Controversial: Shin guards conquer ski racing

Christof Innerhofer speaks of the "most important innovation since the invention of the carving ski". That is quite a statement. The fact is that special shin guards have been causing quite a stir in ski racing for some time. Marco Odermatt is wearing them, as is last year's downhill high-flyer Cyprien Sarrazin. More and more athletes are getting these types of guards, which actually come from football. The reason: They are convinced that they can ski a more direct line thanks to these protectors.

The protector is placed on the shin inside the ski boot and is an extension of the tongue of the ski boot. This positioning allows a more direct transfer of power and technique to the skis. Hubert Rabensteiner makes the shin guards custom-made for many world-class athletes under the name Power Booster.

The 54-year-old from Villanders is known under the stage name Schuhbert for his innovative adjustments for ski boots, shoe insoles, arm and elbow protectors. Bode Miller, Renate Götschl, Mario Matt, Domme Paris, Alex Vinatzer, Manuel Feller, Mikaela Shiffrin and most recently Christof Innerhofer swear by Schuhbert products.

South Tyrolean beginnings It all started with Denise Karbon in 2008. The Kastelrutherin was suffering from a bruised shoe edge, and master shoemaker Rabensteiner created a shin guard made of carbon. This is a carbon fiber that is soaked in resin and placed in a vacuum to harden under high heat. This carbon splint wraps around the shin like a second skin and ensured that the Kastelrutherin was able to compete successfully in ski races again. In the years that followed, these ski boot guards were forgotten, and arm protectors became very fashionable.

Marco Odermatt also relies on rail. © APA/afp / JEFF PACHOUD

It was only when Marco Odermatt suffered from constant inflammation of the skin on his legs a few years ago and spent a long time finding a solution to the problem that people remembered the pads again. They not only helped the three-time overall World Cup winner with his constant pain, but were also a technical aid. Hubert Rabensteiner: "You build up the pressure on the skis more quickly and in a more targeted way, you are able to ski shorter radii. And: the skis lie more smoothly on the snow."

The orange-red object that is currently causing much discussion

Because these protectors reach up to the ankle and protrude up to 10 centimeters from the ski boot on the upper side, they create better levers that enable better power transfer to the ski. What Rabensteiner invented 15 years ago has now been imitated by many, including ski companies (including Atomic). The custom-made protectors cost up to 1200 euros. There are also standard models that are glued to the outside of the ski boot tongue as "ski boot covers." Manuel Feller races giant slalom with these, and they cost 80 euros.

The question of legality Then there is the question of whether these insoles comply with the rules. According to the FIS, there is no rule that speaks against it. Not yet. An initial attempt last spring was rejected by the national ski associations. Also because skiers with a history of injuries can ski again without pain thanks to the shin guards. See Marco Odermatt, or see Nora Damian. The woman from Tiers broke her tibia and fibula in both legs during an FIS Super-G in Reinswald in January 2024. Now she can ski again largely pain-free - thanks to the Power Booster, which significantly relieves the strain on her injured feet.

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Hockey

Tennis

Winter sports

Learn More

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

Controversial: Shin guards conquer ski racing

This weekend will be exciting again in Val Gardena, as the Alpine Ski Circus will once again delight fans around the Camel Humps. The best skiers in the world will battle it out for victory – and some of them have a little ace up their sleeve.

Comments (0)