Shoelace of the Future? Tour of Boa Technology in Denver

Build a better shoelace and the world will beat a path to your door. That certainly seems to be the case at Boa Technology, the company that more than 10 years ago invented the unique, dial-in closure system ubiquitous on snowboard boots. But Boa has grown like crazy, now featured on more than 130 brand partners and 25 brand categories.

We stopped by the brand’s Denver office to get the inside look at the company, its technology, and meet some of its forward-thinking engineers.

The diversity of products using Boa technology is noteworthy. From the well known snowboard boot manufacturers to medical devices to ultra-light running shoes, Boa has earned a foothold in a broad array of products.

I wasn’t surprised to see a cutting-edge, split sole design running shoe from Topo Athletic on display, as it had earned a Best In Show award from Gear Junkie earlier this year. What was surprising was to see it displayed next to a horseshoe.

I had the chance to sit down with Garett Graubins, Director of Marketing, and Mike Nickel, Design Manager, to learn about the technology that is featured on so many products.

They explained that by building low, mid and high power closures, Boa engineers are able to integrate the technology into products as light as a minimal running shoe or as burly as a horseshoe or downhill ski boot.

It will be fun to watch as engineers and product developers continue to integrate the technology in new inventions to come. The current product range is certainly impressive already.

—Sean McCoy