SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1985
STP46636S

Optimal Ski Boot Stiffness for the Prevention of Boot-Top Fracture

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Ski boot stiffness distribution was studied to determine an optimal boot for the prevention of boot-top fracture (tibia fracture near the boot top). This injury, while formerly infrequent with old-fashioned, low-cut boots, has become common with the use of modern, high-topped, stiff alpine boots. This paper describes a study of boot bending loads, with the intention of minimizing the maximum bending moment or maximum stress on the tibia. Three tibia models are investigated: a one-dimensional beam model, a three-dimensional finite element model, and a two-dimensional beam model. The optimal boot should be high, applying a load as close to the knee as possible to reduce the bending moment, and it should be shaped as a band only wide enough to reduce the effects of concentrated loading.

Author Information

Lyle, Carol
University of California, Davis, CA
Hubbard, Mont
University of California, Davis, CA
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Details
Developed by Committee: F27
Pages: 173–181
DOI: 10.1520/STP46636S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-6832-9
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-6833-6