Articles & Tips
If The Boot Fits…
Prepared by: Sandy Millar C.S.I.A. Level IV
In terms of ski equipment, most of the attention over the past few years has been on the dramatic changes in skis. While this has been fun and important for skiing, the most critical piece of equipment remains the ski boot. Without proper fit and function in the boot, it is impossible to ski in an effective and efficient way. As ski teachers, it is critical for us to recognize in our students when their equipment, particularly their boots, is holding them back.
“Just what is proper fit? Consider the way in which our bodies are “designed”, primarily for walking, running, jumping, etc. The ski boot should support the foot and allow biomechanical function similar to these activities, while adapting to the unique dynamics of skiing.”
Just what is proper fit? Consider the way in which our bodies are “designed”, primarily for walking, running, jumping, etc. The ski boot should support the foot and allow biomechanical function similar to these activities, while adapting to the unique dynamics of skiing. There are three critical areas of support; a fixed reference behind the heel (allowing no fore/aft movement), across the top of the instep (restricting up/down and fore/aft movement) and around the shin/calf at boot-top level. If the foot is restricted in any other place within the boot (ie. too narrow across the forefoot, too close on the inside of the shell) or not supported adequately (heels moving vertically or longitudinally), it will restrict or impair proper biomechanical function, making it very difficult to ski well.
The shell of the boot should mirror the shape of your foot. A simple way to test this is to remove the liner, place your foot-bed or insole within the shell, then to step in and buckle up the lower two buckles. It is very common to find that the shell is extremely close, if not touching the inside of the ankle bone, all the way through the inside of the foot, as far as the big toe. When the liner is in the boot, this has the effect of “suppenating” the foot, or pushing it to the outside. To get a feeling of the bio-mechanical effectiveness of this situation, try jumping up and down barefoot on only the outside of your feet. Doesn’t feel too good does it! There is no absorption, no sensitivity. The same effect takes place when the boot is too close on the inside of the ankle.
The boot must allow adequate width in the forefoot for flexion, or the widening of the forefoot, during the weight-bearing phase. To get an idea of how important this is, try pulling on a pair of running shoes that are two sizes too small. Now try to run! Impossible, if not downright painful!
Another common problem is too much space over the instep, particularly on the outside of the foot. This allows the foot to move up and down, as well as fore and aft, within the boot. Try padding the top of the boot tongue and immediately in front of the outside anklebone to restrict this movement.
“Learn to recognize the signs of poor boot fit; unnatural stance, leaning on the backs of the boots (the only fixed “reference point” in the boot), jerky and uncoordinated movements, strong down-stem to establish edge platform…”
The only way to change the shape of the shell is to punch it with heat and a proper stretching device. Grinding with a Dremmel-type tool simply does not remove enough material and if it did, would create a weak spot in the shell.
It is important to know what proper fit in the boot is, for your own skiing performance and for that of your students. The fact is that a great many of our students will never be able to perform to a much higher level, nor will they be able to feel the things that we feel in our skiing, unless their boots are properly fitted. Learn to recognize the signs of poor boot fit; unnatural stance, leaning on the backs of the boots (the only fixed “reference point” in the boot), jerky and uncoordinated movements, strong down-stem to establish edge platform… Have as your template the coordinated movements of a strong athlete. When the skiing movements do not match this picture, there could very likely be a problem with the ski boot. As ski professionals it is important for us to have an understanding of our tools and their function. Good luck.