Booster Strap for Ski Boot by SkiMetrix

As an expert-level skier logging 100+ days on snow each season, the Booster Strap has legitimately changed my boot game. The construction feels rock solid — no flimsy nylon — and it cinches down smoothly so I can fine-tune the tension exactly how I want it. On long charging days, I can tighten up for locked-in edge control, and on softer snow I back it off without fuss. It noticeably reduces heel lift and gives a more direct feel through every turn. I ski a mix of big mountain, ice, and crud, and this strap has held up under all of it with zero loosening or wear. Simple install, no weird quirks, and it actually makes my boots perform closer to how I want them to. If you’re pushing hard every day and want that extra connection to the snow, this is worth every penny.

Been on my same boots/skis for three years now. I’ve always likes tight buckles/staps to get the feedback from the skis, but never could quite get the upper Velcro strap tight and hold. I bought these, installed per instructions, and just came back from 4 days at Lake Tahoe (Rose and Northstar). MAN, I LOVE THESE STRAPS! I’m able to get the shin pressure I want and holds all day long. Boosted my confidence from a mediocre groomed black runs to bombing them now. More contact give the micro-feel to take on tougher terrain like bigger moguls. Be careful as you can go to tight and cause discomfort, but overall I love them. INSTALL TIP: I had to drill out the rivets to get the Velcro straps off. I used leftover gun sling replacement screws (Uncle Mikes black Chicago screws) for that flush, no snag attachment to the boot.

These are my second pair of Booster Straps. I will say, if you are NOT a really good skier, then don't waste your money - you won't be able to notice any difference. But if you're a really good, technically-proficient skier, these are the best $50 you'll spend (assuming you already have aftermarket insoles). Factory power straps really only function as a 5th buckle - they have no give. Because of their strong elastic tension, Boosters keep the boot in constant contact with your leg, which accomplishes a couple of things: 1. helps to eliminate shin-bang. 2. when you drive into your boots, the effect is much more immediate now since your boot and leg function as one unit; you are bringing the boot spine into play instantly with no delay. 3. they provide a smoother flex pattern. There's a reason you see these on 99% of World Cup skier's boots. Seriously. Don't believe me? Watch any racing video and look for the tell-tale argyle straps at their boot tops.

My ski instructor recommended I replace my straps with Booster straps. I've seen lots of advanced to expert skiers sport these so I gave them a shot. They really do make a difference. I can feel the power transfer then a spring back to the original position. It's very responsive and helps the liner hug your calves throughout your flexing. This helped me focus on other aspects of my skiing technique. As others have mentioned these are not meant for beginners. Intermediates may also not really need them right away but if you're an advanced or expert skier, these can help! As for installation: My boots also have rivets. I hear some of these Booster strap kits don't come with the hardware. If yours does not, you'll have to visit your hardware store and you have a number of options. If you use regular screw, buy two washers for either side of the boot. Buy a screw/nut combo that will be just enough length and diameter to fit through your existing holes. You can also use binding posts/Chicago screws as an alternative. If you're unsure, wait until you remove your rivets and measure it. I used binding posts that were about 5/16 inch long and about 1/4 inch diameter. Remove the inner liners. Grab a drill with a bit larger than the hole so that you don't end up drilling into it. Avoid any bit that's got a pointy tip that will destroy the inner post.The key is grind off the circular metal tab holding the rivet. So use something that covers that area. Start slow and steady. Do not drill from the outside of the boot. I put my finger firmly on the outside end of the rivet and drilled from the inside. Take it slow and steady. You should see bits of the metal shavings. If you feel the rivet spinning or shifting, stop immediately. Start again with light pressure and increase the drill speed slowly. For me the rivets start to spin when the drill bit catches uneven grinding. I don't think I held the drill against the rivet for more than 20 seconds at a time. The second it started moving I stopped and started again. I took a very slow approach because the last thing I wanted was destroying the boot with high heat and friction. Within a minute or two or three of grinding, that circular metal tab will get so thin that it will flake off. Now you can release the rivet cleanly.

Straps came packaged well and timely. Not the best directions, I ended up watching a couple YouTube videos on how to install them. Ended up being pretty easy with my boots since I was able to unscrew and take off the factory straps and use the same screws to install the booster straps. If your normal boot straps are riveted to your boot, you have to drill them out and then aquire some screws and nuts and screw in your booster straps. I ended up attaching them to the inside of the shell so I can use the strap on the inside of the front plastics (this was recommend in one of the videos I watched), see pictures. As far as skiing with them, I noticed a difference right away. With the added support further up my leg, I didn't feel the need to crank down as much on the lower buckles like I usually do. I haven't hit any moguls yet using the straps, but hauling a$$ on groomers I haven't experienced anything close to shin bang yet. They are a little pricey considering the material and they're not that complicated as far as design, but I think they're worth the money for how well they work. I definitely recommend if you've ever had shin bang or just want more control.

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