Historical information

These boots show an early design of ski boots. The design of boots, materials and closures have changed dramatically as technology has evolved.

Early ski boots were little more than lace-up work boots. in 1928, the Swiss ski racer Guido Reuge invented a cable binding designed to hold the heel down for alpine skiing. He named the binding after the Kandahar series of alpine ski races. After World War II, custom bootmakers developed the double boot, with a soft and comfy lace-up inner boot protected and stiffened by a thick bull-hide outer casing laced with heavy-duty corset hooks. A solution towards making boots stiffer and more durable arrived in 1954, when Swiss bike racer and stunt pilot Hans Martin patented the ski boot buckle as shown on this pair of boots.
The real revolution in boot design occurred in 1966, when the Canadian ski team were equipped with plastic boots for the Alpine World Championships. Since then manufacturers have competed to further refine designs to meet a range of needs from the weekend skier to elite athletes.
These boots were donated by Mt. Beauty Rotary Club President Bob Flower.

Significance

These boots are significant because they demonstrate a stage in the evolving technology of designs for the ski sport industry.

Physical description

Black leather ski boots with five metal clips on each boot and black lining. A carry case is included.
Tyrol is a family owned specialty outdoor store selling quality gear. It was started in 1965 by Jerry and Barb Schliep in Rochester, Minnesota, USA. In 2003 the store was purchased by their daughter and son-in-law, Kristin & Robb Welch.

Inscriptions & markings

TYROL is imprinted on the carry case.