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An entrepreneur invents the perfect fit
The shoe, or more precisely the correct fit of the shoe, plays an important role in sports. If the shoe doesn’t fit well, both, performance and fun, will decrease. But as is often the case with something as passionate as sports, there is always an inventor who sets out to solve the problem.
In order to find the perfect fit, passionate snowboarder, surfer, and entrepreneur Gary Hammerslag experimented with systems in the mid-90s that were intended to improve both the fit and the performance of his snowboard boots. The result after numerous prototypes: The BOA® Fit System was born and immediately convinced the industry giants K2 and Vans, numerous other manufacturers were to follow. Since it was founded in 2001, BOA has been able to convince countless renowned manufacturers. In the meantime, more than 300 brands from many sports sectors worldwide are using the system, so that not only snowboarders can enjoy perfectly fitting boots.
How the BOA® Fit System works
The BOA® Fit System is a finely adjustable system for an ultra-precise closure and fit of shoes and helmets. It consists of three elements: a micro-adjustable dial, light but extremely strong laces and low-friction lace guides. With the BOA® Fit System it is possible to adjust the fit with an unprecedented level of accuracy.
The BOA® Fit System in detail:
- The shoe or helmet is adjusted with the help of the so-called “dial” which is able to withstand expected forces
- The lace is made of extremely robust textile or coated stainless steel
- The way the lace is routed due to the lace guides is decisive for the fit of a product: the type and placement determines the ease and effectiveness of the lacing
The bayonet and cartridge system is designed in such a way that the cartridge detaches from the bayonet when strong force is applied. This protects the product from damage. In this case, the system can be easily reactivated by reinserting the cartridge into the bayonet. Some BOA dial platforms are fixed in center with a small screw.
No matter what the system looks like for the individual products — all configurations have in common the goal of optimizing the fit and thereby improving performance. Because a good fit ensures more endurance, speed and power, and that means: more time in the mountains, longer journeys and additional kilometers.
Scientifically proven
The BOA Fit System is tested and continuously improved at the company’s headquarters in Denver. The in-house BOA Performance Fit Lab conducts scientific studies to measure the biomechanical effects of fit on the performance of athletes in various sports such as trail running and cycling and snowboarding.
The following performance parameters are improved by the BOA Fit System:
- Agility and speed: Faster changes of direction are possible thanks to a seamless connection between equipment and athlete.
- Power and Precision: The BOA Fit System delivers explosive action and unparalleled accuracy.
- Endurance and health: Due to the improved efficiency, athletes save energy.
Although the optimal fit is the main focus of the BOA® Fit System, the innovative technology also has other advantages. Because compared to shoelaces, the system fits reliably and does not loosen. With every click, the BOA dial can be tightened or loosened by exactly one millimeter, so athletes can intuitively achieve a great fit in seconds, open shoelaces are history.
BOA in the ski mountaineering and trail running segment
BOA was born in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado. Developed by a passionate snowboarder, the award-winning and patented system set out to revolutionize the shoe and helmet market. The BOA Fit System is now particularly well represented in the booming ski mountaineering segment. The advantages are obvious: With BOA, the fit of the shoe can be adjusted with millimeter precision even when wearing gloves. Today, major manufacturers such as Scarpa, Salomon, Atomic, Fischer, La Sportiva and Scott have touring ski boots with the BOA® Fit System in their range.
A selection of ski touring boots with the BOA® Fit System:
The sophisticated system also offers great advantages in the area of trail running: A good fit improves proprioception, so runners are able to respond to the ever-changing environment beneath their feet. It keeps them better connected to the midsole, allowing to take advantage of whatever midsole technology is built into the shoe; and finally, it reduces pain due to blisters and pressure points.
A selection of trail running shoes with the BOA® Fit System:
Of course, we also have a large selection of snowboard boots, gloves, bike shoes, helmets, and many other sports products with the innovative technology:
BOA repair and warranty
BOA offers a warranty on all replaceable parts of the Fit System (dial and laces), allowing customers to receive free replacement parts for the BOA® Fit System for the lifetime of the product. Otherwise, the following applies: It doesn’t matter whether a lace has snapped after many adventures or was accidentally cut through when removing the label – a BOA Repair Kit is available for every model and regardless of the cause of the damage. Many configurations, such as cycling and running shoes, can be easily repaired by customers themselves.
Instructions are available on boafit.com. For very technical products such as touring ski boots, the transaction should be handled by Sport Conrad, for safety-related equipment such as helmets, this is a must.
Tip: The first point of contact for complaints is our Sport Conrad customer service. Alternatively, repair kits are also available directly online from BOA.
Curious? You can find out more about BOA on the BOA website.
