These boots were made for walking … not. At least that’s what you might have thought the last time you slipped and slid across a mountain hut’s wooden terrace in your ski boots. We’ve all been there: While most ski boots do an excellent job when strapped into your skis, they fail miserably when it comes to walking.
Wouldn’t it be just fantastic if there was a solution to this problem? If there was an easier and safer way for you to trek from your car to the lift (or from the bar to your deck chair)? Something that would put an end to your “robot walk”?
Lo and behold – there is! And it’s called GripWalk. Never heard of it? Then it’s time for a little drum roll: Let us introduce you to an invention that will change your skiing … er walking experience!
What is GripWalk?
The short of it: GripWalk is a new standard for ski boots and bindings. However, there’s much more to this technology. The GripWalk system consists of two soles that can be fitted to the majority of ski boots. They feature a ribbed rubber profile and a hard part that contacts the binding.
GripWalk soles have …
- … a curved rubber sole
- … a slightly rockered glide plate
- … special gliding strips
- … a strong grip for slip resistance
Thanks to all of the above, GripWalk soles enable a more comfortable walk as the foot can roll over more naturally. But that’s not the only advantage!
What are the benefits of GripWalk soles?
As we said earlier, GripWalk soles put an end to your robot walk – an undoubted benefit in terms of style. However, the soles come with a number of other advantages that make them a great piece of equipment for every winter sports enthusiast:
Increased safety
Walking on icy surfaces with standard ski boots can be a breakneck danger. Due to the pronounced rib profile and non-slip material of GripWalk soles, you have much better grip on smooth and sloping grounds.
Increased comfort
Walking in boots with a GripWalk system doesn’t only look better – it also feels better. The ergonomic sole allows the foot to roll over naturally, giving you a more comfortable walking feeling. In fact, GripWalk soles give you the roll and grip of a touring sole.
Maximum compatibility
GripWalk bindings are compatible with GripWalk soles and with ISO 5355 Alpine soles. No height adjustment is required, and the pads can be replaced separately.
Uncompromising ski performance
GripWalk soles boast excellent power transmission and have a full alpine release function. This makes them a great addition to your winter sports kit on and off the slopes.
Ease of use
Entering and exiting GripWalk bindings works just the way you’re used to – easy as that!
Which GripWalk options are there?
You have just bought new ski boots and don’t want to shell out money again on a new GripWalk pair? There’s good news: You don’t have to. The GripWalk system comes in two different options, making it convenient to use for everyone:
GripWalk boots
Option #1
- Stable pads are ready-fitted on the ski boot.
- Boots are compatible with all GripWalk bindings.
GripWalk soles
Option #2
- GripWalk soles can be retrofitted to conventional ski boots with a GripWalk logo.
- GripWalk pads can easily be fitted on top of Alpine soles.
What about the compatibility of ski boots and bindings?
Most major manufacturers have agreed on the new GripWalk standard. Plus, as you have just learned, it’s easy to retrofit conventional ski boots with the special non-slip soles. The only condition: They have to carry the GripWalk logo. This leaves you with a wide choice of ski bindings and ski boots on the market – either ready-fitted or able to be retrofitted with GripWalk soles.
For instance, some of the following brands provide GripWalk-compatible products. Plus, our RENTertainers on site are always happy to advise on compatibility issues.
- Atomic
- Rossignol
- Fischer
- Salomon
- Völkl
- and many more ...
In terms of compatibility, bear in mind the following:
- Ski boots with Alpine soles (ISO 5355 or 9523) can be combined with GripWalk bindings – with absolutely no height adjustment.
- GripWalk boots can NOT be combined with standard Alpine bindings.
- There are GripWalk touring ski boots, but they can NOT be combined with the standard Alpine GripWalk binding.
So if you have a shiny new pair of GripWalk boots, always make sure to buy or rent skis with a compatible binding! It’s easy – just look out for the GripWalk logo and walk away happy (and ergonomically)!
Not fully convinced yet? Give GripWalk a try at an INTERSPORT rental shop near you!
INTERSPORT Rent tip
Not sure which option’s right for you?
Well, there’s also Option #3: Simply rent a GripWalk boot first and see how you like it!
