Ski boots, shell heat molding and inner custom? What are its advantages and disadvantages

Have you ever heard the words "heat molding of the shell" and "inner custom" about ski boots?
This is to increase the fit by heat molding the purchased boots according to the shape of your foot. I kind of know it, but I don't know what effect it has.
Some people say. Let's take a look at the basics of customizing these boots.

There are probably many people who have the experience of "hitting my little finger" or "hitting my ankle" while wearing boots.
In order to eliminate that hit, shell heat molding and inner custom are performed.

Ski boots are divided into two parts, the outer shell and the inner boot. Each of these uses a material that changes shape when heat is applied. After warming up with a special heater, you can put your feet in and it will fit your feet.

custom inner boots

Molding is done in the order of inner → shell. This is because while the inner layer can be molded repeatedly, the shell cannot be returned to its original shape once it has been heat molded. So, if the inner custom can solve the problem, there is no need to heat mold the shell. I want you to go only if you say "I can't get a hit even if I customize the inner".

The inner boot incorporates a material that changes shape when heat is applied to the shin and calf to ankle. After warming the inner boots in the special heater, put your feet in and wait, the shape will change according to your foot shape. This is the so-called inner custom.

The advantages and disadvantages of customizing are as follows.

About shell thermoforming

The principle of heat molding for boots is almost the same as for inners. The material of the shell is a thermoplastic material, so it can be softened by heating to conform to the shape of your foot. Since the shell molding is done for the purpose of removing hits, it can only be widened in specific areas. Remember, you can't fill the space in the boot or make it tight.

Q&A about inner custom, heat molding of shell

Q. How long does it take?
A. About 30 minutes each for inner custom and shell molding.

takes
about 10 minutes to heat both the inner and shell with a heater . It takes about 10 minutes to measure.
For example, if you only do inner customization, it will take about 30 minutes.

Q.How much does it cost?
A. Currently, most shops have introduced the machines necessary for customizing, and many places purchase boots and customizing as a set. If it's the store where you bought it, thermoforming is free. For example, even if it didn't feel uncomfortable when you put it on at the store, but it hits a spot when you try it on snow, you can bring it back to the store and they will customize it for you.

Q. If you are not in trouble now, do you need to do it?
A. Not regarding the thermoforming of the shell.
Inner custom has the advantage of improving the fit to some extent, and there are almost no disadvantages, so I would like to recommend you to try it. However, as I say again and again, once the shell is expanded, it will not return to its original state, so it is safe not to do it if it is not necessary. If you are worried about the hit even if you do the inner custom, it is also recommended to change the insole.

Q. Do you make mistakes?
A. There are almost no failures.

Q. Is it possible to dent the shell?
A. Basically you can't. The shell is like a single sheet that does not expand and contract, so if one part were to be dented, there would be a corresponding amount of space somewhere. Basically, the space inside the boot can only be adjusted by tightening the buckle.

Q.Is it possible to bring in boots purchased at other stores?
A.Inner custom is possible depending on the store.

Let's take a look at the molding process

First of all, talk about what kind of troubles you have about the fit! Do you need to customize or should you change the insole? what kind of skiing Talk to our experts and decide what to do.

Inner custom process

1 Measure your foot type. put a pad on the affected area

2 Paste the pad on the place you want to spread

3 Wear with the pads on and wait for the inner boots to be fixed. Depending on the degree of deformation according to the characteristics of the slide, you can either sit or wait standing.

That's it.

Shell thermoforming process

1 As with the inner custom, put a pad on the place where it hits.

2 Warm the boots with a dedicated heater

3 Put your feet in and wait.

The natural state when you put your foot in the boot is the state where the center of gravity is on the heel. Place a board between the toes and fix it so that the boot maintains a natural state.

3 Wrap the cool gaiters that have been chilled in the refrigerator around the boots.

About 10 minutes to roll and wait. This completes the shell molding.

Inner custom and shell molding can be done in just less than an hour. You don't have to bring anything other than boots and ski socks.

As for the impression that the editorial department actually tried, just by doing the inner custom, the fit of the heel has increased dramatically, and a solid hold feeling has been obtained.

When buying new boots, I definitely recommend starting with the inner custom.

The shop where the fitting was done this time