Comments on: A visit inside the Bonfire Headquarters

By: Shay

Shay — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 04:11:43 +0000

Thanks Brad for coming by and answering that question, I really appreciate it and I was unsure myself of the differences since I had only tried the Bonfire boots.

I completely agree on the Bonfire’s not needing to be broken in, they really saved me at camp where I would have had to deal with breaking in my Vans versus riding the Bonfire’s and having comfort and fit right from the start. Looking forward to being able to ride them more.

By: Brad

Brad — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:34:12 +0000

Hi Madeleine,

Saw your note asking about the difference between Bonfire and Salomon boots – thanks for asking.

We build all Salomon and Bonfire boots on the same lasts – and complete multiple rounds of prototypes through our Italian development office. As you can see, I’ve already got Shay riding proto’s that are pretty close to final – and I’m still one year out. I believe in having a wide range of people test and evaluate products – so having someone like Shay, who has no real interest in helping us make good products, is invaluable.

All final design of Bonfire boots takes place here in Portland. Basically, I wanted to take the fit of Salomon’s sewn liners and give a slightly softer exterior with Bonfire’s look and feel. The result is a group of boots with a very even flex, and instant comfort. I don’t like the idea of having to break boots in – with all the technology and fine tuning we can do with sewn liners, I don’t want to be responsible for even one bad day on the hill for someone who rides Bonfire. By using good materials and sewn liners we can give you a good fit – and limit breakdown effectively.

If you get a chance to try a pair of the boots, for sure post your thoughts – positive or negative. Bonfire’s been around for a long time – and we’re committed to making products better each season, so all feedback is valuable to us. Keep well, Brad

By: Weekender « www.ashleyswan.com

Weekender « www.ashleyswan.com — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 20:15:12 +0000

[…] Shay got to check out the Bonfire headquarters in Portland this past week, and I couldn’t be more stoked on this article. I think Bonfire is easily one of the best outerwear companies out there. All their products quickly fall into my favourites category after just a few short days of having them. I love the fit and the simple yet technical designs that they offer. Although I probably won’t be wearing their stuff this season I’m still excited to see it, and to see the 2010-2011 line next year. Shay did a great job of giving us the inside look at the offices, so head on over there and check it out! Shayboarder.com – A visit inside the Bonfire Headquarters […]

By: Madeleine

Madeleine — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 23:40:59 +0000

Love my Bonfire pants. Even my husband loves his. How are the boots different from Salomons?

By: Shay

Shay — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 21:48:18 +0000

Thanks Rian and Brad! Loving the 10-11 boots!

Courtney, they were comfortable right out of the box. I didn’t need adjustment in them, lots of padding and seriously saved my Windell’s session. My Vans hadn’t broken in and were painful to walk in the first day.

By: Hanh

Hanh — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 06:21:39 +0000

bonfire is one of my favorite outerwear companes, nothing beats bonfire’s seahawk blue the color of the gold jacket you are wearing on your banner. i got a jacket in the colorway and i swear it for the stormy days, love it

By: JT

JT — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 04:46:23 +0000

Steve, I couldn’t agree more. One of my favorite companies period! I love my pants soooo much!

By: Steve Powling

Steve Powling — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 21:55:38 +0000

Bonfire is the truth, most likely the most underrated outwear company out there.

By: courtney

courtney — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 21:37:03 +0000

The 10-11 boots look rad! How’d they ride? Do they fit like Salomon?

By: Brad

Brad — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 21:33:59 +0000

Shay – thanks for being the first person to check the 10-11 boots out! You scooped the world! Nice to see you here in Portland, the City of Shred – Brad