First, a boot fitting does not take 15 minutes. A busy person will measure your feet, then 'fit' your boots. Then, they'll usually ask you questions. We have been there and we know how uncomfortable it can be. Many people have only had one experience fitting their boots: they've had to hire them. It is very different to fit your own ski boots than to hire boots. It should be, as you're spending a lot to get a good ski boot that will improve your Shoe Lifts and provide more comfort on the mountain. A boot fitting takes TIME. While some boot fittings take less than 30 minutes, others take much longer. A boot fitting with a custom footbed should take at least 1 hour. If you have 11 or more toes, it may take up to 2 hours.
This is how a ski boot fitter should work with you.
STEP 1: INTERVIEW
A fitter should have a cup of coffee or tea and discuss YOU. Are you a skier or boarder? Are your feet or knees a problem? There is a lot that the feet must deal with and it's easy for issues at the feet to spread to other parts of your body. Once they have an understanding of you, they are ready to move on to the next stage.
STEP 2 - ANALYSIS
Ski boot fitters have a lot of great equipment available to assist them in their next steps. The best is the one that uses your eyes! While there are many electronic balance systems and scanners available, hands-on experience is much more valuable. A Hodoscope is a device that allows you to see what's going on under your feet. You might also find a thermal plate to draw the outline of your foot for a more detailed inspection.
The fitter will then have a profile of your foot, the width and length of your feet, as well as the type of ski boot (taking into consideration calves) that should be fitted. You should not be allowed to choose a ski boot by brand or color.
STEP 3: FITTING
You can now try out a variety of boots until you find the right fit for your foot. Do not focus on your budget and find a boot that fits perfectly. Boot fitting is not about picking the most expensive boot. However, you might be surprised to find that a cheaper boot may be the best for you.
They will also set up Sides footbed molding equipment if you choose to have custom footbeds. It's great fun! Your feet are mold in a silicone bed. The air is then removed to create a 3D image of your foot profile. After the interview, the fitter will create custom footbeds (insoles), for you.
The liners are then placed into the boots you've chosen with your ski boot fitter. You are offered another cup of coffee or tea while the boots liners heat up for molding. After putting on the boots, you are asked to test them for a few minutes.
Any problems that are pointed out to the fitter (e.g., ankle rubbing, big toe pain aching) are noted. The boots are then taken into the workshop and all sorts of weird looking tools used to alter the shape of the boot shell. This is sometimes called stretching the boot.
The ski boot fitter will then re-fit, check, and repeat if necessary. Once all is done, you'll have a perfectly fitting boot with your legs pointed in the right direction. You will also have better control and balance when you are skiing or snowboarding with a great fitting boot. A great fitting service should be free. If you choose to add them, the ski boot and custom-molded footbeds should be all that is required.
STEP 4 - IS IT FINISHED
You have your new shiny boots and custom footbeds. Now it is time to get on the mountain. Before you go on holiday, you should make sure you walk around in your boots a lot. It is a great idea to iron your boots while they are still on. In fact, it makes chores much more enjoyable! A snowdome is a great option for boot testing. The drag lift will always reveal any problems. However, for the first few runs, the boots may feel uncomfortable while they settle. You can untie the boots, then relax and adjust the buckle according to the instructions given by your ski boot fitter.
If you find any issues, contact your ski boot fitter to arrange a refit. This is an optional service that any ski boot fitter of quality will offer.