis by ski bindings. They are made from synthetic materials. Ski boots keep the feet of skiers warm.

Before the 1900s, people used normal boots for skiing. The first boots for skiing were made by military people fighting in the Russo-Finnish War.

The front of Nordic ski boots connect to the ski at the toes.

Images for kids

Salomon's SX 92 Equipe was the penultimate development of their SX series of rear-entry ski boots. The boot on the left is in the "open" position.
Rosemount's side-entry design, circa 1968. The metal framework that provides forward flex is not visible in these images. The "crushed" section at the top of the boot is an elastic material that prevents snow from entering the cuff.
A typical modern cross-country boot, using the original SNS style binding. Compared to downhill, cross-country boots are much simpler and more closely related to their leather ancestors.
Modern alpine touring boots from different brands. Often the inner boot can be worn separately, as shown with the red exemplar. Also common is a lever as seen on the back of both boots to switch from a rigid "ski" position to a flexible "walk" adjustment.
Typical snowboard gear consists of an L-shaped plastic frame for the bindings, and semi-stiff boots on the feet. Ratcheting buckles hold the boots in the frame. These are generally far more comfortable than typical alpine boots.