Abstract: A ski boot minimizes torsional rotation of the foot while permitting bending movement about the ball of the foot. The ski boot includes a toe portion connected to a heel portion by a hinge structure that prohibits torsional movement therebetween. A heel bracket is connected to and pivots with respect to the toe portion independently of the heel portion. The toe portion has a forward tip that may engage a front ski binding, and the heel bracket has a heel member that may engage a rear ski binding. The heel portion may be releasably fastened to the heel bracket for alpine skiing and walking or released for nordic skiing. Hyperextension and hyperflexion limit stops are provided. Extension linkage may be implemented to space the toe and heel portions.

Abstract: An article of footwear, expecially adapted as a ski boot or hiking boot, has a toe portion and a heel portion respectively having a first and second sole portion that are pivotally rotatable with respect to one another over a fairly large angular range about a hinge between a first position wherein the first and second sole portions are substantially parallel and a second flexed position. The hinged fixedly interconnects the toe and heel portions in a manner preventing relative torsional rotation, and a downward limit stop prevents hyperextension of the foot. An upward limit stop may be included to prevent hyperflexion of the foot. The toe and heel portions may be independent pieces; and a masking panel extends therebetween beneath the foot. Likewise, an upper baffle may extend across the top of the foot between the toe and heel portions. Extension linkage my be employed as part of the hinge.

Abstract: An article of footwear having independent toe and heel portions that are pivotally rotatable with respect to one another over a fairly large angular range. The independent toe and heel portions are pivotally hinged to each other about the axis of the ball of the foot so as to allow relative ease in walking even when the footwear is constructed of rigid material. The said footwear is a ski boot or a hiking boot.