Microclimate in ski boots – Temperature, relative humidity, and water absorption

• Published in: Applied ergonomics Vol. 45; no. 3; pp. 515 - 520
• Main Authors: Hofer, Patrick, Hasler, Michael, Fauland, Gulnara, Bechtold, Thomas, Nachbauer, Werner
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2014; Elsevier; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Absorption; Adult; Ambient temperature; Biological and medical sciences; Body Temperature; Ergonomics; Ergonomics. Workplace layout; Ergonomics. Workplace layout. Occupational psychology; Feet; Field tests; Foot - physiology; Foot relative humidity; Foot temperature; Human factors research; Humans; Humidity; Hygroscopic water; Male; Medical sciences; Microclimate; Occupational medicine; Pain - etiology; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Relative humidity; Shoes - adverse effects; Ski boots; Skiing; Temperature; Time Factors; Ski boots; Foot temperature; Foot relative humidity; Human; Relative humidity; Temperature; Skiing; Shoe; Microclimate; Foot; Sport; Comfort; Water absorption
• ISSN: 0003-6870; 1872-9126; 1872-9126
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2013.07.007

Ski boot quality is determined by mechanical properties and comfort. Comfort is strongly affected by cold feet. The purpose of this study was to determine the microclimate in ski boots. Climate chamber tests with five male subjects and field tests with two male subjects were conducted. Temperature and relative humidity were measured using four sensors placed on the foot and one on the liner. Absorbed water in liners and socks was measured with a precision balance. The subjects gave subjective ratings for comfort. The toe sensor temperature dropped below 20 °C at an ambient temperature of 0 °C, −10 °C, and −20 °C. Relative humidity values at the foot were as high as 78% in the climate chamber and 93% in the field. Water absorption in socks and liners ranged from 4 to 10 g in the climate chamber and 19 to 45.5 g in the field. The results reveal the importance of keeping the feet and in particular the toes warm during skiing. One possible improvement may be to construct the liner so that sweat and melted snow are kept as far away as possible from the foot. Liner material with high water absorption capacity and hydrophobic socks were suggested to prevent wet feet. •Low temperature in the ski boot caused pain sensation.•High moisture in the ski boot likely affected thermal insulation.•Liner material with high water absorption capacity and hydrophobic socks were suggested to prevent wet feet.