COMING SOON

THE OVERVIEW

With the continued growth of ZipFit within the premium ski market, the focus centered on expanding and refining the brand’s liner systems through athlete-driven development, technical product innovation, and elevated brand storytelling. The project aimed to create products that addressed real skier pain points around fit, comfort, warmth, and long-term performance while strengthening ZipFit’s position within both alpine and backcountry categories.

Through extensive user research, on-snow testing, and collaboration with professional athletes and industry partners, the development process focused on translating performance feedback into commercially viable products with a strong emphasis on premium craftsmanship and technical credibility. The scope of work extended beyond product creation alone, encompassing line planning, industrial design, prototyping, testing, visualization, and marketing support to ensure a cohesive product and brand experience from concept through launch.

HISTORY - FUTURE

Founded by renowned boot fitter and ski innovator Sven Coomer, ZipFit established itself as one of the most respected names in ski boot performance and fit. Sven’s approach challenged traditional liner construction by prioritizing precision fit, customizable performance, and long-term durability in a category historically dominated by disposable foam systems. His influence helped redefine expectations around skier comfort, responsiveness, and boot retention at both the professional and enthusiast levels of the sport.

My introduction into the project came at a pivotal moment for the brand, where preserving that legacy while evolving the product line for modern users was critically important. The work required balancing innovation, athlete-informed development, and updated product storytelling without losing the craftsmanship, technical credibility, and performance-driven philosophy that made ZipFit iconic within the ski industry.

THE APPROACH

User First Line Planning
Building a clearer product architecture around skier behavior, fit preferences, performance needs, and category segmentation.Alpine vs. backcountry positioningAthlete and consumer feedback mappingFeature prioritization by user typeProduct gap and overlap analysisFuture platform scalability

Product Deconstruction
Breaking down existing liners component-by-component to understand how the products were truly built.Material and layer analysisConstruction and stitching evaluationBOM and cost breakdownsManufacturing inefficiency mappingShared tooling and component opportunities

Platform Consolidation
Refining the line into a more scalable system through shared parts, simplified construction, and modular thinking.Shared component strategiesReduced manufacturing complexityCross-line material consistencyImproved assembly efficiencyStreamlined sourcing opportunities

Product Redesign
Reworking critical touchpoints of the liner system to improve performance, comfort, and durability.Fit retention refinementUpdated material layoutsReinforced wear zonesComfort and pressure mappingConstruction and detailing updates

Validation + Athlete Testing
Iterating products through on-snow testing, athlete feedback, and fit refinement cycles.Pro athlete testingReal-world environmental validationFit and performance feedback loopsPrototype iteration cyclesLong-term durability evaluation

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USER COMES FIRST

At the center of the project was a user-first approach focused on understanding how skiers actually interact with their equipment. From initial fit and step-in comfort to long days in demanding mountain conditions. Rather than designing around assumptions or legacy construction methods, the process prioritized real athlete feedback, performance pain points, and behavior-driven insights to shape every major product decision. Fit retention, pressure distribution, warmth, durability, ease of use, and long-term comfort all became critical inputs that informed the line plan, feature prioritization, construction strategy, and overall product architecture.

The Mountain Purist
‍Dawn patrol: headlights snaking up a switchback road, skis rattling in the roof box.Coffee steam mixing with cold alpine air as boots get buckled in the parking lot.Weathered Gore-Tex, duct-taped pack, but gear choices are meticulous — everything has a purpose.The kind of skier who would rather skin all morning than wait in a lift line.

The all mountain pro
‍Smooth carves under perfect corduroy, or powder glades - theyre looking for performance well-maintained gear + drip — boots polished from years of care, edges always sharp.Skiing is ritual, not recreation — each turn is an expression of refinement.Obsessed with the feel of connection: the way foot, liner, and ski become one.

The High-Mileage Local
‍Knows every bump, chute, and hidden line on the mountain — “their” mountain.Gear has miles on it but is dialedLunch is a quick sandwich in the car, not a sit-down chalet meal.Prioritizes comfort and longevity in equipment because they’re logging 200+ days a season.

The Alpinist / downhill pro
‍Curated fit - but its all about the skiing... or wearing a long cut warmup jacket with unclipped bootsMoves like a mountaineer / racer : deliberate, technical, confident.Après is a short espresso in ski socks or replaying data / stats on the day, not a pitcher of beer.Looks at equipment as tools for precision, not toys.

The Connoisseur + fitters
‍Buys the best wines, sharpest knives, perfectly tailored jackets.Same mindset applies to skiing: liners aren’t an accessory, they’re the foundation.Loves the feeling of “solved problems” — no pressure points, no compromises.Their gear closet looks like a museum of fine instruments.

The Patroller
‍skiing isnt just a hobby. its a jobFirst on the hill, last off — hauling sleds, setting rope lines, blasting avy terrain.
Radio on the chest, avy dog at their side, red jacket worn thin from seasons of work.has spent decades in boots - its the most important and comfortable shoes they ownbrand allegiantEquipment is their lifeline

Liners redesign

COMING SOON