Back Country Boots vs Skate Ski Boots for Flat BC Skiing

[DoggParadox]

Thinking about a BC setup. It would just be for flat terrain, no hills (mainly across frozen lakes). Would be using classic technique.

I've skied my skinny (race-y) skis on ungroomed trails before. In general they were fast but unstable (wobbly ankles kind of thing). This was using race-y classic boots (super light, no ankle support).

Happy to get another set of wider skis which would probably help a bit (likely Finnmarks). Also looking at boots for the wider skis.

My understanding is that BC boots have two benefits, 1) the binding interface is wider which leads to a more solid connection between the boot and the binding and 2) they're taller and stiffer than classic ski boots which gives more ankle support.

(maybe there are more benefits I'm missing. Feel free to note any I missed)

I'm wondering if anyone has tried/considered using skate ski boots on BC skis with SNS or NNN (non-BC) bindings? How did it work? How do they compare to a BC boot?

Skate ski boots would obviously provide additional ankle support compared to race-y classic boots. Maybe they would match the side to side stiffness of BC boots but have too much forward/backward stiffness though?

Considering this for a few reasons
1) I already have nice skate boots so it would save money
2) I have a hard time finding boots that fit correctly. I love salomon but don't think they make NNN-BC boots from what I can tell
3) I'd like to avoid boots with animal products (e.g. Leather) and it doesn't seem like there alot of good NNN-BC boots that aren't mostly leather

[bark-eater]

http://crust.outlookalaska.com/index.htm

Make a fresh pot of coffee and scroll down.

[corlay]

Fisher’s base model traditional BC boot, BCX Tour, is immitation “leather”… might be an option. Regarded as “base model” as it is less stiff in the sole and less stiff/supportive in the uppers than other more expensive models in the series. So probably the best for pure kick and glide on flat terrain…

I ski the BCX Grand Tour and really like it. Fischer sizing seems to fit a lot of people pretty well.

[Smitty]

Something to consider - as skate boots are designed to have a rigid sole, doing extensive classic skiing on them could cause premature wear (continuous sole flexing when the design is rigidity, cracking of sole components at flexion point).

You have a few reasons for not wanting to go to a BC boot - perhaps a combi boot from Salomon might be the best option. Maintain the fit that you are used to, gain a stiffer upper, but still a sole that is designed for classic technique flex.

[John_XCD]

Don't try to kick and glide (or even hike) in skate boots. It's bad for the boot, your feet, and your technique.

You can buy "pursuit" boots (previously combi boots) that have flex in the forefoot but a stiff upper cuff. You can even get really high end boots in this class that racers use in the skiathalon (classic and skate technique in the same race). Not going to have the same warmth or waterproofing as good BC boots.

The limitation here is the binding has to be NNN (regular) not NNN-BC which is much flimsier and narrower. I think pursuit boots + NNN binding would be awesome on a ski like asnes MR48 or MT52 (no one that I know have has posted on this). Especially for skating on corn. I think this could be OK on Gamme/Finnmark but you do start risking ripping a binding out of the ski.

[biocandy]

Until 2 years ago I did all my back country skiing on Åsnes taiga skiis with a nnn skate setup, and still do when condtions allow. Most of it on crust or following snowmobile tracks though. As mentioned earlier the bad link in this combo is the nnn binding, which I have broken at least 2.
Seem to recall Åsnes suggests a nnn setup for their touring skiis.

[CwmRaider]

Until 2 years ago I did all my back country skiing on Åsnes taiga skiis with a nnn skate setup, and still do when condtions allow. Most of it on crust or following snowmobile tracks though. As mentioned earlier the bad link in this combo is the nnn binding, which I have broken at least 2.
Seem to recall Åsnes suggests a nnn setup for their touring skiis.

That would be NNN-BC, presumably.

[riel]

The limitation here is the binding has to be NNN (regular) not NNN-BC which is much flimsier and narrower. I think pursuit boots + NNN binding would be awesome on a ski like asnes MR48 or MT52 (no one that I know have has posted on this). Especially for skating on corn. I think this could be OK on Gamme/Finnmark but you do start risking ripping a binding out of the ski.

Wait, why would NNN bindings rip out of the ski easier than NNN-BC?

Don't they have the exact same screw pattern?

What am I missing?

[John_XCD]

The limitation here is the binding has to be NNN (regular) not NNN-BC which is much flimsier and narrower. I think pursuit boots + NNN binding would be awesome on a ski like asnes MR48 or MT52 (no one that I know have has posted on this). Especially for skating on corn. I think this could be OK on Gamme/Finnmark but you do start risking ripping a binding out of the ski.

Wait, why would NNN bindings rip out of the ski easier than NNN-BC?

Don't they have the exact same screw pattern?

What am I missing?

I guess I don't know if there is a real difference in risk of an nnn or nnnc binding coming out. I have had issues with nnn bindings coming out (when used on race skis in totally inappropriate BC conditions). Might also have to do with race ski construction.

The other disadvantage of NNN in the BC context is that the "rails" are also present in the heel plate. The heel of the boot tends to get packed with snow and not sit well on the rails when in untracked conditions.