"The best ski boot for your foot is the one that's fully customized". Why? Because boot manufacturers design boots for the perfect foot, yet only 10% of the population have perfect feet. The other 90% of us have pronated or supinated feet, and no boot off the shelf is going to fit properly.
Nothing influences comfort and performance in skiing more than the fitting of your ski boot, they are the most important piece of your equipment. A boot that fits properly, will hold your feet snugly, with even pressure, without pinching or numbness, and will allow a direct transfer of movement from your knee, to your foot, to your ski.
Many beginner and intermediate skiers make the mistake of waiting to purchase good boots, and they waste precious ski days and years, struggling to advance to the next level. A properly fit boot makes all the difference in how you ski and how well you feel. The sooner you get the perfect fit, the better you will get and the happier you'll be!
Proper ski boot fitting is both an art and a science, and it takes years to become proficient. While special schools and academies can begin to train bootfitters, the best in the trade have developed their own techniques and materials and rely on instinct and experience. The boot fitter needs to have patience throughout the fitting process, as do the customers, and communication is key.
Jacques Thomas, owner of Le Feet Lab, calls on more than 30 years experience in the ski industry and boot fitting to help you choose and customize the perfect boot. Over the years, he's worked with many customers who've had bad experiences with boots that didn't fit properly and who have come to him as a last resort.
A proper boot fitting relies on three components:
Footbed of the ski boot - The footbeds that come standard in ski boots are "one size fits all," rendering them useless in terms of proper foot support. That' s why it's important to have a personalized custom orthotic made that will supporte your foot in a neutral position, distribute your weight evenly, provide stability the support you need for maximum comfort and performance. Custom orthotics are the number one step to improve any fitting.
Liner of the ski boot - The foot liners inside a typical pair of ski boots pack down in just a few days of skiing. Once that happens, the liners have lost their effectiveness and can no longer provide the snug fit that's critical for comfort, warmth, and performance. That's why we recommend ZipFit custom liners because they provide superior support, comfort and insulation, and, as time goes by, they stay snug and do not pack.
Shell of the ski boot - Ski boot shells come in a handful of choices: narrow, wide, low profile, and high instep, for example. That's why it's important to choose a style that best fits the shape of your foot and lower leg.
The biggest mistake made in purchasing ski boots is to buy boots that are oversized. After a few ski days, when the liners have packed down, the boots allow too much movement, which can lead to rubbing, sore feet, loss of control, and increased risk of injuries. A well-fitting boot should be snug, snug, snug.yet comfortable.
Think carefully before buying ski boots online or at a discount. The money you might save will almost certainly cost you comfort and performance on the mountain. Look for bargains and deals on your skis, bindings, poles, and clothing, but invest in quality boots that fit properly to make the most of your vacation and recreation time.
For over 30 years we have successfully sold complete custom fitted boot combining , custom insoles, custom liners and 3 piece shell concepts. We guarantee the fit of every boot we sell, and we offer
free consultations,
free custom insoles, and free canting and alignment with every new boot you purchase at our store.
We also work with every type and of boot brand, costomizing insoles and liners only when they are the proper size and volume for your feet.The most common comments we receive, after a custom boot fitting: "Why didn't I do this before?" or "Thank you! My skiing has dramatically improved because of the boots!" That is why we like our work.
For more information on ski boot fitting, orthotics, or
Dalbello boots, please call 970.726 9841
A word about children's ski boots: It's important that you buy ski boots for your children that fit them properly. Don't make the mistake like many parents do, buying boots two or three sizes too large, hoping they'll last several seasons. Your children will struggle with skiing, never improve, until the boots fit properly, and they'll be more prone to injuries. At a young age, child can learn faster than any aduld if they have the proper fitted boot.
At Le Feet Lab, we're pleased to sell a new brand of children's boots, ROCES, that are adjustable up to three full sizes, able to expand as your child grows.