The New Armada AR ONE Ski Boot: What Is It & Who's It For?

The New Armada AR ONE Ski Boot: What Is It & Who's It For?

Author: BLISTER January 3, 2025 Duration: 54:32

For the first time in company history, Armada is releasing a ski boot: the AR ONE. It’s a project that’s been in development for five years, and this release comes with a number of questions, like: why do a boot? And why now? What sort of boot is the AR ONE, how is it different from what’s out there, and … who's it for? We discuss all of these questions and more with Matt Rihm, Armada’s VP of Product, and Bransford Briggs, Ski Boot Product Manager.

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GEAR:30 Ep #327 w/ Boot Mechanics

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TOPICS & TIMES:

Boot Mechanics (1:20)

Carv (2:11)

The New Armada AR ONE (6:37)

A “Hybrid Cabrio” Boot (12:40)

Matt's Background (14:50)

Bransford’s Background (15:34)

Development of the Boot (18:10)

Heel Hold (21:26)

Liner (24:09)

Fit (25:30)

Instep & the 2nd Buckle (28:33)

Redneck Engineering (31:56)

Plastic (34:28)

Fine-Tuning Flex (39:00)

Range of AR ONE Models (44:51)

Who’s It For? (49:12)

Where to Find Them (52:05)

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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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