To understand the importance of custom ski boot fitting it helps to understand a few things about the foot. The foot has 26 bones and 33 joints. All the bones in the human foot grow differently so every foot is unique and different from every other foot on the planet. Accordingly, each foot has a different support requirement than every other foot.
Ski boot and shoe manufacturers work hard to design footwear that fits as many different feet as possible. To do that they’re forced to design their footwear around the statistically average foot shape…..which no one has. That’s not unlike an eye glass manufacturer creating a single prescription for everyone that wears glasses.
Another thing to consider is the importance of the ski boot as part of the ski system that includes a boot, binding and ski. The ski boot is the interface between the skier and the ski system. If it were possible for a ski boot to transmit every bit of energy from the foot to the skiing system, skiing would be intuitive and every turn would be perfect. Obviously it’s not possible for a ski boot that is designed for the masses to transmit 100% of the input energy from a unique and individual foot and that’s where custom fitting comes in.
What is custom fitting?
Custom fitting is supporting the foot inside the boot with a medical grade custom orthotic that will transmit as much input energy as possible to the ski. It’s making sure that the flex and stance of the boot is correct for the skier. And it’s making sure that the skier stands perfectly flat on the snow so that equal knee movements right and left result in equal edge angles of the skis. The FootLab has developed the 5 Star Skiing process to help skiers improve comfort and performance on the slopes.
FAQ’s
Do I need to buy new boots to be custom fit?
NO. Many of our clients bring in their current boots to have them custom fit
How much does it cost?
The custom orthotic is $249. Boot grinding to correct alignment is $229.
Does everyone need both orthotics and alignment?
NO. Everyone will benefit by having an orthotic but not everyone requires alignment.
How long does it take?
A complete custom fit appointment takes one hour. If your boots require alignment work you will leave your boots and pick them up after we finish working on them or, if its more convenient, we can ship them to you. Normal turn-around time for the alignment work we do to the boots is about three days. In an emergency we may be able to turn boots around more quickly.
Do I need an appointment?
YES! To make an appointment go to the link at the bottom of this page or call 651-429-3333.
Who does the work?
All FootLab practitioners are Certified Pedorthists (C.Ped.). Brad Nelson is the owner of Hi Tempo and the FootLab and created the FootLab custom fitting process. He is a former ski instructor and a master bootfitter. Katelyn Nelson is a past ski racer and coach, a Kinesiology major at Eau Claire and an ACE Certified Personal Trainer. Brad and Katelyn work with skiers from throughout the Midwest and are the only C.Ped. accredited bootfitters in the Midwest.
What is a C.Ped.?
A C.Ped. is certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics. C.Peds fabricate medical grade orthotics for physicians, Chiropractors, Physical Therapists and other medical professionals.
Is a FootLab ski orthotic any different than any other ski orthotic?
YES! The FootLab staff has tested every orthotic in the ski industry and found a significant difference in both comfort and energy transmission between the FootLab orthotic and the typical “ski shop” insert.
FootLab orthotics are a game improvement tool that will significantly improve skiing comfort and performance.