Sport-Specific Orthotics · Ski and snowboard boots
Custom Orthotics for Ski and Snowboard Boots
Precise contact between foot, boot and edge.
In skiing and snowboarding, force is transmitted from the foot through the boot to the edge of the ski or board. Any movement of the foot within the boot reduces the precision of that transfer and can contribute to pressure points, cramping and fatigue.
A ski or snowboard orthotic is designed to support the foot in a stable position within a rigid boot, improving contact across the sole of the foot. Alpine and snowboard devices are built to different lab standards.
Book a Sport Orthotic AssessmentBring your ski or snowboard boots, including the liners, to your appointment.
What your sport asks of your feet
Rigid boots restrict ankle motion, so balance adjustments occur largely within the foot. Supporting the arch and heel reduces unwanted movement inside the boot.
Support
A footbed contoured to your foot fills the space beneath the arch, so the entire sole of the foot shares the load rather than the heel and forefoot alone.
Alignment
Reducing collapse of the arch within the boot helps keep the lower leg aligned over the foot, which is relevant to edging and control.
Cushioning and efficiency
A stable, well-fitted foot requires less muscular effort to hold its position, which may reduce fatigue and cramping over a full day on the hill.
Evidence
What the research indicates
Orthotic research continues to develop, and individual responses vary. We base our prescriptions on your assessment and use published evidence to guide, rather than overstate, expected outcomes.
- Research on alpine skiers indicates that ski boots themselves influence balance performance, highlighting the importance of the interface between foot and boot.
- Systematic review evidence shows that foot orthoses can modify foot motion and lower-limb loading, the mechanism by which a footbed is thought to improve stability inside the boot.
Selected references
- Mills K, Blanch P, Chapman AR, McPoil TG, Vicenzino B. Foot orthoses and gait: a systematic review and meta-analysis of literature pertaining to potential mechanisms. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2010.
Technical specifications
How the device is built
The lab standard below is the starting point for your device. Your chiropodist adjusts materials, posting and shell rigidity according to your assessment, body weight and level of activity.
Ski: Alpine
Control level 3–4Lab standard description
- 1.5 mm Puff top cover to toes
- 3.0 mm EVA extension to toes
- Vacuum-formed semi-rigid polypropylene shell
- 10 mm heel cup
- Extrinsic rearfoot post with Durasole strike plate and pull tab
- Functional shell grind
This is an example only. The actual design and materials of your device will be based on your chiropodist’s assessment.
Applications
Most men’s and women’s alpine ski boots.
Optional shell materials
Copolymer, XT Sprint, TL2100, Performance Rx
Snowboard
Control level 4–5Lab standard description
- 3.0 mm Puff top cover to toes
- 3.0 mm EVA extension to toes
- Vacuum-formed semi-rigid polypropylene shell
- 14–16 mm heel cup
- Extrinsic rearfoot post with nylon strike plate
- Functional shell grind
This is an example only. The actual design and materials of your device will be based on your chiropodist’s assessment.
Applications
Most men’s and women’s snowboard boots.
For hard-shell snowboard boots, the Alpine model is used.
Optional shell materials
Copolymer, XT Sprint, TL2100, Performance Rx
Recommended footwear
The right ski and snowboard boots matter
An orthotic performs best in footwear with appropriate structure, depth and fit. Your chiropodist can advise on suitable footwear, and we can order select models through our footwear service.
Ski and snowboard boots: common questions
Related orthotic services
Bring your footwear. Start with an assessment.
Meet with our Registered Chiropodists to discuss your feet, your sport and your equipment, and whether a custom orthotic is appropriate for you.
3305 Harvester Road, Burlington, Ontario L7N 3N2