Overlap
Almost all ski boots today are the traditional overlap design. They are called overlap because the plastic overlaps at the center as it closes around the foot. By adjusting the buckles the shell of the boot can be made tighter or looser.

3-Piece
A boot shell comprised of a lower boot, hinging cuff and external tongue is called a 3-piece design. Instead of pulling the sides together over the foot as in an overlap design, a 3-piece shell has a stiff lower boot and the buckles pull down on the external tongue element to hold the foot firmly. This is sometimes called an “open throat” or “cabriolet” design referring to the opening for the foot when the tongue is lifted out of the way.

Rear Entry
Rear entry boots are fairly uncommon now but they were popular in the past because of their ease of use and comfort. The shell is made in such a way that the cuff opens to the rear for the foot to slide in. Typically one or two buckles are used to close the cuff and some kind of screw adjustment secures the foot. Most rear entry boots have limited adjustment and offer less performance for advanced skiers.

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