a binding system comprising a binding upper comprising a plurality of fastening straps affixed to the upper and a substantially rigid binding base comprising a bottom surface for attachment of the fastening straps . the binding base includes a plurality of apertures , wherein one or more of the fastening straps passes through one or more of the apertures and is fastened to the bottom surface of the binding base . in various exemplary embodiments the fastening straps are stapled and / or glued to the bottom surface of the binding base . in various exemplary embodiments the fastening straps attach to the lacing loops on the binding upper or form the lacing loops on the binding upper .