A Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots, Part 1: Plastics

A Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots, Part 1: Plastics

Author: BLISTER June 28, 2019 Duration: 1:08:13

Ski boots are made of plastic, and different plastics feel and perform very differently from one another. So we get deep into the details with Atomic Ski Boots product manager, Matt Manser, to help you figure out which plastics are used in your ski boots, and the pros & cons & general performance characteristics of different plastics — which will help you understand why you might like or dislike your current boots, and what you ought to be looking for in your next pair.

TOPICS & TIMES:

  • What has been the focus of your recent work in ski boots? (2:10)
  • The 3 main families of plastics: PP, PU, and PA (6:57)
  • “PP” — Polypropylene (11:15)
  • How recycled plastics are used in the production process (19:18)
  • “PU” — Polyurethane (23:06)
  • Low-grade PU: Recycled PU (26:53)
  • Mid-grade PU: PU-Ester (27:53)
  • High-grade PU: PU-Ether (31:33)
  • Colors: how they affect plastics’ performance (33:44)
  • What is Desmopan? (38:32)
  • “True Flex” PU — Atomic’s proprietary PU (44:26)
  • How to make a lightweight boot out of heavy materials (49:40)
  • “PA” — Polyamide (53:58)
  • How to verify which plastics your boot is made of (1:00:24)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 391

GEAR:30
Podcast Episodes
Giray Dadali on the new Daymaker Touring TEKDAPTERS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:10
A very intriguing — and extremely affordable — new piece of ski-touring gear has just been released, and you ought to know about it. So on our latest GEAR:30 episode, Jonathan talks with Giray Dadali, a pro skier, engine…
Our 23/24 BLISTER Winter Buyer’s Guide Recap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:51
Jonathan Ellsworth sat down with Kara Williard, Dylan Wood, Justin Bobb, and Luke Koppa to debrief about our 2023-2024 Winter Buyer’s Guide, discuss what changed this year (and more importantly, what has *not* changed),…
GEAR THERAPY: An Italian Skier in Switzerland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:28
In our latest edition of GEAR THERAPY, Luke and Jonathan talk with Blister Member, Giovanni Saccarola (an Italian living in Switzerland), about his ski quiver, ski boots, and ski boot liner options.TOPICS & TIMES:Giovann…
GEAR THERAPY: A Mother Gets Back into Skiing — Where to Start?? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:21
When it comes to gear, we’ve all been there: loads of questions, crippling confusion, severe analysis paralysis. Sometimes you don’t even know where to start. You need some help! In our 3rd session of GEAR THERAPY, Blist…
Blister Labs: Technical Apparel Testing Update [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:55
Apparel testing, show pigs, & the underrated importance of ballpoint pens. Luke Koppa and Jonathan Ellsworth discuss these things with our Blister Labs colleague, Melanie Peddle, who is a faculty member in the partnershi…