Have you ever heard of "shell heat molding" or "inner customization" in relation to ski boots? This refers to heat molding the boots you have purchased to fit your foot shape, improving the fit.
Some people may have some idea of what it means, but don't know what effect it has.
This time, we'll look at the basics of customizing boots.
Many people have experienced their little toe or ankle rubbing against the boots when wearing them.
To eliminate this rubbing, shell heat molding and inner customization are performed.
Ski boots are divided into two parts: an outer shell and an inner boot. Each of these parts is made of a material that changes shape when heated. After heating it with a special heater, you put your foot in and it will take on a shape that fits your foot perfectly
Inner boot customization
Molding is done in the order of inner liner → shell. This is because the inner liner can be molded repeatedly, whereas the shell cannot be restored to its original shape once it has been heat molded. Therefore, if you can solve your problem by customizing the inner liner, there is no need to heat mold the shell. This should only be done if you are unable to achieve the desired fit even after customizing the inner liner
The inner boots are made with a material that changes shape when heat is applied to the shins and calves through to the ankles. After warming the inner boots in a special heater, you put your feet in and wait, and the boots will change shape to fit your foot shape. This is what is known as inner customization
The advantages and disadvantages of customization are as follows:
Specific benefits
●Fits to the shape (concavities) of your feet
●Boots can drastically reduce the time it takes for them to fit your feet.If
you wear them for several dozen days, they will naturally conform to the shape of your feet, but this time can be shortened.
●It can prevent the "wear and tear" of ski boots.
The fit of the inner lining gradually becomes loose with use. Heat molding tightens the lining, eliminating the looseness.
Are there any disadvantages?
●There are almost no disadvantages.
If anything, it is that every time heat is applied to the inner boots, some stress is applied, which causes deterioration. Even if you repeatedly reshape them to restore the fit, the effect will eventually weaken and disappear. It is said that the limit is about seven times. If you are going to repeatedly customize the inner boots, it is best to do it every two years.
About shell thermoforming
The principle behind heat-molding boots is similar to that of liner. The shell material is a thermoplastic, meaning it can be heated and softened to conform to the shape of your foot. The shell is shaped to remove any pressure, so you can only widen specific areas. It's important to remember that you can't fill in or tighten the space inside the boot
merit
●It can eliminate areas that still hit even after inner customization
Disadvantages
●Once you unfold the shell, it is impossible to return it to its original state. People who do not need to unfold it should not do so
Q&A about inner customization and shell thermoforming
Q. How long does it take?
A. Both the inner customization and shell molding take about 30 minutes each.
・It takes about 10 minutes to heat both the inner and shell with a heater
. ・It takes about 10 minutes to wear them and let them cool down until they fit your foot shape.
・It also takes about 10 minutes to consult with you about your foot problems and measure your foot size.
For example, if you only need inner customization, it will only take about 30 minutes.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. Nowadays, most shops have the necessary machines for customization, and many offer the purchase of boots and customization as a set. If you buy them from the shop, heat molding is free. For example, even if you didn't feel any discomfort when you tried them on at the shop, but found that there was a spot that rubbed against the boots when you tried them on on the snow, you can bring them back to the shop and they will customize them for you.
Q. If you're not currently experiencing any issues, is there no need to do it?
A. There is no such thing as heat molding the shell. Customizing the inner lining has the added benefit of improving the fit to some extent, and there are virtually no drawbacks, so I would recommend giving it a try.
However, as I've said many times before, once you expand the shell molding, it will not return to its original shape, so it's best not to do it unless it's absolutely necessary. If you're still concerned about the impact after customizing the inner lining, I would recommend changing the insole, etc.
Q. Do you ever fail?
A. There's almost no failure.
Q. Is it possible to dent the shell?
A. Basically, it's not possible. The shell is essentially a single sheet that doesn't stretch, so if you dent one area, that space will be created somewhere else. The only way to adjust the space inside the boot is by tightening the buckle.
Q. Can I bring in boots purchased at another store?
A. Custom innerwear is possible at some stores.
Let's take a look at the molding process
First, we'll discuss your fit concerns! Do you need customization or should you change your insoles? What kind of skiing do you do? Consult with our expert staff to determine what kind of treatment is needed
Inner customization process
1. Measure your foot shape. Attach the pad to the area that touches the ground
2. Stick the pad to the area you want to expand
3. Put on the pads and wait for the inner boots to set in. Depending on how you want to deform them to suit your skiing style, you can either sit or stand while waiting
That's it
Shell thermoforming process
1. As with inner customization, attach the pad to the area that is touching
2. Warm your boots with a dedicated heater
3 Put your feet in and wait
The natural position when you put your foot into a boot is one where your center of gravity is on your heel. By placing a board between your toes, you can keep your foot in a natural position for the boot
3. Wrap the Cool Gaiters you have chilled in the refrigerator around your boots
Roll it up and wait for about 10 minutes, and the shell formation is complete
The inner lining and shell molding can be completed in just under an hour. All you need to bring is your boots and ski socks, and you can discuss any concerns you may have with the shop staff on the day, so it's not difficult at all
Our editorial team tried it out and found that just by customizing the inner lining, the fit of the heel improved dramatically, providing a firmer hold
When buying new boots, I highly recommend starting with customizing the inner lining
The store where I had my fitting
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address
- 3-6 Kanda Ogawamachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0052
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phone number
- 03-3233-1607
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Business day
- Closed on Wednesdays and irregular holidays from April to July
the person who taught me
Maruyama-san
They have been selling ski equipment for 25 years and are veterans. You can trust their experienced staff to assist you