SKI BINDING FOR A SOFT BOOT

Abstract

A binding includes a forward base portion that is configured to attach to a top surface of the ski. The binding includes a rearward base portion that is hingedly attached to the forward base portion. The rearward base portion is removably securable to the ski and movable about the forward base portion. The binding includes a forward adjustable boot retention element that includes a pair of lug wings attached to at least one of the forward base portion and the rearward base portion. A width between the lug wings is adjustable. The forward adjustable boot retention element includes a strap attached to the pair of lug wings. The strap is more flexible than the lug wings.

Description

BACKGROUND

Outdoor boots are useful, comfortable and warm when hiking, working, or performing daily tasks. Outdoor boots are traditionally constructed of soft durable material such as leather, canvas, or rubber and, due to their durable construction, outdoor boots can be used in a variety of different environments.

Traditional ski boots utilize a hard shell which makes them difficult to maneuver in any activity besides skiing. However, their hard shell construction allows the skier to transfer movement to the skis for optimized skiing performance. Further, traditional snowboard boots, while soft, are often bulky and ill-equipped for everyday use.

Backcountry skiing is both a popular activity and a way to access terrain in the winter that is otherwise inaccessible. When accessing backcountry terrain, hiking, climbing, ski touring, and general scrambling are activities often required to traverse the landscape. It is advantageous to utilize a soft outdoor boot in many of these activities. Therefore, there is a need for a ski binding that accepts a soft outdoor boot.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to a ski binding. In one possible configuration, and by non-limiting example, the ski binding includes a two-piece hinged baseplate and at least two foot straps.

In one example of the present disclosure, a binding for securing a soft boot to a ski is disclosed. The binding includes a forward base portion that is configured to attach to a top surface of the ski. The binding includes a rearward base portion that is hingedly attached to the forward base portion. The rearward base portion is removably securable to the ski and movable about the forward base portion. The binding includes a forward adjustable boot retention element that includes a pair of lug wings attached to at least one of the forward base portion and the rearward base portion. A width between the lug wings is adjustable. The forward adjustable boot retention element includes a strap attached to the pair of lug wings. The strap is more flexible than the lug wings.

In another example of the present disclosure, a binding for securing a soft boot to a ski is disclosed. The binding includes a forward base portion configured to attach to a top surface of the ski. The binding includes a rearward base portion that is hingedly attached to the forward base portion. The rearward base portion is removably securable to the ski and movable about the forward base portion. The binding includes a forward adjustable boot retention element that includes a pair of lug wings attached to at least one of the forward base portion and the rearward base portion. A width between the lug wings is adjustable. The forward adjustable boot retention element includes a strap attached to the pair of lug wings. The strap is more flexible than the lug wings. The binding includes a rear adjustable boot retention element attached to the rearward base portion. The rear adjustable boot retention element extends upward from the rearward base portion and is configured to at least partially surround a heel of the soft boot. The rear adjustable boot retention element includes an ankle strap configured to selectively extend across at least a portion of an ankle of the soft boot. The binding includes a ski retention element that is attachable to the top surface of the ski and selectively engagable with the rearward base portion. When engaged with the rearward base portion, relative movement between the forward base portion and the rearward base portion is prevented.

In another example of the present disclosure, a method of securing a soft boot in a ski binding is disclosed. The method includes providing a ski boot binding that includes a forward base portion and a rearward base portion that is hingedly attached to the forward base portion. The binding includes an adjustable boot retention element that includes a pair of lug wings attached to at least one of the forward base portion and the rearward base portion. A width between the lug wings is adjustable. The adjustable boot retention element includes a strap attached to the pair of lug wings. The strap is more flexible than the lug wings. The method includes moving the lug wings with respect to at least one of the forward base portion and the rearward base portion to adjust the width of the lug wings to match a width of the soft boot. The method includes securing the strap of the adjustable boot retention element around the soft boot to fix the soft boot to the ski boot binding.

A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not to scale and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic top view of skis including a pair of ski bindings.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a ski binding according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the ski binding of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a ski binding according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the ski binding of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates a partial top view of the ski binding of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the ski binding of FIG. 4 with an optional extended support installed.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective rear view of the ski binding of FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective rear view of a ski retention element in a first position of the ski binding of FIG. 4.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective rear view of the ski retention element in a second position of the ski binding of FIG. 4.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a ski binding according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the ski binding of FIG. 11 in a raised position.

FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the ski binding of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 illustrates another perspective view of the ski binding of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims.

The ski binding disclosed herein has several advantages. The ski binding is configured to accept a soft boot. In some examples, the soft boot is an outdoor boot such as a combat boot, leather boot, extreme cold weather boot or hiking boot. The soft boot can have a variety of different types of soles, each contributing to how flexible the boot is.

The ski binding includes a two-piece pivoting base plate that is securable to a ski for downhill skiing/gliding and also partially decoupled from the ski to allow for ski touring, for example skinning as well as general over snow mobility. The ski binding is configured to include a plurality of boot retention straps, including an optional high ankle/calf stabilizing strap so as to add rigidity to the connection of boot and ski binding to the ski. In some examples, the ski binding includes retention elements that are configured to release the ski binding, at least partially from the ski during certain events so as to prevent injury to the skier.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic top view of a pair of skis 100 including a pair of ski boot bindings 102 attached to a top surface 101. The ski bindings 102 are each generally configured to secure a boot (not shown) of a skier to the top surface 101 of the skis 100 so as to allow the skier to travel on the skis 100.

Each ski binding 102 includes a forward portion 104, a rearward portion 106 hingedly attached to the forward portion 104 at a hinge 108, and a rearward portion of the retention element 109 that is configured to selectively retain the rearward portion 106 on the top surface 101 of the skis 100. The ski bindings 102 are configured to accommodate a variety of different boot types, sizes (e.g., sizes 6-15), and widths (wide to narrow widths).

The skis 100 can includes a variety of different constructions and types. The skis 100 generally include the top surface 101, a tip 110 at the forward end, and a tail 112 at the rearward end. The ski bindings 102 are positioned on the top surface 101 of each ski 100 between the tip 110 and the tail 112.

The forward portion 104 of the ski binding 102 is configured to be attached to the ski 100 in at least a semi-permanent fashion. In one example, the forward portion 104 is secured to the top surface 101 of the ski 100 via fasteners such as screws, bolts, other removable elements. In other examples, the forward portion 104 is secured to the top surface 101 of the ski 100 via an adapter (not shown). In other examples, the forward portion 104 is secured to the top surface 101 of the ski 100 via a quick connect adapter (not shown). In some examples, the forward portion 104 is securable to the top surface 101 of the ski via an adapter that allows for adjustable retention of the forward portion on the top surface 101 of the ski 100. In some examples, the forward portion 104 can include an adjustable strap attached thereto to aid in attaching the forward portion 104 to the boot of the skier.

The rearward portion 106 is hingedly connected to the forward portion 104 by way of a hinge 108. The hinge 108 defines a hinge axis A. The rearward portion 106 can rotate about the forward portion 104 via the hinge axis A. In some examples, the hinge axis A can be positioned along a length L of the ski binding 102. Specifically, the hinge axis A can be positioned along the length L of the ski binding at a distance of 0.5 L or less from a front 103 of the ski binding 102 (i.e., nearer the tip 110 of the ski 100 than a rear portion 105). In other examples still, hinge axis A can be positioned at the front 103 of the ski binding, thereby allowing the majority of the length L of the ski binding 102 to pivot about the hinge axis A. In still other examples, the ski binding 102 can include multiple hinge axes A to allow the ski binding 102 to pivot at multiple locations.

In some examples, the rearward portion 106 is connected to the forward portion 104 via a pivot point, allowing the rearward portion 106 freedom to move in a multitude of directions about the forward portion 104. In some examples, the rearward portion 106 can include a boot retention element (e.g., an adjustable strap) to aid in attaching the rearward portion 106 to the boot of the skier. In other examples, the rearward portion 106 includes a plurality of boot retention elements (e.g., an adjustable strap, a fixed length strap, or rigid support) to aid in retaining the boot of the skier on the rearward portion.

The retention element 109 is positionable between a downhill position and a touring position. In the downhill position, the retention element 109 is configured to secure the rearward portion 106 to the top surface 101 of the ski 100. When secured to the top surface 101 of the ski 100, the rearward portion 106 can no longer rotate about the hinge 108. This position is desirable for skiing a downhill portion of terrain. When the retention element 109 is in the touring position, it does not secure the rearward portion 106 to the ski 100, thereby allowing the rearward portion 106 to freely pivot about the hinge 108. In some examples, the retention element 109 can include movable risers so as to limit the rotational movement of the rearward portion 106 when in the touring position. For example, the retention element 109 can include at least one riser that interfaces with the rearward portion at certain points in the pivoting range so as to prevent the rearward portion 106 from rotating and contacting the top surface 101 of the ski 100. This is advantageous when the skis 100 are being used to ascend an incline.

FIGS. 2-3 show top perspective views of a ski binding 202 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The ski binding 202 includes a forward portion 204, a rearward portion 206, a hinge 208, a forward adjustable boot retention element 212, and a rearward boot retention element 214. In general, the ski binding 202 is similar to the ski binding 102 described above.

The forward portion 204 includes mounting features 215, such as apertures, to allow the forward portion 204 to be mounted to a ski 100. The forward portion 204 can be shaped and sized in a variety of different ways to accommodate a variety of differently sized boots. In the depicted example, the forward portion 204 includes a channel 216 to mount the forward adjustable boot retention element 212 thereto.

The rearward portion 206 is attached at the hinge 208 to the forward portion 204. Similar to the rearward portion 106 described above, the rearward portion 206 is selectively pivotable about the hinge 208 so as to allow the rearward portion 206 to move about the forward portion 204. The rearward portion 206 includes the rearward boot retention element 214 attached to a pair of sides 218. In some examples, the hinge 208 is located adjacent a ball of the foot of the users boot when the boot is secured within the ski binding 202.

The forward adjustable boot retention element 212 is shown detached from the ski binding 202 in FIG. 2. The forward adjustable boot retention element 212 is attached to the ski binding 202, specifically the channel 216 of the forward portion 204, in FIG. 3. The forward adjustable boot retention element 212 includes an adjustable strap 220 connected to a pair of lug wings 222. In some examples the strap 220 is a ratchet style strap that is secured to the forward adjustable boot retention element 212 by way of a buckle 224.

The lug wings 222 are configured to be mounted within the channel 216 and can include a plurality of mounting holes 226 so as to allow the skier a variety of different mounting positions when securing it to the forward portion 204. The lug wings 222 are less flexible than the strap 220.

The rearward boot retention element 214 is attached to the rearward portion 206 and is configured to surround at least a portion of the boot of the skier. In some examples, the rearward boot retention element 214 is a heel cup to add rigidity to the ski binding 202. In other examples, the rearward portion 206 includes a plurality of rearward boot retention elements 214 (e.g., straps).

In some examples, the ski binding 202 is manufactured from a single material, or multiple types of materials. Such materials include metal, such as aluminum. High impact strength plastics, including those reinforced by carbon fibers, may also be utilized. In other examples, the ski binding is manufactured from both plastic and metal.

FIGS. 4-10 show a ski binding 302 according to other embodiments of the present disclosure. In general, the ski binding 302 is similar to the ski bindings 102, 202 described above. The ski binding 302 includes a forward portion 304, a rearward portion 306, a hinge 308, a forward adjustable boot retention element 312, a rearward boot heel retention element 314, and a rearward boot ankle retention element 316.

FIG. 4 shows the ski binding 302 in a downhill position. In some examples, the binding 302 is in this position when the skier is skiing a downhill portion of terrain. In some examples, in the downhill position, the rearward portion 306 is secured to the top surface of the ski, as described in more detail below.

FIG. 5 shows the ski binding 302 in a touring position. In some examples, the rearward portion 306 is free to pivot about the hinge 308 so as to allow the skier to lift their heel off of the ski when skiing. In some examples, the binding 302 is in this position when the skier is traversing or climbing terrain (i.e., skinning or touring). In other examples, the binding 302 is in this position when the skier is skiing a downhill portion of terrain and employing a Telemark or AT skiing technique.

In some examples, the hinge 308 is located adjacent a ball of the foot of the user's boot when the boot is secured within the ski binding 302. In other examples, the hinge 308 is located at least in the front half of the ski binding 302. In other examples still, the hinge 308 is located at a tip 307 of the ski binding 302.

In the depicted embodiment, the ski binding 302 employs a skeletonized construction. In some examples, the ski binding 302 is manufactured from metal, such as aluminum. In other examples the ski binding 302 is manufactured from both plastic and metal.

In some examples, the forward adjustable boot retention element 312, can be an adjustable strap that is configured to be shortened or lengthened in order to secure the toe box of the skier's boot to the forward portion 304. As shown in the top view of the ski binding 302 in FIG. 6, the forward adjustable boot retention element 312 includes lug wings 322 that are adjustably mounted to the forward portion 304 so as to allow the skier to alter the width of the forward adjustable boot retention element 312 to accommodate different widths of boots. In some examples, the lug wings 322 can be mounted to the rearward portion 306. In some examples, the lug wings 322 can include a plurality of apertures 323 that are configured to receive fasteners 324. In some examples, the forward adjustable boot retention element 312 is mounted to the forward portion 304 immediately adjacent the hinge 308. In some examples, the forward adjustable boot retention element 312 is mounted to the rearward portion 306 immediately adjacent the hinge 308. In some examples, the lug wings 322 are less flexible than the strap attached to the lug wings 322.

The rearward boot heel retention element 314 is configured to surround the heel of the skier's boot. In some examples the rearward boot heel retention element 314 has an adjustable length. In some examples, the rearward boot heel retention element 314 can be mounted to a plurality of locations along sides 318 of the rearward portion 306.

The rearward boot ankle retention element 316 is secured to the rearward boot heel retention element 314 and is adjustable so as to be secured generally over the ankle of the boot of the skier. The rearward boot heel retention element 314 allows the skier to lock the boot to the rearward portion 306 so as to allow the user to transfer power and movement from their boots to the bindings 302 and finally to the skis. Further, the rearward boot heel retention element 314 allows the skier to lift the rearward portion 306 from the ski when in touring mode where the rearward portion 306 is not secured to the ski. In some examples, the rearward boot heel retention element 314 uses a ratchet strap system for adjustability.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the ski binding 302 that includes an extended support 326. The extended support 326 is configured to secure the high ankle/calf area of the skier and the skier's boot to the ski binding 302 for increased control and power transfer. The extended support 326 is attached to the rearward boot heel retention element 314 via a rigid frame 328 and extends upward away from the rearward boot heel retention element 314. In the depicted example, the extended support 326 includes an adjustable strap 330 for securing the extended support 326 to the skier. In some examples the adjustable strap 330 is configured to attach to the high ankle/calf area of the skier and the skier's boot. The extended support 326 allows for the effective transfer of medial and lateral torque by the skier to the binding 302 and then to the attached ski. In some examples, the extended support 326 is removable from the ski binding 302 so that the ski binding 302 can be used without the extended support 326.

FIG. 8 shows a rear perspective view of a portion of the ski binding 304. The rearward portion 306 includes ski attachment features 334 that are configured to interface with a ski retention element 309. Other embodiments of the bindings depicted herein may be configured so as to engage with ski retention elements. The ski retention element 309 is configured to be attached to the top surface of a ski and selectively engage the rearward portion 306 of the ski binding 302 in order to selectively lock the ski binding 302 to the top surface of the ski in the downhill position.

In the depicted example, the ski attachment features 334 are slots in the rear of the rearward portion 306. In some examples, the ski attachment features 334 can be other differently shaped features (e.g., holes) depending on the configuration of the ski retention element 309.

The ski retention element 309 includes a slidable locking body 336 with a pair of wings 338 extending outwardly from the body 336. The ski retention element 309 can also include a tab 339 so as to allow the skier to easily disengage/engage the ski retention element 309. The wings 338 are configured to be received by the ski attachment features 334 (i.e., slots) on the rearward portion 306.

FIG. 9 shows the ski retention element 309 in the secured, downhill position. The ski retention element 309 also includes a mounting body 340. The mounting body 340 is configured to be secured to the ski and slidably retain the body 336. In some examples, the mounting body 340 raises the body 336 off of the top surface of the ski so that, as the body 336 slides, it does not bind against the top surface of the ski. This allows for easier engagement without damaging the top surface of the ski. FIG. 10 shows the ski retention element 309 in the non-secured, touring position.

To move between the downhill position and the touring position, the skier can engage any portion of the body 336, wings 338, or tab 339 to slide the body 336.

In some examples, the ski retention element 309 includes features that allow the ski binding 302 to release from the downhill position when excessive torque is applied to the ski binding 302. In some examples, the ski binding 302 is released from the downhill position into the touring position when excessive torque is encountered. In some examples, the ski binding 302 is released from the ski entirely when excessive torque is encountered. In some examples, the wings 338 are configured to flex so as to be released from the ski attachment features 334. In other examples, the forward portion 304 includes a quick release adaptor (not shown) to allow the ski binding 302 to release from the ski. In some examples, the ski binding 302 includes a forward release that disengages the ski retention element 309 when excessive torque is applied.

FIGS. 10-13 show a ski binding 402 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The ski binding 402 is substantially similar to the ski bindings 102, 202, 302 described above. The ski binding 402 includes a forward portion 404, a rearward portion 406, and a hinge 408. The forward portion 404 pivots about the hinge 408 near a front 403 of the ski binding 402. Specifically, the ski binding 402 can be secured, much like the ski bindings disclosed above, between a touring position, shown in FIG. 11, and a downhill position, shown in FIG. 12.

In the depicted example, the forward portion 404 comprises the majority of a length L2 of the ski binding 402, as shown in FIG. 13. Specifically, the hinge 408 is located at the front 403 of the ski binding 402 to allow the user to use the ski binding 402 with a semi-rigid to rigid boot. Therefore, in touring mode, the ski binding 402 will pivot at the hinge 408 near, or at, the tip of a toe of the semi-rigid, to rigid boot.

In some examples, the ski binding 402 includes a forward adjustable boot retention element 412, substantially similar to forward adjustable boot retention element 212, 312 above. The forward adjustable boot retention element can be an adjustable and include a plurality of lug wings 422 attached to the rearward portion 406. A strap, substantially similar to strap 220 described above, can be attached to the lug wings 422 and can be configured to be shortened or lengthened in order to secure the toe box of the skier's boot. The position of the lug wings 422, like lug wings 222, 322 described above, can also be altered to change the width of the forward adjustable boot retention element 412 to accommodate different widths of boots. In some examples, the lug wings 422 are more rigid than a strap attached to them.

In some examples, the ski binding 402 includes a rearward boot heel retention element 414, substantially similar to the rearward boot heel retention elements 214, 314 described above. The rearward boot heel retention element 414 is configured to surround the heel of the skier's boot. In some examples the rearward boot heel retention element 414 has an adjustable length. In some examples, the rearward boot heel retention element 414 can be mounted to a plurality of locations along sides of the rearward portion 406. In some examples, the rearward boot heel retention element 414 includes a portion that is rigid and non-adjustable to surround the heel of the skier's boot.

The rearward boot ankle retention element 316 is secured to the rearward boot heel retention element 314 and is adjustable to be secured generally over the ankle of the boot of the skier. The rearward boot heel retention element 314 allows the skier to lock the boot to the rearward portion 306 so as to allow the user to transfer power and movement from their boots to the bindings 302 and finally to the skis. Further, the rearward boot heel retention element 314 allows the skier to lift the rearward portion 306 from the ski when in touring mode where the rearward portion 306 is not secured to the ski. In some examples, the rearward boot heel retention element 314 uses a ratchet strap system for adjustability.

The forward portion 404 is configured to be fixed to a ski. In some examples, the forward portion 404 has a wedge or trapezoidal shape. In some examples, the rearward portion 406 surrounds at least a portion of the forward portion 404, and the rearward portion 406 is fixed to the forward portion at the hinge 408.

The hinge 408 includes a pair of pins 410 that connect to and allow pivotal movement between both the forward portion 404 and the rearward portion 406. In some examples, a single pin can be utilized.

In other examples, the ski binding 402 can utilize multiple independently locking hinges 408 located at various locations along the ski binding 402. In one example, the ski binding 402 can include the hinge 408 shown in FIGS. 10-14 and also utilize a separately lockable hinge 409 located at a length L3, which is approximately located at or near the ball of the foot of the user. In some examples, hinge 409 is located in the front half of ski binding 402, but rearward from hinge 408. In some examples, the hinge 409 can be used as a separate pivot point in addition to the hinge 408. In other examples, the hinge 408 can be used as the sole pivot point for the forward and rearward portions 404, 406. In other examples still, the hinge 409 can be locked so that the hinge 408 operates as the only hinge. Utilizing a pair of hinges 408, 409 on the ski binding 402 allows the user to use a variety of different boots with varying stiffness without having to alter the ski binding 402. For example, if a relatively flexible boot is utilized, hinge 409 can be utilized. If a relatively stiff boot is utilized, hinge 408 can be utilized and hinge 408 locked. This would allow the skier to employ a Telemark ski technique, or a tip of toe AT style of skiing according to skier preference.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A binding for securing a soft boot to a ski comprising: a forward base portion configured to attach to a top surface of the ski;a rearward base portion hingedly attached to the forward portion, the rearward base portion being removably securable to the ski and movable about the forward portion; anda forward adjustable boot retention element having: a pair of lug wings attached to at least one of the forward base portion and the rearward base portion, wherein a width between lug wings is adjustable; anda strap attached to the pair of lug wings, wherein the strap is more flexible than the lug wings.

2. The binding of claim 1, further comprising a rear adjustable boot retention element attached to the rearward base portion, the rear adjustable boot retention element extending upward from the rearward base portion and configured to at least partially surround a heel of the soft boot.

3. The binding of claim 3, wherein the rear adjustable boot retention element further includes an ankle strap attached the rear adjustable boot retention element, the ankle strap being configured to extend across at least a portion of an ankle of the soft boot.

4. The binding of claim 1, wherein the lug wings are configured to be mounted within a channel of the rearward base portion.

5. The binding of claim 1, wherein each lug wing includes a plurality of apertures that are configured to receive fasteners to attach the lug wings to the at least one of the forward base portion and the rearward base portion, wherein the width between the lug wings is adjustable by changing the position of fasteners within the plurality of apertures.

6. The binding of claim 1, further comprising a ski retention element attachable to the top surface of a ski and selectively engagable with the rearward base portion, wherein, when engaged with the rearward base portion, relative movement between the forward base portion and the rearward base portion is prevented.

7. The binding of claim 6, wherein the ski retention element includes a mounting body and a locking body movable with respect the mounting body, the slidable locking body including a pair of wings selectively positionable within a pair of ski attachment features disposed in the rearward base portion, wherein, when the pair of wings are positioned within the ski attachment features, relative movement between the forward base portion and the rearward base portion is prevented.

8. The binding of claim 6, wherein the ski retention element includes a tab configured to be operable to selectively engage the ski retention element with the rearward base portion.

9. A binding for securing a soft boot to a ski comprising: a forward base portion configured to attach to a top surface of the ski;a rearward base portion hingedly attached to the forward base portion, the rearward base portion being removably securable to the ski and movable about the forward base portion;a forward adjustable boot retention element having: a pair of lug wings attached to at least one of the forward base portion and the rearward base portion, wherein a width between the lug wings is adjustable; anda strap attached to the pair of lug wings, wherein the strap is more flexible than the lug wings;a rear adjustable boot retention element attached to the rearward base portion, the rear adjustable boot retention element extending upward from the rearward base portion and being configured to at least partially surround a heel of the soft boot, the rear adjustable boot retention element including an ankle strap being configured to selectively extend across at least a portion of an ankle of the soft boot; anda ski retention element attachable to the top surface of the ski and selectively engagable with the rearward base portion, wherein, when engaged with the rearward base portion, relative movement between the forward base portion and the rearward base portion is prevented.

10. The binding of claim 9, further comprising a rearward extended support attached to the rear adjustable boot retention element, wherein the rearward extended support extends away from the rear adjustable boot retention element, and the rearward extended support is configured to be secured the high ankle area of a skier.

11. The binding of claim 10, wherein the rearward extended support includes an adjustable strap for securing the rearward extended support to the skier.

12. The binding of claim 9, wherein each lug wing includes a plurality of apertures that are configured to receive fasteners to attach the lug wings to the at least one of the forward base portion and the rearward base portion, wherein the width between the lug wings is adjustable by changing the position of the fasteners within the plurality of apertures.

13. The binding of claim 9, wherein the lug wings are configured to be mounted within a channel of the rearward base portion.

14. The binding of claim 9, wherein the ski retention element includes a mounting body and a locking body movable with respect the mounting body, the slidable locking body including a pair of wings selectively positionable within a pair of ski attachment features disposed in the rearward base portion, wherein, when the pair of wings are positioned within the ski attachment features, relative movement between the forward base portion and the rearward base portion is prevented.

15. The binding of claim 14, wherein the ski retention element includes a tab configured to be operable to selectively engage the ski retention element with the rearward base portion.

16. A method of securing a soft boot in a ski binding comprising: providing a ski boot binding including: a forward base portion;a rearward base portion hingedly attached to the forward base portion;an adjustable boot retention element having: a pair of lug wings attached to at least one of the forward base portion and the rearward base portion, wherein a width between the lug wings is adjustable; anda strap attached to the pair of lug wings, wherein the strap is more flexible than the lug wings;moving the lug wings with respect to at least one of the forward base portion and the rearward base portion to adjust the width of the lug wings to match a width of the soft boot; andsecuring the strap of the adjustable boot retention element around the soft boot to fix the soft boot to the ski boot binding.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising attaching a rear adjustable boot retention element to the soft boot, wherein the rear adjustable boot retention element is attached to, and extends upwardly from, the rearward base portion of the ski boot binding, wherein the rear adjustable boot retention element includes an ankle strap that is configured to extend across at least a portion of an ankle of the soft boot.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising coupling the rearward base portion of the ski boot binding to a ski via a ski retention element attached to the top surface of the ski, wherein, when coupled, the ski retention element engages with the rearward base portion to prevent relative movement between the forward base portion and the rearward base portion.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising decoupling the rearward base portion of the ski boot binding from a ski via a ski retention element attached to the top surface of the ski, wherein, when decoupled, the ski retention element allows relative movement between the forward base portion and the rearward base portion.