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

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.