Finding the right boot is the ultimate quest for any skier looking for comfort or performance on the slopes. Unfortunately, there's no such thing as a boot that's right for every foot, because every foot is unique and has its own complexities. That's where bootfitting originated.
What is bootfitting?
Firstly, bootfitting consists of proposing the ski boot best suited to the skier's feet, taking into account the specific characteristics of the skier's feet, his or her level of skiing and his or her needs in terms of comfort and performance. Then in the second stage, the bootfitteur (person trained in bootfitting), adapts or even modifies the boot according to the problems encountered, through a whole range of solutions (boot, sole, sock, liner, protections and accessories).
Why is bootfitting important?
The ski boot supports the foot, allowing the transmission of information and energy to the ski. When the boot fits properly, it improves the skier's comfort and performance. On the other hand, if it doesn't fit the foot properly, it can create discomfort or even pain.
What steps should I follow for a personalised boot fitting?
Step 1 - Foot analysis in an expert bootfitting shop:
By going barefoot, the bootfitter makes the first observations, with the naked eye, and then goes on to take measurements using mechanical or digital tools that allow him to see the feet from all angles (length, width, support distributions, instep height etc...).
Step 2 - Shoe selection:
It is through the boot, the true interface between the foot and the ski, that the force/power is transmitted to the ski and which, through pressure, creates a curve on the snow. Rightly so, comfort and performance in a ski boot are two closely linked elements; choosing a boot that is close to the foot (volume and exact length of the foot) offers better control of your ski while also offering greater comfort thanks to an even distribution of support inside the boot.
Tip: never over-size your ski boot, as this can lead to a variety of problems.
Step 3: The importance of a sole moulded to the shape of the foot:
The ski boot always has an original sole, known as the clean sole, inside the boot, with no other mechanical properties. Yet the sole plays a crucial role in supporting and stabilising the foot, which tends to sink inwards if it is not supported during effort.
Further information: in the same way as the boot, the sole is a rigid interface guaranteeing greater precision in the transmission of pressure and enabling skiers looking for performance to improve the positioning of their skis.
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Step 4 - Choosing the sock:
- The thickness of the sock (thin, medium, thick) depending on the space remaining between the liner and the foot
- The level of protection depending on the pressure points (malleolus, tibia, instep)
- The level of perspiration which will condition the choice of its composition; synthetic, natural or hybrid.
- The need for warmth
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Step 5 - Personalising the sock:
This can be done for two reasons:
- In the case of a search for performance, to keep the foot effectively in the shell and optimise its support.
- When pain develops as a result of wear and tear on the original liner.
The original liner can be customised by adding reinforcement or removing material. In some cases, it can be replaced by a thermoformed liner (the liner is heated and then moulded directly onto the foot, in the shoe) or by an injected liner (foam is injected to fill the empty spaces between the shoe and the foot).
Step 6: Shaping the shell:
If necessary, to complete the customisation, the bootfitter can come and perform a localised deformation.
When is it necessary to deform? In the case of a bone growth or any other feature of the foot coming into contact with the shell of the shoe, it is possible to deform the shell by heating the plastic, to give it a different shape.
When it comes to the shells of running shoes, it is possible to mill the plastic material to provide more space, without carrying out any deformation.
Finally, the boot fitter can also modify the angle parameters (canting) of the boot to enable the skier to optimise the transmission of pressure on the ski.
Advice: all these deformations must be carried out by a certified boot fitter.
