Custom Ski Boot Footbeds for Improved Comfort
Ski orthotics and custom ski boot footbeds - who needs them?
Ski orthoses/orthotics, custom footbeds, ski insoles - whatever you want to call them, everyone benefits from a custom foot orthotic in their ski boot.
For example, a ski instructor in Canada with their first pair of custom footbeds was dubious about the improvement it would make. He didn't have sore feet or any problem with his boots, but after a quick chat, he agreed to try them. After one run, he popped back into the shop beaming.
The control and comfort he felt were so remarkably improved that he brought his whole ski class into the shop and convinced them they needed footbeds. How he got to the skiing level without the correct equipment is a tribute to his skill, not necessarily his knowledge or understanding of the equipment.
Ski orthotics, custom ski boot footbeds, custom insoles – are they all the same thing? The difference is in the name which isdetermined by who made them. But what's in a name? Only a qualified podiatrist can produce an orthotic device. Note that it's an orthotic device or orthosis, the term "orthotic" is incorrect but it’s what everyone calls them so for ease, we do too).
Custom ski boot footbeds are what boot fitters in a shop call their devices. However, we will refer to them as ski orthotics.
Can I Wear My Running Orthotics in My Ski Boots?
The answer is no. Please don't do this to your feet.
Running or normal shoe orthotics do not work in ski boots. They are designed for a walking or running gait in which the foot does completely different movements than what it's doing in a ski boot. As a result, they can provide too little contact and support or be too rigid in their efforts to control your foot.
Regular orthotics are designed for the foot to go through a full range of movements - from heel to toe and swing through the air. In a ski boot, your foot is stuck in the midstance the whole time - let's call it "static gait". In contrast, ski orthotics allow your foot to stay in relatively the same position, controlling pressure throughout the ski turn.
Regular walking/running orthotics from a hard polypropylene material are designed to correct or change your gait pattern. In contrast, ski orthotics are softer and more accommodating, with a higher arch for support and pressure distribution.
What Benefits Do Ski Orthotics Provide?
There are numerous excellent advantages to using ski orthotics, including:
Improved pressure dispersion, helping the foot feel comfortably supported like never before. In addition, they prevent "hot spots" under the foot and an even feeling of control.
Neutral joint position support helps protect the muscles and ligaments of the foot. Ski orthotics keep the joints in the ideal, neutral position allowing the nerves and arteries to function unimpeded.
Free circulation helps prevent coldness, numb spots, fatigue, and cramping from muscles overworking. For example, ever had an arch cramp in a ski boot? Then you need ski orthotics. Or if you already have ski orthoticss, you need new ones/modifications.
Increased arch support. When turning, the arch will collapse if not supported, causing the ankle to roll in and the tibia to rotate inwards, creating a tendency to "A-frame" as you move through the turn. Proper support here will prevent the ankle from rolling too much and causing shin rub or painful inner ankle problems.
Better ski control. A ski orthotic "fills in the gaps" under the foot, so your movements are translated to the ski with minimal energy loss from wasted motion. Improved contact also enhances your sense of balance - your head has more information to calculate your position in space (proprioception). Better control leads to an improved technique from setting the ski on its edge and releasing it faster.
Preventing the foot from splaying. Did you know that your foot can measure a size larger if you don't have a well-made custom ski orthotic in your ski boot? A boot that's too big will result in unnecessary sloppiness and foot pain.
If you require any shell expansions for spots that rub or cause pressure, you need a ski orthotic. Unless you have a ski orthotic stabilising your foot, it will move into the space created, and you will still get the rubbing or squashed feeling in your feet. Black toes occur if your foot is not stabilised and is sliding around in the boot. It would be like not wearing a seat belt in your Volvo.
Increased cushioning. Everyone needs a bit of cushioning between their foot and the hard plastic shell. Can you imagine the heel bruising without it? Ski boots come with a cushiony insole, but they compress very quickly, and once you leave the shop, that cushioning is gone. A ski orthotic will hold on to what it's got.
I Want Some! So where Do I Get These Magical, Fix-All Ski Doovers?
Well, friends, this is where it can all fall apart. You need someone skilled in making ski orthotics to get the above benefits. They don't just come in a box off the shelf. Some people may try selling you off-the-shelf footbeds for ski boots, but please don't waste your money, as they are not the bee's balls.
That is, apart from Formthotics. These work remarkably well in ski boots for a foot without any funky problems. For these people, Formthotics can offer 70-80% of the performance and fit outcomes of a custom ski orthotic.
Find someone who understands the equipment's role in the foot's functionality whilst skiing. In our experience, any old podiatrist won't do. They have an excellent understanding of the body when walking and running. However, they don't grasp the rigid plastic boot's vital role in skiing and foot comfort/performance.
On the other hand, ski shop staff understand the equipment better than a podiatrist. However, they have not had years of training to understand the body and its physiology.
In addition, some ski shops don't put posting on their custom ski boot footbeds. Posting is the foam stuck under the heel and ground down to give a flat surface - imperative for a successful custom orthosis. Try to avoid buying custom orthotics from these places, as they don't respect the importance of the orthotic.
At the same time, a handful of exceptional boot fitters have mastered the art of boot fitting and are worth seeking out. Please contact me if you want a boot fitter recommendation near you. We are more than happy to suggest people worth seeing.
Alternatively, why not come and see us if you're in Victoria? Without wanting to toot our own horn, we hold a special place in understanding equipment, having worked in the ski industry for almost two decades In addition, after studying them extensively, we understand feet and the body, so we can provide a body-down assessment and problem-solve for skiers.
Pre-boot purchase assessments, or if you own your boots already, we’lll start with making the perfect ski orthotics for your unique, one-of-a-kind foot. Certain foot types change more than others when using an orthotic, which can impact the fit and selection of the right boot.
So if you have any of the following issues, see us before purchasing a boot. You can read more about our ski orthoics here.
Excessive pronation.
Heel roll.
Forefoot varus.
All forms of hypermobility.
Ankle dorsiflexion limitations.
Well, there you go. Toot toot!
This image shows posting. The rear of the orthosis will rock on the curved base if not posted.
Quick Run Down
Everyone not only benefits from but needs ski orthotics.
Regular running or walking orthotics must not be worn in ski boots
Ski orthotics will make your feet feel all warm and fuzzy.
Ski orthotics lead to better control, less fatigue and longer ski days.
Make sure you get your ski orthotics made by someone skilled in understanding equipment and feet and how they fit together. A good boot fitter will understand the body as well as the equipment.