Editing Ski boot (section)

===Cross-country and telemark===
{{update|section|newer systems like x-plore, salomon prolink, and NIS have come on the market.|date=March 2024}}
Cross-country boots, like all Nordic equipment, attach to the ski usually only at the toe of the boot and are allowed to flex at the ball of the foot similarly to a normal shoe or boot. Cross-country boots generally use one of four attachment systems; NNN (New Nordic Norm), 75mm Nordic Norm ("three-pin" binding, "75NN"), d-ring, or SNS (Salomon Nordic System). A four-pin binding system similar to 75NN used to be popular in the USSR. A new Salomon Pilot binding is now widely used for racing because it uses two connection points so that the skier has more stability and control over the ski. As these boots are intended for travel over generally flat terrain, they are optimized for light weight and efficiency of motion.<ref>Barbara Brewster, [https://books.google.com/books?id=gPORdmXapkEC&pg=PA72 "Gear Up Properly for Cross-Country"], ''Snow Country'', January 1989, pp. 72-75</ref>

{{update|section|needs mention of "TTN" and "TTS" telemark bindings as well as NTN, but also 75mm equipment remains in production as of 2024|date=March 2024}}
Telemark refers to a specific technique for making downhill turns on Nordic equipment. This has resulted in highly specialized equipment designed for better performance in a downhill setting. Until 1992 Telemark boots were basically heavy leather boots with the front of the sole adapted to the 75mm Nordic Norm. The introduction of the New Telemark Norm (NTN) binding in 2007 change the technique dramatically.<ref>[http://www.telemarktips.com/TeleNews87.html "NTN On-snow Test Report"], ''Telemark News'', 26 January 2007</ref> Since then plastic boots have become more and more common and now make up almost all Telemark boots. Plastic allows for a laterally stiffer boot while still allowing freedom of flex at the ball of the foot through the use of bellows. Boots intended for more cross country travel generally have a lower cuff, softer flex and lighter weight. Boots specialized for downhill use have higher cuffs, stiffer flex and heavier weight. Telemark boots are almost always equipped with a rubber sole.