WOMEN'S SKI BOOT FITTING PROCESS
A proper fitting pair of ski boots is essential to a good day on the hill. A poor boot fit can cause pain, fatigue and prevent the skier from progressing to the next ability level. It can cause injuries that can prevent you from skiing in the future.
Many boot fitters like to talk about last, flex and other features of the boot. At outdoor DIVAS we believe that “Fit” is the most important feature. While the specifications of a boot do have some importance, we know that YOUR feedback is the key to finding the right boot. Some boot fitters will have you think that THEY are the key to the boot fitting correctly by fully customizing it to you. Who wants to spend their vacation or ski season in a chair getting their boots worked on? We want you to find the best possible option out of the box. Adjustments can always be made, but we strive to make your time in the chair as effective as possible.
At outdoor DIVAS we use a very straightforward process to fit ski boots. Our method breaks the ski boot fit down in 3 key areas we call FIT ZONES. Your boot fitter will explain each zone to you, let you know where it is located, what it should feel like in a new ski boot, and explain why it is important for your comfort and on hill performance. By comparing different models within your performance category, your fitter can coach you toward the best option for your body shape and biomechanics.
BOOT FIT ZONES
ZONE 1: Runs down the front of your leg and continues forward over the instep of your foot. Essentially this is where the tongue of the boots runs. The pressure should be even and well distributed across this area as you flex forward. Any pain in this area is a red flag. It will not improve as the boot breaks in and can be caused by many different issues. If there is any problem with a boot in ZONE 1, we rule it out as an option.
ZONE 2: This zone covers the back of your leg and calf including your Achilles tendon and the bones around your ankle. The boot should fit snuggly here, with a nice tight grip on your heel without being painful. Notice how your heel and ankle feel as you flex the boot. Also pay attention to how the boot fits around the calf as a fit that is too snug can cause pain and numbness. Some modifications can be made in this area to make the boot tighter or looser but again we are searching for the best out of the box choice.
ZONE3: The toe box and forefoot area is the section most people’s attention is drawn to first, but we like to leave it to the end to talk about. As you are standing and flexing the boot the liners will warm up and your heel will slide back into the heel pocket, easing tightness around your toes. A proper boot fit will allow you to feel the front of the boot when you stand up straight. When you flex into a more athletic stance your toes should slide away from the front, allowing for a bit of wiggle room.