A cross country ski binding includes a support element which has a rear part clampingly engageable with a forward extension of a ski boot sole and a front part which is fixedly attachable to a ski. In order to accommodate angular movement between the front and rear parts, a latching mechanism is included which permits such angular movement about cross axes extending crosswise of the longitudinal extent of the ski when the binding is in an in-use position. The forward extension of the boot sole is formed as a short articulation part for hingedly connecting the boot to the latching mechanism. In preferred embodiments the forward boot sole extension formed as the articulation part extends less than 15 mm forwardly from the toe accommodating part of the boot, such that the boots can be comfortably walked in when not skiing.
