The Boa Advantage: Why Under Armour Used a Revolutionary Fit System

Under Armour did away with laces in the new Fat Tire Govie SE hiking boot. We talked to a designer to learn why.

Moon boots, tank tread, beast-like: Call them what you want, the Under Armour Fat Tire boots are certainly eye-catching. Plus, if the huge, rounded outsole didn’t attract enough attention, the Fat Tire Govie SE sports The Boa System, doing away with traditional laces.

Under Armour built the Fat Tire Govie SE to keep out the elements on sloppy trails in winter conditions. A Gore-Tex liner sheds moisture, and a Michelin sole provides grip. And when the conditions are nasty, The Boa System allows for straightforward use.

Stainless steel laces run the length of its upper. Twist the dial, and the shoe tightens. This technology raises some questions. Why not just use regular, time-tested laces?

We spoke with a designer at Under Armour to learn what perks The Boa System gives to the Fat Tire Gove SE, and where to use this burly hiking boot.

Why a Hiking Boot With Boa?

Curious to learn more about the advantages Boa offers, we spoke with Under Armour Senior Creative Director Matt Rask. In short, the system is one less thing to worry about when the task at hand is of utmost importance.

Rask emphasized movement within the boot’s design. Getting in and out of the house or adjusting on the trail happens with the turn of a dial. He said a standout benefit was not needing to take your gloves or mittens off to adjust your laces.

In designing the boot, he paid close attention to the lacing configuration in icy and snowy conditions. The Boa System optimizes pull and reduces drag and friction so adjustments are smooth in adverse conditions, he said.

The Boa System also allows users to get in and out of the boot easily. The opening of the boot can widen without the problem of laces falling out of traditional grommets.

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“People are amazed at how easy it is to step in and out of. The construction of The Boa System allows the tongue of the boot/shoe to open extremely wide,” said Rask.

Rask claimed a common misconception is the lacing will break, and Boa won’t replace parts. He reiterated that The Boa System is extremely durable, and if the lace gets kinked, Boa will replace the dial and lace for free.

Fat Tire Govie SE: Tech Specs

The Fat Tire Gove SE is a waterproof boot that uses The Boa System. It’s intended for hiking and general outdoors use.

It has a Gore-Tex lining for waterproofing, a Michelin rubber sole, and an Orthlite insole. The entire boot also receives an anti-odor finish.

The moon boot with non-traditional lacing is currently for sale on Backcountry and Zappos and will be for sale soon on Under Armour’s site.

This article is sponsored by The Boa System. Check out the brand’s site here.