Ski Boot Fitting
White Stone has developed a professional ski boot fitting service by providing the very best advice and knowledge from our fully trained and very experienced fitting staff. We pride ourselves in attention to detail with full analysis of your feet and skiing style. Your ski boots are the most important foundation to a good days skiing and we have invested in the very best equipment to enable us to customise your boots and footbeds to give you the very best fit.
We will require you and your feet for at least 1 – 2 hours and before your fitting please cut toe nails a few days before your visit. (This also applies before you go skiing.) We recommend that you only wear one pair of ski socks which should be a fitted shape and thin for experienced / performance skiing and medium thickness for intermediate to advanced skiing. If you do not have a good quality sock fear not as we stock a good range of ski socks to suit all abilities.
Notes About Ski Boot Fitting
Get your ski boots fitted a few weeks before you go.
Spend as much time in your ski boots at home before you ski. If you have any niggles we can then make any adjustment before you go.
You must have and open mind about colour and brand.
Be prepared to be quizzed about your skiing style.
Two finger pressure on clips is normal so no need to over tighten
Ski Boots will bed in slightly so feeling close and snug when fitted is ideal.
Tingling or areas of numbness sometimes occur during the bedding in period. This can be avoided by getting fit for your ski trip. Ask our fitters for some tips.
Footbeds / Insoles
The foot-beds in a ski boot act like the foundations of a house, and when used increase the contact between foot and boot leading to greater comfort and control over the ski. We have invested in the latest technology for the customisation of foot-beds from ‘Conformable’. It’s key to point out to all levels of skiers that the boots themselves are designed to be a performance fit, and not designed to be overly comfortable for anything other than skiing in. For this reason we recommend opening all buckles when walking or standing in boots either around the resort or in lift queues etc. This releases the pressure on your feet and allows blood to circulate more efficiently and keep you feet nice and warm!
When fitting we aim to get a close fit with your feet held snugly into the rear of the boot. The boot should hold your feet firmly over the main volume of your foot. Once properly fitted the boots should allow for greater and more precise control of the skis.
We keep in stock throughout the season a variety of different ski sock types. This means different standards of skier with differing needs will always be fully catered for. For advanced skiers or those seeking high performance from their ski boots and ski socks we would recommend a thin pair with padded areas where necessary being asymmetrical for each foot. For intermediate/advanced skiers a medium/thin sock would be sufficient. It is important to note that only one pair of socks should be worn at any one time. When wearing multiple layers of socks you can cause bunching of the material and overheating of the foot leading to blistering. The overheating will cause excess perspiration which, once cooled, leads to cold feet. The boots are designed for slight expansion in specific areas, and wearing multiple socks can cause unnecessary deformation all over the ski boot which will decrease the performance.
When in the store your feet will be accurately measured and the boot whose shape is best for your foot will be customized for the perfect fit. This includes taking into account factors affecting boot selection such as your skiing ability, fitness level and aggressiveness of skiing. Any other necessary information will be discussed, including previous injuries or foot pain.
Cold Feet
This is a common problem but is most commonly solved by releasing the pressure of the boot by undoing the buckles when not skiing. If you suffer from cold feet when not skiing we can fit a heated foot-bed which does not affect the fit of the boot.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How long will my ski boot fit take?
You would need to allow at least 1 – 2 hours.
2. Can I have my present ski boots adjusted to fit better?
Yes we offer full customisation of all ski boots.
3. My old boots still fit ok should I change them?
As boot and ski technology is updated every year we would recommend updating your boots so you can get the most out of your skiing ability.
Important Note: If your ski boots are more than 10 years old they should be replaced immediately as the plastic may have become brittle.
4. Why should I get boots fitted and not rent them?
When you have your own custom fitted boot each time you put them on you know exactly how they will perform and fit. You are guaranteed comfort and hygiene.
5. I’m a novice skier will I get any benefit?
All skiers will notice the benefit of being properly aligned inside their boot, beginners would especially notice the improved fit, comfort and feedback from the ski and increased feel.
6. Will I have to make multiple trips or will it be done in one go?
Although we will endeavour to try to fit you in one visit, sometimes it is necessary to let your feet rest in between fittings. We will not rush you in and out.
7. I was told Brand x was the best are they?
Your foot is unique and is fitted uniquely so no brand could be said to be better. It is all down to individual foot shape.
8. Will my ski boots immediately feel great?
We recommend wearing your boots around the house whilst stood up before you hit the slopes as this gives you a chance to notice any areas of pressure and bed into the boot fully. Ironing (Yikes) is the perfect activity for this as sitting and walking do not mimic the skiing position.
9. How long can I expect my boots to last?
This depends on use with infrequent use (1-2weeks a season) boots can last 5-7 years. If you are skiing for a full season you will most likely need a new pair within 1 or 2 seasons.
10. I don’t ski much each year, is it still worth it?
The benefits of having custom fitted boots will be felt every time you wear them, so you would have greater feel in the time that you are skiing.
11. Do different skiing types require different boot types?
Freestyle boots would need to be softer for more comfort when landing jumps. Free-ride boots would be stiffer than freestyle boots but not as stiff as racing boots. Racing boots should be stiff and close fitting for more precise control over the ski.
12. What are the main points to consider when having a boot fitted?
Shape of foot and fit are the main points along with Level of skiing/aggressiveness. Previous injuries are also taken into account.
13. What is the most common mistake made when buying boots?
Purchasing boots in too big a size, hoping for additional comfort.
14. My feet are half a size different; can I still get well fitted boots?
Yes we can customise the shape to fit and allow for the difference
