traction sole - / ˈtrækʃn səʊl / -
noun
Soft rubber ski boot soles designed to improve grip when scrambling over rocks or kicking in steps on a steep boot pack. Ski boot soles used to be only made of hard plastic, at the time this was to ensure the boot fitted into alpjne bindings and met the relevant safety standards. Thanks to advances in compounding, the same can now be achieved using rubber. These give several advantages - unlike plastic, rubber does not become brittle in low temperatures. Rubber soles can be replaced, potentially extending the potential life of a ski boot. Most importantly for FreeRiders rubber is far more slip resistant, allowing for much safer travel on foot in adverse conditions. Some brands are even offering a rockered sole to aid ergonomic footfall. There are also aftermarket products to put over traditional soles to aid foot powered travel but these are not compatible with ski bindings.
\\ That scramble felt much less sketchy with these traction soles.
Also known as:
vibram sole
grip walk sole