Differences between men's and women's boots:

There are many differences between men and women that affect what they need in a good ski boot. Women have a lower center of gravity, a wider pelvis, less ankle and knee flexion, and calves that taper more. This causes sitting back, hip swing, bending at the waist, and calf pinching. As a result, women's boots are shaped differently: the shell is made of a softer plastic, and the liner is more pliable. Women also have, for the most part, more narrow feet in the heel, ankle, and Achilles tendon than men do; this calls for more padding in the instep and heel.

The new women's boots are more flexible in the ankle region, making it easier to turn. They also have a more extreme forward lean (see the adjustments page for more on forward lean) due to their lower center of balance.

Now, several companies have come out with around 20 new models of boots specifically designed for women. "Instead of just changing the colors for women' models, now there are specific performance features designed just for women. The boot and ski markets used to be more product driven. But now they're driven by what the needs are-- by what people want," says Tom Slade, president of the Heierling boot company.

Some of the companies that are carrying women's boots include Alpina, Dachstein, Dolomite, Dynafit, Heierling, Koflach, Lange, Munari, Nordica, Raichle, Rossignol, Salomon, Sanmarco, Tecnica, and Tyrolia.

Links to articles on women's boots:

• "Women Ski Better On Their Own Equipment"
• "Women's Needs"
• "The Thoren Theory- Women and Skiing"
• "This season's cast of women's boots ski exceptionally well, and one of them might be right for you."
• "SkiNet's Recommended 1997 Boots for Women"

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