Rossignol FW19/20 Snowboard Boots Preview
Retail Buyers Guide: Snowboard Boots FW19/20
Brand: ROSSIGNOL SNOWBOARDS
Interviewee: ARNAUD REPA / PRODUCT MGMT
Rossignol-Primacy-Boots
KEY PRODUCT FOCUS: What are the three most important products of next year’s boot line? Why?
The three most important boots of our FW19/20 line would be the new Document, Cutback and Primacy.
All three boots fully integrate heat moldable liners, heel harnesses, J-bars and strobel construction, but their key features lie in the new single piece lining structure, new thinner yet very flex resistant liner and the 3D moulded tongues that significantly improve precision, forward lean support and flex control, both medially and laterally, through time.
From a design perspective, the 2019 liners of the Document, Cutback and Primacy look closer to ski-boot liners than traditional snowboard boot liners. But this is done on purpose. We’re gradually bringing 50+ years of expertise in ski-boot liner fit and technology to snowboarding for everyone’s sake. And walk towards the fit and rebound to forward lean of a ski-boot liner mixed with the unique comfort of a snowboard boot shell.
We are also bringing multiple flex patterns to cover a wider range of riders, therefore made the Primacy –that levels a flex 9 index – stiffer than the Document and Cutback that share the same flex index 7.
While the rest of the line, ie. Crank and Alley both in their Boa and laced versions were maintained at a current level, ie. in the softer side of things with a flex 5 index.
Rossignol-Document
What’s new in lacing – trad, Boa, something different? What do people want?
Fit, simplicity and diversity is what move us. The Document features a single strap on the upper part of the shell and Boa on the lower part for both quick and custom fit on the go, while the Cutback combines traditional laces with Boa hybrid ankle closure system and the Primacy’s a Boa Dual Zone.
Imagine the overview section of your boot catalogue next year. What’s the defining aesthetic, or overall theme? Talk to us about the colourways/prints/patterns/influences/textures you’re using?
We’ve been following the same path for all 3 product lines since the beginning: simple lines, smoothness and timeless art. Hence the use of black as the primary colour to embrace stability and small louder hits to differentiate styles. Or synthetic Nubuck® and PU leather to embrace the harmonious over the harsh.
Rossignol-Cutback-boots
Which part of your range are you investing in the most? Freestyle, freeride, do-it-all, beginner…? Why?
Can’t prioritize with 7 models. We think about riding styles when we design boots as we know some freestyle riders love stiffer dual zone boots while some will naturally go with a softer boot that features a traditional lacing system. And the same goes with the free-riders or do-it-all riders. We consider all categories and riders equally.
Which other footwear sectors do you follow which influence the line?
Ski boots for liner fit and construction. Skateboard shoes for cushioning and style. Running shoes for printing techniques and fabrics.
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