What do we mean by bootfitting?

Bootfitting involves customizing ski boots so they fit your feet, posture, and skiing style perfectly. Well-fitting ski boots are often more important for comfort and control than the skis themselves. A properly fitted boot prevents pressure points, cold feet, tingling, and tired legs—and allows you to control your skis more directly.

How do we, as boot fitters, go about our work?

During our initial consultation, we will thoroughly measure and analyze your feet. After using a scanning computer to create a 3D scan of your feet and lower legs, we will manually measure your feet again with precision and perform a shell fit so we can recommend the correct size ski boot. What else do we look at during the measurements:

• Length, width, and instep height of the feet
• Alignment of the feet, ankles, and knees (such as neutral, pronation, and supination)
• Flexibility in the joints of the feet, ankles, and knees
• Skiing level and terrain preference
• Any issues such as bone spurs, scars, and/or discoloration

Based on this analysis and your personal preferences, we’ll select a few pairs of ski boots for you to try on. If necessary, the selected boots can then be adjusted.

Fitting ski boots takes about an hour on average, so please take your time. Making an appointment is not required but is definitely recommended (it can get very busy, especially in December, January, and February). You can easily make an appointment online. Don’t forget to bring your own ski socks and wear pants with legs that can be easily rolled up. The entire fitting session costs €89.95 and will be applied as a discount if you ultimately decide to purchase a pair of ski boots. Additionally, for the first 3 years, no extra charges will be applied for boot fitting (except for the purchase of new soles or liners).

What are the options? And the solutions?

1. Adjusting or Replacing the Insole/Footbed
   This is often the most important step. A custom insole supports your arch and stabilizes your posture. This can help reduce cramping while wearing your ski boots. It also often provides more control and better pressure distribution. Additionally, it can alter the position of your feet, helping you become a better skier from a technical standpoint.
   
   
2. Heating and/or adjusting the liner
   Heating the inner boot of a ski boot (also known as thermoforming) is primarily done to mold the boot to the shape of your foot. By heating the boot (often with a special heat gun), the material becomes pliable. When you step into it, the liner takes the shape of your foot. This reduces pressure points and sore feet.
   Note! Although this process is often recommended, it isn’t necessary for every boot and foot. So be sure to get expert advice from our boot fitters!
   
   It is also possible to customize certain parts of an inner boot. This can be done by cutting away material to create space, applying adhesive patches for extra support, and/or replacing or repositioning the tongue to redistribute pressure on the instep. As boot fitters, we can also foam-liner boots or, if desired, work with ZipFit liners.
   
   
3. Heating and/or stretching/punch the outer shell
   Nowadays, it is also possible (with most ski boots) to heat the outer shell. During this boot fitting process, the material (such as polyurethane—a synthetic plastic) is heated, making it temporarily malleable. This is done to precisely mold the boot to the anatomy of your foot, thereby eliminating painful pressure points, cramps, and blisters.
   Note! Not every outer shell is suitable: heating is only possible with boots made of high-quality plastic with a high melting point. Cheaper boots may melt.
   
   
4. Grinding Shell 
   The purpose of grinding the outer shell of a ski boot is to painlessly resolve painful pressure points, areas of tightness, or protruding bones (such as a bunion) within the hard plastic boot. This involves carefully grinding away a small amount of plastic to create more space in specific areas. Milling is specifically used in situations where localized heating and molding are insufficient, or for racing ski boots.
   Please note! Grinding is only possible on boots made of thicker plastic.
   
   
5. Adjusting the Canting
   Adjusting the cant and alignment of the ski boot ensures that the boot’s upper aligns with the natural position of your legs (such as bowlegs or knock-knees). This can help prevent knee pain and injuries.
   
   
6. Adjusting the Flex
   In some cases, we can also make ski boots stiffer or more flexible. This depends on your weight, skiing technique, and personal preference. This could also be a solution for people who experience shin pain while wearing their ski boots.