New BTF Ski System Aims To Replace Hard Ski Boots

According to the brand's website, they're still prototyping the system, but expect to have a pre-series market launch sometime in 2025 with an estimated cost similar to that of a traditional boot/binding set up. Like the original Nava Skiing System, the BTF Ski System uses a lever that transmits even the slightest motion to the edge of the ski which, allegedly, eliminates the need to keep weight forward.

The whole system's purpose is to eliminate traditional hardshell ski boots by using a soft boot/binding combination to emulate the same effects. These soft boots by BTF Ski System promise to be warm, soft, and comfortable enough to be worn around as day-to-day snow boots, easy to put on, "fashion oriented," and give a more natural ski position.

Tap or click below to watch skiers using the BTF Ski System.

BTF Ski Systems aren't the first to try to eliminate the need for hard ski boots, even following the Nava Ski System.

Other brands like Envy Snow and Apex Ski Boots use a similar soft boot and frame model to transfer motion and energy from the foot and leg to a ski. The BTF Ski System looks more minimal in terms of the binding than some of the others, but they all follow a relatively similar concept.

I fully understand the disdain for hard-shelled ski boots, and have even had them cause lasting damage to my feet, but I can't help but feel skeptical of these systems.

Maybe it's the masochism ingrained in me from alternating between shoving my feet into plaster and wood pointe shoes and plastic ski boots that's prompting my skepticism, but it's hard to imagine a soft boot would provide the necessary energy transfer and control to ski at an advanced level.

But hey, with all the advancements in boot and binding technology these days, who knows, maybe soft ski boots really are the future.