Over the last few years, my friend Matt has been working at the premiere ski boot fitting shop on the east coast (maybe the world – seriously), and I have been trying to get him to write a guest post here on the Virginia Skier about custom boot fitting, and how important it is. If you find yourself up in Ludlow, VT, or understand just how important a great fitting ski boot is and want to make a special trip, I highly suggest visiting Matt at The Boot Pro!
Guest Post By: Matt Tripp:
What’s the best ski boot for me?
Quite simply, the best ski boot for you is the one that fits your foot. Just because you saw that cool looking boot on the cover of the ski magazine that matches your jacket, doesn’t necessarily mean that it is a good boot for YOU. Your foot may be narrow or wide. You may be flat footed or have high arches. Or maybe you have some Fred Flintstone feet like my buddy Gregg. This guys feet are “high volume,” to say the least, with enormous bunions. Maybe you think it is hopeless to be comfortable in a ski boot.
Good News:
There are lots of different ski boots out there with good options for different widths, sizes angles etc… There IS a ski boot out there for you!! Sometimes (like with Gregg), the widest boot on the market was not enough. You may need a Bootfitter to modify the boot as needed. In Gregg’s case I made a nice condo for the bunions to live in.
A ski boot should fit like a “firm handshake fit.” Snug all around the foot. It’s okay to have a little wiggle room in the toes, but you also want to be fully supported without much foot movement in the boot. “Comfort IS King,” but remember ski boots are NOT supposed to feel like a soft furry UGG boot. It is still a ski boot. In a good ski boot fit, a custom insole is a mandatory addition. I will get into custom insoles more next time.
With a good ski boot fit, your performance will be better, and your ski day will be longer. The only real problem is that après ski may start a little later. Cheers.
- Matt Tripp
The Boot Pro
44 Pond St., Ludlow, VT 05149
802-228-2776
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Well said Matt, well said.