Why It’s Worth Buying Your Ski or Snowboard Boots from a Reputable Bootfitting Store

For skiers and snowboarders, having the right boots is the foundation of a great experience on the slopes. Yet, finding the perfect fit can often be a daunting process. Many people unknowingly purchase boots that are too big, poorly suited to their anatomy, or simply not the right style for their skiing or boarding needs. Whilst at Boot Solutions we can improve the fit of boots you already own, starting with the right boot is crucial to achieving the ultimate fit and performance. Here’s why investing in a proper bootfitting experience from the very start is worth every penny, and how it can transform your time on the mountain.

The Pitfalls of Poorly Fitted Boots

Many retail shops sell ski and snowboard boots without offering a personalised fitting process, and the result can be detrimental to your on mountain experience. A common issue is being sold boots that are far too big. While they may feel comfortable in the store, oversized boots lead to reduced control, excessive movement, and potential foot pain on the slopes. Worse yet, they can be difficult to modify to achieve a snug and supportive fit. Although skilled bootfitters can make countless modifications to improve a boot, there are inherent limitations when starting with a boot that’s fundamentally wrong for your feet or your style of skiing.

This is why beginning your journey at a specialised bootfitting store is so important. Our expertise ensures that you to start the process with not only the correct size, but also a boot that is suited to your skill level, skiing style, and unique anatomy.

The Art of Bootfitting: Why Expertise Matters

Bootfitting is a combination of science and art. It’s not just about slapping on any available modifications but making careful, incremental changes to achieve the ideal fit. At Boot Solutions, we approach every pair of boots with precision and a tailored mindset. Instead of making sweeping changes that can compromise the boot’s integrity or performance—like widening the shell too much or unnecessarily increasing the volume—we fine-tune your boots on an ad hoc basis, which sometimes means over time. This is why we believe it’s optimal to get fitted for new boots at a store near the resort where you’ll be skiing, as that way, you can return for minor adjustments as needed. Usually any issues will come up within the first week of skiing, and with our three locations (Hakuba, Niseko Hirafu, and Niseko Village), you can return to any of our stores for further adjustments.

The Benefits of Ongoing Adjustments

One of the greatest advantages of visiting a bootfitting store near a ski resort is the ability to make incremental changes during your trip. Sometimes, issues with fit only become apparent after a full day on the slopes. By working with experienced bootfitters like those at Boot Solutions, you can address these issues as they arise, ensuring that your boots feel better with each adjustment.

How Should Ski Boots Fit?

For those new to skiing, a proper ski boot fit may initially feel tighter than expected. When standing upright, your toes should lightly brush the front of the boot, but when you flex forward into a skiing stance, they should pull back slightly. The fit should be snug around your entire foot without pressure points or excess space. Note that ski and snowboard boots are not designed for the same level of “comfort” as regular shoes, and this is because they are the connection point between your feet and equipment. When riding over bumps or rough terrain, the ski/board and boot must work together to absorb impact and transfer energy efficiently and in an oversized boot, excess movement allows parts of your foot and shin to smack into various areas of the boot. This repeated impact creates uneven pressure and can result in bruising, pain, and sometimes a phenomenon known as “shinbang.” Shinbang occurs when only part of your shin contacts the boot, concentrating pressure in a small area and leading to inflammation and soreness. Conversely, a correctly fitted boot supports your foot and shin evenly, ensuring all contact points distribute pressure equally. This reduces the risk of pain and improves your ability to control your skis effectively.

It’s also worth noting that even with perfectly fitted boots, some discomfort is normal in the beginning. If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, or if it’s your first few days of the season, your feet may need time to adjust to the unique demands of these sports. This doesn’t necessarily mean your boots don’t fit; it’s simply a part of the process of your body getting acclimatised to the demands of the sport.

Common Boot Modifications and Their Benefits

Our bootfitters can perform a range of customisations to optimise your comfort and performance. Here are some of the most common modifications we offer:

1. Custom Footbeds

Custom footbeds provide a stable and supportive base for your feet. By matching the contours of your foot, they improve alignment, reduce pressure points, and enhance energy transfer to the ski or snowboard via providing a solid foundation from the ground up. This is by far one of our most common modifications, and we make custom footbeds for approximately 90% of our customers who buy new boots, and solve big portion of our walk in customers problems with custom footbeds. For example you might be getting a sore ankle, and by simply stabilising your foot with a footbed and distributing the pressure evenly, this will often eliminate the issue all together.

2. Shell Stretch/Punch

If the plastic shell of your boot is too tight in specific areas, we can stretch it to create more room. This is particularly common for skiers with wider feet or prominent bone structures, such as bunions. Shell stretching allows us to relieve pressure points without compromising the overall fit, by creating more room where you specifically need it, as opposed to going a size bigger just to fit that one problemed spot, and having everything else fit too big.

3. Custom Liner Upgrade

Upgrading to aftermarket custom liners, such as ZipFit or Intuition, can dramatically enhance the fit and feel of your boots. These liners are not only heat mouldable, but also have are made by more higher end materials that allow them to conform more precisely to the shape of your foot, ankle and leg, increasing comfort and performance. ZipFit liners, for example, use a cork material that adapts over time, while Intuition liners offer lightweight warmth and support.

4. Foam Padding and Volume Adjustments

In some cases, we add foam or other materials inside the boot to fill empty spaces and eliminate unwanted movement. For example, skiers with low-volume feet may benefit from padding in specific areas to achieve a snugger fit. These modifications are particularly useful when small adjustments are needed to fine-tune the fit.

5. Canting Adjustments

For skiers who struggle with alignment issues, canting adjustments can help align the boot’s cuff with your leg shape. This improves balance and reduces strain on your knees, especially for those with bow-legged or knock-kneed stances.

Why Invest in the Right Boots from the Start?

While it may be tempting to buy boots online or at a generic retail store, this often leads to frustration and disappointment. A reputable bootfitting store not only helps you find the right boot but also offers a level of expertise and service that you simply can’t get elsewhere. From personalised recommendations to precise modifications, our goal is to provide you with a boot that enhances your experience on the slopes.

So, whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-timer, investing in boots from a reputable bootfitting store like Boot Solutions is the best decision you can make. Your feet will thank you, and your time on the mountain will be that much more enjoyable. Don’t settle for “good enough”—get boots that are truly designed to work for you.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Fit?

Visit us at Boot Solutions, where our expert team is ready to guide you through the custom boot fitting process. We don’t require customers to make an appointment, however if you are looking to buy new boots, new liners, or have custom footbeds, we do recommend making an appointment as it does allow us to be that much more ready for you. Click here to learn more about how our appointments work.

Boot Solutions Niseko Hirafu Unveils New Store with Expanded Capacity and Enhanced Services

Niseko, Japan – 12/12/2024

Boot Solutions Niseko Hirafu is excited to announce the opening of its newly relocated and expanded store in the heart of Niseko’s vibrant Hirafu Village. Just 100 meters up the road from our original location, the new store is now located in the sleek Suiboku Building, offering more space, state-of-the-art facilities, and an improved customer experience to help you get ready for the upcoming ski season.

With double the capacity for boot fittings, the new location is designed to meet the growing demand for our expert boot fitting services. Our cutting-edge workshop is equipped with the latest technology to ensure the highest quality craftsmanship for all your ski and snowboard needs. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced skier, we are committed to providing personalized fittings that ensure a perfect fit and optimum performance on the slopes.

New Products & Enhanced Experience

At the new store, Boot Solutions Niseko is expanding its retail offerings, now featuring a selection of hardgoods and Peak Performance outerwear alongside our renowned boot fitting services. Our hardgoods range include skis from Nordica and Atomic, with the range covering a range of conditions and abilities.  

We’ve also revamped our waitlist system, implementing a digital system to streamline the process and minimize wait times, ensuring a smoother and more efficient experience for our customers.

In addition, we are delighted to introduce a coffee shop within the store, open every day from 7:00 AM, where visitors can relax, refuel, and get ready for their day on the slopes. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea while browsing our products or waiting for your boot fitting.

Rental and Ski School Service Now Available on Site

We're also thrilled to be sharing the space with Niseko Wow, an industry leader in premium ski and snowboard rental services, tuning, and ski school offerings. Together, we're offering a complete one-stop-shop for everything you need to enjoy your time in Niseko, from expert advice to top-quality gear and services.

Ready for a Busy Season

Our team at Boot Solutions Niseko Hirafu is ready for what is expected to be a busy and exciting ski season. Whether you're new to the area or a returning guest, we’re committed to providing top-tier customer service and helping you enjoy your Niseko adventure to the fullest.

Visit us today at our new location in the Suiboku Building, just a short walk up the main street from our original location, and experience everything our expanded store has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you to our new space!

For more information, you can call us on +81 0136555695.

To make a booking (not essential but reccomended), please click here.

About Boot Solutions Niseko Hirafu:
Boot Solutions Niseko Hirafu is a premier ski boot fitting service provider in Japan, offering personalised, expert boot fittings, retail sales of ski and snowboard equipment, and a variety of other services for winter sports enthusiasts. With an emphasis on comfort, performance, and customer satisfaction, Boot Solutions has been helping skiers and snowboarders enjoy the slopes since its inception.

Heated Socks – Are they worth the money?

Although I am not one to particularly feel the cold, I have often experienced cold feet in my ski boots on the best days of winter. For the 2023/2024 season I took the plunge and went for a pair of heated socks, and in this blog I will discuss my experience and provide a brief review of the Lenz 5.1 heated sock, Lenz RC1200 battery, and the Lenz Heat App.    

Initial setup and installation

The sock I chose was the Lenz 5.1 sock and Lenz RC1200 battery, which is a medium cushioned merino sock paired with a 1200 m/h battery. My first impression was that the sock felt like any other technical ski sock that I had ever worn which was a relief, as the heating elements within the sock did not diminish the comfort and the way that it felt in my ski boots.

The second thing I noticed was the ease of use first time round, as I simply had to charge the battery overnight, download the Lenz Heat App and pair it with my batteries, and then I was ready to go. On the first day of skiing all I had to do was attach the batteries to the top of the socks using the built in attachment buttons, turn the batteries on, and choose my heat level using the Lenz Heat App when I got to the snow. It really was a simple and intuitive process, and was more straightforward than I had expected.

On the snow

Almost as soon as I activated the heat level on the socks I felt a gentle warming sensation in my feet, and this continued throughout the morning even though a storm was rolling in and the temperature was dropping. When it wasn’t quite enough and my feet only felt moderately warm I increased the heat level from 5/10 to 8/10 on the app via my phone and felt the increased heat almost instantly, and skied the rest of the day in comfort. It was a great day skiing cold dry powder, and for the first time in a while I realised that I wasn’t thinking about my cold feet on each chairlift ride. The story went the same for rest of the season, I would start the day with my socks on a moderate temperature and adjust if necessary, and started to muse about how I had suffered so much before getting the heated socks. Now that they were on my feet they seemed like they should have always been there, and something that I would not go without again.  

The app

I downloaded the Lenz Heat App to my iphone from the app store, and was grateful to find that it was free and required no subscriptions to access the full features. It was easy to pair with the batteries after a quick read of the instructions, and after the initial set up I found everything would naturally pair up without having to manually reconnect. It is a simple and intuitive app that I mostly used to adjust the temperature levels and monitor battery levels, though it has more in-depth features available such as an interval timer that allows you to cycle between low and medium heat at specified time intervals, and a left/right adjustment feature that enables you to have different settings on each sock if you for some reason have the need for that. I found this app very helpful on the mountain as I could easily control the heat level of my socks without having to pull up the cuff of my pants and control the system via the battery, however that is still an option if your phone goes flat. Overall I am stoked with the app and how well it works.

The Batteries

I opted for the RC 1200 battery as opposed to the larger capacity RC 1800 battery, as I am a skier who rarely skis for longer that 6 hours in a day. The RC 1200 battery definitely was enough for me, however if you often ski for 6 hours or longer or if you think you might want to run your socks on maximum power each day due to having very very cold feet, it may be worth considering the RC1800 battery. The only real disadvantage of the bigger battery is the price, as they are interchangeable with all Lenz socks. In terms of charging I would do this after each use, using the USB charger that works on both 100V (Japan), 120V or 240V power supplies.

Caring for the socks

As per the care recommendations I would simply put them in the washing machine in the supplied washing bag, and then hang them out to dry. As they are made from merino I found that they would dry quickly in a moderately warm place, meaning they would be clean, dry and ready for use the following day.

Overall experience

Having heated socks may not be 100% necessary for everyone however they certainly make the great days better. I have spent a lot of money on ski gear and ski trips as it stands and hindsight I wish I had spent that bit extra on heated socks earlier. Cold feet are now one thing I don’t have to worry about, and for people who often suffer from cold feet I really recommend going for these. They are the envy of my friends, and if I had more money I would be buying a pair for each of them for Christmas.

The Lenz 5.1 toe cap sock and RC1200 battery pack retails for ¥49,700 total are available at our Niseko Hirafu and Niseko Village stores.

A Beginners Guide to Finding Comfort in Ski Boots

Wearing ski boots can be daunting for new skiers, though at Boot Solutions we’re here to help and have been solving boot problems for over 15 years. Here are our tips for making your ski experience that much more comfortable, and ultimately more worthwhile.

Choose your boots based on fit, and not on colour or reviews

Boots are more rigid than shoes and the fit is a lot more important due to the pressure being transmitted through your skis and snowboard. For these reasons it is crucial that you wear a boot that is the right size and shape for your foot. If a pair of boots is too big you will slide around in it and hit the end, while your shin and ankle move around and sometimes receiving shin bang (ouch!) This is why it is important to choose a pair of boots under the guidance of professional bootfitter, as opposed to choosing a pair based on your shoe size, reviews, and advertising. What is comfortable for one person may be hell for another, so be sure to see a professional and prioritise fit over all other factors.

Have a pair of Custom Footbeds made

Custom Footbeds stabilise and provide a solid foundation for your foot from the ground up, so that your foot doesn’t collapse or change shape when weight is applied. Without Footbeds it is common for feet to roll inwards (pronation), which can lead to the inside ankle bone pressing up hard against the inside of the boot which can lead to discomfort and sometimes injury. Other people may experience cold feet due to the blood not being able to circulate with the soles of their feet being oddly weighted, and installing Custom Footbeds often helps with this. Lastly most skiers report an increased feeling of control after having custom footbeds installed, so this is a product that that will likely lead to improvements in your skiing.

Don’t put up with intense pain or excess movement in your boots

It is natural for your feet to experience minor discomfort when you haven’t worn ski boots for a while, however if it doesn’t go away come and see a bootfitter to see if there is an easy solution to the problem. There are many things that we can do to improve the way your boots fit, as all ski and snowboard boots can be customised. Common modifications include stretching the plastic shell to accommodate a wider forefoot or bunion, deepening the ankle pocket to accommodate more voluminous ankle bones, tailoring foam to eliminate excess space and increase heel hold, adjusting the buckle placement, or adding aftermarket power straps to reduce the movement in your leg. If your boot is too big or too small it will lead to reduced control and comfort, so come and see us if you think this may be the case.

Wear proper fitting ski socks

Wearing the right socks makes a much bigger difference than many beginner skiers expect, as it is the only thing between you and your ski boots. Counterintuitively thicker isn’t always better, and a thin to medium thickness merino sock will usually provide the greatest combination of warmth and comfort. In term of thickness we recommend keeping your socks consistent, as if you have a thin pair one day and a thick pair the next you will find that your boots fit tighter and then looser, which leads to reduced comfort and control.

It's also important to note that you should never wear two pairs of socks in your boots, as this will lead to circulation issues and ultimately cold feet.

Invest in heated socks if your feet are always cold

Some people suffer a lot more than others and if this sounds like you, you should consider investing in heated socks. Most heated socks nowadays are easy to wash and include an accompanying iphone/android app that allows you to easily moderate your temperature. Our Lenz 5.1 Heated Sock and RC 1200 battery pack kit is priced at ¥51,200 and in our opinion is worth every yen.

Do not tuck your thermals/leggings into your boots

The bottom hem of your thermals absolutely cannot go on the inside of your boot, as it will result in an uncomfortable mark forming on the front of your shin where pressure is applied to the tongue of your ski boot. When purchasing thermals, ensure that they can be easily pulled up above your boot line, or choose a three-quarter or legless option.

Purchase a travel friendly boot dryer

Moisture will build up in your ski boots throughout the day and unless you dry them each day, it will eventually lead to smelly boots, cold wet feet, or both. By purchasing a boot dryer like the USB powered Therm-ic for ¥7990 you will easily be able to dry your boots out at the end of each day regardless of what drying facilities your accommodation provides, without the hassle of having to remove your liners.

Avoid leaving your boots in the car overnight

If you start the day with cold boots, the chances are that they will not only be extremely difficult to put on, but they will stay cold all day. Always bring them inside when travelling so that you can start the day with warm, dry boots.

Learn how to put your ski boots on properly

There are a few tricks that can lead to your ski boots going on much easier, so watch the video below from Blister for more information.

Conclusion

Taking the right steps to find comfort in ski boots is not always intuitive for a new skier, however if you start the journey with the right fit, install custom footbeds and modifications, choose the right socks, use the correct technique to take your boots on and off, and start each day with warm, dry boots it will make your ski experience that much more rewarding.

For ski boot advice, products and service come and visit the professionals at any of our three Boot Solutions locations. We accept both walk-ins and appointments, to make an appointment click here.

2024 Japan Season Outlook

Introduction

After a few rollercoaster seasons, the team is returning in full force and preparing to serve you up with the best boots and service for the 2023/2024 winter. This blog provides a brief overview of how things are shaping up and what to expect this season.

The forbidden winters of COVID

There is not a lot that needs to be said except that we survived, and are very grateful to those who helped keep our doors open over the past two seasons. Business was tough but the skiing definitely was not, and solid levels of snowfall both seasons reminded the world that Japan is still the undeniable powder destination of the world.  

Stock and inventory situation

To make up for the fact that many people could not get new boots over the past two seasons, we have gone a bit crazy with our orders this year! Our range is wider and deeper than ever, and our brands instore will include Atomic, Burton, Dalbello, Darn Tough, K2, Kamik, Lange, Nitro, Nordica, Technica, ZipFit. For a sneak peak of what we will have in stock this winter, keep an eye on our digital channels.

The staff

It is no secret that we are regarded as one of Japan’s best custom boot fitting shops, and our staff are a key part of what sets us apart. For the 2023/2024 season we are stoked to welcome back many returning staff, along with new faces from within Japan and around the world. See you all soon!

Hakuba locations

We are still operating in Hakuba, however the store has moved to a new location. This specialist store has a licenced bar inside so if our boots are not enough to earn your visit, we hope our beer, wine and whisky will be.

Note: we are no longer operating within the Rhythm store in Hakuba, so although there is a similar looking boot shop set up in our old location, it is not us.  

Niseko Locations

In the Niseko region we have the same Hirafu store as years previous, located in the bottom floor of the  Nozami Views building, right next to the Rhythm main store. This is our one and only Hirafu location.

Over at Niseko Village we are located within the Village Sports store, right next to the ski lift. Village Sports is a premier ski shop that offers the best of everything that you might need on the mountain, while Boot Solutions provides everything within the store related to boots. This store has received rave reviews since its inception five years ago thanks to its extensive range, top notch service and the reality that it does not get as chaotic as the stores in Niseko Hirafu. Oh, and did we mention they have parking, and are currently running a 30% off rental special?! Click here to learn more about Village Sports.

Opening dates

Our stores are all currently closed for the season of Autumn. Our stores open for winter in line with the resorts which they are located around, for example our Hirafu store will open when Grand Hirafu opens, the Niseko Village store will open when Niseko Village opens, and the Hakuba store will open when the lifts start turning at Happo One. Please check back closer to the time for confirmed opening dates.  

Boot fitting appointments

Although not at all essential, we recommend you make an appointment if you know you’ll need to see us when you arrive in town. It is free to make an appointment, click here to get started.

Social media

If you like deep powder snow, geeking out on products and seeing what we get up to behind the scenes in the boot lab, make sure you are following us on Facebook and Instagram. Once the Japan powder tap turns on we will be giving you a glimpse from within the snowglobe, so make sure you are following us, get involved, and tag us or dm us your content to be featured.

Events

We’ve got a few events in the pipeline for the upcoming season, these will be announced on our Facebook as they are finalised.

Hot Tips for Cold Toes

Many people suffer from cold feet in their ski boots. While having your boots custom fit can help reduce these symptoms, many people still experience uncomfortably cold feet. This can really put a downer on your skiing experience.  So here’s five hot tips to keep your toes toasty warm this ski season. 

Tip 1: Don’t wear thick socks

A lot of people assume that thicker socks will keep their feet warmer than thin ones. This is actually false. By wearing thick socks, your feet can be more constricted, hence impeding blood flow, and a lack of an air pocket between sock and liner can produce unwanted heat conduction and temperature loss from your feet. We recommend thin woollen socks, or thin socks made from insulating and moisture wicking materials.  

Tip 2: Make sure your liners are dry

It is imperative to keep your boot liners dry if you are going to have any chance of staving off the cold. Liners can easily get damp through snow entering the boot or from perspiration (and yes, you do still sweat even when it’s cold). That’s why you need to dry out your boots every night. People often think putting their boots in a drying room will do the trick, but unfortunately that’s not enough. The liners need air circulation to dry out properly and the lower shell of the boot is designed in such a way that condensation can get trapped over the dorsal interior shell. One option is to remove your liners from the boot each night and place in a warm room as well as wiping the inside plastic boot shell dry. However they can be a little tricky to put back in, so a much more convenient option is to grab yourself a boot dryer, such as the Therm-ic boot dryer which circulates warm air into the boot and produces drying by evaporation.

Tip 3: Wear clean, dry socks

It may sound obvious, but wearing clean, dry socks each day will help keep your feet warm. Even the slightest dampness can really play havoc with your temperature control. It’s therefore worth investing in 3-5 pairs of socks so you know you’ll always have a clean pair on hand.  If you're putting in a long day skiing, it can even be worth changing into a fresh pair during your lunch break. 

Tip 4: Don’t over-buckle your boots

If you buckle up your boots too tightly,  especially over the top of the foot, you will reduce the circulation to your feet and your feet will end up numb and cold. 

Tip 5: Invest in a boot heater

If you’ve tried the methods above without results, or just like nice toasty toes, a boot heater or battery-operated socks are definitely a great option. 

Boot heaters are battery operated heating elements which are installed into the boot’s insole under the ball of your foot. By providing a base level temperature at the toes, they work to block and neutralize the penetrating cold, keeping the blood circulation open and maintaining comfort and warmth in the feet. 

And with different temperature settings you can keep your feet at a perfect temperature. While you’re sitting on the chair lift, with a quick turn of the dial you can crank up the heat, and then when you’re ready to power down the mountain, you can take the temperature down a few notches. We recommend Hotronics Foot Warmers.

The other option is battery-operated heated socks. The socks are adjustable through 3 heat levels both on the battery itself and through an optional smart phone app that connects to the batteries via blue tooth. The benefit of a heated sock over traditional boot heaters is the ability use in other footwear, so you can keep your feet warm in your apres boots or hiking boots too!  We recommend the Lenz Heat Sock. 

So don’t let frozen feet ruin your ski holiday. Get yourself a pair of well-fitted boots and implement the recommendations above and you’ll stay warm and comfortable all day long. 

怎樣選擇正確的滑雪靴尺碼？

正確的滑雪靴尺碼好重要！

大家都知道買滑雪靴要買適合自己的款式，不過，今日我們重點講選擇正確的靴子尺碼。一對不合身的滑雪靴可以帶來連串問題，例如不同牌子在尺碼量度的不同：好多人試過在網上買完靴子後才發現尺碼完全不對，最後要到親身到商店再買一對全新、正確尺碼的靴子。

滑雪靴款式可以參考資料，考慮不同滑雪風格和能力需要，但尺碼的基本定律是，靴子的長度盡可能跟腳掌一樣。最理想的長度是，鞋頭只保留少量但足夠空間保暖和伸展，使腳趾不會緊貼鞋尖。一般來說，滑雪靴的尺碼會比日常鞋細。

以雙板滑雪靴(ski boot)來講，新靴子的內裡襯墊(liner)還未完全依照外殼(shell)塑好型狀，所以很多人以為鞋子尺碼太細。細心的鞋子固型師會拆除襯墊，請你再試穿靴子外殼，評估雙腳和靴子外殼的距離，再檢查襯墊的長度、厚度和高度，確保所有配件的尺碼是完全正確。

其他考慮因素：

1. 使用矯型器會改變尺碼

腳型是滑雪靴的重要考慮元素，包括使用足部矯型器後的情況，如使用了腳趾外翻矯型器後，雙腳尺碼會有明顯改變。同樣地，訂製好的鞋墊和矯型護理器會明顯改變腳掌形狀，減少足部的活動空間，這種情況下就可能需要尺碼更細的滑雪靴。優秀的鞋子固型師在檢查你的尺碼時會衝量這些特別情況。

2. 不同牌子，不同尺碼！

雖然大部份滑雪牌子都使用國際標準量度尺碼，但留意在單位轉換、不同牌子和不同款式上，都有差誤的可能性，建議每次買滑雪靴都要重新量度尺碼。視乎款式，某些情況下，你可能會購買兩款不同尺碼的滑雪靴。

3. 滑雪靴沒有半碼

基本上，滑雪靴只有全碼，沒有半碼，所以滑雪牌子只會以全碼為單位。不過，大部份牌子會再引入一種”sole length”的量度單位，sole length是指鞋底外殼(由鞋尖至鞋尾)的長度，例如26/26.5號鞋 = 305mm，27/27.5號鞋 = 315mm，28/28.5號鞋 = 325mm，如是者上。因此，在滑雪靴的世界，半碼和全碼可以說並無分別。順帶一提，少數牌子在半碼單位做切割，變成27.5/28號鞋 = 320mm，28.5/29號鞋 = 330mm。

2016 Powderlife Magazine Article

In Powderlife Magazine's 2016 edition, Owner and Podiatrist Ned Buckley shares his expert advice on choosing the best ski boots for Niseko's unique terrain. 

Why you need Custom Orthotics

Regardless of skiing ability or the shape and mechanics of your foot, every skier and snowboarder can benefit from custom footbeds (or orthotics) in their boots.

Footbeds help to take your boots to the next level by providing superior fit, support, and comfort. They help to stabilise your foot and correct your posture, so that the energy you exert while skiing is transferred directly to your skis, rather than being lost in your boot. This ultimately results in less fatigue, less discomfort and better skiing performance.

The biomechanics

The motion of skiing results in a lot of force directed through the feet in a way that is not the same as walking or during other activities.  During each turn, a large amount of the body’s weight is transferred to the inside edge of the foot, directly down through the midfoot and into the arch. Depending on your foot type, without the support of a custom orthotic, this position and movement may cause some of the following adverse affects: 

• The arch collapses and the foot rotates laterally (towards the outside) in the transverse plane, squeezing the outside of the foot.

• The arch collapsing means that at the same time the tibia (shin bone) rotates medially (inwards) exposing ankle bone to the upper inside of the boot which can rub due to excessive pressure and movement in and out as well as up and down.  

• As the arch collapses and foot pronates (three way movement) in the boot, the bones of the midfoot can unlock and the foot spreads causing increased pressure along the big toe and 5th toe.

• The foot also lengthens as a result of spreading, causing the toes to hit the front of the boot.

• The medial (inside) ankle bone ends up awkwardly positioned on the lower ridge of the boot’s ankle pocket, causing pressure and rubbing.

• The arch is unstable, so it is unable to act as a shock absorber and therefore shock is transferred to the knee.

• The multidirectional movements of the leg irritate the shin and pinch the calf.

• Leg muscles at the front and back of the leg work overtime to pull the foot back and stabilise it in the boot during and between turns, which can lead to shin pain and tendonitis at the front and calf pain at the back.

• Without adequate ankle range of motion, a combination the starting forward lean of boot and the flexing of the ankle in a turn can cause the heel to rise up and shift the weight of the body forward to the front of the boot, increasing pressure to the forefoot, causing pain and numbness.

• Pressure caused by the misalignment of the leg/foot in the boot can lead to impingements of the nerves and arteries, leading to cold, numbness and pain.

Improved Comfort

A custom insole or orthotic that offers the right combination of control, support, and flex, can go a long way in correcting the above fit issues. The insole holds the foot in a powerful neutral pose, which in turn supports all of the muscles and ligaments of the foot. As a result, the foot will stay centred in the middle of the boot and the insole will support and align the ankle bones and instep bones in a comfortable position. 

Improved Performance 

And with the improved fit, comes better performance. A footbed preserves neutral position, stops wasted motion, and markedly improves edging efficiency. A skier will set and release their edge quicker, without over-twisting the knee.

To find out more about the process of making custom orthotics and FAQs, please visit http://www.bootsolutionsjapan.com/custom-orthotics/

The Best Boot Models for Niseko's Unique Terrain

Boot fitters worldwide will agree that accurately matching the size, shape and flex of a ski boot with a skier’s anatomy and ability is crucial when selecting a boot model.  However, a well-fitting boot is only part of the picture. Skier’s also need to ensure the boot they choose is compatible with their type of skiing and the terrain they plan toski. So we’ve put together our recommendations for the best ski boot models for those wishing to make the most of Niseko’s unique combination of lift accessed and short hike-to-powder skiing terrain.

What type of skier are you? 

An All Mountain Traditionalist, an All Mountain Adventurer or a Backcountry Adventurer? By identifying which category you fall into will help guide your choice of ski boot.

Will you be skiing off-piste?

If your answer is yes, whether it be a dabble into knee-deep powder at the sides of the groomed runs, or an aggressive early morning assault of the superidge, you will need something that skis well off piste and ideally matches a freeride style of skiing. Freeride boots tend to have lower ramp angles to facilitate the occasional backseat position as well as allow good close feel of the ski underfoot.  They will also have some inbuilt shock absorbing material underfoot to dampen the jarring forces of rough terrain and variable snow. For those spending most of their time in resort then the All Mountain Traditionalist boot with freeride specs is what you want!

Our All Mountain Traditionalist pick:  Men’s K2 Spyne/Women’s K2 Spyre

• Low ramp angle boot board facilitates better weight position for powder skiing
• Rear cuff is forgiving in the backseat (powder seat)
• Rivet free cuff lock allows smoother ride in varied terrain and snow conditions
• Fully moldable Intuition liner
• Varied flex options
• Three last width options: caters for narrow, medium and wide feet
• Dual Cuff alignment: so the boot can be adjusted to perfectly match skier’s leg shape

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Will you want to hike? 

On a good clear day the hike-to-the peak is a must. Also, those who ski at Hanazono will at some stage look out towards the east face of the mountain and want to explore everything there is to offer in that direction. Skiing this terrain will require some extra traversing and a decent hike in and out of some places.  For these All Mountain Adventurers, choosing a ski boot with a “Hike Mode” is highly recommended. Hike mode essentially allows the upper cuff of the ski boot to unlock and allow for the ankle to move more freely, allowing for a more natural walking gait. This takes considerable strain off the knees and hips when climbing or walking in deep snow.

Our All Mountain Adventurer Pick: Men’s Dalbello Panterra/Women’s Dalbello Kyra

• Hike mode mechanism is easy to engage/disengage and offers a good range of motion for easy movement up the mountain when skinning and through deep snow when hiking.
   
• Centre balanced rocker stance: optimum control of wider skis and easy balance in powder ( less back seat) 
   
• High grip rubber soles allow easy grip on packed powder and steep hike ascents Relatively light weight but does not give up downhill performance
   
• Smooth and responsive flex optimized for all mountain skis and powder conditions
   
• Width adjustment from wide to medium fit
   
• Optional custom moldable Intuition liner: (the warmest on the market)

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Will you be going skinning? 

Fancy going a little bit further into the wilderness?  Guided backcountry tours are fast becoming very popular and Niseko is blessed with an abundance of easy access, relatively safe terrain for skiers of all levels to explore and enjoy. If you plan to spend a majority of your time skinning up mountains and hiking from the roadside, then a backcountry-touring style boot is essential. There is a vast range of boots on offer in this category that are really lightweight with plenty of cuff range in hike mode.  However, buyers should be aware that many of these lightweight, easy-hike models don’t perform as well downhill as traditional boots. And considering the majority of ski touring around the Niseko region consists of short hikes with amazing powder filled descents, it’s recommended you choose a model that is light, but still performs to a level that allows maximum powder froth when descending!  

Our Backcountry Adventurer Pick: Unisex Dynafit Vulcan

• Designed for freeriders, this super light (only 1600gms) boot hikes well and skies brilliantly
  
  
• The stiffness of the boot is equal to the most solid of downhill ski boots and can therefore handle fat skis with ease, and skis varied powder terrain with good responsiveness
  
  
• Overall it is a great compromise between skiing well on powder skis, and keeping a light weight boot with high range of motion for fast and easy hike up. Compatible with a large number of touring and freeride bindings
  
  
• Thermomoldable liner

How biomechanics affects your ski game

Biomechanics in sport involves the observation, study and assessment of the way people move in space using scientific principles of mechanical physics. Biomechanics play a major role in skiing, as skiing well requires the body to be doing all the right things at the right times when moving down the mountain. Making turns efficiently and with fluidity on your skis requires balance and coordination, which can only be achieved through the complex interactions that your body has with your equipment as well as the terrain that you are skiing. 

Alignment in skiing can have a huge impact on one's fatigue or ability to perform certain ski movements. If the alignment is too far out it becomes impossible to let your body move in the way it should.  Unfortunately many people do not naturally possess a neutral skiing stance and instead are prone to various degrees of alignment issues such as excessive foot pronation (rolling the foot in), abnormal femoral or tibial torsional issues, problems with their hips and/or lower backs and leg length discrepancies just to mention a few... Just being either slightly knock-kneed or bow-legged can affect skiing alignment. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to overcome this: 

• Custom orthotics: Regardless of the shape or mechanics of your feet, footbeds help to take your boots to the next level by providing superior fit, support, and comfort.   They help to stabilise your foot and help correct your foot posture, so that the energy you exert while skiing is transferred directly to your skis, rather than being lost in your boot. This ultimately results in less fatigue, less discomfort and better skiing performance.

• Cuff alignment:  Available on most ski boot models, cuff alignment specifically deals with the inward or outward angling of your upper cuff; it does not involve an adjustment to the lower shell. The purpose of this adjustment is to match the angle of the upper cuff to the curvature of your lower leg so that you're able to apply equal pressure to your skis when standing in a natural stance.  This results in greater comfort, control, and more responsive skiing.
   
• Canting: Canting refers to tilting or angling the entire ski boot laterally to achieve a neutral stance, meaning your heels, ankles, knees and hips are all correctly aligned.  Initially this is done by placing temporary wedges under the boot. Once the skier is happy with the adjusted angle, the boot fitter will grind the sole of the boot to create a permanent cant.    A properly canted boot will bring your knee into its natural position, vertically above the centre of your foot and will provide much better precision on the slopes.

An experienced boot fitter will be able to conduct a comprehensive biomechanical assessment and then implement the appropriate measures to get you all 'dialled in' so that your whole body is correctly aligned. This will set you on the right path to achieving your full skiing potential and ultimately just having more fun on the mountain!

Which flex is best?

In our last two posts we've looked at choosing the correct ski boot size and shape. This week we focus on ski boot flex.

Flex ratings

Flex ratings have increasingly become a major feature in the advertising and marketing of ski boots as well as in the categorisation of boots for the type of skier and level of performance required.  

There appears to be no standards for flex ratings between brands and models, meaning that the same flex rating in one boot can differ considerably from another despite having the same rating. 

Stiff vs soft flex

Generally speaking, the higher the flex rating, the stiffer the flex becomes with more resistance to movement of the upper and lower cuff as the skier applies pressure to the front of the boot. A stiffer flex may be desirable for the more aggressive skier as energy transfer from leg-to-boot-to ski as well as the rebound will occur more efficiently. A softer flex allows for easier movement of the boot’s upper and lower cuff, which means less force is required, however, there is a pay off as the rebound force will also be weaker. A softer flex is generally desired for the less advanced skier, who is still learning the technique of applying pressure into the front of the boot. A softer flex may also be appropriate for a freestyle skier, or a person of lighter weight.

Which flex is right for you?

When fitting boots, the custom boot fitter will make a recommendation of flex based on a number of factors such as the skier’s height, weight, ability, and personal preference. The boot fitter will usually observe the skier flexing a boot and may make a judgment to either recommend a stiffer or softer flex based on their observation in the shop. The flex of some ski boots varies considerably in different temperatures depending on the type of plastics used in manufacturing. The boot fitter should also advise the skier on this fact as part of the consultation.

Assessment of foot and ankle biomechanics play an important role in the choice of flex for some skiers. There are some circumstances where a stiffer flex is desirable for a less experienced or lighter weight skier. An example may be someone who has limited ankle range of motion in the dorsiflexory direction (bringing the foot towards the shin). All ski boots are made with varying amounts of forward lean, which can be calculated by measuring the angle of the upper cuff to the base of the ski boot and subtracting the delta angle which is the ramp angle of the boot board inside the boot. A range of ankle dorsiflexory ankle motion of less than 10 degrees is considered inefficient in gait biomechanics (walking). For skiing, this number is slightly higher, with the skier requiring around 12-15 degrees of motion, which will allow them to stand in the boot and then have enough reserve to actually flex the boot.  When someone is considerably limited in their dorsiflexory range of motion (less than 12 degrees), they can reach their limit just by standing in the boot, and so they will not have enough available motion to flex the boot. As a consequence their heel will lift at the back of the boot when the ankle reaches its maximum range and their weight will shift towards the toes, sometimes leading to calf cramping and/or forefoot pain. In this instance the boot fitter may recommend a stiffer (less flex) boot that is naturally more upright in forward lean and this way the skier will engage the ski boot with less ankle range of motion.

Why Shape Matters

In last week's post, we looked at the important of choosing the correct size ski boot.  Today we are going to focus on boot shape. Many of the common problems related to discomfort in ski boots stem from a mismatch between the shape of the boot and the shape of the leg/foot. Many people have variations in their foot shape like bony prominences or small anatomical peculiarities that make it necessary for them to have some customisation done to increase their comfort and performance. 

For ski boots to be comfortable and perform optimally,   there must be a certain degree of compatibility between boot shape and foot shape. Incorrect shape can lead to many of the painful conditions that our bootfitters regularly encounter in their clients.

Boot shape is a highly personal thing: Some skiers want ultimate performance and are willing to forego a certain amount of comfort to achieve this by squeezing their feet into a smaller, narrower boot that will provide ultimate energy transmission from leg to ski. On the other hand, some skiers are happy to forgo a certain amount of performance to achieve a higher level of comfort. Going further with this, there are also individual tolerance levels that come into play; some people simply don't feel or distinguish discomfort in the same way that others do, or they have conditioned their feet due to many hours in ski boots.   

It is very difficult to perfectly match the shape of boots to each foot, as the manufacturers make a standard mould, and for this reason we often customise the boots to further match the individual shape of the foot. 

Many of the models that we carry in stock now have customisable shells, making it further possible to provide the ultimate in customisation. See our page on boot fitting options. 

Some common Foot/Boot Shape considerations:

Foot/Toe Length: People vary in the length of their feet and individual length of the toes. They may have longer first or second toes or they may have all toes of closer length to each other.

Toe Box Shape: The shape of the boot toe box should match the overall curve and shape of the toes as a whole. A couple examples might include a pointed shape vs a squared-off shape: The pointed shape might have a longest second toe and other toes that each fall sharply shorter in length compared to the other, producing a situation where a more tapered toe-box is better. Alternatively, the person with toes thar have a squared-off appearance due to less variation in toe length will require a boot that is more squared-off at the toe box, or may indeed need a slight modification to make the shell wider in key areas.

Width: All boot models fit slightly differently in width. Often the overall width of the boot is advertised and classified as an overall last size. Some boot company websites display last sizes in millimetres. As a general rule, boots classified in last size 98mm or narrower may be recognised as a narrower fit. Boots ranging from 99mm-101mm are medium and anything 102mm or above fall into the wider fit category. 

There are no hard and fast rules with regards to what last size one should ski in, however for general comfort with maximum performance, a closer fit is desirable.

Arch Height and Instep: The amount of space provided over the instep of the foot is a very important consideration. There are various anatomical structures over the dorsum (upper surface) of the foot, which require the boot to fit correctly to prevent impingement and pain.

If the boot is too tight over the dorsum, then the skier may experience symptoms that are due to nerve, and blood supply/return impingement. It is also common for people to have bony prominences over the dorsum, which rub against the tongue of the shell. These problems may be combated by appropriate selection of boot shell and liner combination along with further modifications if needed.

If the boot is too roomy over the dorsum of the foot and anterior ankle, then people may experience muscle and tendon pain, shin pain and soft tissue problems, from excessive rubbing and movement as well as incorrect conformity of the curve of the boot with the position of the feet.     

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Ankle positioning: Boot manufacturers will often place a small indent in the position where they envision the ankle bones to be positioned in the boot. Due to anatomical variation, every skier's ankles will be slightly differently positioned in their boots, meaning that sometimes these simply miss the spot, or are so far off so as to cause a problem. There is also often a hinge point in the boot with rivets close to the ankle bones that can cause a rub. The combination of correcting footbeds/orthotics, the choice of most appropriate shell and further modification as needed can overcome these issues.  At the front of the ankle it is important that the boot bends in concordance with how you foot bends - this is crucial to prevent lower shin bang!   

Heel contour and retention: Heel retention is a desirable aspect of a well fitting boot. The heel retention in ski boots is achieved through a combination of the shape of the contour inside the shell, as well as materials used in the liner to effect a good heel hold. All boot brands have different combinations of these in the various models.  An often overlooked circumstance is the fact that behind the ankles, either side of the heel is where a considerable number of anatomical structures exist: The main nerve, arteries and veins as well as the tendons all pass by the heel and into the foot. For this reason it is very important that the boot fits well in this area! Not too tight, not too loose. It is important to note that for anatomical/mechanical reasons, it is sometimes impossible to keep the heel from lifting, regardless of how firm the boot is in this area. In this case, modifications can be made to help combat this problem. 

Forward Lean:  The amount of forward lean or angle that the boot is set on  compared to the surface the skier is standing on plays a significant role in your skiing style. Thiswill be further discussed in next week's post about Flex, however, for some people the forward lean is an important consideration: People with limited amount of natural ankle flexion, or people who are just learning to ski might want less forward lean in their boots. On the other hand, skiers who are likely to be flexing their ankle a lot in their skiing action, such as bumps skiers or instructors might prefer a boot with more forward lean. There are some circumstances where the forward lean of the boot is a crucial consideration in the overall comfort and performance.

Upper Cuff Volume: Narrow, slimmer-legged people require boots with less volume in the upper cuff and/or more padding. People with wider, more voluminous calves/lower legs often require lower cuffed, wider fitting boots in that area. 

Boots can easily be modified to provide extra padding or more room around the calf area provided that  the overall starting shape is within acceptable limits.  

Tune in next week for our article on understanding ski boot flex. 

Choosing The Correct Boot Size

The correct boot size is one of the most crucial things to get right!

While shape and flex are  important factors when choosing the correct ski boot, for this article we will focus on size considerations. Having the wrong size may lead to many problems and ultimately the premature need to have new, correctly sized boots fitted. Incorrect sizing from another retailer or boots purchased online is the number one problem encountered by our boot fitters.  

There are many considerations to be made depending on the shape of the foot and the skier type as well as personal preference, however, as a general rule, the boots must be as close to the correct size in length as possible. Ideally the skier will have just enough toe room to keep warm and prevent the toes from pressing into the end of the boots. Quite often your ski/snowboard boot size will be smaller than your shoe size.

When a ski boot is brand-new, the liners have not been fully moulded to the contour of the shell, and so it is very common for people to perceive the out-of-the box fit as too small. All good bootfitters will double-check the available room that your foot has by removing the liner and placing the foot in the boot shell. This enables them to examine the interface between the foot and the interior shell of the boot, taking into consideration not only the length, but also the width and height of the boot, as this ultimately determines the fit.

Other considerations:

1. Your foot size may change with added orthotic support. 

Your foot type can also have some bearing on the right size for you: Some people's feet can splay significantly without innersole support. The addition of a custom footbed/orthotic can often significantly alter the size of the foot due to splay-reduction to the point where a smaller size may be more appropriate.   This is a consideration any master bootfitter will take into account after assessing your feet.     

2. Not all boot brands and models have the same sizing standards! 

Most boot companies display the sizes of their boots in mondopoint, which is a standardised measurement system, however, there is slight variation from brand to brand and model to model which makes physical assessment of the foot in each boot a necessity. In some circumstances, you may have a foot which suits two different sizes depending on the different models. 

3. Ski boots are often made in full sizes

Ski boots generally change their shells in full sizes. Most companies make boots that go up a full size for each change in sole length (the actual length of the plastic shell from heel to toe), ie 26/26.5 = 305 mm, next size up 27/27.5 = 315mm, 28/28.5 = 325mm etc. This means that essentially there is little difference in half sizes in ski boots.  Some brands chose to split the half sizes, ie 27.5/28= 320mm, 28.5/20=330mm etc. 

Finding the best bootfitter

As a podiatrist and also one of Australasia’s leading ski boot fitters,  Ned Buckley was asked to contribute to an article on www.snowsbest.com about finding the best boot fitter.  You can read what Ned had to say below, or read the full article http://www.snowsbest.com/finding-the-right-boot-fitter/

Boot fitters need to be able to wear many hats. They need to have good personal skills and be able to communicate with people and relate to them on a very personal level.

They must have good product knowledge. There are hundreds of models and multiple brands and often boot shops will carry many models so that they can fit the different foot types and skier types. A good bootfitter needs to know each model intimately.

They must also be good technicians, as boot fitting requires specific manual skills.

They must be creative as everyone is different and so the bootfitter is often required to think laterally, or outside the box when coming up with solutions for individual problems.

They must have a thorough understanding of the human foot and lower limb from both an anatomical but also biomechanical perspective specific to skiing/snowboarding, so that they can identify the cause of certain problems that different people face in ski and snowboarding.

They must be good diagnosticians.

What questions should the customer ask a boot fitter?

Do you provide a custom fitting service? Although there are many models out there to suit the different foot types and skier levels, in many occasions the boots will need further modifications to make them customised to the skiers needs.

Does your service include moulding of liners and shells? Many boot models have customisable liners and shells which may be adjusted at the initial fitting to ensure maximum comfort.

Do you make custom innersoles? Most good Bootfitting shops will have the option of providing custom innersoles. Custom innersoles help to align the foot and ankle in the boot as well as to help evenly distribute pressure on the foot which equates to a positive effect on the level of comfort and performance.

What level of after-purchase support will I receive? Most good boot shops will have policy that includes some level of after purchase support. This ranges from a basic returns-due-to-fault policy through to a full fit guarantee where extra work is provided as part of the original price.

It is very common for small modifications to be needed after a couple days skiing so it is best to understand what level of service the shop provides for this kind of thing.

What questions should the boot fitter ask the customer?

If buying a new pair, the boot fitter should be firstly asking questions aimed at understanding what kind of skier the buyer is and their intentions/expectations so that they may most appropriately match the options for the clients needs.

How often does the person go skiing? How long have they been skiing for? Where do they like to go skiing? What terrain do they like most? Are they aggressive or just cruisers? Are the primary objectives for the skier comfort? or performance? or a bit of both?

The boot fitter should also ask a few questions relating to previous experience with boots: Have they owned boots before? If so what models? Did they have any issues with comfort or performance in previous boot models? If so the boot fitter want to elucidate some information about the previous experiences as it will help them to better understand the clinets needs

What do you think creates black bruised big toe nails?

1. Ski boots are too big in length or width: the foot slides in the boot and the toes are repetitively traumatised or the boots are too small and the toes are jammed at the front of the boot causing repetitive trauma.

2. The wrong socks are being worn: too thick and the sock will crowd the forefoot and add the toes will sustain trauma.
Skiing Powder can cause black toes. People lean back when skiing powder as they are trying to keep their tips up. This causes the toes to be pushed forward in the boots and resulting trauma causes the toes to go black.

3. Falling backwards: one decent fall where the person has landed on the back of their heels can cause the foot to slide forward forcefully causing a black toe.

4. Very rarely toes can go black from frostbite which is a serious condition.

What are the  pros and cons of footbeds and liners?

FOOTBEDS

No matter what the foot shape is, or what the particular individual mechanics of the foot are like, foot beds can help to stabilise the foot in the boot in a way that makes the skier more confortable and at the same time ensuring that energy is transferred evenly and efficiently. Foot beds are recommended for most skiers in most boot and liners types.

Footbeds fall in to two categories:

Off the shelf premade types. There are plenty of brands and models out there offering different levels of support from different materials. These do an OK job for the most part, and some types are better than others.

Fully customised. These come in the form of an innersole that starts out from a flat blank material and which is then moulded to the skier’s foot. Often a reinforcement called a posting material is added to the heelcup and arch areas and then made to fit the contour of the boot in a way that ensures the foot is in a position of maximum stability for skiing.

There are multiple systems and various brands for making custom footbeds. Qualified health professionals such as sports physicians and podiatrists also make devices similar to custom foot beds, called orthoses. Custom footbeds are completely personalised devices that fit the skier’s foot perfectly and so these have the potential to provide maximum support.

Custom footbed making is a highly technical process that requires the bootfitter to have sound knowledge in identifying different foot types and understanding foot mechanics as well as technical skills for producing a good mould and manufacture of an accurate device.

LINERS

Most ski boots come with a liner that the manufacturer has made for that shell. Depending on model, the liners than come with the boot can be highly mouldable. In many cases the fit is very good with the liner that the boot was made for, and so in many instances skiers are extremely happy with this set up.

When looking for a liner for the ski boots, having a high capacity to mould to the foot is a desirable thing. Different after-market liners exist that are designed to replace the liners in ski boot shells, usually with the intention to provide a more moulded and hence better fit.

The most common types of liners include fully injected foam liners (Sidas, Bootdoc, Surefoot), preinjected cork and oil based (Svenfit, Zipfit) and heat mouldable foam types (intuition, Sidas). Having an aftermarket liner inserted into the pre-existing shell is not always better, however, may be a good option if the skier is looking for higher level of precision in the fit.

Usually a foot bed accompanies a moulded liner and the bootfitter will recommend foot beds to be made in conjunction with the liner moulding. There are many pros and cons for the different types of liners out there.

Fully injected foam liners provide the most accurate moulding, and hence ensure that the fit is closest to the foot shape, however, they tend to be cold and hard on the feet. The injection process is quite technical and so requires an experienced fitter to ensure that mistakes are not made in the process.

Mistakes are difficult to fix once injected as the foam sets hard. Injected liners can be expensive to have fitted and sbadly moulded foam injected liners can be a costly mistake.

Injected liners often take quite a bit of skiing in before full comfort is appreciated and so are generally not recommended for the recreational and occasional skier. Some ski shops just specialise in this type of boot/liner combo.

The guys that do a lot of them generally do a good job, however, when things don’t work out, it is often very tricky to fix and the best option is to start again. Some people who regularly ski in this type of liner swear by them. Others simply cannot tolerate that level of precision in the fit. Some people are better off in this type of liner due to particular issues with their feet.

Heat moulded foam liners such as the Intuition liners are the warmest and most general in fit. The impression that the liners take of the foot is good, but not as accurate as the injected type.

As the materials are soft, there is less chance of having major problems if the right model has been chosen for the boot. These liners come in varying densities, thickness, and shape and so it is important to have the bootfitter recommend the right model for the skier’s foot and boot model.

This type of liner takes the least amount of time to ski-in and can be very comfortable after only a short while skiing. These liners do well for people who don’t ski a lot, or whose objective is general comfort and warmth.

This type of liner is also a good option for people who like to do a bit of hiking, as they are usually seamless in design, ensuring that friction is minimised. The fitting process for this type of liner is less technical than for foam liners, however, it is best to have an experienced fitter do the job as there are multiple errors that can be made which can result in less than optimum performance and comfort.

A downside to this type of liner is that they generally  ‘pack out’ more quickly than other types. Each time the person skis, the structure of the foam is put under pressure, which leads to eventual breakdown.

The upside is that this type of liner is less costly than the other types and so changing the liners out more often is not such big deal. Many manufacturers are using this type of liner as the standard liner that comes with the shell and so a customised option is available without have the expense of buying an extra product.

The cork and oil based reinjected liners are great option for people wanting a more accurate fit without the problems associated with foam injected liners. These liners tend to have most of the moldable material based around the mid-to-rear foot and on the shins, resulting in a good tight fit in the places where it is best to have maximum support whilst leaving the forefoot and toes free to spread out.

These liners are the least technical to fit and usually fully remoldable, meaning that if a mistake has been made, then the process can be repeated multiple times to get it right. This type of liner can be a little cold to ski in however and newer models are using highly insulating materials to combat this problem.

These liners have a long life-span if well cared for. More material can be added for a tighter fit and conversely it can be removed to make more space. One complaint that has surfaced with fitting these liners is that the density and amount of materials that have been preinjected is not always accurate and so the fit can vary from liner to liner.

The density of the material in these liners is also susceptible to variations in temperatue and so tends to feel softer when it is warmer.