Importance

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Abstract

A base (1) is provided for a ski boot (2) and comprises a one-piece sole (4) defining heel and toe portions (6, 7) that is adapted to be secured to one or more outsole elements (8, 9, 10). Preferably, toe and heel outsole elements (8, 9) are bonded to the toe and heel portions (6, 7) respectively to form a base (1) with a unitary construction. The sole (4) also has a fiber-reinforced composite structure wherein a majority of the fibers in at least a mid-section (7) of the sole (4) between the heel and toe portions (6, 7) are angled at an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis (L) of the sole (4). Preferably, the mid-section (7) of the sole covers a position anatomically beneath the location of the metatarsal bones and the plantar arch of a person wearing the ski boot and a majority of the fibers in this mid-section (7) of the sole are angled at substantially ±45°±10° to the longitudinal axis (L) of the sole (4) and between 5% and 10% of the fibers in the mid-section (7) of the sole (4) are substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the sole at angles within ±20° of being parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the sole (4). A ski boot (2) incorporating such a sole (4) is also provided.

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First Claim