Get Them Now!
Written: Mar 16 '00 (Updated Mar 22 '00)
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Pros: Get Them
Cons: None
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| onehotchili's Full Review: Advice on Custom Footbeds |
More than the newest, latest, greatest shaped skis, or the new fancy buckled ski boot... the one piece of equipment that *can* dramatically increase an athlete's ability to be a better skier are custom footbeds. I have been using custom footbeds in my alpine and telemark ski boots for over 15 years, and I won't even think about going up on the mountain without them.
But, a footbed is a footbed right? Wrong! Custom footbeds are expensive ranging anywhere from $80-$150. There are a couple different schools of thought on how they should be made. Basically one camp advocates creating the footbed with you standing up... creating an impression of your weight bearing feet. Another camp advocates creating the footbed with you sitting down and without you standing on the impression, thereby creating a non-weight bearing impression.
Does it matter? Well, that depends on your feet, your ligaments, and your body's alignment. One way to tell is to measure your stocking foot in a shoe store, once while you are sitting and again after you stand up. Most people's feet increase a quarter or even half size when they stand up. For me, my feet increase a half size in length and almost 2 sizes in width. Therefore footbeds were definitely helpful to me.
So what do footbeds do for you? In two words, "increased control". Providing that your boots are nice and snug to begin with, your feet become much sensitive to what your skis are doing. You are now aware of when you are on your edges at different parts of your turn. When you are between turns, you should be on a flat ski... footbeds will help you do that by providing extra support. When you are skiing, you also develop more awareness for the snow and the terrain that you are skiing. No longer are you just skiing with 2 boards strapped to your feet, but now you can feel as if the skis are an extension of your body.
While custom footbeds can be a considerable investment, it pales in comparison to what you pay for new skis and boots. More importantly, it can have a much more noticable affect on your skiing than any new equipment. So, find a good shop with skilled bootfitters or custom footbed makers and order a pair. You will not be disappointed and you will soon be skiing circles around your buddies on your next trip!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
onehotchili
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Location: Truckee, CA
Reviews written: 55
Trusted by: 69 members
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