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Watch the video to learn why FootLab orthotics are different and better for skiers
There are three components to becoming a competent skier;
- Appropriate equipment
- Proper technique
- Fitting the equipment to the skier
Fitting Equipment to the Skier is Why the FootLab is Different
Most skiers haven’t been exposed to the idea of custom fitting ski gear to the skier. In the simplest terms, custom fitting means making skis and boots that are designed for the “average” foot and body shape, fit a specific individual’s unique feet and stance.
Start with the right boot
The right boot doesn’t necessarily mean a new boot. It means a boot that will accommodate your foot correctly and is a new enough design to allow you to properly ski shaped skis. It means being the correct size for the length, width and height of your instep (today’s ski boots come in 5 widths). It means having a flex that allows the skier to properly ski shaped skis (if you stand in the boot with even weight between the ball of the foot and the heel, can you flex the boot without unweighting your heels?). And lastly, has the correct forward lean of the upper cuff, which has changed in the last several years. Today’s boots are softer flexing and have a more upright stance than boots of a few years ago.
Custom Fitting Boots
Custom fitting ski boots means getting the boot to fit like an extension of the foot. Assuming that the boot is the correct size and flex for the skier, it means perfectly supporting the foot inside the boot so there is no gapping between the foot and the sole of the boot. At the FootLab we do that by creating an orthotic to support the foot inside the boot and prevent the rolling, twisting, cramping and pain that hurts and impedes a skier’s ability to transmit energy to the ski. It also means modifying the boot itself to accommodate the unique fitting issues of different shaped feet; long and narrow vs. short and wide, wide calves, too stiff of a flex, instep pressure, etc. FootLab practitioners are licensed and certified Pedorthists that have decades of experience fitting ski boots.
Custom Fitting Skis
People have different shaped lower legs between the knee and the ankle. Some lower legs are straight, some are more curved. Ski boot manufacturers realize this and build ski boots to a statistical average curve of the lower leg. This results in a slight outward tilt to the cuff of the boot. When the tilt of the boot cuff doesn’t match the curve of the skier’s leg the result is that a skier standing in a natural comfortable stance doesn’t stand on a flat ski. Because of the extreme sidecut built into today’s skis, a ski on edge won’t glide straight; it will turn towards the side of the ski that is edged deeper into the snow. To address that, the skier will learn to bring their knees to a knock-kneed or bow-legged stance to get the ski to glide flat and straight. This makes it more difficult to turn the skis. Canting is aligning the ski base so it rides flat on the snow when the skier is in a natural comfortable stance. Skiers that can turn easier to one side than the other typically have alignment issues.
Custom Ski Fitting Reviews
Compliment for Katelyn
I severely injured my right foot years ago. I stopped running, stopped skiing, pretty much stopped hiking. My foot and leg still can’t tolerate running. The injured foot could not tolerate an alpine ski boot. I started skiing again 2 years ago. This is my 3rd season. I was about ready to give it up again because I could not tolerated the pain and discomfort of the boot on my right foot for more than about 20 minutes. I had custom orthotics and fitted boots. Still it was to the point of becoming unbearable. I have had 2 appointments with Katelyn. On the first we remolded the liner. This resulted in no real improvement. On the second appointment we decided to get rid of my old orthotics and she made me a new set after a good deal of measuring and looking at/manipulating my feet. We remolded the liner with the new orthotics. The results are amazing! This is the first time in 20 years I have been comfortable and pain free in my right foot while skiing. I can’t tell you how happy I am. I was on the verge of giving up skiing for good. Thank you so much! One of the things I found most interesting was how she made the orthotics and when compared to the old ones, how different they looked…like they were for a totally different person. However the results are amazing. I have about 10 days of pain free skiing to date. Thanks again!! Please share!
Michael B.
Glad
I could not be happier with the service I received. I would highly recommend their boot fitting service with orthopedic insoles.
Ross
Outstanding
The Foot Lab is the best. Knowledgeable. Expert. And Great Service too. The combination cant be beat. I just got orthotics and ski boots custom fitted.
D.T.
Another great experience!
Getting our daughter ready for ski season and needed new boots, Hotronics and orthotics. The FootLab/Hi Tempo took care of us, as usual. Love these folks and the passion and expertise they bring to every customer!
Bruce M.
Great experience!
A must for anyone wants to improve both their sport experience as well as their comfort. It’s definitely worth your time and money.
Jim T.
Awesome!
Bought my new boots this winter, had custom footbeds made. They were just a touch tight, Brad did the punchwork to make them fit better, Brad is a magician with ski boots!
Shannon L.
Highly Recommend
This team is the real deal. Feel like I'm getting a high quality, great fitting setup that will work for many years to come.
Ryan B.
Amazing customer service!
Most friendly staff from top to bottom. As an amateur skier who should never put on a pair of ski boots I was given the utmost care to assure success. From choosing skis to boots and fitting with orthotics the experience was far beyond any expectations. If you haven’t been fitted yet get your rear in gear and visit High Tempo today!!!
Gene W.
Great work
Staff was friendly and knowledgeable. It's a nice shop, really nice clothing. I bought ski boots there, my feet already feel better! Highly recommend.
Leslie E.
Hi Tempo and The FootLab are great!
I just bought my first fitted boots and inserts from High Tempo and the FootLab because of a recommendation from a friend. I have never had such comfortable boots before. I skied for 7 hours straight the first day and loved them. It seemed as though there wasn’t a break-in period. What a difference buying boots from professional ski boot fitters makes! I won’t shop anywhere else.
Jim D.
Expert Service
I recently bought new ski boots at Hi Tempo. The team there is top notch. I wanted top performing equipment and comfort. The boot fitting capabilities at this ski shop resulted in me getting just exactly I desired. In the process of selecting and fitting my boots I was helped by 4 different people. Each of them provided value in the process and demonstrated the value of expert service. That know me of focus is hard to achieve and I appreciate it greatly!!
Dale N.
Call 651-429-3333 To Schedule Your FREE Ski Performance Evaluation
Or click the button below to schedule your appointment with our online scheduling app.
Book Now with The FootLab
10 Star Review
There aren’t enough superlatives to describe the quality of service Brad and Katelyn provide. I am very physically active. They have kept me snd my severely arthritic foot out of surgery for over 5 years. Who has time for a 3 month recovery?? The orthotics and recommendations have been infinitely better than the half a dozen “medical orthotic professionals” I consulted at various orthopedic clinics. They also work with several of my family members.
Nan W.
Great experience, very knowledgeable boot fitters
Great experience choosing ski boots + custom orthotics. I ski all mountain and park and they set me up with great boots and custom orthotics baked into the liner. They are great.
Jordan E.
Awesome!
Bought my new boots this winter, had custom footbeds made. They were just a touch tight, Brad did the punchwork to make them fit better, Brad is a magician with ski boots!
Shannon L.
They are my heroes
I broke my ankle and had surgery w/ hardware 5 yrs ago. The last 2 seasons, my ankle would rub on my boot so much that I would get blisters and eventually callouses. Ouch! I brought my boots into Brad and with his ingenuity and the skills of Derrick, the technician, I was able to ski today without any pain, or even a thought about my ankle. Thank you so very much!
Kim g.
Great service and very nice people
Do not buy skis or ski boots from anyone else! Brad Nelson and his people are experts and they have created an unbeatable service. When was the last time you called your ski boots comfortable? After Brad fits them - they are perfect! Who else do you know that shims boot bottoms so that your legs are straight on skis - or on the golf course or on the running track? Get an appointment and fit your boots and shoes. We have since the 1990s - it is way, way worth it!
Paul E.
Awesome boot fitting
I have been a long time Hi Tempo customer. Brad and his team have years of experience to help select the right boots for your ski experience. I purchased boots, orthotics, and had some custom boot fitting. Brad and his staff are the best and very friendly.
Bob W.
Ski and boot purchase fitting
I drove from Bloomington up to Hi Tempo because it came so highly recommended from skiing friends and I was not disappointed! The staff knows their products and listened to how I ski and how much I ski and directed me to the skis I should purchase to up my game. The boot purchase was the same--they asked what I liked and disliked about my old boots and brought out several pairs for me to try on and did not try to rush me like other shops have. The orthotic is perfect.
Deb E.
Amazing customer service!!!
Most friendly staff from top to bottom. As an amateur skier who should never put on a pair of ski boots I was given the utmost care to assure success. From choosing skis to boots and fitting with orthotics the experience was far beyond any expectations. If you haven’t been fitted yet get your rear in gear and visit Hi Tempo today!!!
Gene W.
Boot fitting
I had a canting analysis for new boots with Brad. He and his staff are the best in the business! If you are needing any boot work or orthotic work, Hi Tempo is the only place to go!
Scott S.
Call 651-429-3333 To Schedule Your FREE Ski Performance Evaluation
Or click the button below to schedule your appointment with our online scheduling app.
Book Now with The FootLab
