Our Custom Boot Fitting Process
At Golf & Ski Warehouse, we specialize in custom fitting you to ski boots using a proven, hands on process that you simply cannot receive when you buy ski boots online.
Our special boot fitting process guarantees you’ll be satisfied with the comfort and fit you receive from our expert ski boot fitters.
It’s one more example of the Golf & Ski Difference—sharing our knowledge and expertise in person, one on one, so you can enjoy the best skiing experience possible.
What Is Custom Boot Fitting?
Custom ski boot fitting is the art of tailoring the fit and function of a pair of mass- produced ski boots to the shape of your foot and to your performance level by making modifications to the boot.
Ski boots must fit snugly in order for you to control your skis. As a result, they are often one to two sizes smaller than your casual footwear size. When you first slide your foot into a pair of ski boots, your toes should touch the front of the boot. Once the boot is buckled and you flex forward, your toe room will increase. The addition of a proper footbed will help you gain more room in the front of the boot as well as a secure fit in the heel.
Keep in mind, your boots will expand after skiing for several days, so if a boot feels roomy in-store, it’s going to perform poorly and be uncomfortable on the mountain.
So, how do you know if you a have good fit? When you can lightly buckle your boots and they hold your feet still without any major pressure points.
Here’s how we help you achieve this.
Getting to Know You
We begin by asking a series of questions about your skiing. How often do you ski? What terrain do you like? Do you ski with your family? Your friends? What ski boots do you currently have? We’re eager to learn as much about your skiing experience as possible, so we can begin to narrow down the most important features for your ski boots.
Is it comfort? Performance? Ease of entry? Budget? It’s always a combination of all of these factors, and it helps to know how you prioritize them.
Sock Selection
Many people don’t realize that a thin sock equals more room inside the correct size ski boot. A thin synthetic or wool sock allows for better circulation and provides proper insulation and wicking. Always avoid cotton!
Foot Measurement & Observation
Once you have selected an appropriate sock, we use a tool called the Branock Device to measure both of your feet—their length, their width, and their arch length. We do this while you are seated and while you stand so that we can understand how your feet change once you add weight to them.
During the measurement process, we also observe your foot and ankle so that we may make recommendations about which boots will fit the best and what type of support your foot will need.
Based on what we learn, we are able to suggest a few boot options for you to consider. We want to match you to the correct size, shape, flex, and technology.
The flex we recommend is based on a combination of your desired performance, your ability and, as ‘flex’ suggests, the boot’s flexibility.
For the shape, we take into account the information we gained during the measurement and observation process to pick a boot that best matches your overall volume, instep, width and ankle volume.
We then match the right technology—boot sole, walk mode and liner—to coordinate with your individual specs.
Shell Fit
To help determine the correct size and shape, we rely on the shell fit to help us understand the space your foot takes up within the boot. We remove the liner and with your thin socks on, you slide your foot into the shell. We use a Fit Stick to measure how your foot fits. We look at foot length and width, your 5th toe to medial ankle, and your ankle volume—keeping your goals for performance and comfort in mind.
Your first impressions matter, and we want your feedback. If the boot feels roomy in-store, it’s only going to get bigger. For the best performance and control of your skis, boots should be on the snug side.
Choosing a Footbed
The bottom of every ski boot is nearly flat—and your feet aren’t—so a properly fitted footbed is crucial to improving the comfort and performance of your ski boots.
The benefits of a properly fitted footbed include decreased buckle tension, increased toe room, width, performance, and circulation. All of which add up to more comfort, increased warmth, and better control of your skis.
Shell Customization
Once we have created the proper footbed, we may need to fine tune the shell for you. We are able to stretch, punch, or grind your boots to accommodate the contours of your foot that are unique to you. In today’s ski boots, many of the shells are pre-shaped in the areas that are commonly worked on. Many shells are heat moldable as well.
Other Customization
We also show you other forms of basic customization you can make to your ski boots while you’re on the hill—from buckle adjustments, switching to hike/walk mode, and making subtle flex adjustments.
Standing Behind our Products
The sport of skiing is difficult to replicate in-store, where the floor is flat and the skier is stationary. Skiing down the slope is different and sometimes exposes adjustments that need to be made to your boots that were not evident in the store. Many skiers need adjustments after skiing in the boots for a few days. When you buy boots at Golf & Ski Warehouse, the initial fit and any subsequent adjustments are covered in the price of the boot.
Greater Comfort, Better Performance
Our custom boot fitting process is designed to help you ski better and have more fun. It takes about an hour to complete, and by the time you’re done, you will enjoy more comfort and better performance — guaranteed.