This allowed the heel strap to be replaced by a less flexible leather strap.

The heel strap started at the toe, looped around the heel, and forward again to the toe.

The heel strap pulled the boot forward into the toe strap, so the ski would not fall off when pressure was released on the toe.

Some heel straps have a loop for better grip with wet hands or gloves.

In addition to wrist straps, ankle and heel straps are used in industry to bleed away accumulated charge from a body.