Custom Ski Boot Fitting Is Not Only Built Around Skiers, But Also Local Conditions
Much to the joy of snow sports enthusiasts throughout the Yampa Valley, winter has returned to the mountains of Northwest Colorado.
Two early season storms have combined with cooler temperatures and lower sun angles to make for excellent early season conditions, which in turn will lead to great mid- and late-season skiing and riding.
With Steamboat Resort reporting 56” of snowfall (as of Dec. 9), it is no wonder that many skiers and snowboarders are scrambling to get their equipment ready for what seems like an promising winter.
This month, we build on November’s conversation with Douglas Steadman, one of Ski Haus’ expert bootfitters, as we will delve into how boot liners and shells can be modified to provide a comfortable fit and the highest level of performance.
Steamboat is notorious for some of the best powder in North America while being simultaneously known for rapidly changing conditions (due to the resort’s elevation and orientation) and varied terrain. Thus, these factors necessitate that ski boots power you through waist deep blower-powder while also being stable enough to plow through the chop and chunder later in the day.
According to Steadman, one of the most important first steps (after picking the right boot) is tailoring the liner to the foot itself. While there are, at times, a perfect fit right out of the box, it is often necessary to heat mold the liner to get the fit and performance level of the boot perfect.
“You can get any ski…and make it work but you cannot get all boots to work for a skier,” explained Steadman.
Last year, following a hasty boot purchase at the beginning of the season, I went through a winter of throbbing feet, numbness, and decreased performance (and desire to ski) due to a pair of boots that weren’t subject to an expert bootfitters touch following the purchase. Great snow and a busy schedule just didn’t leave me with enough time to get it done. This season, I made it a priority to visit Ski Haus to begin the process of getting my boots dialed in long before the season began. As Steadman worked with my boots, I was amazed at the level to which boots can be customized these days.
Steadman explained that situations such as these are the reason that it is best to get boots before, or early in, the season. A good boot purchase and subsequent customization takes time, and it is best that buyers plan that into their early-season routine.
Even before heat molding, Steadman noted that it should be determined if a custom footbed is necessary based on the profile of the skier’s foot in relation to the shell. Different foot arches often necessitate different footbeds, as it places the arch in the best position for performance and to avoid pain.
John Camponeschi for Steamboat Locals
Heat molding is the next step, which involves placing the heat-reactive liner on two horns that blow hot air into the liner. As it heats up, the cells expand and it becomes soft and pliable. Once the heating is complete, the liner is placed back into the shell and the user slips their foot in.
Ten minutes is the time it takes for the liner to mold to both the foot and the inner contours of the shell. This creates space and support where needed. The toes are granted space to hold heat as the heel of the foot falls deeper into the pocket, which allows for a skier to pressure on the tongues of the boot when skiing without the heel rising. This results in power to the front part of the ski where you get a more efficient and effective carve out of your edges..
In addition to heat molding, shells can be altered and customized as well. Boot punches and presses can stretch a boot in large or small areas, which allows for the shell to accommodate different sizes and types of feet, as well as injuries that might be present. This process involves heating the shell and then placing it in a press, where it is left overnight as the plastic contours to the punch of the press.
“In a worse case scenario, we can actually heat up the shell and punch one specific area up to a quarter in diameter,” explained Steadman. “This allows us to really put in a pocket for any serious issues.”
Steadman also explained that the whole shell can be stretched as well to make more space for different areas of the foot. While getting the right boot off the bat is paramount, shell stretching can allow for boots to become even more tailored to the user’s foot. For a community of die-hard skiers like Steamboat Springs, this leads to more time on the slopes and the ability to ski all the terrain and conditions that might be present on the mountain.
Walking out of Ski Haus after having my boots molded, and a varus wedge installed, I was curious as to how much more powerful and comfortable they would be once out on the slopes. The three days I have spent skiing them have, thus far, been the most comfortable days I have spent in them with notable increases in performance.
Interested in more about the boot fitting experience, and why it’s crucial to getting the best performance and comfort on the slopes? Read Foundations for Performance and Comfort on the Slopes