by Wayne Johnson
Mysteriously the origins of skiing likely began somewhere in the region of China, Mongolia, Russia.
As was so elegantly stated in the 2008 book, “Two Planks and a Passion” by Roland Huntford, the earliest evidence of on snow travel could have originated in the region of the Alati Mountains of Mongolia.
It was here along the ridge of a recent ice age where findings of petroglyphs on walls in caves indicate trappers having used skids to transport game and early snowshoes which evolved into slides for the feet of these trappers to more effectively sneak up on their game.
As this form of travel migrated westward along the ridge of the ice age to the Telemark region in Scandinavia, actual overland racing and ski flying sports emerged. It’s been said that until the Wright Brothers, the only way someone could actually fly was by ski jumping. To this point, all boots required the ability of the heel to lift for mobility, thus we have the Telemark style of skiing.
When skiing was introduced to the taller slopes of the Arlberg region in Austria, it was quickly determined that the allure of the downhill may require that the heel be held down, thusly it evolved into the Arlberg style of skiing.
Most recently the influence of surf & skate has evolved into snowboarding. In all disciplines, the foot/boot interface plays a huge part in the control of every movement back & forth from the vertical stature of one’s body to the horizontal lever arms upon which we slide.
Originally boots resembled outdoor moccasins. Soon came fully leather boots to better protect feet and transfer motions. Welcome stiffness offered greater control yet required “break in” time for more comfort. Around the late 50’s/early 60’s, variations in plastic shells enhanced stiffness for even better control and quickly thereafter came the need for removable inner-boots allowing ease in modifications.
Ideally, while holding the foot in position, the boot’s internal contour should closely match the 3D shape of the foot and allow toe movement.
Although all feet are biomechanically the same, their shapes and volumes will differ. Footwear manufactures are forever challenged in accommodating all foot shapes and therefore usually offer various models.
With a few modifications, properly selected boots will remain the “shining star” amongst all of your ski equipment. With repeated use, all boots loosen over time so today’s professional boot fitter can address a few key things:
MEASURE & EVALUATE your feet, both un-weighted & weighted, to better understand how you can, with proper underfoot support, be contained within the shortest possible shell size and additionally, better select a model which can best accommodate your individual foot shape.
MODEL SELECTION to consider things like proper forward stiffness in flex to allow for both control & comfort.
PROPER SOCK shape to reduce wrinkling, thickness to allow for smaller boot size, material to address moisture and even compression to encourage circulation, etc.
SHELL SIZE by placing the larger of the two feet into only its shell to check, with the toes forward, the amount of space behind the heel. Ideal should be 5/8-3/4” to allow for an appropriate size after “break in” and modifications.
UNDERFOOT SUPPORT. A “huge” key factor to many things such as: (1) controlling constant un-weighted & weighted changes in foot length (2) providing for comfortable stationary foot placement reducing needless trauma from over buckling (3) reducing over pronation (inward rotation of the foot & leg shaft) which also keenly detracts from one’s ability to feel every bump & vibration right through the skeletal structure of the leg and body.
ALIGNMENT & SET UP where by evaluating personal leg shaft angles (knock-kneed or bowlegged) can mean volumes in your tracking and control performance.
BOOT WARMERS to possibly aid in maintaining body heat. These are powered by rechargeable batteries.
BOOT BAGS with handy shoulder straps can warm boots with AC & DC power and ease in storing & transporting your prize possessions.
You should carefully select your professional. Only invest in one who will have the patience to work with you to guarantee your fit over a number of modifications. Have comfort in knowing that even a company sponsored world cup competitor probably begins with a form of that company’s production boot which then enjoys constant modification to meet their needs.
Finally, if your ultimate ski boot trail today follows most of this path, you should never have to quit our wonderful sport from lack of comfort.