How old are your ski boots? You might be surprised!

It’s easy to forget how old your boots are, and our customers are often surprised when we tell them. So as a rule of thumb if your boots are older than eight years it might be time to think about a new pair as the technology in ski boots has moved ahead greatly over the last decade. The plastic shells are thinner making boots lighter and easier for us to customize to your foot shape. Liners are warmer, more comfortable and give better foot hold.

A lot of boots now also come with a “walking” sole that make it, safer and easier to walk around the resort thanks to grippier materials and a rounded profile that helps the sole roll as you walk. If your boots are even older then it is important to consider that plastic shells become fragile and weak with age, and that the foam and soft materials of the liners pack down and wear out.

Here we look back at some of the more popular makes and models that we still see in Profeet:

Salomon

In 1992 Salomon launched the Integral, this was Salomon’s first performance buckle boot and it offered a firmer foothold and was more responsive than previous rear-entry models – we still see the odd pair and if you own a pair an upgrade is strongly advised.

One of the older boots we see the most of is the Salomon X Wave. Introduced in 1998 there have been three generation and it was the bestselling performance boot of its time. However, it is now a little old in terms of plastics and materials.

In 2008 Salomon launched the Impact which was one of the first boots to feature a ‘Custom Shell” allowing easy head molding of specific areas of the shell simply by heating in an oven prior to wearing the boot while it cooled. It can be a little heavy and the foot position doesn’t work as well with modern skis. In 2012 Salomon improved their custom shell technology to cover the entire shell with the X Max and a year later, the X Pro. These boots also had an improved foot and leg position and flex that made them both less tiring to ski in and also better suited to modern skis and skiing technique.

Atomic

The now legendary Atomic Hawx was introduced in 2007 and although it featured the unique I-Flex sole, it was the great (medium) fit that made it an instant success replacing the Salomon X Wave as the top selling performance boot and established Atomic as a serious force in ski boots.

The next big step for Atomic was in 2015 when the Hawx was updated to include fit improving features such as adjustable forward lean and a Memory Fit (heat molding) shell.

Over the last couple of years, the Hawx series has been further expanded and updated to include three models; the Ultra, Prime and Magna to maximize fit and performance options for all types of foot shape and skier. The Hawx series is now lighter than ever but still offers superb skiing performance. So if you have one of the older models it is well worth thinking about an upgrade to a newer version

Nordica

Building on the success of the Grand Prix from 1998, the Speed Machine was first introduced in 2004, and sold over one million pairs and we still see quite a few. If you own either boot then it definitely time to try something new and benefit from the newer lighter plastics and better innerboots.

Nordica then fell out of favor for a few years but are now back with vengeance thanks to the all-new Speed Machine introduced in 2016 for advanced skiers. It is lighter offers an improved fit and is easier to custom fit due to infrared heating technology which makes customization to relieve pressure points simple and fast.

Nordica have built on the success of the Speed Machine, introducing first the Sport Machine for wider feet and then the Pro Machine for performance skiers with a low volume but anatomical last.

Tecnica

Tecnica have consistently developed some of the best performance boots since the original TNT in the 1980s. We still see the occasional boot from the final generation launched in 1995.

The TNT evolved the Diablo released 2007 and continued the great balance of comfort, performance and quality that had made Tecnica a success.

The current Mach 1 builds on the Tecnica fit with the C.A.S shell and liner which are more anatomical and easier to customize than ever.

Back in 2010 Tecnica launched the now legendary Cochise which was one of the first alpine ski boots (non-touring specific) to feature Dynafit pin binding inserts and was an important milestone in the development of Hike and Ride boots but with limited cuff movement and a heavy weight it is far from the Hike and Ride models of today. However, the latest version is once again at the cutting edge and is one of the most versatile boots that can also be used for some uphill touring.

Lange

American, Bob Lange introduced the first plastic ski boot with metal buckles in 1965 and transformed the world of ski boots.

Lange ski boots have a pure look and design and the models of today still bear a resemblance to the famous Lange XLR from 1983 as use by Phil and Steve Mahre to many a world cup success. More recently in 2008 Lange introduced the Exclusive, and in 2011 the RX.

Lange maintains a strong association with ski racing that continues to this day with the RS.

The newer versions of Lange boots feature a ‘Dual Core’ which means there are areas of softer and firmer plastic that give support and structure where needed and mobility and flexibility in areas such as the overlap.

Head

Head started making ski boots following their purchase of San Marco in Italy. Although an Austrian brand their ski boots are still developed in Italy today. Head is another brand with a strong links to ski racing and their race technology is filtered down into their recreational models. However, they have been very successful at developing medium and wider fitting boots for recreational skiers.

The Head Edge was first introduced in 2005 and fast became one of our best sellers as it was one of the only boots with a wider fit at this time. Other successful boots such as the Vector with a medium last enabled Head to become a successful ski boot manufacturer.

Head is at the forefront of technical materials and Graphene is a material that Head are using in their newest models, such as the Nexo. Graphene is the thinnest and lightest material around, it is also stronger than steel. Boots are lighter than ever but still give strong skiing performance. There is now a wider choice than ever of wide fitting boots so if you in an older head Edge it’s definitely worth booking in for a new fitting and ski boots.

Dalbello

Dalbello is not a name that is commonly known by UK skiers, but they have been making ski boots since 1974.

In recent years Dalbello have become well known for their ‘Cabrio’ (three-piece) boots with a separate tongue. A design made famous by the Raichle Flexon Comp. The latest “Cabrio” boots the Lupo and Panterra are now significantly improved in terms of lighter weight and improved fit and foot hold.

In addition, one of the exciting new models of the season is the DS range with a generous 100mm medium width and bi-injected overlapping shell.

So, your old boots may have four buckles and an overlapping shell, but they are very different from the latest versions, the technology, fit and comfort has come on in leaps and bounds.

For appointment details and availability give us a call on 
020 7736 0046 or email info@profeet.co.uk.

Written by Chloe Holt – Ski Boot Technician