Every skier at one time or another has had a bad day in their boots. Wether it be pinched toes, blisters, cramped arches, or an endless list of other issues, there is usually a solution to the problem. Both modern and older boots can be manipulated in a number of different ways. The question is do I need my boots adjusted or is it time to get something new all together?

Both modern and older boots can be manipulated in a number of different ways.

Common Problems

Problem: Cramped Toes

It is important that there is not a lot of space in the front of a properly fitting boot, however if you are experiencing bruising or excessive pain this is not normal. Cramped toes can be caused by having too small of a shell, a boot has not been broken in enough, or a foot that is not sitting correctly in the boot.

Solution: Cramped Toes

When you bring your boots in to be adjusted by one of Zimmermann’s boot fitters, there are a few things that may relieve pressure in the toe box. Molding the liner, adding an aftermarket footbed, or adding a heel wedge will help give the boot more space for your toes.

Problem: Too Narrow

Everyone has a different foot and the width of any given boot will not necessarily fit perfectly. Common symptoms of a boot that feels too narrow are a boot that has not been broken in, a shell that has too narrow of a last, a foot that is not sitting properly in the boot, as well as foot issues such as a bunion.

Solution: Too Narrow

After having a boot fitter measure your foot and analyze the issue, a number of steps can be taken to make a boot wider. Custom shell molding, stretching, aftermarket footbeds, and a thinner sock may help relieve pressure in the width of a boot.

Problem: Ankle Area

The ankle and heel can be one of the more challenging areas to fix in a ski boot without the proper materials and equipment. Symptoms such as heel lift, blistering, and pain on the ankle bone are signs that something needs to be adjusted inside of your boot. Wether you need more space, or space taken up will be decided by the boot fitter helping you.

Solution: Ankle Area

If you are having issues with keeping your heel down in the boot, the boot fitter may add an ankle wrap or wedge to help keep your heel planted to the bottom of the boot. If there is not enough space, heat molding, shell stretching, or adding wedges to re-align the heel may be successful in adjusting the boot to your foot.

Not Working? 

Unfortunately, some boots just will not work for some people. Sometimes it can be a tricky foot, or maybe an injury that gives you a hard time but at Zimmermann’s there are some great new options available to insure a comfortable and reliable fit in a new ski boot. Boots from Fischer, Atomic, Salomon, Dalbello, and others have the ability to be easily fitted to even the most irregular feet. Instead of spending hours stretching and grinding a boot shell, a lot of the new shells can resolve problems in a matter of thirty minutes after a mold.

Fischer’s Vacuum Fit process has been especially effective with customers who have issues with foot injuries or lifelong issues with boots. The process involves heating the boot’s plastic shell up and then pushing the plastic against the foot using pressurized air bags, causing the boot to expand and fit perfectly to any given foot geometry.

Unfortunately, some boots just will not work for some people. Sometimes it can be a tricky foot, or maybe an injury that gives you a hard time