Cross Country skiing Boots

[jeepmedic46]

Hoping to be doing some winter camping in upper Maine and am looking to try and do some cross country skiing. What would be a good boot to get?

[fisher205]

It's like any boot. Find one that fits your foot. But also you need to figure out if you 're going to be skiing in tracks, offtrack or hard core mountaineering. (Nothings simple anymore is it?).

If your just getting started a good touring boot should be fine. I use Salomon boots and binding system. But NNN bindings and a score of other boots are all good. There are a lot of quality boots for the money now.

Brad

[mtnbike28]

Do you own skis? If so, you have to match the bindings.

If you have not XC skied a lot in the past, I suggest renting a set up for the weekend.

I have a set of skinny classic skis that work great on tracked/groomed trails but that is not where I enjoy going (I didn't understand the difference when I bought them) Plus without the metal edges, I have a hard time doing turns when going downhill.

So I XC ski on those trails and snowshoe everywhere else.
hth

[jeepmedic46]

I don't have skis yet, Been skiiing once, I would like to ski where there are no trails, Going to be pulling a sled as well.

[PirateMcGee]

This is what I've learned AFTER buying my boots.....

buy ones with a wide enough sole otherwise your feet will hurt (mine fit but the hard sole is too slim so it puts too much pressure on my feet)
buy ones that have stiff sides or it makes turning and stopping difficult
buy ones with higher tops and lacing that goes up high enough to provide support
wear the socks you will be using for skiing when you try on boots

[1911]

... I would like to ski where there are no trails, Going to be pulling a sled as well.

This is what I've learned AFTER buying my boots.....

buy ones that have stiff sides or it makes turning and stopping difficult
buy ones with higher tops and lacing that goes up high enough to provide support

X10, for back-country skiing you will want a big, high, supportive boot, very much like a good backpacking boot. Tons of less-knowledgeable sales people will try to put you in a little low groomed-trail boot and narrow skis.

[jeepmedic46]

Was thinking of these. http://shop.mukluks.com/product/12/A...ukluks/AR.aspx

[fisher205]

I don't see how those will bind to the boot. Also you can get too much boot. Even in deep snow your feet will stay pretty warm skiing. Look for the Salomon or NNN Back country boot and bindings. But I would second the suggestion of renting for awhile. Try different combinations first and see what works. There's no reason to throw a bunch of money at something and find you don't like it.

[jeepmedic46]

I have to find out how they bind to the skiis. I know they must I've read about people using mukluks while dog sledding and skiing.

[PirateMcGee]

mukluks offer no support and will become soaked in wet snow. They are meant for very cold conditions in which the snow does not melt.

I would not use those.