Replying to The Golden Ski Boots project (explained)

Hi, I am making this thread to explain what Golden ski boots is all about and clear up any misunderstandings about what we are doing.

What is it?

Golden is a new design of ski boot built to solve some of the most common fit problems. Created by dedicated freeskiers, boot fitters and fellow newschoolers we have a built a prototype/concept ski boot which demonstrates the functionality of our ideas. We endeavour to take this innovation and develop it to a final product.

How do they work?

The boot itself is a completely new design. The designs you are familiar with are cabrio and overlap design. These boots have been around for many years with slight alterations made throughout the years. The way we approached our design was to target the areas that we are spending most of our days doing custom work for our clients. The most obvious component you will see on our boot is the torsion cap.

When we look at fit in the front of a ski boot TWO problems are mainly seen.
1. Compression of the instep- downward pressure constricts blood flow on this part of your foot. It is one of the main reasons you would experience numb toes. Also nerves can be flared up which can cause serious pain for the skier.
2. Inadequate support of the metatarsals- Whether it be compression or too much space the ideal fit is allowing for the metatarsals to be supported. This is the reason ski boots are made with different lasts.(widths). Compression will cause pain. Too much space, you will be slopping around and losing control.

The torsion cap overcomes these challenges by enclosing the forefoot without downward compression. The way the cap closes also provides the last to have a "range". For example where standard boots have a certain widths (98, 100, 104) when the cap is buckled it also draws in the sidewalls of the shell which gives the ability to dial in the correct width. say 98-100mm, 100-102mm and so on.

Moving back on the boot we have a heel lock strap. A critical point on a ski boot, this component should not be underestimated. Many people experience movement in the rear of their boots which plays a massive role in the control of your skis. Other cabrio design boots have a similar point of closure. With cables going over the top of a plastic tongue. Our strap is different where it sits in underneath and allows for more or less tension. This allows different volumes of feet to fit through this part of the boot and draws the heel right back into the heel pocket. This gives a great feeling of security and provides a versatility of fit for a greater range of skiers.

The cuff of the boot is very similar to overlap design boots. Yet it is wrapped further around. The reason for this is that it just needs to support the lower leg as the heel has already been locked in. With the plugs installed the flex of this particular boot could be compared to a similar boot of around the 120 flex range. With the plugs removed it drops to around 90.
The unique part of this cuff however is how it actually flexes. With it travelling over the strap it flexes forward to the point of which your knees are vertically above your toes. It can never “overflex” as it is resisted at the point it meets the cap. (again never compressing the shell like a traditional overlap.) This really gives a drive to your skis and provides an "acceleration" out of your turns.

This boot has been tested by skiers ranging from 60 to 85kgs (132 to 187lbs) and held up to any abuse thrown at them.  Skied on all rails and jumps available up to about 70ft as well as the whole mtn. Not only has it solidified the fact that our concepts work, but it has inspired us to pursue the manufacture of these boots for others to enjoy.

Who we are?

Members shr@gler

slottyboom

Bootfitting and skiing out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada & Jindabyne, NSW, Australia.

Every day through our work, we are equipping people with boots, footbeds, skis, poles, clothing and accessories all with the intention of enhancing their experience on snow. We want people to love skiing as much as we love skiing. It is incredibly rewarding to receive the feedback from our clients about the difference made to their enjoyment. This is why we are taking a grass roots approach to our project. It is an unfortunate fact that many people are fit in ski boots incorrectly. Also, that people are unaware of just how good a ski boot can be! We believe that our boots can make a huge difference. Through educating people and involving people with the development process, we know that people will have more success with the most important yet most challenging piece of ski equipment. It is an amazingly versatile boot and is incredibly comfortable. Pain is not a part of ski boots. There is an alternative.

The next step for us is to create moulds for which we can plastic inject our components. It is an intensive and quite expensive process. This process will give us the ability to further refine our design and improve its aesthetic.

If you are interested in following our progress. “like” Golden Ski Boots on Facebook. If you would like more information check out our website [IMG]goldenskiboots.com/[/IMG]www.goldenskiboots.com . Also stay tuned for updates and edits through the winter. Thank you for your time.