How to Adjust Tecnica Icon X Ski Boots

skiing powder image by joseph pankey from Fotolia.com

The Tecnica Icon X ski boots were made between 2002 and 2004. The boots are an all-mountain shoe designed to have a bit more flex than other models, to give the ability to walk to out-of-bounds areas and "boot track" to free ride locations. Icon X boots use a four-buckle attachment with a Velcro strap around the calf. The boot is made from Tecnica's proprietary Icon Carbon. There is a forward lean adjustment, rubber tongue and a raised sole.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Insert/Liner

Things You’ll Need:

Tecnica Icon X ski boots
Tecnica adjusting tool or set of small (2mm, 4mm or 5mm) Allen keys

Step 1

Remove the foam liner of the boot. Place your foot into the boot and push the toe as far forward as possible, even to the point of touching the end of the toe box. Use your hand and fingers to slide between the heal and boot. See how many fingers fit in between. If more than three, bring the boot to a professional fitter. If two fingers, remove foot and slip the foam liner back into the boot. Repeat with the other boot and foot. Put your foot into the liner and boot and push the toe as far forward as possible in the liner.

Step 2

Attach the buckles on the boots starting with the bottom buckle and moving up to the top of the foot and calf. Fasten the buckles so they are firm, but not tight. Starting with the second buckle from the top of the boot, begin to ratchet down the buckle with the ratchet (on the buckle). Tighten until firm and solid. Do the same with the next buckle going down the boot. Leave the bottom buckle attached but not firm. Go to the top buckle and tighten until firm but not uncomfortable. Repeat with the other boot.

Step 3

Remove your feet from the boots. Using the adjustment tool provided by Tecnica (or the appropriate Allen key--try all three to get the proper fit), find the small forward lean adjustment (located on the outside of the boot next the heal). Insert the adjustment tool or Allen key into the forward lean adjuster (also called the canting adjustment). Turn one half turn to the right and watch the boot calf slowly move forward. Repeat until the desired forward lean setting is achieved. A more forward lean provides a more aggressive stance for skiing, suitable for advanced to expert skiers. Repeat with the other boot.

Step 4

Put both boots on and stand on a flat and level surface. Go into your ski stance and feel for constriction around the buckle areas, particularly around the calf and ankle. If the boot is too tight, loosen the buckles with the ratchet one down for the top three buckles and leave the bottom where it is. If the forward lean is too far forward, use the adjustment tool or Allen key and turn the forward lean adjustment one half turn to the left until the desired position is reached.

Tips & Warnings

Test the boot adjustments on a mild slope before going onto advanced or expert terrain.

Do not over-tighten the straps. This can lead to constriction, blood flow loss and frostbite.

Article Written By Eric Cedric

A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.

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