Winter sports shoes for Black Friday

Moon Boot: the après-ski born from lunar conquest

The Moon Boot was born from an image. On July 20, 1969, Giancarlo Zanatta, a shoemaker from Montebelluna, watched the first steps of man on the Moon and noticed the boots of the Apollo 11 astronauts. His company, Tecnica, launched in 1970 an après-ski with a padded shaft and thick sole, without a left or right foot, which became a phenomenon. The Moon Boot Icon perpetuates this high form, the Icon Low offers a lower version that's easier to wear in the city, and the Glance variations adopt shiny nylon. It is sold in half sizes, with each size covering two neighbouring sizes.

Other winter sports offers

The Black Friday winter sports sales also include:

• Ski.
• Snowboard.
• Textiles.
• Helmets.
• Goggles.
• Snowshoes.

All offers are gathered on the winter sports page.

Insulated or waterproof après-ski: choose according to use

An après-ski is chosen based on the intended use. For long walks in fresh or melting snow, a waterproof model is preferred, like the Whistler Loumon WP, which prevents water from entering. To wait at the foot of the slopes or stroll in the village in extreme cold, an insulated boot, like the Élémenterre Igloolik or Honeymoon models, keeps the warmth. The Kimberfeel Drakos and Delmos, the Helly Hansen Isola or the Rossignol Podium combine both, with a grippy sole that holds on packed snow and ice. The Vertigo Alpes Tapiro features a quick fastening, handy when wearing gloves.

Children's après-ski: warm, light, easy to put on

For a child, the après-ski must be light and easy to put on without assistance, thanks to a Velcro strap, zip, or quick lacing. The Finnish brand Reima, founded in 1944, designs its Laplander and Myrsky for Nordic winters, with a waterproof foot and warm lining. The Lhotse Rax, sturdy, withstands slides and snowmen. A size should leave about a centimetre in front of the toes to wear a thick sock and allow a bit of growth, without the foot floating and risking the child falling.

Ski boots: flex, level, and touring

Ski boots are primarily chosen based on their flex, their stiffness, which should match the skier's level and weight. The Head Raptor, in its WCR and Racing Dept versions, is a competition boot with very high flex and a narrow fit, reserved for expert skiers who apply powerful pressure. The Head Nexo LYT for women, lighter, offers a flex of one hundred and ten for sporty female skiers. The La Sportiva Kilo, a touring ski boot, unlocks its cuff for the ascent and then locks for the descent. The Black Friday gives you time to get your boots fitted before the resorts open.

Frequently asked questions

Do the Moon Boots run large?

Their half sizes cover two neighbouring sizes. If you are at the higher end of a size, or if you wear thick ski socks, go up to the next size to keep your toes free.

What is mondopoint sizing?

Mondopoint corresponds to the length of the foot in centimetres, measured heel against a wall. It serves as a reference for ski boots: a foot of twenty-six centimetres fits a twenty-six mondopoint size.

Can you drive with après-ski?

It's best to avoid it: the thick, wide sole may catch on two pedals at once and reduce braking feel. Keep a pair of flat shoes in the car for the drive to the resort.

How do you dry après-ski?

Remove the removable liner and let it air dry, filled with newspaper to absorb moisture. Avoid radiators and fireplaces, which harden rubber and can de-laminate seams.

Should ski liners be thermoformed?

Thermoforming heats the liner and then molds it to the skier's foot, eliminating pressure points. It’s done at a specialty shop and makes a demanding boot, like a competition boot, much more comfortable.