Services
Photo: Doug Lane
If You Need New Boots
Most clients begin the process with getting new boots. (If you're not sure if you need new boots, just ask.) We start with a thorough check on your stance and fit issues, including evaluating your current boots (when possible). From there, we test you in a number of new boots to see which provide the best combination of fit and ski control. Once we establish which boots are going to work best, we go immediately to the setup work - footbeds, heat molding, fitting, and/ or other work that is needed. From start to a full setup can take anywhere from 1.5-3.5 hours.
While it's not common, sometimes the evaluation could reveal that you will do better in a boot that our store does not have. Not a problem, we are here to get this right and not just sell what is on the wall. There are plenty of options, we can find boots at either one of our other stores, or at a competitor's local store, or we can shop online, which we do occasionally. Once you have your boots, come back to the shop and we will get you set up.
If You Don't Need New Boots
For footbeds, orthotics and canting, we evaluate your stance, range of motion and ability to use edge pressure then get to work. Typically, fitting begins quickly, and is usually completed while you wait. Boot punches and stretches are exceptions, and sometimes take longer but should be done by later in the day or by the next morning.
Online Evaluation
Can't get to Colorado or just want to get a head start on the process before your vacation? We can evaluate skiers for boots and technique online. We need some video of you skiing and some other details - please ask when we talk to you so we can describe the process to you.
Canting
Canting is a modification that changes the angle of the ski boot sole. While not needed by the majority of clients, it can be a major improvement for skiers with significant leg curvature issues as well as racers and other skiers using race boots. Boot Fixation has a wealth of experience with canting, and has probably been doing this work longer than any other shop in the US. Pat even made what was probably the first toe and heel lug cutter to exist on the planet.
We are a Cantology dealer, and use their products for boots with replaceable soles. We keep a good supply of cant shims for Lange/ Rossignol, Nordica, Tecnica and Salomon boots. For boots without replaceable soles (solid boot - typically race boots), we carry Race Tech soles in 3, 5 and 7mm heights.
We also do work for skiers with leg length differences. Most boots will readily accomodate 3-4mm lifts, and solid sole boots readily accomodate up to 11mm differences. We can also go much higher, but higher than 11mm generally means we need to build new soles from scratch. We have done lifts as high as 2" (100mm), but this is process is far more time consuming and we typically only do in the off season. We also require skiers to be present for the evaluation, so as to be able to check how the lift and alignment is working for the skier and what types of adjustments are needed.
Fitting
We do all types of ski boot fitting, from basic work such a liner molding, to major stretching and reshaping work. We have just about every fitting tool used by the industry, such as Foredom grinders, Scott and Tecnica presses, hot boxes and stacks and the Ultracam press. We even have a number of tools that we created/ invented.
We also have much better methods of tightening boots than are currently used by most of the ski industry. We do NOT carry aftermarket ski boot liners, as we feel they tend to come with too many problems and it is more effective to work with the stock liner.
Because many boot fitting jobs are quick, we do try to accomodate walk ins when possible. That said, it is always a good idea to call before coming down to the shop.
Custom Footbeds
Sometime called orthotics, most high end skiers consider these essential equipment for ski boots. We specialize making industry leading custom footbeds that maximize skier performance and comfort. Differences include our propietary molding system, forefoot alignment designed to work with your arch profile, and supportive, comfortable materials that enhance foot control and range of motion.
For clients more serious issues, we sometimes use a plaster casting method which allows larger modifications. This method is what we use for all walking/ stride type orthotics. (This product has to be made in our lab and therefore takes up to a week.)
Jeff is a trained pedorthist, and has worked in a number of pedorthic labs. He does all molding for our custom footbeds/ orthotics.
Boot Selection
While most of our clients are used to the idea of boots fitting differently from other brands, many such clients are surprised to learn how differently a boot brand can ski from other brands. We often find that skiers come in with boots that provide terrible edge control. The issue? While these boots may not be bad boots, ski companies have to design boots for a relatively narrow range of body types. If you and the boots are a mismatch, it is going to be a rocky relationship at best.
For this reason, we find it is critical to perform a thorough evaluation of the your stance BEFORE recommending any boots. Once done, we will have a good idea of how the boots will perform and fit.
Orthotics and Footbeds for Shoes
Mis-alignment can present as knee or hip pain, lower back soreness and fatigue. Have you ever seen someone run along the road and their knees turn in or ankles swing out – these are severe cases and very common. We address these issues by first assessing your posture, your ankle-knee-hip alignment, balance and how the body works in motion.
The feet have to tense in order to accommodate anomalies in the body’s structure. The result is locked hips, a tight lower body and overall stiffness and tension. By providing the proper foot support, the load on the feet can be reduced. The result is a stronger and more relaxed body position which allows for better flow of movement.
A standard footbed provides arch support but doesn’t take separate functions of the foot into account or work with the body as a whole. We consider the forefoot, arch, heel and ankle position and gauge the result with the entire body. Your footbeds will be customized for you and your unique needs.
An initial visit is under an hour. The follow-up visit is approximately 30 minutes. In the follow-up visit we put the footbeds to work and watch your body in motion. We ensure that we’ve achieved the proper result and make adjustments as necessary to achieve that goal.