In this video from Blister Summit 2024, we got a state of the union on the present and future of ski boot design from 3 people with a wealth of experience in this world: Eric “Hoji” Hjorleifson, Matt Manser, and Greg Klein. They cover everything from the reception and performance of BOA boots to Hoji’s new Dynafit Ridge Pro boot; cold feet (literal & metaphorical…), and much more.

Sex & Ski Boots: Hoji, Matt Manser, & Greg Klein on the Present & Future of Ski Boot Design

At Blister Summit 2024, we got a state of the union on the present and future of ski boot design from 3 people with a wealth of experience in this world: Eric “Hoji” Hjorleifson, Matt Manser, and Greg Klein. They cover everything from the reception and performance of BOA boots to Hoji’s new Dynafit Ridge Pro boot; cold feet (literal & metaphorical…), and much more.
What are some of the biggest mistakes skiers make when buying gear? And what do regular, recreational skiers & snowboarders (who aren’t racing against the clock) need to know about ski tuning and waxing? On GEAR:30, Jonathan discusses these questions and more with Logan and Riley Boone of Boone Mountain Sports. They also talk about how they all met (it was in Austria), and Jonathan announces our upcoming ‘Blister 90-Flex Challenge’.

Biggest Ski Buying Mistakes + Ski Tuning, Ski Wax, & Ski Boots (Ep.273)

What are some of the biggest mistakes skiers make when buying gear? And what do regular, recreational skiers & snowboarders need to know about ski tuning and waxing? Jonathan discusses these questions and more with Logan and Riley Boone of Boone Mountain Sports. They also talk about how they all met (it was in Austria), and Jonathan reveals the upcoming ‘Blister 90-Flex Challenge’.
Ep.262: BOA & Ski Boot Design with Hoji, K2’s Tom Pietrowski, Fischer’s Christoph Lentz, Dalbello’s Riccardo Bonaiti, and Dynafit’s Ross Herr

BOA & Ski Boot Design with Hoji, K2’s Tom Pietrowski, Fischer’s Christoph Lentz, Dalbello’s Riccardo Bonaiti, and Dynafit’s Ross Herr (Ep.262)

Hoji and ski boot designers from K2, Fischer, Dalbello, and Dynafit discuss ski boot design in general; the hype and skepticism around BOA (are boot buckles dying?); the balancing act of designing a walk mechanism; the challenges presented by the boot-binding interface, and more.
Boot Mechanics is a BLISTER Recommended Shop.

Boot Mechanics

Boot Mechanics is an impressive operation with a team of professional bootfitters, all of whom are MasterFit Certified, with two locations in Golden and Avon, Colorado.
For decades, Kästle has been making high-end skis for everything from racing to Nordic and skimo. But what sparked their recent launch into the ski boot category? It’s far from a simple process, so on GEAR:30, we talked to Alessandro Speranzoni, Kästle’s global ski boot product engineer, and Alex Pritzlaff, their U.S. product manager, to get all the details on the backstory and latest collection of Kästle ski boots.

Kästle Ski Boots: Origins, Design, & 23/24 Lineup (Ep.250)

For decades, Kästle has been making high-end skis for everything from racing to Nordic and skimo. But what sparked their recent launch into the ski boot category? It’s far from a simple process, so we talked to Alessandro Speranzoni, Kästle’s global ski boot product engineer, and Alex Pritzlaff, their U.S. product manager, to get all the details on the backstory and latest collection of Kästle ski boots.
Blister Bootfitting 101

Bootfitting 101: Sizing

Ski boots are arguably the most important bit of gear when it comes to enjoying your time on snow, but they're also probably the most difficult to get *just right*. In our Bootfitting 101 series, we're trying to make this process easier, kicking things off with a foundational, but not so straightforward, step — figuring out the right size.

A Very Deep Dive on Bootfitting, Pt 2: Your Questions Answered by Master Bootfitters, Sam and Kara (Ep.214)

Kara and Sam dive even further into some of the mysteries and complexities of bootfitting while responding to several really interesting and important questions from the audience. We bet that you’ve had some of these questions yourself, so here are some in-depth answers to consider before spending time in your ski boots this winter.

Deep Dive: Head Ski Boots Brand Lineup, 21/22

Next up in our Deep Dive series on ski boots is Head — check it out for a rundown on every boot in Head's current lineup, the most comparable alternatives from other brands, and more details to help you figure out what differentiates each boot in the lineup.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

To get our comprehensive Deep Dives and our initial, unfiltered reports on new gear, become a member and receive many other services, deals, and discounts.

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Deep Dive: Tecnica Ski Boots Brand Lineup, 21/22

Next up in our Deep Dive series on ski boots is Tecnica — check it out for a rundown on every boot in Tecnica's 21/22 lineup, most comparable alternatives from other brands, and more details to help you figure out what differentiates each boot in the lineup.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

To get our comprehensive Deep Dives and our initial, unfiltered reports on new gear, become a member and receive many other services, deals, and discounts.

If you’re already a member, please log in.

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Deep Dive: Nordica Ski Boots Brand Lineup, 21/22

Next up in our Deep Dive series on ski boots is Nordica — check it out for a rundown on every boot in Nordica's 21/22 lineup, most comparable alternatives from other brands, and more details to help you figure out what differentiates each boot in the lineup.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

To get our comprehensive Deep Dives and our initial, unfiltered reports on new gear, become a member and receive many other services, deals, and discounts.

If you’re already a member, please log in.

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Matt Manser, Atomic’s ski boots product manager, is back on GEAR:30 to discuss Jonathan’s trip to Austria; Matt’s Jura coffee maker; our scotch & rye whiskey tasting sessions; skiing Zauchensee and Kitzsteinhorn on the Atomic Redster G9 RS, X9 S, and X9 WB; ski boot terms (and unconditional love); and some modifications we made to Jonathan’s ski boots — which you might want to consider for your own.

Skiing Austria, Ski-Boot Mods, & the Atomic Redster G9 RS, X9 S, & X9 WB (Ep.178)

Matt Manser, Atomic’s ski boots product manager, is back to discuss Jonathan’s trip to Austria; Matt’s Jura coffee maker; our scotch & rye whiskey tasting sessions; skiing Zauchensee and Kitzsteinhorn on the Atomic Redster G9 RS, X9 S, and X9 WB; ski boot terms (and unconditional love); and some modifications we made to Jonathan’s ski boots — which you might want to consider for your own.

Deep Dive: Lange Ski Boots Brand Lineup, 21/22

Second in our new Deep Dive series on ski boot lines is the 21/22 Lange ski boot collection, which includes everything from racing to free-touring boots, and we discuss all notable specs, features, most similar boots from other brands, and more. Become a Deep Dive subscriber or Blister Member to check it out.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

To get our comprehensive Deep Dives and our initial, unfiltered reports on new gear, become a member and receive many other services, deals, and discounts.

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Deep Dive: Atomic Ski Boots Brand Lineup, 21/22

In our new “Deep Dive” series on ski boots, we’re laying out *all* the details and differences between the boots in a brand's entire lineup. We're kicking it off with the 21/22 Atomic ski boot collection, from racing to touring boots, including all notable specs, features, most similar boots from other brands, and more. Become a Deep Dive subscriber or Blister Member to check it out.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

To get our comprehensive Deep Dives and our initial, unfiltered reports on new gear, become a member and receive many other services, deals, and discounts.

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Blister Outdoor Gear review Crested Butte

Video: Blister Summit Panel on Ski Boot Design

In the Blister Summit panel on Ski Boot Design, we talk to three key people in the world of ski boots: Thor Verdonk, global brand director of Lange ski boots; Matt Manser, product manager of Atomic ski boots; and Stefano Mantegazza, product manager of the Tecnica Group. We discuss their design philosophies; whether we should get rid of flex ratings; whether a precise-fitting boot can be a warm boot; the most frustrating trend in ski design today; where the biggest innovations are currently taking place; and more.