Boot Terms
ATC 2000 Sole Unit
Shock-absorbing polyurethane mid-sole with integrated stabilizer. Improved rolling motion. Rubber tread profile is designed especially for day hiking boots. Rigid outer studs and high-contact tread and contact zones.
AWP: Asymmetric Walking Position
The ankle section of men's boots is set at a 2-degree outward angle to provide a more balanced stance, less fatigue and easier overall break-in period.
A woman's stance is more upright and therefore this angling is not needed.
The boot has a raised "scree" collar on the inside (keeps out trail debris and cushions the lower leg.)
Laval Boots
'C4' Tongue System
A patented tongue system that improves overall comfort, flex and ankle control. Anatomically designed to follow the motion of the foot
Asymmetrical padding (thicker towards the outside of the foot.) Recessed ankle areas (inside slightly higher than the outside.) Flexible curved insert towards the inside of the foot. Soft edging on the upper end.
Climate-Control System
This moisture management system keeps feet dry, protecting against blisters and hot spots
A series of perforations, or holes, inside the boot's cuff lining allows air to enter the boot lining while walking movement "pumps" heat and moisture back out through the holes. Moisture is pulled away from the foot and evaporates while walking.
Comfort Cuff
Specially developed for women's boots to reduce rubbing and discomfort around the back of the Achilles and ankle areas
Contoured soft, expandable cuffs for optimum fit and comfort - helps eliminate pressure points.
Comfort Cuff Spoiler
Special women's-only feature on Lady GTX and Arko GTX provides extra comfort around the back of the Achilles area.
Special designed tab on back of heel area cradles the Achilles. Extremely soft and flexible for optimum comfort.
Cordura®
Woven nylon fabric that is abrasion-resistant and very durable.
Crampons
Used for climbing ice or traveling on snow
Metal "teeth" which attach to the bottom of a mountaineering boot. Crampons come in two primary styles:
Strap-on attaches by strapping onto the boot. With this crampon style, midsole/outsole does not need to be completely rigid. Step-in has special ridges at front toe and back heel areas for attachment. With this crampon style, midsole/outsole must be completely rigid.
Dri-Lex® Lining
Excellent abrasion resistance. Woven Hydrofil® nylon moves moisture away from the foot. Helps keep the foot ventilated and dry.
D-Ring Lacing Loops
Nirosta® steel loops for easy lacing and optimum pressure distribution. Flexible construction ensures optimum lie against the shoe or boot. Rustproof.
GORE-TEX® Footwear Lining
Patented membrane that offers waterproof and breathable comfort in footwear
Made of a ultra lightweight microporous Teflon® (PTFE.) Membrane is waterproof, but allows water vapor to be permeable. Footwear specific laminate is made of the GORE-TEX® membrane, an open cell foam which allows the moisture to move through to a Hydrofil® nylon backing which attracts moisture and passes it to the outer layers. GORE-TEX® lined boots are identified by the "GTX" symbol after the boot name.
GORE-TEX® XCR Footwear Lining
Provides climate control comfort in warmer temperatures and during increased physical activity
New, highly breathable waterproof lining. Ideal in wet, warm conditions to keep feet cool and comfortable. GORE-TEX® XCR boots are identified with the "GTX XCR" symbol after the boot name.
Laval Boots
Glove Leather Lining
Leather is nature's original moisture management and climate regulator
Soft leather lining cradles the heel and foot area and conforms to the shape of your foot (like a leather glove.) Leather lining, like any "skin," needs to be occasionally cleaned and moisturized.
Midsole/Outsole
Midsole is the portion of the boot between the leather upper and rubber outsole. Midsole is often made of PU (Polyurethane.) Provides cushioning and shock absorption when carrying packs. Outsole is made of rubber, often made by Vibram®
Outsole lugs provide traction and stability underfoot.
Lace Loop Lacing
Provides "one pull" lacing
Laces are fed through sewn-in, freestanding cord loops, for even tension distribution. Provides a close, comfortable fit, eliminating pressure points.
Last
The last determines the inner shape of the boot and is the major component in determining the fit.
Boot lasts are precisely designed according to years of anatomical data about foot shapes and sizes. Lasts provide the form or template, which the leather upper is shaped upon. Boots are built on different lasts for men and women, to maximize comfort and fit.
Metal Lacing Eyelets
Lightweight metal allows for easy fastening and pressure distribution. Rustproof.
Nubuck Leather
Used in the upper portion of the boot. Full grain leather that has been lightly sanded for a softer, suede-like finish. Durable and rugged.
Pronation
The flattening of the arch when the foot strikes the ground.
Excessive pronation causes increased stress on the inside/medial aspect of the foot.
Rand
Most often applied to the toe and heel of a boot to protect against bumping and scraping. Rubber rands are hand-wrapped and glued on; leather rands are sewn on.
Shanks
Provides the boot with correct torsional rigidity and appropriate flex.
Nylon shanks are sandwiched between the midsole and outsole. Vary in stiffness according to category, boot and gender. Boots can be nylon shanks or steel, but nylon does not conduct cold.
Split Leather
When leather is split, the inner, more textured side, or suede is exposed.
Stabilizer
Plastic stabilizer is used to provide ankle stability and torsional control underfoot.
Placed between the midsole and outsole, boot stabilizers are designed to flex and support in light hiking footwear. Proportionate support for all foot sizes.
Supination
When the ankle "tips" outward, so you are standing on the outside border of the foot.
Excessive supination predisposes the ankle to injury because the stabilizing muscles on the outside of the lower leg are in a stretched position.
Laval Boots
TPU Outsole (Thermoplastic Polyrurethane)
Lighter weight than traditional rubber outsoles - advantageous for winter boots:
Non-slip tread Abrasion resistant Flexible in cold temperatures
Vibram® Ice Trek Sole Unit
Self-cleaning profile gives excellent grip on all types of ground. Shock-absorbing polyurethane mid-sole for a high degree of walking comfort. Suitable for front-basket or strap-on crampons.
Vibram® M-Tec Sole Unit
A comfort-oriented trekking sole with 2-component rubber sole: Polyurethane mid-sole and anti-pronation/anti-supination zones. Specially designed for comfort when walking and trekking in medium-difficulty mountain terrain.
Vibram® Sebolet Sole Unit
Proven sole unit for approach or mixed rope routes
Non-slip profile. Braking, impact and rigidity zones. Shock-absorbing polyurethane mid-sole for a high degree of walking comfort. Special tread design for improved anti-slip properties.
Vibram® Sertig Sole Unit
Specialist sole for hiking, trekking and light backpacking:
Self-cleaning profile. Comfortable polyurethane mid-sole for shock absorption.
Vibram® Trail Run Sole Unit
Lower profile hiking sole for hiking and scrambling:
Special tread design for improved anti-slip properties. New raised tread pattern and increased contact area for outstanding grip. Shock-absorbing polyurethane mid-sole.
Vibram® Tsavo Sole Unit
Designed for backpacking and off trail use:
Self-cleaning profile gives excellent grip on all types of terrain. Braking, impact and rigidity zones. Cutout heel design. Shock-absorbing polyurethane mid-sole for a high degree of walking comfort. 360-degree multi-traction.
Vibram® Vertige Sole Unit
Designed for crampon use with mountaineering boots, where a rigid outsole is needed for kicking steps into snow/ice:
Powerful braking and thrusting lugs for maximum performance and safety. High rubber randing. Nylon/fiberglass shank for a completely rigid sole system. Suitable for strap-on or clip-on crampons, and Camp crampon integration. 360-degree multi-traction.
Vibram® Vialta Sole Unit
Comfort and flex soles for scrambling and light day hiking:
Polyurethane mid-sole for good shock absorption. Pronation/supination zones give added stability and help balance foot position. Self-cleaning profile gives excellent grip.
WXL
Expanded toe box. Higher and broader in the front of the foot area.
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