When it comes to skiing, your feet are your most important tool. Of course, they connect you to your skis and so with just the slightest bit of input they can change the way you ski, whether that’s more or less edge, pressure, or rotation. So, while we all obsess over skis, bindings, and outerwear, one element often flies under the radar: insoles. Could these be the real secret sauce to better skiing?
While a good boot fitter might sort you out with a footbed as part of the service, many of us might require a new insole down the line or even find that we never got one in the first place. Superfeet, a brand deeply rooted in the ski industry, is here to give your feet the support they deserve on your journey to better skiing. But how? Let’s dive into five things you probably didn’t know about their insoles.
1. Superfeet’s Roots Are in Skiing
Superfeet was born on the slopes. Back in the late 1970s, the brand’s founders teamed up with Nordica to create the Insta-Ski-Thotic, a heat-molded cork insole designed for U.S. Olympic snow sport athletes. At the time, ski boots were notorious for being rigid and punishing on the feet. The Insta-Ski-Thotic was a game-changer, offering custom support that kept athletes comfortable and performance-ready for longer. Fast forward to today, and the spirit of that original innovation lives on in Superfeet’s modern ski-specific insoles, combining the company’s iconic orthotic shape with cutting-edge materials to ensure you can crush it on the slopes from first chair to après.
2. Insoles Help With Toe Bang
Here’s a little-known fact: as you flex in your ski boots, your foot can actually elongate, causing your toes to collide with the front of the boot. Sound familiar? This happens to about 85% of skiers and often leads to people buying boots that are too big. The solution? A good footbed, like those from Superfeet, can stabilize your foot, reducing excessive movement and keeping your toes safe from those dreaded toe bangs. Next time you’re in the bootfitter’s chair, ask them to show you how your foot behaves when you flex and you’ll see what we mean.
3. Rigid Feet Still Benefit From Insoles
Think insoles are only for people with wobbly, over-flexible feet? Think again. Approximately 5% of skiers have feet that are rigid and inflexible, which may not need stability but still benefit massively from the right insole. By filling the gaps underfoot, insoles help evenly distribute weight, reducing pressure points and fatigue. It’s like upgrading your foundations so your feet can handle the impact better (and you’ll ski for longer without the usual aches and pains).
4. Insoles Help Absorb Impact From The Slopes
If your feet feel trashed after a day of jumping, carving, or landing hard on the slopes, insoles might just be your saving grace. Superfeet insoles mimic the natural shape of your foot to provide a mix of stability, support, and flexibility. The rigid heel cup stabilizes your foot, the adaptable arch offers support where you need it, and the flexible forefoot lets your toes move naturally. By holding the soft tissue in your heel in place, they minimize the shock and wear on your feet, helping you power through the day with less fatigue.
5. Insoles Help Manage Moisture Too
Hot, sweaty feet in ski boots? We’ve all been there, whether you’re smashing the spring slush or racing up the skin-track. Excessive movement and impact inside your boots generate heat and moisture, making your feet uncomfortable and your day less enjoyable. Superfeet insoles tackle this by providing a firm, supportive base that reduces unnecessary motion, improving energy efficiency and so keeping your feet cooler and drier. No more soggy socks or that burning feeling from overheating boots, just all-day comfort.
Whether your feet are flexible, rigid, or somewhere in between, the right insole can make a world of difference. So, next time you’re dialing in your ski setup, don’t forget to give your feet the attention they deserve. Trust us, your toes will thank you.
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