Cuff adjustment

If you were to look from behind at the lower legs and feet of several individuals, you'd see that on average, the lower part of the shins aims slightly outwards, but that there is some variation in that angle amongst the individuals. The cuff of a ski boot, despite the padding of the liner, is stiff, tall, and close fitting. If its angle (see the red line on the right image, above) is significantly different from the skier's leg angles, it can be uncomfortable, and can have a negative influence on the skier's alignment and lateral balance. A cuff adjustment allows the cuff to be tilted laterally, to achieve optimal cuff position, while still fastening firmly so that the boot's edging ability is not diminished.