Ski boot covers
Cross-country skiing is a sport where equipment, its quality and correct selection play a very important role. Often, both amateurs and professionals use a wide variety of devices to make them feel more comfortable on the track. These include ski boot covers.
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Ski boot covers come in several varieties depending on the application. It is worth saying that these models can be divided into warmed and standard ones.
Insulated covers are used in situations where the thermal insulation properties of boots are not enough to feel comfortable on the track at rather low temperatures. In the manufacture of such products, the main emphasis is on materials for which there are special requirements.
Insulating covers should not only protect the boots during carrying and keep warm, but also ensure ease of use while riding by maximizing the free movement of the foot in the shoe.
To a greater extent, this applies to models for alpine skis, which are equipped with a reliable fastening system. So that the boots do not unnecessarily stretch the covers, manufacturers use modern materials, the properties of which allow them to be very resistant to physical damage in the form of tears. Some professionals often carry out their races in insulated covers, because convenience and comfort can affect the final result of performances at competitions.
Standard models are more designed for storing and transporting boots. The most important function is mechanical protection, achieved through the strength of the fabric or shell of the material of manufacture. It also happens that when the baggage is delivered to the plane, the equipment touches each other, wipes off or is exposed to other unpleasant influences. It is in these situations that the covers allow you to ensure safety during transportation.
Do not forget that storage of inventory is an equally important part of operation. To make the boots last longer than usual, they use covers made of certain materials, each of which has its own properties.
Materials (edit)
Polymers are a very common material for covers not only for ski boots, but also for equipment in general. These chemical compounds have a very important advantage - good resistance to moisture. Snow is more likely to remain on your boots after a long ride. It is to prevent these situations that these products are used.
Their significant disadvantages include a low level of strength and a gradual deterioration in appearance. Generally, polymer covers are inexpensive, although higher quality models can be found with more wear-resistant properties.
The next type of material is fabric, among which neoprene models are especially popular.... Good tensile strength is considered a clear plus. Also, the fabric has a dense structure, and therefore reliably protects the boots from dust. The most important vulnerability of these products is exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which significantly affects performance degradation. The fabric will fade in the sun and lose its appearance.
The third material for the manufacture of thermal covers is leather.... Although products made from it are not very common, they have many advantages. First of all, the leather, or rather its finish, makes the covers resistant to dust, moisture and other external influences. Subject to the manufacturing technology, such models can be safely used in the sun. The strength is very high due to the natural physical properties of the leather. Despite such a number of advantages, there is one significant disadvantage - the high price.
It should be added that leather covers are for boots and skis at the same time.
How to choose?
Ski boot covers must be selected according to the criteria that each customer determines for himself. First of all, pay attention to the size of the items. They should match the shoes. It is advisable to pre-try on the model you like before buying, since the type of cut can impede the free movement of the legs. This is fraught with the fact that the boots will stretch the covers, which quickly decreases the strength and reliability of the latter.
Responsibly treat the selection of the product depending on its material. Based on what was said previously, each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. We must not forget that the big difference lies in how well the thermal cover is made.
As a rule, the products of Atomic, Alpina and Fischer are among the best, as they are produced by large companies that successfully produce ski products and have some experience.
When buying models in a store, you have the opportunity to feel, carefully examine and put on covers - take advantage of this. Products must serve for a long time and reliably, so every missing detail can negatively affect the result of operation.
