Four different materials used for the production of ski boots have been analyzed in order to determine their performance in the thermo-formation process used to modify the shape of ski boots and therefore improve their comfort. As a first step, the chemical composition and the thermo-mechanical properties have been analyzed pointing out that materials based on a blend of nylon with methacrylate ionomers provide the largest decrease of the storage modulus at 80 °C. The results of the thermo-formation process indicate that the boot based on the methacrylate ionomer has the larger deformation after the thermo-formation process and the lowest memory effect. These results indicate that the decrease in modulus from 0 °C to 80 °C is the most important factor to be considered in order to obtain a more consistent and permanent modification of the boot shape.
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