Boot Fitting
Gnomes Alpine Sports specialise in custom ski boot fitting. Our one-on-one personal service uses a cutting edge computerised pressure mapping analysis system, allowing our experienced technicians to hand craft your footbeds while you wait providing the best biomechanical set up while offering maximum comfort and control.
Computerised Foot Pressure Analysis System
Click here for more details on our new computerised analysis system.
Boot fitting steps
Analysis
Using the latest technology, we take a scan of the foot on a pressure mapping system showing us images that can’t be seen by the naked eye, like weight distribution and anatomical structure of the feet helping us identify the areas you need support. Gnomes experienced technicians evaluate your stance, posture and bio-mechanical makeup identifying your foot shape, flexibility, previous sporting injuries and any problem areas that may occur within a ski boot.
Footbeds
We mould the custom footbed directly to the contours of the feet while you wait. The feet are the foundations of the entire body, therefore we must support them correctly, otherwise major problems will occur. Pronation and supination are normal bio-mechanical motions that the foot must do to perform correctly, when either of these motions becomes excessive they can cause foot fatigue, knee, hip and back pain, a Gnomes custom footbeds will prevent this from happening. All foot types including neutral feet benefit from custom footbeds by improving comfort, performance and weight distribution while aligning the lower leg they decrease fatigue, impact and shock.
Boot selection
At Gnomes we have a large range of different fitting ski boots to accommodate all foot types, and ability's. After your foot analysis your technician will choose a selection of a manimum of 3 ski boots that are correct for your foot shape, ability, fitness level and future goals, together with your technician you will the find the best fit. Once the final boot has been selected you will add in your custom made footbeds and completed the following if needed:
Adjust the shell
We may need to carry out some strentching to the plastic shell of the ski boot to accommodate the foot using our ski boot press this is a simple process and makes for a fully custom shell offering maximum comfort.
Adjust the liner
Adapting the existing liner with additional materials or upgrading to an after market custom liner for ultimate comfort and performance.
Adjusting the boot alignment (canting)
Once you have the correct ski boot for your foot shape, and custom footbeds supporting your foot in the correct way, we need to align the cuff for the correct weight distribution on your skis, bearing in mind that some of the miss aliment happening in your lower leg can be caused from over tight or miss- balanced muscles, your technician will work through a program that helps you to improve this.
Boot fitting tips
- Invest in a good quality technical sock that wick’s moisture away from the foot and offers padding where you need it the most. NO Rugby socks!
- Only ever wear one pair of socks at a time.
- Do not tuck thermals into your ski boots or socks, this can cause pressure points.
- Work into your budget a custom footbed, this makes or breaks the comfort of the ski boot, the foot needs to be supported.
- Almost everyone will NOT find a ski boot comfortable straight off the shelf, customisation will be needed!
- Do not try on every ski boot in the shop, as there are only one or two that will fit your foot type and it will confuse you in making a final decision.
- Ski boots are snug, toes will touch the end when walking around in a ski shop, however his will change once in "ski postion" (knees bent)
- Do not over tighten your buckles, if you feel the need to the boot is too big or not the correct fit.
- Store your ski boot done up when not in use.
Gnomes Unique Service
- New Zealand's first and only computerised pressure mapping analysis system.
- Professional ski boot fitting by experience staff, fully trained to the highest of standards.
- One-on-one appointments available
- Full ski boot comfort guarantee
- Ski boot alignment
- Ski fitness program
- Free adjustments for the life time of the ski boot
- Specialise in problem feet
Prices
- Boot Check = Free of Charge
- Custom footbed + Scan (boot purchased at Gnomes) = $199.90
- Custom Footbed +Scan (boot purchased elsewhere) = $249.90
- Premium Footbed + Scan (boot purchased at Gnomes) = $229.90
- Premium Footbed + Scan (boot purchased elsewhere) = $279.90
- Pre-moulded Footbed = $69.90
- Work per hour (Boot purchase elsewhere) = $60
Bookings and Questions
If you have any questions or problems regarding ski boots fitting feel free to contact us expert advice. Please call us on 03 3188 433 or email us to make a booking for your 1-on-1 appointment with a technician.
For our Boot Comfort Guarantee see Terms and Conditions