This week we have a guest post from expert boot fitter, Profeet's Michelle Wilcox. What these guys don't know about ski boots isn't worth knowing, so here's a few gems about ski boot fitting, the importance of getting it done professionally and the benefits of owning your own ski boots.
Better performance, more comfort and therefore increased enjoyment are all benefits of owning your own ski boots, even for less experienced skiers. It is important to get your boots fitted professionally & it is advisable to have this done by a specialist retailer before travelling on holiday.
Top Tips For Getting The Perfect Fit:
Research your boot-fitter. Make sure that they have professional staff, a large range of boots and a comprehensively stocked workshop.
Allow enough time and don't rush! A comprehensive ski boot fit should take around one-and-a-half to two hours.
Think about previous experiences. Before you buy, think about your previous ski boots — what you liked, what you didn't, how comfortable were they etc.
Be open. Don't go in with specific boots in mind. Certain manufacturers produce boots for different shapes and sizes of feet — your boot-fitter should choose a boot for you. Just because a model suits your friend doesn't mean it will be any good for you... and NEVER buy based on colour!
Be honest. Don't lie about your ability otherwise you could end up in a top level race boot that will be much too stiff and therefore very uncomfortable. Be honest about what you want from your boot — if you are a one-week-a-year skier and want comfort, let them know.
Budget for a footbed. A footbed, be it custom or off the shelf, will improve comfort by reducing pressure points. Ski boots are designed for the 'ideal' foot — but not many people have this. By supporting your foot in the ski boot, you'll experience better alignment, your feet will be warmer and your balance & proprioception will improve — all leading to better comfort, enjoyment & performance.
Don't panic! They WILL feel tight initially. When you first put a boot on, your toes should touch the front of the boot. Ski boot liners are very thick to provide warmth and cushioning to the foot.
Prepare for change. Boots might need modification to accommodate any lumps and bumps. Your boot-fitter will have a workshop with a whole host of machines with which to make modifications to your boots. Small changes to the shell of your boot can make a big difference.
Consider your socks. A very important part of the fitting process — they are the closest thing to your foot in the ski boot. Select a sock that has shape so that it stays in the right place on your foot — some ski socks are even left and right specific. By selecting a technical ski sock with a preset shape you can avoid wrinkling and bunching. A good ski sock will have great wicking properties to prevent excessive sweat inside the boot. A thinner sock will actually keep you warmer as it will increase circulation in your foot and take up less room in the boot. They have varying amounts of padding in strategic areas such as shin and ankle bones. Ski socks are available in different thicknesses — choose a thicker sock for more comfort and if you have a narrower foot. Choose a thinner sock for more a performance orientated fit or if you have a higher volume foot.
Break them in. After buying your boots, make sure that you wear them as much as possible — if you can't get in some skiing at an indoor-snow or dry ski slope near you, then wearing them round the house will help. The more you wear them the more the liner will pack out and mould to your feet.
Dry your boots. Once you've worn your boots, make sure you dry your boots thoroughly every evening and wear fresh ski socks everyday. A damp boot will not only be much colder but will also be a breeding ground for bacteria.
Michelle Wilcox is Head Ski Technician at Profeet. Michelle has over 14 seasons of boot-fitting experience in the UK, France and New Zealand. Michelle is also a British Ski Boot-fitters Association Trainer.