Abstract: A boot for wear by a user while skiing has a sole member for attachment to a ski binding, a first half shell, rigidly attached to the sole member and forming the sides and rear of the boot, and a second half shell, removably attachable to the first half shell and forming the front and top of the boot. Attachment belts mounted inside the first half shell affix the user's foot and leg only to the first half shell, which forms the back and sides. The second half shell provides support and stiffening for the first half shell when attached thereto, without directly contacting the user's foot or leg.