Buying Guide for Footbeds and Insoles
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Footbed Shopping Tips
Every ski boot comes with a pair of stock insoles. They typically are made from flimsy foam or felt. These stock insoles do not offer much if any support. Why don’t ski boots come with better insoles? All arches aren’t the same; therefore the manufacturers provide a stock insole which can be easily replaced by a footbed which best suits each skier’s feet. Skis.com carries different models of footbeds made from different materials which provide different support for each customer. Some skiers even go as far as to have custom footbeds made specifically for their feet.
The ideal footbeds for skiing offer support of the entire arch, but are not solidly blocked under the arch with cork or another rigid material. Several older styles of skiing footbeds use cork to support the arch, however the footbed manufacturers, boot fitters and boot manufacturers have figured out that the foot does need to articulate some to be able to engage modern ski gear and initiate each turn quicker.
Footbeds can make a world of difference in both the fit and performance of any pair of ski boots. Footbeds help put your feet, ankles, legs, knees, and hips into alignment which helps relieve possible pressure points from the boots and allows for a more direct transmission of power from skier to ski gear.
Most importantly, the fit inside the boot can be made exponentially more comfortable with the installation of a footbed. Most skiers who experience problems with a boot feeling too narrow get that sensation because their arch collapses and their foot spreads out when weighted. By supporting that arch and preventing it from collapsing completely the forefoot does not splay, thus elevating pressure on the sides of the feet.
Other skiers only feel pressure along the side of the smallest toe, known as the fifth metatarsal or ‘met-head’ as referred to by ski boot fitters. This is typically due to the foot pronating, or rolling inward when weighted. Since the lower leg is limited in mobility by the cuff of the boot, this causes the outside of the foot to press into the side of the boot causing pressure or pain just back from the pinky toe. A footbed will help keep the arch from collapsing, thus keeping the foot from rolling inward and pushing against the shell of the boot in an uncomfortable manner.
By aligning the skeletal structure, you can actually increase blood flow to the feet keeping your toes warmer for those long days on the slopes. Additionally the body works more efficiently when aligned properly. When the skier is able to transfer more energy into their ski gear, the skis and boots will respond quicker to the body movements and allow the skis to come around quicker. The increased responsiveness and efficiently guided energy can actually reduce the fatigue you may feel at the end of a long day on the slopes as you won’t be expending energy fighting your equipment.
