°bootcap™ | How They Work

How it Works

The Science Behind

The Problem

Cold Feet Challenge

As long as people have been skiing, skier’s have struggled with the age-old challenge of keeping their feet warm while staying out in the cold to pursue their favorite activity. Modern day ski boots rely only on a hard plastic shell – which have very poor insulative properties – to keep heat from escaping the boot. Most attempts to fix this problem involve changing the materials of the ski boot and liner. Although some of these approaches have helped, they can be expensive and temperamental, and more importantly, they negatively affect the fit of a ski boot.

The Solution

A New Approach

°bootcap® takes a new approach to keeping skier’s feet warm by adhering insulation directly to the exterior of a ski boot’s toe box, which does not affect a boot’s fit in any way. (It is important to note that the toes, being the extremities, are the key to being comfortable while skiing. No one has ever said, "Man, can you do something about my heel, it's freezing!") This unique solution utilizes closed cell EVA foam, one of the best insulative materials available, to keep heat from escaping the boot, leaving skier’s feet warmer and happier during a long day on the slopes.

vs Naked Boot

Test #1

The Freezer

We took a pair of ski boots, fitted one boot with °bootcap® and left the other “naked”. Digital thermometers were taped inside the liner of each ski boot in the toe area, then we stuffed identical towels into the top of each boot to simulate a skiers’ lower leg. Without any type of heat source added to the boots, the initial measurements read 71°F (room temperature). Then we placed both boots in a -15°F freezer and took temperature readings every five minutes for one hour. As expected, the temperature of both boots dropped, but the boot equipped with °bootcap® stayed an average of 15°F warmer.

Test #2

The Field

Again, we conducted a side-by-side test of two boots; one fitted with °bootcap® and the other left “naked”. With digital thermometers taped inside the liner of each ski boot in the toe area, this five-hour test started inside a car at 68°F. Outside, the temperature was 30°F (14°F wind chill). After stepping out of the car and onto the slopes, the temperature of the °bootcap® equipped boot stayed in the high 60° range for the first 2.5 hours while the “naked” boot’s temp quickly fell, eventually leveling off in the mid 40°s. After 5 hours, the °bootcap® boot was in the mid 50º range and the “naked” boot dropped into the low 40°s. The resulting data showed an average temperature gradient of 10°F over the entire day proving that °bootcap® will keep skier’s feet warmer for longer.

An Even Better

A redesigned °bootcap® for an even better experience. In addition to 5 new color options, all °bootcaps® feature an improved design that is better fitting, easier to install, and more resilient.

Optimized Fit

With a tapered bottom edge, °bootcap® stays attached during rigorous bootpacks. This optimized shape provides an integrated fit for any ski boot.

Easy Installation

The adhesive strips prevent overlap and buckling, while the strong paper backing prevents premature tearing when being removed.

Durable Construction

The strong and dense bottom EVA foam layer provides maximum adherence to your ski boot, while the softer, flexible top layer enhances bonding to reduce delamination.