Problems Encountered in Flex Measurements on Alpine Ski Boots

Abstract

The alpine boot shaft stiffness is an often discussed parameter. Nevertheless, academics and people from the industry still lack an indisputable method of measurement. This research investigates some parameters that could influence the measuring of boot shaft stiffness. The preliminary conclusion is that the boot/foot system, as a whole, should be considered the same way as the boot/binding system is considered for the release of the leg during a fall, and, therefore, the stiffness of the boot cannot be described without considering the foot.

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

“…Other studies have been conducted for the preparation of test benches and lower leg prosthesis in order to define a test method and an apparatus for the measure of hysteresis flex curves [42][43][44]. However, Bonjour et al [45] report that several problems still need to be solved for the development of a standardized test method for the measure of ski-boot stiffness. In particular, in their opinion, only the stiffness of the boot/leg pair is measurable and different results will be obtained with different legs and therefore different prosthesis.…”