If you're interested in purchasing custom boots, please don't hesitate to contact us at orders@bont.com, and we'll provide you with information about the nearest molding agent.
Introducing the BNT Inline Speed Skate Boot by Bont: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
The BNT is the epitome of Bont's craftsmanship in inline skate design. This custom-made boot embodies a classic style with clean, uncomplicated lines, reflecting Bont's dedication to simplicity and performance.
At the heart of the BNT is a base crafted from 100% carbon fiber, a hallmark of Bont's innovative approach to inline skate technology. This base is coupled with our renowned epoxy resin, heat-moldable for a perfect custom fit. The neoprene padding, a closed-cell foam, ensures no water absorption, keeping the boot lightweight and efficient.
Speaking of weight, the BNT is a marvel in this area. Stripped of bumpers, thermoplastics, and zippers, it's ultra-lightweight. Its carbon base sports a matte finish, a thoughtful deviation from the usual gloss finish found in most inline skates.
The outer skin of the BNT is crafted from premium Durolite, a material typically reserved for our high-end Bont Vaypor skates. Inside, the boot is lined with Suede-L, offering unparalleled comfort whether you're wearing socks or not.
Durability and reliability are key; hence, the BNT features aluminum mounting blocks with a hardened steel nut. At Bont, we pride ourselves on quality - we've never had a skate returned due to mounting block issues. Our foolproof system includes Loctite on the mounting screws to prevent loosening during races.
Comfort isn't overlooked. The boot's tongue boasts ventilation for cool feet and velcro for secure placement. The padding is designed to prevent lace bite, and the waxed laces have minimal stretch, maintaining tightness.
The BNT is built on a last with a tighter heel, ensuring a snug fit and a near-custom feel. This boot is tailored for professional racers; it's incredibly responsive but may not suit those seeking heavily padded skates.
Bont's legacy in skate innovation dates back to 1974, as the inventor of custom-made inline and roller skates. We produce more custom skates daily than all other makers combined. The custom-made BNT inline boot represents the pinnacle of this heritage.
Opting for a custom BNT means choosing the best-fitting boots you can ever have. Once you experience the difference, you'll never look back at stock boots. Our customization options are extensive, all included in the price.
Please note the custom boot-making process takes 8-12 weeks from when we receive your molds, which can take 2-3 weeks to reach us. The boot height is tailored to your ankle bone height, ensuring a perfect fit for every individual.
To order your custom BNT inline speed skating boots, contact us to locate your nearest Bont representative who will assist with foot molding. Experience the unmatched quality of Bont's custom inline boots and skates – a testament to our commitment to the art of skating.
Q & A
Q: What is the difference between the Vaypor and the BNT?
A: The Bont Vaypor uses uni-directional carbon which is hand-laid and takes longer to apply to the base of the boot and makes the boot lighter and stronger. The BNT uses standard cross weave carbon. The BNT is tighter in the heel and uses 2mm neoprene padding whereas the Vaypor uses 4mm EVA padding. The result is that the BNT feels harder. The Vaypor is more aerodynamic. The Vaypor’s mounting blocks have a more flowing look where the block meets the boot whereas the BNT has a more upright look.
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.