The Requirements of Foot Binding
Fig. 2
The manner in which the foot is secured to the ski is highly important, and while various kinds of “bindings” are in use, from the simple cane binding, which marked the first substantial improvement over the twisted birch withes originally used by the peasantry of Telemarken, the Huitfeldt bindings are for many reasons considered the best by experts. The ski runner must have a foot binding that is well secured under all ordinary conditions met with in ski running, and it must be quite rigid and without lateral play. It is desirable also that the foot be freed whenever a fall occurs, thus preventing possible sprains at the ankle and knee, as well as avoiding breakage of the straps. Again the heel of the skier should be free to move up and down for at least 3 in., but the binding should check the vertical movement at this height, thus easing the foot of undue strain when the ski is slid forward, in climbing or working on the level. These essential specifications are so well incorporated in the Huitfeldt model that the description and illustrations of this admirable attachment will suffice. As shown in [Fig. 2], the boot is wedged into a firm position between the metal toe piece at the sides. To secure a rigid support, these toe pieces must be firmly wedged in position on the ski, and the skiing shoe should fit between them snugly and well. For this type of binding, a shoe having a stout sole is desirable so that it may keep rigid under the pressure of the body at various angles, and be heavy enough to stand the more or less constant chafing of the metal toe plates. One excellent feature of this binding is the arrangement of the toe and heel straps, which allow all necessary vertical movement of the foot, yet at the same time provide a fairly rigid strong, and reasonably light foot attachment. When fitted with the Ellefsen tightening clamp, and it is a good plan to order the Huitfeldt model so equipped, the skis are easily put on and taken off. A large number of experts prefer this binding above all others, but the Huitfeldt type of binding may be made by the skier if desired. Any metalworker or blacksmith can supply the metal toe pieces, and the binding may be completed by adding suitable straps, or the foot may be secured at the heel by leather thongs.