Take the guesswork out of
ski boot fittings
BY LOU ROSENFELD
HAVE YOU SEEN that wonderful
Steve Mcqueen/Dustin Hoffman movie,
papillon? Remember the scene where
Mcqueen escapes, I believe for the second
time, and we are led to think it is successful?
Then the nuns turn him in on suspicion of
robbery and the police smash the insteps
of both feet with rifle butts. He spends the
rest of his life with disfigured feet and an
ineffectual shuffle.
Now think of your ski boots. Are there
similarities? Did your feet have those heel Slide your foot firmly into the heel pocket spur that hurts, have the area of the shell
spurs and enlarged bumps behind your and center your forefoot while standing in immediately above the spur removed so
toes before you started skiing? Was there both shells. If your ankle bones (malleoli) that as your heel lifts slightly when skiing
a time when you came inside, took off your or navicular (bone slightly below and in steeps, bumps, walking or skinning, the
shoes and did not let out an immediate sigh front of the inside malleoli) contact the heel spur does not crush against the hard
of relief? Was there a time when you had shell, have that area ground or expanded plastic shelf most designers form into boots
all your toenails? If these questions conjure (heated and pressed) until there is some to hold your heel down. Remember, despite
up the relationship between you and your space between bones and shell. Typically, the intention, the shelf is much better at
ski boots, remain hopeful. There really are in the ankle area more space can be made forming spurs than holding heels down. On
solutions and people trained to help. And by pressing than grinding. If you have a heel the outside of the shell and with your heels
there are things you can check for yourself
on your existing boots or in the shop when
purchasing new.
sPeciality boot
You could have a party, invite everyone
you know to come along with their boots
fitting center
and collect a toonie from everyone in boots
that are too large. You’ve just covered at
least 50% of your next boots or skis.
Be aware that it is possible to anticipate
(déjà vu all over again?) where boots will
hurt and immediately avoid the problem. It
isn’t necessary to experience pain to predict
it. Whether trying on a touring or alpine
boot, remove the liners and put a foot in each
of the empty shells. Slide your foot forward
until your toes lightly touch the front of the
boot. There should be three-quarters of an
Professional, exPert custom boot-fitters ready to helP
inch to not more than one inch between
your heel and the shell at the rear. If you
❉ Custom boot fitting of ❉ Custom made footbeds
like a snug fit in an alpine boot you can have
ski, snowboard, AT ❉ Cuff uprighting
down to a half-inch of space or slightly less, and telemark boots ❉ Ski boot sales
but be aware that it may be necessary to
❉ Stance alignment ❉ Eliminate pain, ski stronger,
make additional space in the boot toe area.
❉ Boot sole planning keep feet warmer
More than one inch will probably prove
swimmingly large even for touring.
Rates for ski pro’s and registered racers
Buy a three-quarter-inch wooden
dowel at the hardware store, round off the
Located at The Fairmont Banff Springs in the Conference Center
squared ends with sandpaper and insert
Phone (403) 762-5333
it between your heel and the shell for
www.banffsPringsski.com
accurate measurement.
24 CALGARY >> WINTER 2008/2009 www.CalgaryOutdoors.ca
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