During the rental seminar at the SIA Snow Show last January, bootfit guru Jack Rafferty, an instructor with Masterfit University, gave the audience his five-minute bootfit spiel. It aims to get renters accustomed to the proper fit and to familiarize them with the feel and function of a boot. It was so well received, we are presenting it here.

“Nice to meet you, and welcome to our resort. This brief explanation will enhance your comfort and help build your confidence to safely learn our amazing winter sport. We strive to correctly size your equipment and explain its function to you. For your comfort and safety, please listen carefully.

“The ski, binding, and boot combination is a sports tool, similar to a set of golf clubs or a tennis racket. Our goal is to help you learn how to control it, safely and comfortably. Your ability to learn and your comfort level out on the snow are directly related to the proper fit of your boots.

“First, let’s make sure you have proper socks and other essential winter gear to be comfortable and warm. (Suggest goggles, neck gaiters, and socks, etc., if necessary.)

“Next, we use the Brannock Mondo scale device (tech has renter put foot in sizing device) to measure your foot. This is an essential part of getting the proper size and fit. (Get indicated boot size, confirm with customer, establish an exchange of information.)

“Let’s try this on. Remember, ski boots are a piece of athletic footwear. To function well, they must fit on a scale of snug to tight. Boots are designed to fit tighter than shoes. A good fit means warmth, comfort, and function.
“Do your toes touch the front? Yes? That’s good. At first, your toes should touch!

“Now let’s buckle the boots up. The buckling sequence I’m showing you will help settle your foot into the back of the boot.

“Now, stand up and flex your ankles while keeping your shins engaged against the tongue of the liner. (Tech demonstrates the proper way to flex and balance in a boot.) You should feel even pressure, like your shins are pressing into the tongue of the boot. This is the basic athletic stance that you will use on snow.

Do your toes touch the front? Yes? That’s good. At first, your toes should touch!

“Did you also notice that your toes are no longer touching the front of the boot? When you flex forward, your toes pull back and your heel stays down. You won’t feel your toes touching the front if you stand with this posture when you are out on the hill.

“Maintaining an athletic stance on a slippery tilted surface can be a challenge. But there are features on the boot that help you achieve that. Your boot flexes at the hinge, helping you balance in an athletic stance. The cuff adds support to the sides when snug. (Tech points out hinges and cuff.)

“If your feet cramp or get cold after a short period of time, or you have aches in your feet or lower leg, there are fit aids we can use to relieve many common problem spots. Please ask a rental tech about these options for increased comfort and control.

“Now that we have all your fit issues handled, a little friendly local advice. Please be safe, have fun, and don’t be shy. Ask lots of questions. All of us in the shop and everyone out on the slopes are here to help.”