Ski boots are undoubtedly the most important piece of equipment a skier owns, so it’s invaluable to know all the various parts and functions of a boot when shopping for a new pair. This detailed guide breaks down the anatomy of a ski boot so you make sense of all the specs each manufacturer provides.
Toe and heel lugs provide the interface surface between the boot and ski binding or the boot and ground when walking. The lugs are made from hard plastic or can be rubberized for touring setups and some can be replaced if damaged by wear and tear.
A contemporary ski boot shell consists of two components: the Lower Shell and Upper Cuff. These two pieces are connected by a pivot point on either side of the ankle. Both of these are made of varying types of plastic and sometimes other materials such as carbon fiber.
The upper cuff can be separated from the lower shell. It features a wrap design that sees two layers wrap across each other over the shin and the top of the ankle.
The lower shell is a stiff plastic structure that serves as the interface between the binding and boot. The lower shell is anatomically shaped to improve fit and control, and can be customized to fit specific foot shapes.
The boot board is a removable floor that rests on the bottom of the inside lower shell and in between the boot liner. A bootboard can be customized and provides an additional layer of insulation beneath the foot.
The pivot is a connection point between the upper cuff and lower shell that sits on either side of the ankle. This connection is crucial for lateral stiffness and some boots include a canting adjustment on the pivot.
A liner is a formed removable inner boot that serves as a connection point between the users foot and lower leg and the hard plastic shell. Liners are made from various materials like foam, cork, and synthetics. They come in various shapes and thicknesses depending on the boot discipline.
The footbed is a pre-shaped insert in the liner that serves as the critical interface between the sole of the user’s foot and the ski boot. Stock footbeds are designed to accompany a wide variety of foot shapes. Custom-made footbeds are molded and shaped by a professional boot fitter and are purchased separately from the ski boot.
A toe damn sits above the toes and metatarsals between the liner and lower shell to block snow and moisture from reaching your feet.
A rear spoiler is a removable piece that sits between the shell and liner at the back of the leg. This piece moves the leg forward in relation to the foot, providing more forward lean. The rear spoiler is easily installed or removed and is often held in place with Velcro.
The buckles secure the ski boot to your foot via a system of catches and levers that wrap across the top of your foot and the front of your leg. Buckles are most often made of metal, are highly adjustable, and come in different configurations depending on the style of boot and manufacturer’s goals.
The power strap sits at the top of the boot and allows you to fine-tune the fit and pressure of the boot at the top of your leg. A power strap often has some stretch incorporated to provide rebound out of a turn.