Bootfitting: Everything You Need to Know
“It’s important to understand that boot fitting starts when you buy your boot. You must measure your foot properly and analyse it well in order to find THE right boot,” according to Louis Blanchard, product development consultant for Tecnica, he explains that everything is possible with a ski boot either on the shell or liner.
Since it’s pretty rare to find the perfect boot right from the start, boot fitting ensures maximum comfort, warmth and performance. That is what boot fitting artists are trained for: creating the perfect boot for you.
What's the difference between boot fitting and heat moulding?
Boot fitting differs from heat molding. The difference between the two methods is quite simple. Heat molding is a general transformation made by heating the shell or the liner. This technique creates volume – sometimes too much volume – and doesn’t solve the problem at the root. Creating too much space will often result in instability and pain. This technique can however be appropriate for certain types of feet.
What is boot fitting?
Boot fitting is precision work, either on the shell or the liner, using different modification processes. The work is done locally, where there are pressure points. Millimeter by millimeter. But everything starts with a sole. No sole, no boot fitting!
Essentially, boot fitting is an art. According to Louis: “it’s often preferable to choose a boot in which you feel some discomfort in a specific area but that can be fixed. It will then become the perfect boot”. Since comfort often figures on the top of the list, about 80% of skiers and snowboarders end up with boots that are too big or too voluminous for their feet. Therefore, it’s difficult to even imagine that a slight discomfort will bring you joy on the slopes. Against all odds, that boot might be the one who will change everything.
Choosing the Right Ski Boot
It’s never too late to have your boots fitted and it can be done many times without compromising the boot’s lifespan. Although they’re artists, boot fitting technicians are not always able to right the wrong. If, from the start, the boot doesn’t fit right, it might be impossible for them to solve the problem in certain cases. Therefore, it’s essential to take the time to make the right choice right from the start.
Buying boots, either for skiing or snowboarding, must be made when time is not a concern. Louis explains that “boots are the most important piece of equipment. When you set off to buy a pair of boots, make sure you free up one to two hours.”
