Abstract: The invention is the assembly of a flexible walking boot and a boot brace made of a rigid material for receiving and holding the boot within it so that the assembly can be used for downhill skiing or snowboarding. The brace has a sole plate for insertion into a conventional downhill ski or snowboard binding. Lateral support is provided by upright members extending along the leg from the sole plate of the brace. Forward resistance is provided by resilient bias means located at the pivotal attachment of the upright members to the brace, which attachment is preferably beneath the heel. The skier's heel is held down by means of an adjustable heel counter positioned at the rear of the brace.