Ski boot having variable volume inner shell

Abstract

A ski boot comprises a rigid outer shell and an inner shell which is relatively flexible. The inner shell features a relatively flexible saddle region which extends over the metatarsal and/or instep portions of a wearer's foot. Tensile elements, such as cables or straps, extend over the saddle and cooperate with buckle mechanisms to provide a variable supporting force to the wearer's foot. The inner shell also comprises an ankle support structure which grasps the wearer's leg at a point just above the malleolus and cooperates with the heel spoiler to maintain the wearer's heel in contact with the sole of the boot. In another embodiment the ski boot features a hinged inner sole. The inner sole is secured to the outer shell in the phalanx region of the sole, and also is hingedly connected to the heel spoiler in the heel region of the inner sole. A hinge, either mechanical or natural, is disposed adjacent to or in common with the fastening point. The hinge enables heel, arch and metatarsal regions to pivot relative to the phalanx region of the sole to improve the ease of foot entry and exit.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.