Abstract: A lateral retention apparatus for a boot attached at its front end to a cross-country ski. The apparatus is positioned on the upper surface of a cross-country ski and includes a retention and guidance rib adapted to engage a groove in the sole of the boot. The groove progressively caps the sole when the boot is flattened on the ski. The rib and the groove have substantially the same cross-sectional configuration, and this cross-sectional configuration is asymmetrical. The ribe on one ski supporting a skier has an interior inclined lateral surface facing the other ski supporting the skier, and an exterior inclined lateral surface facing the exterior of the ski to which it is attached. The interior inclined lateral surface of the rib can have an average gradient with respect to a horizontal surface of the ski that is either greater than or less than the average gradient of the exterior inclined lateral surface of the rib with respect to this horizontal surface.

Abstract: A manipulation element for closing and latching the rear spoiler of a ski boot onto the lower leg of a skier. The boot includes a cable which attaches the boot to a manipulation element. The manipulation element actuates the cable to close and latch the rear spoiler onto the lower portion of the leg. The manipulation element includes an element for actuating the cable to close and latch the boot. This actuating element is journalled on the rear spoiler, and includes a protective enclosure journalled on the actuating element for at least partially enclosing the cable along at least a portion of the length of the cable to protect the cable from damage.