Materials, Designs and Standards Used in Ski-Boots for Alpine Skiing

Abstract

This review article reports the recent advances in the study, design and production of ski-boots for alpine skiing. An overview of the different designs and the materials used in ski-boot construction is provided giving particular emphasis to the effect of these parameters on the final performances and on the prevention of injuries. The use of specific materials for ski-boots dedicated to different disciplines (race skiing, mogul skiing, ski-mountaineering etc.) has been correlated with the chemical and physical properties of the polymeric materials employed. A review of the scientific literature and the most interesting patents is also presented, correlating the results reported with the performances and industrial production of ski-boots. Suggestions for new studies and the use of advanced materials are also provided. A final section dedicated to the standards involved in ski-boot design completes this review article.

Is ski boot sole abrasion a potential ACL injury risk factor for male and female recreational skiers?

“…Alpine touring boot soles are designed for maximum traction during walking on rough terrain, while alpine skiing boot soles are designed to minimize friction between the boot and alpine ski bindings at the contact points. 21 Therefore, the question arises whether abrasion of ski boot soles leading to a decrease in friction could result in lower release torques and inadvertent binding releases. Furthermore, it is to mention, that ski boot sole abrasion does not always go in line with increased age of binding.…”

Effect of material elastic properties and surface roughness on grip performances of ski boot soles under wet and icy conditions

“…For this reason, it is of crucial importance to identify the factors that influence the grip of the materials used for the production of soles on wet and icy surfaces (Tsai & Powers (2013)). The soles of alpine ski boots are generally made of the same hard materials (polyolefines-or polyurethane-based thermoplastic polymers) used for the main body of the boot, ranging from 50 to 65 Shore D hardness (Colonna et al (2013(Colonna et al ( , 2014; Nicotra et al (2015)), and have a limited tread which result in a limited friction with slippery surfaces (Grönqvist & Hirvonen (1995)). This type of construction aims at reducing the costs and complexity of the moulds used for the production (Colonna et al (2014)).…”

“…This type of construction aims at reducing the costs and complexity of the moulds used for the production (Colonna et al (2014)). Nevertheless, in recent years several manufacturers have started to produce boots with interchangeable soles (Colonna et al (2013)) made of softer materials with respect to the plastics used for the body, in order to improve their antislip properties. On the other hand, the soles for ski-touring and freeride skiing boots are made of thermoplastic elastomers or vulcanized (natural or synthetic) rubber, to provide good grip when hiking and climbing.…”

“…Therefore, alpine ski boots must be realized observing limits and prescriptions in terms of dimensions, materials and design of the boot interface. Two ISO standards (5355 and9523, ISO (2005, 2008)) rule the design of ski boots (Colonna et al (2013)), defining the area of the ski boot in contact with the binding. In terms of materials used, both standards require that the hardness of the material at the toe and heel binding interface must be not less than 50 Shore D, measured at a temperature of +23 • C in accordance with ISO 868 (ISO (2003)).…”

Investigating the Deformation Parameters of PVC Fitness Balls in Relation to the Height and Body Mass Index of the Users

“…Plastic materials have been widely used in physical, kinetoprophylactic and therapeutical activities, as well as in the manufacturing of certain materials, equipment, devices, clothes and accessories for exercise and sports facilities [1,2]. Fitness balls are manufactured of 100.0% polyvinyl chloride (PVC), non-phthalate, with anti-slip and anti-burst characteristics.…”