The Importance of Insoles for Skiing

The Importance of Insoles for Skiing

The Importance of Insoles for Skiing

Over the last four year's I've been making a living as a ski boot fitter and have come to a few conclusions about ski boots. First, most people think they are uncomfortable. Second, by simply installing an insole or footbed into the ski boots they typically become exponentially more comfortable.

Many of the customers I have fit for boots suffer from either over pronation or supination. In my experience over pronation is more common, however, neither problem is a good one to have. Pronation occurs when the foot and ankle roll inward when weight is applied to the foot. While some pronation is necessary for the foot to funtion, over pronation will eventually cause the arch to flatten and the muscles and tendons in the foot to fatigue. Supination is the opposite situation, in which the foot and ankle roll to the outside when weight is applied. Supination applies a lot of unwanted stress on the tendons of the ankle. Many people may not notice that they have these issues in their regular shoes, but when the foot is more confined in a heavy ski boot these stressed, strained, and fatigued muscles and tendons sometimes feel more intense or painful. The simple solution in both cases is to use an insole or footbed. The insole or footbed will help support the arch and align the Talus, or ankle bone and the rest of the leg bones all the way up to the back. With the foot supported and the ankle aligned the small muscles and tendons of the foot and ankle can rest, making your day of skiing more enjoyable.

Companies like Superfeet and Conform'able are making insoles or footbeds specifically for skiing. Superfeet Insoles come in a variey of sizes are are easy to trim to match the existing footbed in the ski boots which typically offer very little support. Specific models like the RedHot and HotPink (women's version with a smaller heel cup) have Thermo-Foil and Air Wave Technology to help keep your toes warmer - perfect for skiing. Conform'able offers two basic styles of footbeds. The high end styles offer great support with some give to the arch, which allows for skiers to drive the maximum amount of power through the boots and to the skis. I personally have a custom version of the Conform'able. I have an incredibly high arch and therefore the pre-molded insoles aren't quite enough support for me.

In addition to making ski boots more comfortable, many advance skiers use insoles or footbeds to help improve their performance on the slopes. By supporting the arch and aligning the ankle and leg the body is allowed to work more efficiently and direcet more energy directly through the ski boots and into the skis making them more responsive.

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