Downhill ski boot

Abstract

An apparatus for closing the upper of a ski boot on a lower leg of a skier and for retaining the foot of a skier in the shell base of the boot. The apparatus includes a system for closing the upper on the lower leg of the skier which includes a first traction element and a device for tensioning the first traction element to close the upper on the lower leg of the skier. Further, a system for retaining the foot in the boot is provided, which includes a second traction element which includes a first and a second strand which extend to and are associated with a retention device for the foot, or, alternatively, respective retention devices for the foot. Further, a device is provided for linking the closing system with the retaining system whereby the linking device includes a return member for changing the direction in which one of the first traction element and the second traction element extends, wherein both the first strand and the second strand extend to distinct portions of the boot for retaining the foot in the boot. Various embodiments of the apparatus are disclosed which include, for example, a retaining device for the tibial support zone of the lower leg of the skier, a retention device for the instep, a retention device for the heel and a retention device for the front of the foot.