It’s a joke among some of us ski industry veterans, who are used to the onslaught of “new and improved” gadgets each season – granted, several may actually push your skiing to the next level, but just as many become another failed money maker. The truth is, skiing itself doesn’t really change. The sport still basically involves humans sliding down a frozen hill, then trekking back up to do it again. But in the past decade a large focus has been how we can accomplish this task in the most efficient manner possible, and that involves both comfort and performance, two words that aren’t usually used by skiers when describing their ski boots.
BUT, there is a new ski boot available that might actually change that reputation: the Apex boot created by legendary ski boot visionary Denny Hanson. Hanson knocked the ski world on it’s proverbial ear in the 1970’s with a rear-entry boot that didn’t require vice-grips to get in and out of (plus hipsters could hang out in the boots long after the lifts closed, changing the après ski fashion scene considerably). Hanson’s pedigree for boot design includes a ski racing background and an executive program degree from Harvard Business School, and most importantly, a passion for the sport for over 4 decades. Even skeptics found the boot revolutionary, as well as a huge hit among all levels of skiers (you’ll still find die-hards hanging onto their Hanson Boots. My family still has all of our pairs, although they’ve become garage decorations and haven’t seen snow in a long time).
The new Apex boot concept got my attention not only because of the original and successful cutting edge creation from the Boulder based ski group in the ‘70’s, but also because of it’s promise of that elusive mix of warm, happy feet that could rip down serious terrain. The initial “threat” that it was a high end (read: not cheap) boot didn’t phase me since the price point is approximately the same as a boot that has had a foot bed added, and other modifications made for performance. I also don’t find the misconception that it is a “softer boot” valid after speaking with Hanson about the “leaf spring” vertical aspect on the outer portion with three different urethane inserts that customize the flex. With an exoskeleton that is a pure hinge design, versus a cuff overlap system, the boot relies on the heat-moldable liner with an inner lace system (think snowboard boots) to complement the carbon fiber chassis. Another interesting aspect of the Apex is the ability to keep the shell for many years, updating or upgrading the liner as technologies advance.
In short, the boot makes sense. What also makes sense is the uber-cool van that will make regular rounds to Vail and Beaver Creek this year, and potentially other markets soon. A true boot fitting shop-in-a-truck, the boot’s creator will be a hands-on asset to skiers wanting to experience this latest creation in the ski boot world. Customers will also find a user friendly marketplace in the ability to order online directly from the site, with the added benefit of the boot’s designers directly accessible to translate the boot’s attributes to the consumer - one on one - something that rarely happens with the mainstream ski boot companies.
In a sport where most boot companies stretch across large and ever increasing markets, this ski boot promises to be a more personal, intimate boot anomaly that actually does provide comfort and performance. What a novel concept!
Check out the Apex boot at apexsportsgroup.com, and shoot Denny and his partners an email. You’ll find concrete technical information directly from the experts along with a healthy dose of passionate skier attitude.
If you are not in the market for a new pair of boots, and just want to make the ones you have fit better, click here for "Boot Fitters We Swear By".
Photo courtesy of Apex Sports Group
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