In 1970, Ira Riklis broke his leg in a skiing accident. The severe break occurred right at the top of his ski boot, and while the break healed, he continued to suffer pain for years afterward whenever he tried wearing ski boots. For five years, he wondered if he could ever again enjoy the sport he loved.
Fortunately, new advances were being made in ski gear during that time. While early ski boots were low near the ankle just like the hiking boots the evolved from, gear designers such as the Hanson brothers were creating revolutionary new styles. They began producing boots that came higher up the calf, creating stronger connection between knee movement and ski movement and providing support for the vulnerable ankle area. They also made their boots in a rear-entry style that took pressure off the sides of the ankle. For Ira Riklis, that meant that the painful area where his break occurred was completely protected and cushioned. Outfitted with a new bright red pair of Hanson Riva recreational rear entry ski boots, he was once again able to ski without pain!