From September 16-18, Sportakademin hosted product testing days at the Torsby Ski Tunnel in Sweden. Over two focused days, staff from various sports stores evaluated this year’s new offerings from all suppliers. Additionally, ProXCskiing.com’s sister site, Langd.se, was present to cover the latest in ski boot equipment and engage with the different suppliers.
Curious about the hottest products for the upcoming winter? Here’s where you can find the latest updates on ski boots.
Also Read: Part 1 and Part 2 of this year’s ski news.
Atomic: Johan Henriksson, Atomic Sweden Sales Representative
What’s new in the boots category?
“We’re introducing the brand-new C9 boots. They have a low inner boot design, are ‘carbon-loaded’ at the heel for enhanced stability, and come with a Sidas insole.”
“Our top seller for skating, the S9, features a full carbon sole and quick lacing. It also includes a Sidas insole, making it the closest option to a racing boot.”
What’s different from the old design?
“The new design offers greater stability and includes a Sidas insole.”
What do you recommend for someone planning to ski the Marcialonga or Vasaloppet?
“If you’re aiming to improve your time, I recommend the C9 Carbon as the best choice. The regular C9 is also excellent, but for those with higher ambitions, opt for these models.”
Rossignol: Henrik Åkerlund
What’s new in the boots category?
“The primary updates focus on racing boots. The classic boot now features an attachable cuff, improving stability for skiers who double-pole or sprint.”
What do you recommend for someone planning to ski the Marcialonga or Vasaloppet?
“The classic XIUM WCS boot is ideal. It offers a snug fit, prevents blisters, and at a more affordable price, it doesn’t include a carbon sole. It’s the best value boot.”
Madshus: John Wikman
What’s new in the boots category?
“First up is the Skate X boot, which introduces a new skating system.”
“On the recreational side, BOA technology leads our updates. The Race Pro boot, positioned just below the racing model, features dual BOA fasteners.”
What’s different from the old design?
“With Skate X, we’ve relocated the attachment point under the foot and increased the carbon thickness in the sole, enhancing stiffness. The Race Pro with BOA is more robust and warmer than its predecessor.”
What do you recommend for someone planning to ski the Marcialonga or Vasaloppet?
“The Race Pro with BOA is highly recommended. Many skiers will appreciate the convenience of BOA. If you’re skiing in Vasaloppet where tracks are less defined, a combi boot can be beneficial for both skating and classic skiing.”
Alpina: Måns Sunesson
What’s new in the boots category?
“The significant upgrade is in recreational boots. The new ‘Race model’ shares the chassis and shape of racing boots for both skating and classic styles but uses different materials, enhancing performance.”
“Additionally, the Skate X boot is a new introduction.”
What’s different from the old design?
“This model offers an improved heel fit, ensuring better chassis support. All boots from Race to Pro now feature slightly forward-mounted binding attachments, providing added leverage for classic skiing.”
What do you recommend for someone planning to ski the Marcialonga or Vasaloppet?
“For recreational skiers, I recommend the new ‘Race Kombi.’ It falls in a higher price range and keeps you warm, essential for longer races. For those with higher ambitions, I suggest the PRO DPP, a racing boot designed for double-poling.”
Salomon
What’s new in the boots category?
“This year, we’re launching a major innovation for the cross-country skiing sector with the BOA boot. BOA technology enhances comfort and fit. We also utilize our proprietary technologies following a three-layer design: foot/sock as one layer, inner boot/liner as the second, and outer boot/shell as the third.”
What’s different from the old design?
“The BOA system allows for precise adjustments. These boots have been rigorously tested on the World Cup circuit for a year, providing the advantage of adjusting fit during races, which can be invaluable.”
What do you recommend for someone planning to ski the Marcialonga or Vasaloppet?
“For slower skiers prone to cold feet, the S-Max Classic is ideal. Those racing at a quicker pace would benefit from the S-Race or S-Lab models.”
Read More: The Big Ski Test 2023
Are you interested in equipment for traditional cross-country and long-distance skiing? Click HERE to read more about it.
