Something is changing. Progress in footwear design moves more slowly than for skis, not least because of the cost of prototyping.
Producing new molds to create new boot models is a major investment. Gradually, though, we’re seeing new innovations, experiments and ideas emerging. Some of these become popular, while others are still very much work-in-progress. In general, boots need to have a progressive flex and support power transmission in various directions: anterior-posterior, lateral (both internally and externally), and torsional.
The real challenge is to maintain these properties in the face of a market that demands ever-lighter products. Perhaps also with an eye on attracting the general public by releasing user-friendly products. Tongues that need to be removed for the ascent are gradually disappearing, as the average tourer finds them cumbersome to use. The standard is four buckles, with the odd company still offering three-buckle boots, but they’re now in the minority. Turning to plastics, Pebax and PU still reign supreme thanks to their providing the durability and progressive flex freeride boots need. But Grilamid is also threatening to make a comeback—a less durable plastic but superior in terms of lightness. There’s still a gap between those coming to the discipline from alpine skiing and those arriving from ski touring. For now, the segment’s stand-out factors remain weight, structure and flex, but advances in material technology could soon see these trends shifting slightly.
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Materials are evolving, which is increasing the opportunities for pushing the boundaries of mountaineering splitboarding. It’s no longer just about easy tours, a few jumps and a beer. Thanks to innovative new setups and growing knowledge within the community, long ascents and steep terrain no longer intimidate.
Weighing from less than 100 grams to nearly a kilo, the common denominator are the pins into which you stick your boots and that enable you to climb. From the revolution of the pin binding to the latest hybrids for freeriding, here are all the best bindings the skimo market has to offer.
Probably The most accurate ski test out there.
