volklgirl
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Very few people have feet that fit nicely into properly sized ski boots. Every woman out there should treat herself to a boot fitting session with an oustanding boot fitter! You'll be AMAZED at the difference it makes in your skiing!! Even the snappiest ski won't work if your boots don't fit properly.
Women in particular tend to buy boots at least 1-2 sizes too big. This is partially because we are looking for "comfort" and partially because we tend to wear shoes that do really awful things to our feet (heels, sandals, etc.).
Check with your local high school or college race team to see who the racers and coach recommend for fitting....usually 1 or 2 names will pop up repeatedly.
To get the best service, call and make an appointment with that person. When you go, take a pair of shorts, the thinnest pair of ski socks you own (or even nylons), your custom footbeds if you have some, and your boots (or if you're planning to buy new, ask if they want you to bring your old boots). Plan on spending 2-3 hours.
Here's what to expect:
They should look at your nekkid feet and legs, then measure your feet with a Brannock device (the old shoe measury thing), while sitting and standing. At this point, they may recommend a stock or custom foobed to correct pronation (foot flattens and gets longer, and ankle rolls in) or supination (foot rolls to the outside). They should bring out a minimum of 3 prs of boots. If they don't pull out the liner and have you put your foot in just the plastic shell then shove their hands down the back of the boot, and maybe all around inside (shell fit you), go somewhere else. Proper shell fit is as follows: 1 "finger" or less for race fit, 1-1 1/2 "fingers: for performance fit, and 2 "fingers: for comfort fit. Anything bigger than that is too big! Then they should have you put your foot in just the liner, then put it all together. They should feel TIGHT but not painful!! Your longest toe should touch (but not be crammed into) the front of the boot.
They'll show you the correct sequence to buckle your boots for best fit (upper cuff buckles first, flex forward hard a couple times, retighten upper cuff buckles, then fasten the buckles over the foot) then have you hang out in them for a long time. Let them know if anything starts to hurt - be very specific about where and what type of pain it is (tingly, sharp, pressure, etc). They can fix most anything in the toe area, but be very concious of the fit near the heel and ankle. That area should be very snug. Keep in mind that most boots will 'pack out' and grow 1/2 to 1 full size as you ski in them. Keep one boot on one foot, then try another model on the other foot....change the one that doesn't feel the best....keep doing this with any other boots they bring you....until you find the one you like the best.
They should also look at your stance from the side to check forward lean and boot stiffness, and they may draw on your knees and put you on a canting machine to see if you're knock kneed or bow legged (that's why you'll want shorts). They may suggest stock or custom foot beds, heel lifts, or canting depending on what they find during your evaluation. Don't be shy about asking questions!!! This is your boot fitting!
If you're only looking to get your current boots fitted, they can pad loose areas, add heel lifts or custom footbeds, grind or stretch owie areas, soften the flex by removing the stiffening bolt/rivet or cutting the lower cuff, stiffen the flex by adding a bolt/rivet, adjust the cuff alignment, add cants if needed, and cut the upper cuff to relieve calf cramps.
You'll thank yourself when you end up with great fitting boots that help rather than hinder your skiing.
Women in particular tend to buy boots at least 1-2 sizes too big. This is partially because we are looking for "comfort" and partially because we tend to wear shoes that do really awful things to our feet (heels, sandals, etc.).
Check with your local high school or college race team to see who the racers and coach recommend for fitting....usually 1 or 2 names will pop up repeatedly.
To get the best service, call and make an appointment with that person. When you go, take a pair of shorts, the thinnest pair of ski socks you own (or even nylons), your custom footbeds if you have some, and your boots (or if you're planning to buy new, ask if they want you to bring your old boots). Plan on spending 2-3 hours.
Here's what to expect:
They should look at your nekkid feet and legs, then measure your feet with a Brannock device (the old shoe measury thing), while sitting and standing. At this point, they may recommend a stock or custom foobed to correct pronation (foot flattens and gets longer, and ankle rolls in) or supination (foot rolls to the outside). They should bring out a minimum of 3 prs of boots. If they don't pull out the liner and have you put your foot in just the plastic shell then shove their hands down the back of the boot, and maybe all around inside (shell fit you), go somewhere else. Proper shell fit is as follows: 1 "finger" or less for race fit, 1-1 1/2 "fingers: for performance fit, and 2 "fingers: for comfort fit. Anything bigger than that is too big! Then they should have you put your foot in just the liner, then put it all together. They should feel TIGHT but not painful!! Your longest toe should touch (but not be crammed into) the front of the boot.
They'll show you the correct sequence to buckle your boots for best fit (upper cuff buckles first, flex forward hard a couple times, retighten upper cuff buckles, then fasten the buckles over the foot) then have you hang out in them for a long time. Let them know if anything starts to hurt - be very specific about where and what type of pain it is (tingly, sharp, pressure, etc). They can fix most anything in the toe area, but be very concious of the fit near the heel and ankle. That area should be very snug. Keep in mind that most boots will 'pack out' and grow 1/2 to 1 full size as you ski in them. Keep one boot on one foot, then try another model on the other foot....change the one that doesn't feel the best....keep doing this with any other boots they bring you....until you find the one you like the best.
They should also look at your stance from the side to check forward lean and boot stiffness, and they may draw on your knees and put you on a canting machine to see if you're knock kneed or bow legged (that's why you'll want shorts). They may suggest stock or custom foot beds, heel lifts, or canting depending on what they find during your evaluation. Don't be shy about asking questions!!! This is your boot fitting!
If you're only looking to get your current boots fitted, they can pad loose areas, add heel lifts or custom footbeds, grind or stretch owie areas, soften the flex by removing the stiffening bolt/rivet or cutting the lower cuff, stiffen the flex by adding a bolt/rivet, adjust the cuff alignment, add cants if needed, and cut the upper cuff to relieve calf cramps.
You'll thank yourself when you end up with great fitting boots that help rather than hinder your skiing.
