Boa delivers glove-like fit through a system that is inherently low in friction and high in strength, resulting in a forceful, uniform closure up, down, and around the shoe or boot.
A turn of the Boa dial demonstrates the even pressure that is administered throughout the Closure System, from the Boa lace closest to the dial all the way to that which is farthest from it.
Traditional shoelace systems, in comparison, are inherently high in friction. The laces tend to lock against each other and the very tight radii into and out of the eyelets disrupt the flow of force from one crossover to the next.
When traditional laces are tightened at the top of the shoe, the laces at the bottom simply do not move or conform to the tension that is being applied.
A side-by-side comparison accurately compares friction levels of traditional laces to the relatively friction-less Boa Closure System.
Boa has performed extensive pressure mapping studies, which measure zones of high and low pressure on the foot before, during, and after use. The results provide further examples of the Boa Closure System's even, uniform closure that creates a superior fit and, ultimately, better performance.
When the Boa system is tightened, there is initially a very small area of focused pressure, generally near the dial. It quickly dissipates and equalizes both as it is tightened and after only a few movements of the foot. During the activity, the pressure is evenly distributed, resulting in few pressure points, which can result in drops in performance, blisters, or other problems.
In a traditional lace-up design, there is also an initial ridge of pressure while tightening. The ridge, in this case, is larger than when using a Boa Closure System. After a few steps, the pressure equalizes slightly, but a relatively large variance remains between high and low pressure zones.
Note: The traditional lacing system measurements were based upon an individual tightening the shoe at or near the top of the shoe. The measurements would differ if the individual began tightening from the bottom, working his or her way up. Qualitative studies have shown that most athletes tighten from the top-most areas of the shoe or boot.
