Strolz Skiboots_en

Strolz Skiboots.
The Strolz family have been manufacturing perfection ski boots
in-house for almost a century. This booklet is aimed at giving
you an insight into the philosophy, history, craftsmanship and
creation of modern, customised Strolz ski boots.
The Strolz family and their team wish you fun and joy.
2

HISTORY
MANUFACTURE
CUSTOMISED PRODUCTION
PRODUCTS
SHOPS & INFO
3

HISTORY
THE HISTORY
OF A
LEGEND
5

The History of a Legend.
The Strolz ski boot history has its origins in Lech almost 90 years
ago, in other words shortly after the invention of modern skiing –
also here in the Arlberg mountains. In 1921, Ambros Strolz opened
his shoemaker’s workshop and started making leather shoes for
the skiers, of whom there were not so many in those days. At the
time he certainly could not imagine the growth the company would
experience and that generations later would still operate by his
motto: To hand manufacture ski boots of the best craftsmanship
from the best material for individual customers.
THREE GENERATIONS, ONE PHILOSOPHY
From Ski Racer to Entrepreneur.
Ambros’ son Martin did indeed follow in his father’s footsteps as a
master orthopaedic shoemaker, but not before doing his own groundwork
for his future market and at the same time acting as his own
test pilot, product developer, ski star and promoter: he was an extremely
successful member of the Austrian national team. In addition
to many other top racers, he also outfi tted his own friends
Otmar Schneider and Egon Zimmermann, who both became Olympic
champions in Strolz ski boots. At the world championships in Åre
in Sweden in 1954, Martin Strolz was crowned runner-up world
champion in the downhill discipline – wearing his “own” ski boots,
naturally. The international ski elite, with the Austrian national team
at the front of the queue, now rushed to be Martin Strolz customers
after the end of his own active ski-racing career. For more than 25
years, Strolz was the outfi tter and supplier of many international ski
teams. Martin Strolz came prepared with everything that predestined
him for the development and production of the highest quality ski
boots: his own experience as a world-class skier, craftsmanship,
6

MARTIN STROLZ AS
SUCCESSFUL SKI RACER
9

REVOLUTION IN MATERIAL, EVOLUTION IN CRAFTSMANSHIP
10

orthopaedic expertise and the drive for perfection. It was logical
consequence that Martin Strolz took over the business from his
father and began to expand it. However, Strolz ski boots were not
only destined for the racing course: Skiers from all over the world
placed great value in the precision handmade ski boots from Lech,
produced from the best leather one could get.
The Art of Adapting to New Material.
The company prospered over a period of 15 years and then faced a
great challenge towards the end of the sixties: the fi rst plastic ski
boots were introduced and that brought an end to the era of leather
ski boots. Martin Strolz recognised the opportunities and risks of
this new technology; he indeed had tremendous experience with the
tradition of the trade and craft of leather processing. But mouldmaking
and injection moulding of plastics were a different kettle of
fi sh. Both the technology and the material were in fact designed for
the production of larger quantities and that fl ew into the face of the
Strolz philosophy: highly individualised, customised production.
But Martin saw the advantages of the new technology and had the
foresight to adapt it for his purposes. Of the fi ve renowned manufacturers
of leather ski boots in the German-speaking countries, only
Strolz successfully managed the change to plastic ski boots. In
1969, Strolz launched his fi rst own plastic ski boot – the model
“Competition” came onto the market. Whereas fi rst experiments
with plasticized leather and the exchange of patents with a mass
manufacturer served as a quick gaining of the necessary know-how,
Martin soon placed his faith in his own virtues and took the production
of the plastic boots into his own hands again.
11

TONI SAILER
AND MARTIN STROLZ
12

Perfection and Perfect Fit.
The development of the foam-fit system, in other words injecting
foam into the space between the outer shell and the boot liner to
achieve a perfect fi t, greatly assisted the individualisation or customised
production process, also of plastic boots. The system was
also used by others, but no other manufacturer succeeded in perfecting
this technique in the customised production of the boot
liner while simultaneously achieving the greatest possible individualisation
of the outer shell. With that the final leap into a new era
was successful and Martin Strolz could continue expanding the
company.
TAKING THE BIG STEP SUCCESSFULLY AS THE ONE AND ONLY
14

A Clear Line.
Design, colours and shapes come and go – just like the racing styles
and techniques of skiers. But the craftsmanship and technical
quality of Strolz ski boots remained consistent over the decades.
ALWAYS THE BEST OF ITS TIME
1960
1960
1960
1920
1970
1980 1990 1990 1990
16

1930
1940
1970 1970
2000 2000 2000
1950 1950
1980
1980
2010
17

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SILVER 1954 IN ÅRE
19

STROLZ SKI
BOOTS
FOR EVERYONE
HIS OWN
20

MANUFACTURE
21

CONSTANT IMPROVEMENT
THE SAME APPROACH FOR 90 YEARS
22

Different Training, One Vocation.
Martin Strolz’s son Hannes took over the management of the company
in 1990. Hannes fi rst fi nished his training as orthopaedic shoemaker
and then studied graphic design in Munich. Because the design of the
ski boots should also remain a core expertise within the Strolz family.
After Martin Strolz’s retirement from active involvement in the business,
Hannes took over the family-owned company as the third generation
Strolz. His knowledge of orthopaedics and design was and is
his secret to success.
He is convinced that in his father he had the best trainer – from his
childhood, Hannes observed the ski boot manufacturing process
closely. As his father, Hannes too has to deal with change: when the
skiing style changes, the shoes must be tailored accordingly. When
carving skis came on the market, the ski boots had to be adapted to
the new requirements. The fi rst combination ski and snowboard boot,
for example, was developed by Hannes Strolz. But he fully abides by
the tradition and philosophy of his father and grandfather: Individualisation
of the highest standard – that is what exemplifi es Strolz.
Strolz does not have any mass-production expansion plans – the idea
is not to make more boots, but to continue developing and manufacturing
better boots over time.
23

The Art of Styling.
The manufacturing of moulds for injection moulding involves very
costly investments. Nevertheless, even this stage in the production
process is done in-house. Strolz is proud of its own know-how
and technology: that is the only way of maintaining extremely high
quality demands and the only way that will give Strolz customers
the truly best ski boot. Strolz ski boots are worldwide the only ski
boots manufactured right in the middle of a ski area – a 100 percent
Austrian quality product.
EXPERIENCED KNOW-HOW ABOUT EVERY DETAIL
24

EVERYTHING HANDCRAFTED IN-HOUSE
26

ASSEMBLY STEP BY STEP
For Everyone his Own.
Despite the use of the most modern technology, the production of
Strolz ski boots is still almost 100 percent handcrafted. And as in
everything else at Strolz, the production process follows one philosophy:
similar to watch-making, almost everything has its origin in
the Strolz company. Small components such as buckles, clamps and
cables for micro-adjustment are produced by regional partners, who
have maintained the same high quality standards as Strolz for generations.
And it is irrelevant which part is dealt with: everything is
the product of team work. Of teams of people, who have often worked
together for years, making the perfect ski boot with traditional,
craftsmanlike expertise.
27

The Second Skin.
The inner shoe or boot liner of Strolz ski boots is completely made
of leather. Leather, because it is a natural product, which has the
ability to mould itself the best to the respective shape of the foot
when the boot is injected with foam. The leather used in Strolz boots
is hand-selected and hand-inspected. Only perfectly processed cattle
leather is good enough for a Strolz boot liner. Naturally, the boot
liners are also stitched by craftsmen.
SKILLED HANDS, AUSTRIAN WORKMANSHIP
28

Excellence Prevails.
The blanks for the boot liners are elaborately stitched together
from approximately 70 components, which are pre-punched from the
leather. Then the shaft section or upper part thus created is pulled
around the wooden last and so receives its three-dimensional shape.
In the customised production process, individual customised ski
boots are then manufactured from the prefabricated outer shells
and boot liner blanks.
SOLID SHOEMAKER CRAFTSMANSHIP
30

CUSTOMISED UNIT FOR UNIT MANUFACTURING
31

CUSTOMISED PRODUCTION
CUSTOMISED
PRODUCTION IN ONE
DAY
33

Curiosity is Good Business Practice.
When you come for your Strolz ski boot measurement appointment,
the Strolz consultant will ask you many questions before he
even looks at your feet. He will want to know how often you go
skiing for example, and which slopes or terrain you prefer. Perhaps
even in which group you ski, if and when yes, which other
sports you do, etc. But please don’t take it wrongly, it is not meant
to be indiscrete, but an important part of the consultant’s expertise.
Because all skiers and all ski boots are not created equal.
The whole emphasis on individualisation would make no sense if
you end up on the slopes with the wrong model. In other words,
with a Freeriding model instead of a Cruising boot or vice versa.
You need a ski boot that is as individual as your foot, your skills
and your style: no prefabricated product, to which you have to adjust,
but a custom-fit for your leg so that you can enjoy better,
safer and more comfortable skiing. Incidentally: all our employees
and contract dealers receive regular training through in-house
seminars, bringing them up to date with the latest technology,
season after season.
Strolz ski boots: Customised production in one day. Customised
production within a few hours? A well-trained and experienced
team, system components with minute attention to detail and
state-of-the-art technology make it possible.
35

FROM THE MORNING TO THE AFTERNOON
OR VICE VERSA
36

Scheduling.
The production of a ski boot demands precision work that requires
time. Please make an appointment in good time, especially on public
holidays and over weekends. That will allow our employees to
plan enough time for you and your future ski boot.
Do you need a ski boot immediately?
When the appointment is made in good time, our team will manufacture
your ski boot as fast as possible. The following are two
ideal appointment examples:
In just a few hours
Consultation, analysis and model selection between 09:00 and 11:00.
Foam-injection appointment 14:00 to 18:00.
Within 24 hours
Consultation, analysis and model selection between 14:00 and 18:00.
Foam-injection appointment day after 09:00 to 11:00.
Contact:
Strolz GmbH
A-6764 Lech am Arlberg 116
schuh@strolz.at / www.strolz.at
Lech Sporthaus
T +43 (0)5583 2361-52
Zürs
T +43 (0)5583 3555-74
Exceptions to standard scheduling could be: special orthopaedic
manufacturing and unplanned/unforeseeable appointment clashes.
37

HIGH-TECH MEETS CRAFTSMANSHIP
First Measurement.
In order to build the last for your boot, with which the outer shell
can then be stretched for a perfect fit, your foot must be exactly
measured beforehand. At first the Strolz professionals hand-measure
your instep, forefoot and calve. Then your foot is scanned or a
pressure plate measurement is taken. The data is needed to manufacture
the perfect last for your foot and to determine whether an
orthopaedic insole must be made or how your foot bed can be
made to fit as perfectly and comfortably as possible.
39

BY AN ORTHOPAEDIC MASTER ONLY
40

Many Steps to an Insole.
The fi rst step to a customised boot is the perfectly adapted insole:
the orthopaedic master feeds the foot measurements into a CAD
system. There the insole is electronically shaped to the exact profi le
of the foot in a so-called moduler (special software). Then the CAD
moulding cutter mills the perfect insole from plastic wedges of varying
hardness. For various skier types, foot shapes or even special
insoles for diabetics – no two insoles are alike, it is customised for
your foot.
41

STEP BY STEP TO THE PERFECTLY
CUSTOMISED INSOLE
42

INDIVIDUAL DESIGN AT ITS BEST, OUTSIDE AND INSIDE
True-to-Size to the Millimetre.
The measurement data of your foot is now needed to build your
individual wooden last, an exact three-dimensional replica of the
shape of your foot. When the last is ready, the ski boot shell is
warmed, the last inserted and the shell shaped to fit your foot perfectly.
A layer of cork on the last represents the anatomy of your
foot. Although this production step determines the rough fit (the
micro-adjustment takes place when the foam is injected), it still
requires the highest precision and professional skill.
44

Solid Shell, Soft Core.
Further steps in the individualisation process to a perfect fit: at
first pads are attached to your foot in the appropriate areas to
allow for more room in the pressure-sensitive areas of your foot.
When everything is in place, the foot is placed in the shell and the
foam is injected into the boot liner. A chemical reaction causes the
foam to expand and to mould itself perfectly around the anatomy
of your foot. Ten minutes later the boot is ready – a unique product
that only fits you. Now the foam must be allowed to cure for another
twelve hours, enabling you to ski more precisely and more
comfortably than ever before.
METICULOUS INDIVIDUALISATION
46

48
ALL
EXPERTS
IN THEIR
FIELD

PRODUCTS
49

THE SKI BOOT IN VARIOUS MODELS
50
slender medium-sized

oad calves
Strolz ski boots are worldwide
the only boots also available in
half-sizes. That makes your ski
boots fit even more perfectly.
Available in sizes 23.5 – 32.0
Mondopoint.
Your technical salesperson will
gladly advise you!
DEGREE OF HARDNESS OF THE
PLASTIC
HARD
MEDIUM
SOFT
51

RACER
extremely fast and athletic skiing on all slope conditions.
FOR EVERY TYPE
52
FREERIDER
skiing on open terrain, in deep snow and unprepared slopes.

ALLROUNDER
comfortable gliding and swaying on slopes at moderate speed.
53

Strolz buckles are available in several clamp lengths for microadjustment.
MICRO-ADJUSTMENT FOR EVERYBODY!
Strolz canting disks for micro-adjustment of the lateral inclination
of the cuff. The cuff is adjusted to the axis position of the shin and
calf bone with rings of various shapes.
54

Strolz damping wedges provide for the micro-adjustment of the
manoeuvrability of the shaft and are available in black (soft), red
(medium) and sliver (hard).
Buckle caps are available in various colours.
55

Form Follows Foot.
Feet are as individual as people, no two are alike. A matching boot
liner is available for every shape of leg and foot. The right one for
every foot is selected from 16 different boot liner models; whether
for slim, medium-sized or very wide calves. Naturally, the tongues
of Strolz boot liners are specifically matched to all respective demands.
Strolz consultants put the optimal boot liner together for
you from the various components.
All boot liners are hand-stitched from the best nappa leather without
exception, making it particularly elastic and durable, keeping
its qualities for many years with proper care.
THE INNER STRUCTURE OF A CUSTOMISED BOOT
56

Tips & Tricks.
The right start:
_ Warm the boot to room temperature (e.g. heating bag)
_ Pull the tongue to the buckle outside and insert foot
_ Ensure that toes and heels are correctly positioned
_ Close the boot starting from the tip upwards
_ Ensure correct positioning of tongue and cuff
_ Fasten buckles, but do not lock in place, micro-adjust
Avoid pressure points:
_ Wear only one pair of seamless ski socks
_ Do not stick ski underwear and stirrup pants into the shaft
_ Cut toe nails short to prevent impacts on the nail bed
Avoid risks:
_ Replace worn heels/soles in due time
_ Have ski boots and bindings serviced by a technician every season
Proper care for ski boots:
_ Take the boot liner from the shell at the end of each ski season
_ Treat with dubbin or leather cream
_ Apply disinfectant
_ Store boots with closed buckles
_ Store in a dry and dust-free place
_ Store safe from small animals
We gladly provide this service!
59

Safe and Secure Every Year.
Enjoy a safe ski season; what is important is that you have the
binding adjustment checked every year. Changes in body weight,
new ski boots, an age-related change of skiing style – these are all
factors that have a great influence on the binding adjustment. Ensure
that the skis are protected against salt or dirt during transportation,
because it too can compromise safety or the functioning
of the bindings.
Naturally, we always have all parts of our ski boots in stock. We
know every detail and every component of our ski boots. There-
fore, we can eliminate any defect immediately and we are always
at your service. If your Strolz ski boot should develop a defect,
irrespective of the reason, it will be expertly fixed by us.
Service Phone Lech +43 (0)5583 2361-52
Service Phone Zürs +43 (0)5583 3555-72
schuhe@strolz.at
TO BE ON THE SAFE SIDE: PERFECTLY MAINTAINED SKI BOOTS!
60

All-inclusive Strolz Ski Boot Service.
Our overnight service includes:
Cleaning and waterproofi ng of boot liner
Disinfecting
of boot liner
Replacement of worn heels
Cleaning of
inner shell
Deep-drying of
boot liner
Repair and
replacement of
defective boot
buckles
61

Combined Functionality.
All Strolz accessories are perfectly matched to Strolz ski boots: the
ski socks, made exclusively for Strolz, reach under the knee to ensure
optimal pressure distribution. Naturally, seamless and wrinklefree
to avoid chafi ng. Strolz ski boot bags provide protection against
dust, dirt and mechanical damage. It is ideal for storage and easy
transportation of your Strolz ski boots. At the same time, the heatable
ski boot bag pre-warms your ski boots for easier putting on,
particularly after a long trip to the ski area. Both bags have been
specially designed for Strolz ski boots. Strolz also has its own ski
boot heaters for Strolz ski boots; pre-warmed boots are much easier
to put on and cold feet can be avoided. The Strolz ski boot dryer
prevents bacterial growth and associated bad odours.
63

A SKIER IS ONLY
AS GOOD AS HIS/HER
SKI BOOT
64

SHOPS & INFO
65

66
Day on Skis
Checklist
Helmet/cap
Snow/sun glasses
Sun/cold protection
Ski suit
Underwear
Back protector
Gloves
Ski socks
Ski poles
Ski boots
Skis
Extras
Child’s backpack
Handkerchiefs
Cellphone
Camera
Flask
Wallet
Ski pass/lift ticket
Winter sports guide
Energy bar
or snack
Where to buy equipment
Sporthaus Lech
Sporthaus Zürs
Rent at Strolz
Skiservice Lech
Filomena
Stuff-Rüfiplatz
Sporthaus Zürs
Zürserhof
Sport Strolz Stuben
Alternatives
Sleds
Carvelino
Bob
Baby Jogger
Contact Strolz
Lech am Arlberg
T +43 (0)5583 2361-0
office@strolz.at
www.strolz.at

Strolz Ski – limited edition
Lech
Sporthaus Strolz
Skiservice Strolz
Stuff-Shop at Rüfiplatz
www.stuff-lech.at
In the Filomena department store
Zürs
Sporthaus Strolz
Strolz Shop Zürserhof
Stuben
Strolz Shop Hotel Post
General address
Strolz GmbH 116
A-6764 Lech am Arlberg
T +43 (0)5583 2361-0
F +43 (0)5583 2361-75
office@strolz.at
www.strolz.at
Sport & Fashion since 1921
67

Strolz catalogue: the latest trends in winter sports fashion
General information: www.strolz.at
68
WINTER
SPORTS TS
GUIDE GUID IDE
Freeride ist kein Stil und für sich genommen keine eigene Sportart.
Es bezeichnet einfach das Fahren im freien Gelände, abseits der markierten und
präparierten Piste. Besonderen Spaß macht das Freeriden natürlich im
Pulverschnee (Powder). Wenn man vom Freeriden spricht, ist das unabhängig
vom Sportgerät: ob auf Skiern oder einem Snowboard. Früher war das
Gelände hauptsächlich den Tourengehern überlassen, heute gibt es für alle
spezielle Freeride-Geräte, denen allen gemeinsam ist, dass sie über größere
Laufflächen verfügen und im Tiefschnee größere Kurvenradien und
höhere Geschwindigkeiten erlauben.
18 19

Ski service flyer · cartography of ski lifts + info
v o m T - B o n e z u m T - S h i r t .
38 39
SSki
boot guide · manufacture
Winter sports guide · information on types of sport · tips & tricks
Wenn der Abstand zwischen Po und Schnee noch kürzer ist, das Purzeln sowieso
zum Alltag gehört, das Ausprobieren von neuen Bewegungen sehr lustig ist und
sowieso alles Spaß macht, das Geschwindigkeit bringt, ist Skifahren lernen einfach
nur ein neues Spiel...
42 43
69

Strolz ski boot catalogue
Publisher · Strolz GmbH
A-6764 Lech am Arlberg · T +43 (0)5583/2361- 0
www.strolz.at · office@strolz.at
Author · Michael Jörg · michael.joerg@vol.at
Editorial staff · Dietmar Hurnaus · Strolz Marketing
Design · Andrea Redolfi
Atelier Reinhard Gassner, www.ateliergassner.at
Print · Höfle Offsetdruckei
Photography · Ernst Fesseler, www.ernstfesseler.de
S. 22-46, 47 B.o.; Frigesch Lampelmayer, www.frigesch.at
S. 14, 16-17, 48-49 52-57, 62,70-71
Alexander Kaiser, www.kpa.at S. 20-21, 47 B.u., 58, 64-65
Strolz Privat-Archiv S. 4-13, 15, 18-19

Strolz Gmbh
A-6764 Lech am Arlberg
T +43 (0)5583 2361-0
offi ce@strolz.at
www.strolz.at