The BNT showcases the pinnacle of Bont's expertise in short track skate design. This boot features a timeless style with clean, simple lines that exemplify our commitment to straightforward performance and aesthetics. The core of the BNT is composed of 100% carbon fiber, symbolizing Bont's forward-thinking in short track skate technology. This base, combined with our signature epoxy resin, is heat-moldable for a snug fit. The neoprene padding, a type of closed-cell foam, doesn't absorb water, ensuring the boot remains lightweight and effective.
In terms of weight, the BNT sets a new standard. It's exceptionally light devoid of extraneous elements like bumpers, thermoplastics, and zippers. The carbon base features a matte finish, a unique choice compared to the typical gloss finish of most short track skates, further contributing to its lightness.
The BNT's exterior is made from top-tier Durolite, usually seen in our high-end Vaypor skates. The interior is lined with Suede-L, providing a comfortable experience regardless of whether socks are worn or not.
We focus heavily on durability and reliability. Thus, the BNT includes aluminum mounting blocks with a hardened steel nut. We at Bont take pride in our unparalleled quality standards – a testament to our never having a skate returned due to mounting block issues. To ensure security during races, the mounting screws are treated with Loctite to prevent loosening.
We haven't neglected comfort, either. The boot's tongue is ventilated for coolness and includes velcro for stable placement. The tongue padding is designed to avert lace bite, and the waxed laces are minimally stretchable for consistent tightness.
The BNT's design features a snug heel fit, offering a feeling akin to a tailored fit. This boot is intended for professional racers and is highly responsive, although there might be other choices for those who prefer a heavily padded skate.
Tracing back to 1974, Bont has been a leader in skate innovation. Our expertise and commitment to quality shine through in the BNT short track skate boot, a culmination of our enduring legacy in the skating world.
For those seeking top-tier short track speed skating boots, the BNT by Bont represents the pinnacle of quality and performance. Its design and materials are a testament to our unwavering dedication to the art of skating.
For more detailed info on the BNT, please check our BNT blog post.
- Base: 100% carbon with matte finish
- Outer skin: Durolite
- Liner: Suede-L
- Pitch: 12mm
- Air vents: Tongue
- Innersole: EVA thermo-moldable
- Heat moldable: Fully heat moldable base utilizing epoxy thermoset resin
- Padding: Neoprine 2mm
- Protection: none
- Vegan: Yes
Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber (or carbon fibre, depending on US or UK spelling) is an advanced composite material known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. It is as strong as steel while weighing only a fraction as much.
Carbon fiber is made from bonded carbon atoms aligned along the length of each fiber. Thousands of these fibers are twisted into a yarn, which is then woven into fabric. This fabric forms the carbon sheets used in high-performance products.
Bont has been producing carbon-based boots since 1989. We source our carbon exclusively from Toray in Japan, the world leader in carbon fiber manufacturing.
Types of Carbon We Use
3K PLAIN
A tightly woven carbon commonly used in the aircraft industry and throughout Bont boots. Strong, reliable, and ideal for structural applications.
UNIDIRECTIONAL
Extremely stiff, lightweight carbon with fibers running in a single direction. This lets us place the carbon exactly where strength and support are needed. Used in our highest-performance boots, such as the Vaypor.
12K PLAIN
A larger weave that is more economical but not as strong as 3K. It reduces cost while maintaining adequate performance in less demanding applications.
INDUSTRY MISREPRESENTATION
Modern composites can be confusing, and not every product marketed as “carbon” contains true carbon fiber construction. Here are common examples of misleading terminology in the industry:
Single-Layer Carbon
Some boots have a plastic, nylon or fiberglass base covered with only one cosmetic layer of carbon. Although they can legally say “carbon base,” the structure underneath is not full carbon.
Unidirectional Carbon (Misused)
Some brands add carbon particles into plastic and call it “unidirectional carbon.” True UD carbon refers to continuous fibers all running in the same direction, not carbon-filled plastic.
Silver Fiberglass
A plastic base with carbon particles is often wrapped with silver fiberglass, then marketed as “carbon fiber.” Real carbon fiber fabric is always black.
100% Composite
A vague term that can mean almost anything. In most cases, it refers to a nylon–fiberglass composite, not a full carbon construction.
Monocoque (Misused)
A true monocoque boot has carbon laminated directly onto the liner, forming a one-piece shell. Some brands use the term incorrectly for shells with an integrated heel cup.
In Summary
Carbon terminology can be misused, so it helps to understand what you are buying. Bont uses genuine carbon fiber from Toray and builds boots with transparent, proven construction methods. Knowing the differences ensures you get the performance, strength, and value you expect from a true carbon boot.
Manufacturing Process
Bont is one of the few skate brands that still handcrafts boots using an inside-out manufacturing method. This approach is far more skill-intensive and time-consuming than mainstream production, but it allows us to create boots with the performance, strength and responsiveness skaters expect. While it increases production costs, it delivers a lighter and more precise final product.
We continually refine our processes to maintain the highest quality. For example, traditional vacuum curing for carbon has been replaced with pressure wrapping, which applies four atmospheres of pressure instead of one. This produces a more consistent and durable carbon layup.
Inze Bont’s engineering innovations have helped optimize our production line so we can build handmade monocoque boots efficiently without compromising craftsmanship.
Our manufacturing methods reflect our performance philosophy: lighter, stronger and faster.
For more detail on individual components of our construction, explore the technical dropdowns on this page, including Last Design, Footbed, Liner, Anti-Stretch, Carbon Fiber, Upper and more.