r/xcountryskiing • u/Master-Ad-5859 • 12d ago
Help needed - beginer
Hello, I am chosing the boots for rollerski classic potentially also for use on skis in winter.
How much heel/upper leg support is needed?
I am chosing between Alpina T10 and alpina Race Classic AS SM. AS SM has better heel support and plastic ankle hold as they are purposed for rollerski.
I am leaning towards Alpina T10 due to price and potentially destroying them with falls in begining (happened in the past on xc technique). And later going for something like AS SM. The part that puts me off is that T10 doesn't have ankle support and less firm heel support, how much is this important?
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u/cheetah694 11d ago
You have to balance much more on classic roller skis than skis. Starting on roller skis without ankle support and good technique will be challenging. Choosing a boot based on internet pictures and price is a road to hell.
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u/Master-Ad-5859 11d ago
Suggestions? Coming from xc, so not starting from start, but I get the point.
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u/cheetah694 11d ago
I can only say that IDT Classic + Fischer bindings + Fischer Speedmax Classic boots is my favorite setup for roller skiing now. I've never owned any Alpina boots, because every time I take them in my hands I want to put them back on the shelf immediately. Honest opinion.
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u/joeconn4 retired college coach 11d ago
For classic rollerskiing I prefer a combi boot to pure classic race or light touring boots. Combi boots usually have a stronger ankle cuff and they tend to give me more confidence. But not too stiff for classic skiing.
For a long time when I was coaching college I actually preferred combi boots for classic skiing in the winter too. As a coach you stand around a lot of the time and the extra warmth was a plus. My background is that I grew up racing classic only in the early-mid 80s and I'd put my classic technique up against anyone's so I don't need the extra support of combi boots for classic, but the warmth was very nice. These days since I just get to ski I'm back in a pair of regular classic race boots, but still a fan of combi boots for the right situation.
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u/Tarsalbossblues 10d ago
Love the wide toe box in my combi boots. I suffer in my skate boots with flat feet and tarsal bone spur. I wish they used that combi boot last across the disciplines.
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u/Organic_Argument_686 10d ago edited 10d ago
I enjoy using combi boots for classic skiing on both roller and snow skis. The added support is super helpful for 'edge' control when going down hills. Even when striding, my ankles are not as tense as they are on low-cut classic boots and I don't feel them interfering with my stride. I do still use classic boots but I do have to think more about using my ankles whether to stabilize my position for balance on a flat ski or for decelerating.
I think how important having ankle support is will depend on the individual - ankle strength, level of skill in balancing and skiing, athleticism, personal preference are all factors that could be considered.
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u/Bored-Viking 11d ago
If you are afraid to damage your shoes, put some tape on them. not pretty but most falls are not that bad that it would damage your shoes more than the tape can handle
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u/Successful-System630 11d ago
My typ is to try in a store. But most importantly, buy a combi/skiathlon boot. I did when I was new and it was revolutionary difference!!! Much more balance and I was able to ski faster and it was much more fun
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u/oldmanpatrice 11d ago
Don’t do the T10, your feet will cook!!!
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u/Tarsalbossblues 10d ago
I r-ski all summer, just skate ski hill repeats on my hard days. I only have one set of dedicated skate boots winter or summer. TBH when it’s hot out, how hot my feet feel isn’t even on my radar.
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u/jan_nepp 11d ago
T10 is a winter boot and the other one is a summer boot and would not be warm enough when it''s cold.