Nordic skiing is one of the most popular snow sports because it does not require a special ski area. You do not have to purchase lift tickets, wait in line or hope the resort is open early or late in the season. Nordic skiing includes cross-country skiing, back-country touring, telemarking and Alpine touring. Boots for Nordic skiing are different than downhill ski boots. The heel of a Nordic ski boot cannot be fixed to the ski. Other variations are available depending on the type of Nordic skiing.
Cross-Country Boots
Cross-country Nordic ski boots come in two types, leather and composite. Nordic ski boots made from leather are more comfortable and flexible than composite boots, which are made of hard plastic and provide more control. Leather boots are also warmer for touring. The advantage to composite cross-country boots is they offer more support for your feet and more control when skiing tricky terrain. They also offer more moisture protection than leather boots, which is a plus when the weather starts to warm and parts of the snow pack start to melt. Nordic ski boots made from a combination of leather and composite are available.
Back-Country Boots
Back-country Nordic ski boots are more rugged and have more support for the ankles than average cross-country boots. Back-country Nordic skiing takes place on more rugged terrain than cross-country skiing, so the boots need to support the ankles while descending and turning. Back-country skiing does not have any predefined trails and requires a more rugged and versatile boot, according to Sierra Trading Post's Nordic Skiing Guide.
Telemark Boots
Cross-country and back-country skiing use the same kick and glide motion. Telemarking uses a free heel and bent knees as the style for skiing. It also uses a drop-knee motion for turns. Telemarking may be done in both downhill and cross-country skiing. Nordic ski boots for telemarking are a cross between Alpine ski boots and cross-country ski boots. They have a free heel similar to cross-country ski boots, but are stiffer, heavier and taller, resembling Alpine ski boots. The twisting telemark turn puts more pressure on the ankles, and therefore the boots need to be firmer. They also flex for a full forward motion and are more flexible than Alpine ski boots.
Alpine Touring Boots
Alpine touring involves all types of terrain including uphill climbs, steep downhill descents and flat cross-country stretches. Alpine ski boots are for downhill skiing and are different than Alpine touring boots made for all terrains. Alpine touring skis, also called AT skis, are different than downhill or other types of skis, allowing you to manage the steep terrain without learning the telemark turn. This affects how the boots look and how they adjust to your feet. Because of the variety of terrain, you need boots with more control to handle the ups and downs along the way. Ski boots for Alpine touring are wider and stiffer than other Nordic ski boots. They offer superior control while skiing difficult terrain loaded down with a backpack. They resemble Alpine ski boots in stiffness, but come with a lug sole made for walking in snow. Some of the boots have power straps that increase stiffness during downhill descents.
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