Are your ski boots too loose? According to ski boot reps, 70-80% of
skiers and riders are wearing boots too big and loose for their feet. They
also agreed that a proper boot fit is the single most important factor in
your ski technique - more significant than the ski or board you are on. A
snug fit, and a dynamic but comfortable stance in your boot results in
transferring power directly to your ski. Obviously, boot discomfort cramps
your style, and shorten your ski day.
Another boot tidbit: Turns out most skiers start the day on the wrong foot
by buckling from the toe up. You should start in the middle to assure your
heel hold is snug before clamping the toe buckle or top cuff, and the power
strap is not just a convenient over the shoulder boot carrier– the Velcro
strap is designed to tighten the boot tongue against your shin.
Here are a few 2011-12 ski boot innovations in next year’s
gear:
Full Tilt is a new boot company that resembles the revered
Raichle boot of old, for good reason. The designer of Line
skis reintroduced Raichle’s patent with a new line up including an
expandable kids boot that grows three sizes and park boots like the Tom
Wallisch, Full Tilt’s freeskier spokesperson.
Fischer introduces a new vacuum boot fit system to the
game, claiming the vacuum seal will bring a new level of comfort and
performance as your boot is molded exclusively to your unique foot.
Atomic ski boot’s livefit is revolutionary for a
recreational skier with a wide foot. The outer shell actually stretches to
accommodate width. Atomic’s flexible sole is also unique, the boot shell
actually bends with the ski in a carved turn (though I tried this and found
it a bit disconcerting when I felt the lining shift under foot).
Dalbello continues to flaunt its unique three piece fit
(and Kermit the frog green colors) with a center buckle that offers
uncompromising fit and flex. It’s good enough for Glen Plake along when
paired with Elan skis.
Lange, long known as the real serious stiff, slender racer
boot that required modification to fit most feet, has redesigned their line
with Control Fit comfort aspect without losing performance. Result: Lange
sales are up 85% now that they are wearable out of the box, especially with
“choose your width” options. My husband defected from Salomon to the Lange
RS after sampling the new comfortable, but still classic blue, boot.
I stepped in to a pair of Rossignol Electra boots just for
fun, I was lured by the furry liner, and found the boots to be incredibly
snug and soft on the inside but precise on contact with the skis. Rossi
calls it Sensorfit, I call it sold (tootles Technica).
A good boot fit means better turns, and more time on your boards. Or even
more basically – if you feet aren’t happy, you aren’t happy.
2013 Top Skis Reviewed
2012 Best Skis Review
2012 Best Ski Boots Review
2010 Top 10 Ski Reviews
Top Ski and Snowboard Gifts
