This episode of the New England Ski Journal Base Camp Podcast, Mike and Keith explore the anticipation for the upcoming ski season and recent announcements from the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. They discuss the induction of impactful figures like Sarah Bill Meyer, Hannah Kearney, and Chuck and Jan Perkins. The episode features an interview with Rex and Karen Rex Deitesfeld, founders of Zay Boots, who share their journey of developing an innovative, American-made ski boot with a unique radial closure system offering dynamic foot stability and comfort during turns. This episode delves into the technical aspects of ski boot manufacturing, including the challenges of creating a boot suitable for various skill levels and the importance of made-in-America production.
Topics
00:22 Signs of the Upcoming Ski Season
00:52 U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame Inductees
03:16 The Importance of Ski Boots
04:06 The Legacy of Hanson Boots
06:36 Challenges in Ski Boot Manufacturing
08:51 Introducing Zay Ski Boots
10:25 Interview with Zay Ski Boots Founders
17:36 The Radial Closure System Explained
22:13 Comparing Zay Boots to Other Ski Boots
24:46 The Zay Ski Boot Advantage
25:24 Target Audience for Zay Boots
26:30 Innovative Boot Design and Feedback
29:03 Fit and Volume Considerations
31:06 Boot Board and Flex Technology
33:41 Material Choices and Manufacturing
40:16 Liner Design and Comfort
43:10 Market Distribution and Pricing
45:34 Conclusion and Future Prospects
47:20 Post-Interview Reflections