Abstract: Adjustable boot - ski interface mechanisms for providing elevational adjustment of a skier's boot with respect to the ski and with respect to a separate, extraneous, releasable binding that is fixed to the ski, wherein the binding exerts a predetermined retaining force before releasing the boot from the ski upon occurrence of an external separating force when the skier encounters an obstacle which results in the latter force. The binding includes at least one of a front and a rear rest mechanism, secured to the ski for cooperation with at least one respective interface portion of the boot.

Abstract: Boot or footwear sole structures and assemblies adaptable to various conditions where components are fixed to the sole between the heel and the toe portions of the boot by the forced interaction of opposed bearing surfaces on the components, with supporting areas or bearing profiles formed in the sole on respective sides of an opening that is provided between the heel and toe portions. The components stiffen the sole when assembled, and in addition portions thereof can be specially adapted for particular uses, such as climbing spikes, ice crampons, skates or ski bindings, thereby giving the boot sole structures varied adaptability and interchangeability to various modes of activities.