Abstract: A sports boot such as used for skiing has an upper shell interconnected in the ankle region to a lower vamp shell by a pair of side primary pivots. The lower edge of the upper shell has an integrally molded front receptacle which faces a front receptacle integrally molded into the upper edge of the lower vamp shell. The receptacles hold a replaceable resilient insert, the vertical extent of which determines the forward lean angle of the upper shell, and the resiliency of which controls the flex characteristics of the upper shell when pivoted relative to the lower shell. The ends of the receptacles form overlapping stop flanges which abut a replaceable bumper having a vertical extent which controls the maximum rear lean angle of the upper. Rear entry into the boot is provided by a rear door connected by a pair of side door pivots to the upper, and which overlaps a separate replaceable heel door with interior padding for holding down the wearer's heel.

Abstract: A motorcycle boot has an upper wrap-around shell, closed by a buckle and strap, which overlaps a lower vamp shell having a plurality of forward and rear tapering fingers which extend into the upper shell to allow hinging movement of the upper shell. Flexible liners are inserted into the vamp to custom fit the vamp shell to a wearer's foot. An interconnecting hinge assembly includes a pivot pin, journalled in the upper shell, and slidably mounted within a slotted plate attached to the lower shell, to allow the upper shell to pivot forwardly and rearwardly and rock sideways. The base of the lower shell, with a steel plate embedded in the instep arch, is covered by a replaceable sole attached by adhesive which forms a rupturable seal. To waterproof the boot, a flexible cylindrical liner is sealed to the lower vamp and extends through the upper shell, with the liner top being folded down and externally attached to the upper shell.