When new models were released in the 2023-24 season, the alpine boots equipped with the BOA® Fit System immediately attracted attention. The novelty of tightening the wire with a dial instead of tightening with a buckle attracted the attention of highly sensitive skaters. STEEP has already introduced the impressions of guides who have worn the new models before the general public.
The BOA® fit system for alpine boots released this season is a new system that tightens with wire instead of buckles. This system has been used in snowboard boots for a long time and is now a standard, but there are many questions about how it will fit into the shell of ski boots, which require stiffness, and how its effectiveness will differ compared to the conventional system. I'm curious.
Therefore, the STEEP editorial department participated in a media presentation held at BOA headquarters in September 2023. We interviewed the developer directly at the Colorado headquarters to learn more about the state of BOA's headquarters and the key points of the BOA® Fit System, which is being installed in alpine boots for the first time this season.
BOA® technology for alpine boots took about 5 years to develop
It took about 5 years to repeat the test 700 times. The BOA® fit system installed in this alpine boot has finally been unveiled. At the beginning of development, we conducted tests using the system of snowboard boots that were already on the market. However, due to the rigidity of the shell, it was not suitable for different alpine boots, so in the end, we decided to develop a completely new technology. Therefore, the new "H+i1" system was born. The details are introduced in the article below, so let's check out the new technology first.
The highlights of the new system developed for alpine boots are as follows.
- The goal was not to replace buckles, but to provide better performance and more comfort than traditional buckle boots.
- Redesigned from the ground up to meet strength needs while maintaining ease of use and a customized fit.
- Covers a wide range of styles and situations. In addition to professional alpine racers, BC and freestyle skiers also participated in development tests.
Compared to existing buckle-type boots, the pressure on the top of the foot is reduced by 13%, and the BOA dial provides a precise, uniform fit that can be adjusted in millimeter increments. The improved fit increases force transmission to the sole of the foot, resulting in a 10% increase in force generation at turn initiation. In other words, the goal was to ``improve performance while providing better comfort.'' The results of this research were also published at Frontier in Sports and Active Living
I will explain the above points of interest later.
In the freeride category, it is used in the K2 and ATOMIC top models with walk mode.
FISCHER and SALOMON are also installed in expert and advanced models for on-piste use. The reason why BOA® ski boots were first installed in higher-end models is that this is BOA's strategy. First, we will ask expert skiers to compare the boots with traditional boots to get a feel for the comfort, control, and performance. After spreading the word about its benefits and proving the solid technology, we will consider installing BOA® in other models.
A look at BOA, the home country where innovative technology is born
BOA began in the United States in 2001. Founded by Gary Hammerslag, who is also a snowboarder. He applied his previous experience in the medical equipment field to the method of tightening boots and developed the BOA® Fit System. K2 and Vans are the first brand partners to join forces. K2, with which we have had a close relationship since its establishment, is one of the brands that has adopted the new BOA® Fit System.
It has spread from snowboard boots to other sports shoes such as golf and cycling. Although the company now has branch offices in Japan and other parts of the world, it is entering the market in each area as well as its home country. The market share is increasing year by year, and the momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Let's sneak into the main headquarters of BOA.
BOA has its headquarters and development lab located in Denver, Colorado, USA. Colorado is home to many ski resorts, and Denver is a great base for trips to famous resorts like Vail and Aspen.
The office, where employees who love the outdoors gather, has a spacious space. In addition to rooms lined with desks, the BOA headquarters also has showrooms for each category, where products of each category are displayed. In the "SNOW" area, not only the alpine boots that were introduced this time, but also many snowboard boots are on display.
The spacious ``Town Hall'' is an area with terraces. In the past, previews of movies were held on the big screen.
And then there's the Performance Fit Lab, where BOA® development tests are conducted. This is where we conduct exercise tests that lead to product development, including measuring foot prints and conducting simulations to see what kind of exercise performance you will get when wearing BOA® shoes.
Dozens of cameras are lined up on all sides to digitize people's movements using motion capture by attaching devices to their bodies.
There is also a bar inside the company. There are many breweries near the BOA headquarters, and local beer was also available. I'm so jealous of the fact that I get to have a drink after work before heading home. From work to personal matters. Groundbreaking technology may be born because these spaces allow employees to communicate freely.
When I asked about BOA's culture, I was told that "everyone is very cooperative." With good teamwork, more can be accomplished. Apparently there is a culture where people challenge each other. Sometimes there are strong arguments, but there is no fighting spirit, but a focus on everyone having the same goal: to be better, to be greater. Groundbreaking technology will be born because employees with this kind of mindset come together.
"Summit Bar" in the headquarters. Craft beers from local breweries are available on the taps at the counter.