item details
NameSki boots
ProductionKastinger; manufacturer(s); 1960s; Austria
Classificationski boots
Materialsleather, rubber, metal
DimensionsOverall: 134mm (width), 205mm (height), 310mm (length)
Registration NumberGH024116
Credit lineGift of Ian Mardell, 2012
Overview
These leather ski boots were worn with skis in the 1960s. They herald the huge shift in technology and design that saw the ski boot go from a soft laced-up leather tramping boot in the 1930s to the rigid plastic boot of the late 20th century.
With the introduction of ski lifts, skiers no longer needed soft flexible boots to cross-country ski back up hill - instead they needed rigid boots and soles for downhill skiing only.
One of key design elements in these boots is the quick release buckle system which replaced laces and eyelets.
These boots were imported for New Zealand use.