Can Ski Boots Be Remolded?
Finding a pair of ski boots that fit right out of the box perfectly will be nearly impossible for most people. We all know that disheartening feeling of new ski boots being too tight, too loose, challenging to buckle, pinching our calves, or not having enough arch support.
Luckily there are ways to adjust how a boot fits your foot. Custom molding and even remolding can ensure that your boot fits correctly and comfortably before you get on the chairlift. That way, you can make the most of your day without the discomfort and frustrations of ill-fitting boots.
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Why Remold Your Ski Boots?
It is unlikely that you will find the perfect fitting ski boot, although you should come pretty close. Many skiers choose to have their boots and liners custom molded to the unique shape of their feet to enjoy maximum comfort and performance on the slopes.
Once the boot and liner have been custom molded to your feet, there shouldn’t be a need to remold them a second time.
Some people, however, find that after skiing a few times, their boots are still pinching or rubbing their feet or toes in a way that drastically affects their skiing ability. If that is the case, they may opt to remold their ski boots.
Most commonly, this happens if they have replaced the liners or footbeds in the boot, and the fit is now much different. Even wearing a different style of sock or pants can affect how your boots fit.
How Does Custom Molding Work?
Both boots, as well as liners, can be custom molded to your feet. Some brands offer kits that allow you to mold your at home with the help of your oven. Others recommend having a professional shop help you with the task to make sure you get the right fit and that you do not damage the boot or liner.
Custom Liners
Usually, when you buy ski boots from a shop, they will mold your liners to your feet upon purchase. However, if you say bought the boots online or received them as a gift, you might need to adjust the thermal liners.
The best way to do this is to take them into a proper ski shop. If this isn’t an option, or you are more a DIY kind of skier, you can heat and mold your liners in your kitchen oven instead.
Custom Boots
It wasn’t as common as it is now to customize your ski boots or be able to shape them to your foot. But now, with new technology and designs, if you need to eliminate pressure points or widen the front of your foot, it’s pretty simple to do so.
You just want to make sure before you start heating up your boots, that they have heat molding capability.
Because you are dealing with hot plastic, the process of molding your own boots is a little more complicated than molding your liners. However, it is still possible, especially if you can’t find a ski shop that offers this service
As with the liners, you will put on your boot with the size of sock you plan on wearing skiing. After moving around a bit and allowing the plastic to dry, your boots will be adjusted to fit appropriately to your feet.
How Often Can You Remold?
Remolding should really only be done if your foot has changed dramatically since the last time you customized your boot and liner fit. This might be the case if you have gained or lost a considerable amount of weight. Many women find that their feet change quite a bit during pregnancy and may want to reshape their boots.
There is caution, however, to how many times you remold your boots and liners. For example, every time you reheat your liners, the material will become thinner and weaker. It would be best if you got your boots and liners to fit right the first time you custom mold them so you can avoid the extra work and also increase your gear's life.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Fit
If you do decide to remold your boots, keep these tips in mind to have the best results.
Before placing your foot into the boot to be molded, add thin pieces of foam to trouble spots on your feet. Doing so will give that area a little extra room in the boot and eliminate pain.
Wear the socks you plan on wearing with your boots. Remember that ski socks are designed for ski boots and will be the most comfortable.
When customizing your liners, it is important to walk around and allow the liners to shape to your feet while in the boot. On the other hand, when molding your boots to your feet, you do not need to move around a lot. Just allow the boot to cool to the natural stance of your foot. You do not want to stretch out the shell too much.
Is Remolding Worth the Effort?
Remolding your ski boots and liners takes a lot of time, effort, and research, especially if you are trying to do it on your own. It can also be dangerous if you do not take the necessary precautions to keep from getting burnt.
However, there are many advantages to remolding your boots. When the process is done right, it will make skiing more enjoyable, and you’ll notice how much your skill improves when you aren’t dealing with aches and blisters.
But before tossing your expensive gear in the oven like a tray of brownies, consider making other small changes to make your boots more comfortable. Try using different socks with your boots and just giving your liners time to adjust to your feet on the hill. Many liners are designed to form to your feet only by the heat generated from your body as you ski.
Giving yourself time to break in the boots often solves the problem and eliminates the need for remolding.
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Hello, I'm Simon & I love skiing. I started skiing in 2007 and I founded this website to help new skiers learn everything there is to know about skiing. NewToSki.com has grown to be a trusted resource for over a million skiers to plan their ski trips each year and learn more about every aspect of skiing. Be sure to join my email list for the best tips and handpicked deals each week.
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