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First ski holiday in a long time planned for next year.
In preparation, we thought we'd go to the local dry slope yesterday.
I stuck on a new pair of boots which I bought around 5 years ago and have never used....due to great plans not coming together at the time or since.
Holy jeezus, I nearly cried they hurt so much!
So....will be going to our local ski shop (which is where the boots were bought from) this coming weekend to get feet re-measured and hopefully the boots to get re-fitted potentially with some new Superfeet Winter Carbon soles moulded too (Mrs B got some last weekend and no complaints of comfort from her yesterday at all...).
The issue is my left heel is lifting (left foot smaller than right), but the right feels like is it in a vice. I remember many moons ago, always having to get my right boot blown to relieve pressure due to a sticky-outy cuboid or some such thing.
TBH I'm actually thinking the boots are the wrong size, but will wait until we see what happens on Saturday.
However, assuming I need to get a new pair of boots, what is the score with custom shells? Liners I understand but are custom shells simply manufacturers trying to do what boot fitters have been doing for a long time?
My existing boots are Nordica Firearrow F4 - which are likely a bit too performance focused for my current ability too....comfort over everything at this point!
However, assuming I need to get a new pair of boots, what is the score with custom shells? Liners I understand but are custom shells simply manufacturers trying to do what boot fitters have been doing for a long time?
Pretty much. The materials used are designed to allow the boot to mould with the foot and liner. It's a bit less hit n miss than stretching, checking, stretching again and so on. tbh, it's not something you have to think about. Get to a decent shop with your boots and use their expertise. Where are you based?
I have moulded inner boots from ZipFit - make a huge difference to an average pair of boots.
Thanks. Just outside sunny Aberdeen.
I'll ask my boot fitting consultant and get back to you 😉
I'm told that Craigdon in either Aberdeen or Inverurie will sort you out
Zipfits are excellent 🙂 Plus they last very well and are warm.
Look at the resort you are going to as well to see if they have a good boot place - the feedback loop is obviously less when you are skiing in them.
Boots can often be uncomfortable when you stand in them as when you are skiing in them your heel will move backwards, and a good footbed might involve a lot of arch support to put you in the correct place when you are sking.
So check what they are like when in the skiing position and be prepared to unbuckle the lower buckles when standing/on the ski lift.
Boots can often be very tight to get on from cold but fine when warmed up from skiing, so maybe go to a dry ski slope to try them. Mine are buggers to get on without having warmed them up with some boot warmers, and they are still a bit tight across the top of my foot so I unbuckle on lifts.
Sking they are good.
Thanks all. Craigdon in Inverurie is the closest and the chap there who fitted MrsB's insoles last week seemed good. However, always beneficial to get feedback from others.
Plan is to spend a few hours a week on the dry slope over the next few months to get back to some semblance of technique.
Reality is I do think that the boots I bought are also a little too much for current capability - but we will see what the boot expert has to say. Comfort will be paramount.
I do like the idea of a custom fit shell and liner and a nice comfy boot - once up to temperature.
Thanks.
Nice thing about the Zipfit inner boots is the cork/oil padding softens when you wear them so continually remould to your feet.
TBH I’m actually thinking the boots are the wrong size, but will wait until we see what happens on Saturday.
Based on people with normal ish feet: A boot should always be comfortable with the normal liner.
Custom foot beds are essential IMO as boots only come with a flat foot bed, and your feet are not flat.
Custom Liners are a way of perfecting a fit if you are not quite 'normal'
Try as many brands as you can possibly try on, the shells even within brands have different characteristics. You should be able to put one on and it feel comfortable but firm straight away. If it doesn't, you haven't tried enough boots, or at that point you may need as specialist boot fitter.
In over 30 yrs of racing/ teaching / bumming around I have never used a custom liner. As I have got older and my foot spread a little I have had to have a shell widened but that is it.
For Raichle or as they are now FullTilt are like slippers.
Zipfit....
I'm going to guess that you do not purchase these over the 'net and require a personal visit for manufacture and fitting?
Doubt any dealers near me....
I’m going to guess that you do not purchase these over the ‘net and require a personal visit for manufacture and fitting?
Yep, they need to be heated and moulded to your feet / boot, fitting takes about an hour.
My boots being cooked prior to fitting..
[url= https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1909/44290801735_1140a79857.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1909/44290801735_1140a79857.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2atPWhF ]ZipFit being heated[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/brf/ ]Ben Freeman[/url], on Flickr
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