First measure your right foot in a seated position with a Brannock device. Measure the right foot for total length, arch length and width.

Then stand and measure the right foot in a weighted position.(Standing with weight equally on both feet distributed between the heel and balls of the foot.) Make a mental note of the total length, arch length and width in a weighted position. You may want to shift all your weight from the right to left foot several times to observe how your foot changes (spreads out and lengthens) as weight is applied.

Repeat the Brannock measuring sequence with the left foot and record your observations. (write down the seated mesurements)

About 80% off the feet will have some degree of pronation.
As the foot pronates, you notice that ...
a. The ankle rolls to the inside
b. The foot flattens and gets longer
c. The foot spreads and gets wider.

Pronated skiers need additional support in their boot for two main reasons
a. COMFORT - With out the support of a high quality footbed, the pronated foot expands as it is weighted during a turn (and contracts back as the opposite turn is made on the other foot). This repetitive flexing causes, fatigue, cramps, blisters, and a number of other problems.
b. PERFORMANCE - A pronated foot does not have the strength and support for efficient edging. In fact some people will never carve a ski without the combination of a narrower, more restrictive boot, quality footbed and custom boot fitting. Additionally, a foot that pronates is very flexible and it's difficult to keep from sliding forward out of the heel pocket without over-buckling.

Be sure to Recommend a Superfeet Footbed to pronated skiers

 

Neutral alignments make up about 15% of feet. You'll see normal arches and insteps with very little expansion in length and width as you weight and un-weight a foot. This percentage generally have less fitting problems in a boot. Superfeet footbeds offer this person more comfort and less fatigue but this person will not notice a big performance difference.

Supinated skiers make up less than 5% of the population. The supinated foot is fairly rigid which mechanically makes it a good tool for turning a ski. You'll notice pronounced arches and insteps with supinated feet and no change in length or width from a weighted to un-weighted position. Your biggest concern fitting this person is avoiding pressure to the instep so select a boot that has some room over the instep.

Flat arches are not that common but require some special attention. If you recognize Flat arches, it's not hard to insure this customer comfort. (And can be quite pain-full if not addressed). It's easy to identify a true Flat arch (as compared to a foot with a lot of pronation.) Just have the person lift their foot, if the arch does not appear when the foot is hanging free, it's a Flat arch. Superfeet Footbeds are not recommended because they can create upward pressure on the arch. (Or where it should be). Sometimes, it's best to remove the insole that comes with the boot to give the flattest possible platform for the foot. Try to select a shell with a flat footboard and little or no arch molded in the shell.

Next, examine both feet with your eyes AND hands. (socks on)

You want to look for any foot or leg condition might cause a problem with fit or performance.

First, look at the foot and get an overall impression - Is it a thin, boney foot or a thick, meaty foot? Then, start with the toes and move up to the calf and leg feeling thru the sock with your hands.
Toes - feel for toenails that are too long. If they are, advise the customer to clip toenails as far back as possible before skiing. And, if they are long, you=ll want to tell them that the correct fit today may feel a little short.
Arch - look and feel the arch - is it high, medium or low?
Instep - is it high, medium or low?
Ankle - thin, thick or average?
Heel - is the heel narrow, average or wide?
Shin - Is it boney, meaty or in-between?
Calf - Thin or thick calf muscles require more careful boot selection.
(A woman=s calf muscle often starts much lower than a man's and can cause problems with closure and pinching at the top of the cuff. Select a boot that will accommodate a low calf muscle if this is the case).

Boot Selection

If you've done your homework right, it's time to select a boot. Go to the Boot Chart and pick a model that best matches your customers foot in terms of fit that will satisfy their performance requirements. For Example,  If it's wide and meaty, select a boot with a wide forefoot and a lots of volume. If its a narrow boney foot, start with a lower volume model and add a Bon-tex shim and Superfeet footbed before putting it on.

You should plan to offer two choices to your customer but first, you'll want to confirm your size and performance choice.

Get your first choice, remove the liner and AShell Fit@ the boot.
Put your foot in the shell and slide their toe up to the front making contact. Make sure you keep your foot aligned properly and keep light contact in the toe. You have two dowels for checking shell fit. The Dowels are used to check the length between the heel and the back of the shell in the heel pocket. Use the smaller 1/2" dowel to measure performance fits (aggressive skiers with Ski-ll 7 and up) and the 3/4" dowel for Ski-ll level 1 to 7 (and everyone above Ski-ll 7 more concerned with comfort than performance )

Can't get your hands on the dowels? You can also slide your hand down the back of their leg and feel the distance between the back of the heel and shell. There should be 1/2" to 3/4 A of space. (About 1 to 1 2 stacked fingers width)

6. Then, put the liner back in the boot. Open the boot up and ask them to slip it on. As the boot goes on, it will feel too short until it is buckled and their heel is flexed back into the heel pocket.!

 

 

7. After you have flexed several times to move the foot back in to the heel pocket, grasp their knee and have them flex until the kneecap is even with the toe of the boot. 

If the boot is the correct size, their toe should be off or just slightly brushing the end of the liner, when you push the leg back into a neutral position, they should be able to feel the end of the liner.

If the length fit is right proceed, if not, go to a larger or smaller boot.

After you're are satisfied that the LENGTH is correct, have them flex the boot and tell them how it should fit.
A. The ball of the foot should be comfortable.
(It should not rattle or feel squeezed)
B. They should be able to wiggle their toes while flexed forward.
C. They should feel light support to the arch with no pressure over the instep.
D. The heel should remain still when they flex forward.  (If they flex their arch and try to lift the heel, it will come up in a boot that is too small, just right or too large.  In other words, this is not a valid test)
E. The shin should be comfortable without any pinch or Abang@.
F. The calf should be comfortable and not be constricted.
(A good test for a low calf -. ask them about their heel - if they feel the heel dropping to the footbed as they weight the foot, there is a good chance that the calf too tight and is holding them up out of the boot.)

If all of this is satisfactory, put your second model choice on the other foot. After you have had a chance to flex boot boots, think of which one you like better.

(Advanced Tip) Put the boot you want to purchase on your RIGHT foot. Most people try shoes on that foot first and they are more comfortable testing fit with the right. (Use the left foot if you know they are left handed)

 

 

 

How to use the Brannock Device

 

This illustration shows two feet which are the same length, but each require different size shoes. There are different fittings for short-toed feet and long-toed feet. Proper shoe-fitting incorporates not only overall length (heel-to-toe measurement) but also arch length (heel-to-ball measurement).The widest part of a ski boot is at the ball of the foot so the foot on the left in this picture may be more comfortable in a larger shell size.

Without Utilizing Heel to Ball MeasurementImproperly fitted shoes/boots (shown right) can cause a variety of foot problems in addition to general discomfort and shoe breakdown. If the arch of the foot is not positioned properly in the shoe, the foot will become fatigued and uncomfortable.

 

The Brannock Foot-Measuring Device7Ensures Correct Fit

The foot to the left is correctly fitted. The arch of the shoe/boot and ball joint of the foot meet at the same point. The foot arch is correctly positioned in the shoe. This will ensure a correct and comfortable boot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE NOTE : These instructions are for general use and knowledge. Refer to the Boot Analysis instruction for the correct measuring sequence for ski boots. Prepare the (Rossignol version) Brannock Foot‑Measuring Device7 as shown in the photo below. The width bar should be set to its widest position and the arch length indicator should be slid back, so the foot can be positioned easily on the device.     Position the Foot Remove your footwear and place their right heel into the right heel cup. Measure  The customer should stand with equal weight on both feet to ensure that the foot being measured has elongated and spread to it's maximum size. Be sure the heel is properly located against the back of the heel cup, by grasping the customer's ankle and device together, as illustrated in photo.  (Note : Ski boots provide more support than shoes so you take both un-weighted and weighted measurements)   Measure Lengths Heel‑to‑Toe Length Press the toes flat against the base of the device and look straight down over the longest toe (not necessarily the first toe) to read toe length. Make sure the customer's socks are snug against the toes (without drawing the toes back) to yield an accurate measurement.      Arch Length (Heel‑to‑Ball) Place your thumb on the ball joint of the foot (as shown in the photo to the right). Slide the pointer (A on diagram) forward so the inside curve of the pointer fits the ball joint of the foot and the two high ribs come in contact with your thumb. When the pointer is properly located, the lower middle rib will be against the ball joint on the side of the foot (B on diagram). This yields the arch measurement.    Find the Correct Shoe Size Compare the arch length to the heel‑to‑toe length and use the larger of the two measurements as the correct shoe size. If the arch length and heel‑to‑toe length are the same, this will be the shoe size. If the heel‑to‑toe length is larger than the arch length, then fit to the heel‑to‑toe size. If arch length is larger than heel‑to‑toe, then fit to arch length. (It is important that both measurements be taken and compared to find the proper shoe size. Simply using the heel‑to‑toe length may result in an improper fit.) Measure the Width Slide the width bar firmly to the edge of the foot. Locate the customer's shoe size (by Arch length) on the sliding width bar. Find the width measurement which lines up to the shoe size on the width bar. If the shoe size falls between widths, choose a wider width for a thick foot, a narrower width for a thin foot. If the foot is extremely fleshy or has a high instep, it may be necessary to fit an extra width wider. If the foot is extremely thin, compress the foot slightly with the width bar and determine the size while holding the bar in this position.   Measure the Other Foot Reverse the device end‑for‑end and measure the other foot following the steps described above. Be sure to measure both feet, then fit the larger foot. It is common to have feet of different sizes.

How Superfeet footbeds improve performance and comfort.

Ski boots are designed to support the lower leg, foot and ankle and provide the mechanical advantage that makes alpine skiing possible. Buy providing the best possible fit, you can help your customer ski their best.

Skiing is a precise sport and the link between the bottom of your foot and the ski is critical. Almost all of the top ski athletes have neutral or supinated feet. These strong, rigid foot positions provide a positive link to the ski and make it easier to achieve a higher level of performance.

People that are pronated have a much more flexible >link to the ski and most have a difficult time edging and controlling their skis. Adding a quality footbed to a boot is the single best thing you can do for this skier to improve comfort and performance.

The footbeds that come in almost all ski boots just don=t get the job done. Superfeet footbeds are designed to support the foot in numerous ways and make up for a lot of what mother nature missed for skiers. Regardless of your natural foot position Superfeet footbed improve comfort, performance and sensitivity to the snow.

1.Rear- Foot Control  Superfeet provides this feature to control over-pronation, thus helping keep your foot correctly aligned. Result: less stress on muscles and joints and more precise control to the ski. 2.Mid-Foot Control PointThis area stabilizes the mid-foot. Combined with Rear-Foot Control Point, this enables you to use your skeletal strength to your advantage. Result: a very stable foot, creating less muscle fatigue and more endurance. 3. Support BridgeThis feature activates all the control points for better balance ,alignment and snow feel. It also provides support for the arch helping to distribute pressure over a larger area of the foot.4.Long-Wearing TrocellenTM FoamThis high-quality, durable closed-cell foam helps with shock absorption, increases comfort and warmth
5. Natural Shock Absorption System
The deep heel pocket centers you heels natural fat pad and the soft flange allows for some soft tissue expansion providing both comfort and stability.
6. New Etc. Top CoverSignificantly reduces friction inside the boot and helps regulate heat and moisture.
7. Patented ShapeContours to your natural foot shape, which helps provide maximum contact with the boot sole resulting in a more confident, balanced feeling.

Heel or Ankle blisters/bruising

Blisters and sore spots are caused buy excessive movement within the shell and liner. Bruising results from too much pressure in one spot, usually on the shin or back of the leg at the top of the boot. Make sure you ask them about the socks they wear.

Selling new boots - Things to consider

Blisters are commonly associated with too much movement in a boot.
Make sure your recommendation is narrow enough to hold the foot in place.

Recommend a Thermo-fit model

Make sure the heel is held in place.
Consider adding C, L or Boomerang pad.

Bruising

Bruising is commonly associated with too much pressure or mis-alignment

Select a boot with a low cuff if the bruising is around the top of the leg

Recommend a Thermo-fit model and make sure the boot has enough volume

A heel lift will usually help with problems at the leg around the cuff. ( and may be an indication that the skier is skiing Ain the back seat@. Ask them if their toes get sore too?

Re-fits - Things to try

Blisters.

Measure the foot and determine if the size is correct

Make sure they are wearing the correct sock

Recommend a Superfeet footbed

Add C, L or Boomerang pads to prevent movement

Add a heel lift

Add Bon-tex shims to reduce volume

Add large custom pads in ankle area to reduce volume (cut out around ankle bone)

Bruising (most will be over instep)

Measure the foot and determine if the size is correct

Add a heel lift to raise the heel and move the foot up and back and aheel lift will usually help with problems at the leg around the cuff. ( and may be an indication that the skier is skiing Ain the back seat@.

Remove material from the tongue (advanced fitters only)

Shin bruising or Chafing

Selling new boots - Things to consider

Recommend a softer flexing boot

Recommend a Total Thermo-fit model with Thermo in the TONGUE

 

 

Re-fits - Things to try

 

Measure the foot and determine if the size is correct

Make sure they are wearing the correct sock

Chafing for men is often caused by >pulled= hair on the leg
Recommend different sock or shaving leg

Add a heel lift to re-align leg shaft in boot

Recommend a ABOOSTER@ strap to improve cuff fit

Add a pad to the boot tongue to redistribute pressure on the shin

 

Difficulty closing buckles

Selling new boots - Things to consider

Lower Buckles

Most boots have improved buckles with a larger range
(Problem may have been with their old boot)

Try the next shell size up (for meaty high volume feet)

Upper Buckles

Try boot with buckles that have several adjustment positions

Add a heel lift to raise the calf

Try a boot with a lower cuff and/or more overall volume

 

Re-fits - Things to try

 

Measure the foot and determine if the size is correct

Make sure they are wearing the correct (thin) sock

Add a heel lift to lift calf higher in boot

Extend buckle thru micro-adjust feature

Remove and re-rivet problem buckle to longer position

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boots to Narrow or Wide

Selling new boots - Things to consider

To Narrow

Select a boot with the proper width

Check for pronation and add a Superfeet footbed and add a Varus Wedge if needed

If you have a wide boot with the correct arch length and it=s still a problem, pull the liner out and stretch it on both sides at the ball of the foot (or where boot is too tight)

Try the next shell size up (for meaty high volume feet)

Heat and stretch the shell (advanced fitters only)

To Wide

Select a boot with the proper width

Try a smaller size

If you have selected a narrow boot and it=s still too wide, add a full length Bon-tex shim (2 or more shims may be necessary)

Re-fits - Things to try

To Narrow

Measure the foot and determine if the size is correct

Check for pronation and recommend a Superfeet footbed. Add a Varus Wedge if needed
(If the customer won=t purchase a Superfeet, add a Varus wedge under the stock insole or attach it to a Bon-tex shim)

Pull the liner out and stretch it on both sides at the ball of the foot (or where boot is too tight)

Adding a heel lift (under the Superfeet and Varus Wedge) 

Heat and stretch the shell (advanced fitters only)

To Wide

Measure the foot and determine if the size is correct

Add a full length Bon-tex shim (2 or more shims may be necessary)

Recommend a Superfeet footbed

Add C, L or Boomerang pads to hold foot in place

Add large custom pads in ankle area to reduce volume (cut out around ankle bone)

 

Sore Toes

Sore Toes can be caused by boots that are too small, boots that are too big or boots that are the right size that just fit poorly. Shell fitting is the best way to determine if a boot is the right length. (Both with old and new boots)

Selling new boots - Things to consider

Careful foot measurement, inspection and good boot selection will eliminate any problem with sore   toes.

People with very wide feet may need to go into a larger shell. (Especially if their foot is shape
like a V)

Make sure that customers that have complained about sore toes with old boots have a secure fit in the heel.

A flexible foot (pronated) easily moves around in a boot. Boomerang pads along with pronation corrections is the best way to prevent this.       

Re-fits - Things to try

Shell fit the boot to see if it is the correct size.

If the boot is on the small side

Try a heel lift to move the toes back

Try to stretch the liner in the toe

Recommend a Superfeet footbed (if you see pronation in the foot)

Stretch the shell (advanced fitters only)

Right size poor fit

Recommend a Superfeet footbed to stabilize and hold foot

Add C, L or Boomerang pads to reduce volume.

Add large custom pads in ankle area to reduce volume (cut out around ankle bone)

If the boot is too big

Add C, L or Boomerang pads to hold foot in place
           
Add a full length Bon-tex shim (2 or more shims may be necessary)

Recommend a Superfeet footbed

Add large custom pads in ankle area to reduce volume (cut out around ankle bone)

Recommend a different boot if the shell is more that one full size too large and none of the above solves the problem.

Arch Cramps
Arch cramps are usually caused by pressure over the instep. Watch for high insteps with this complaint (and people who over-buckle their boots)Cramps can also happen when the boot is a little loose and the skier is >digging in= with their toes to try and keep the foot still in the boot.

Selling new boots - Things to consider

Recommend a boot with plenty of volume over the instep.

Recommend a Superfeet foot bed to help support the instep and arch and keep the foot in place.

 

Flat Arch

Flat arches are not that common but require some special attention.. It=s easy to identify a true Flat arch (as compared to a foot with a lot of pronation.) Just have the person lift their foot, if the arch does not appear when the foot is hanging free, it=s a Flat arch. Superfeet Footbeds are not recommended because they can create upward pressure on the arch. (Or where it should be). Sometimes, it=s best to remove the insole that comes with the boot to give the flattest possible platform for the foot. Try to select a shell with a flat footboard and little or no arch molded in the shell. A flat >cushion= insole can be added to make the bottom of the liner more comfortable and warmer. (Purchased @ Drug store)

 

 

Re-fits - Things to try

Measure the foot and determine if the size is correct

If the arch is high, remove material from the boots tongue over the instep to make more room

See if you can drop the heel by grinding the footboard.

Try a Heel cup to move the arch back in the liner.

Cold or numb feet

Cold feet can be caused by poor circulation, especially in women. A good boot fit with the right sock (thin) can help this but it the fit has been good, the best solution is a Boot heater.

And -too much pressure over the instep (see arch cramps) or a cuff that is too tight can cut off circulation and/or pinch nerves.

Selling new boots - Things to consider

Select a boot that is comfortable, provides the BEST fit, and is Thermo-moldable> (Thermo material is a great insulator.)

Make sure that there is no pressure over the instep or around the leg in the cuff.

Recommend a Superfeet footbed for more comfort and additional warmth.

 

Re-fits - Things to try

Make sure you understand how the skier is using the boot.
Are they wearing the right sock?
Are they putting on a fresh dry pair when they put their boots on?
Are they buckling the boot correctly?
Are they trying to buckle underwear layers inside the cuff.

If not, instruct them on the proper use of the boot.

Measure the foot and determine if the size is correct

High arches

If the arch is high, remove material from the boots tongue over the instep to make more room

See if you can drop the heel by grinding the footboard.

Try a Heel cup to move the arch back in the liner.

Recommend a Superfeet footbed to help support the instep.

Low Calf muscle

Look at the calf to see if it could be a problem in the cuff

Recommend a Boot heater.