A Very Deep Dive on Bootfitting, Pt. 6: Ski Boot Flex w/ Pulse Boot Labs

A Very Deep Dive on Bootfitting, Pt. 6: Ski Boot Flex w/ Pulse Boot Labs

Author: BLISTER February 23, 2024 Duration: 1:01:19

How should you think about ski boot flex patterns, and which one is “right” for you? For the latest installment of our “Very Deep Dive on Bootfitting” series, Kara Williard talks with bootfitter and Pulse Boot Lab’s Revelstoke store manager, Bryn Vickers, to cover the complex and often misunderstood aspects of ski boot flex. 


We discuss how the ankle joint and an individual’s biomechanics are the most important pieces of the puzzle; what exactly boot “flex” even means when it comes to on-snow performance; the many variables that determine what flex pattern might work best for you; and we also talk about Pulse’s latest tech, including their new foam-injected aftermarket liner.

RELATED LINKS:

Blister Recommended Shop: Pulse Boot Labs

BLISTER+ Membership: Sign Up  

A Very Deep Dive on Bootfitting Series

3D Printing & Bootfitting w/ Pulse Boot Lab (Ep.234)

Stance Balancing with Pulse Boot Labs (Ep.217)

TOPICS & TIMES

Ankle Joint = #1 Priority (3:33)

How the Body Moves (6.17)

Custom Insoles (12:49)

What is Boot Flex? (17:50)

Walk Mode Vs. Fixed Cuff (22:49)

Flex Ratings (26:27)

Forward Lean & Calf Size (33:39)

Height, Weight, & Strength (39:17)

Options for Stiffening (42:26)

Options for Softening (45:59)

Final Thoughts on Boot Flex (48:49)

Pulse’s Foam Injected Liner & Other Tech (52:51)

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:

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CRAFTED

Bikes & Big Ideas

Blister Podcast

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For anyone who has ever stood in a shop debating the merits of a new jacket or stared at a trail map while thinking about their skis, GEAR:30 is that conversation. This BLISTER podcast goes far beyond basic specs and marketing claims, offering a nuanced, often technical look at the equipment that defines our time outside. The discussion is driven by the people who live with these products: our own reviewers who are putting gear through its paces in real conditions, the designers who obsess over materials and intent, and the athletes whose livelihoods depend on performance. We also check in with the seasoned folks from our network of recommended shops, who see what works and what doesn’t after a season of hard use. Episodes dig into specific items, broader trends in innovation, and the sometimes-surprising realities of long-term testing. It’s a deep, authentic resource for anyone who appreciates the intersection of sports, design, and technology, and who believes the right tool can transform an experience. Tune in for honest, detailed talk that treats outdoor gear with the seriousness and curiosity it deserves.
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