You know all about finding properly fitting ski boots? Maybe because you have read our ski boot fitting guide? That’s great! But did you know that you can improve your comfort (and your performance!) even more by “pimping” your ski boots? Upgrading your boots with functional insoles can make a major difference.
How is that possible? What types of insoles are there, and which ones are perfect for your needs? Together with the winter sports experts at Sidas, we have compiled a comprehensive overview of functional insoles for your ski boots.
Why should I buy functional insoles for my ski boots?
The answer to this question is pretty simple: Because every foot is different. Whether you buy running shoes, hiking boots or ski boots – the standard insoles that come with the products might not necessarily fit your individual foot shape.
Functional insoles (also called footbeds, inserts or orthotics) improve pressure transfer from your foot to the boot, thus increasing your comfort – and, ultimately, your performance on the slopes.
Who needs functional insoles?
Basically, all types of skiers benefit from functional insoles:
- For 85 per cent of skiers, the foot elongates as you flex, causing your toes to crash into the front of the boot. A functional insole can stabilise and support your foot to avoid this.
- For skiers with inflexible feet, insoles can help to spread the body weight more evenly along the foot, resulting in improved control and reduced fatigue.
- Even if your feet offer enough stability and flexibility, you can still benefit from increased comfort, warmth and performance with functional insoles.
What are the benefits of functional insoles?
Good-quality insoles like those by Sidas offer a number of advantages. They …
- … provide arch support and foot cushioning.
- … offer stability and comfort.
- … promote good body alignment.
- … absorb shock during skiing.
- … reduce pressure points and consequently also joint and muscle pain.
- … prevent overheating and fatigue.
- … help to reduce odour thanks to antibacterial materials, merino wool and sanitised treatments.
- … provide thermal insulation and warmth.
The conclusion:
Ski boot insoles offer both short-term and long-term advantages. In the short term, they provide more comfort, better support and increased protection, resulting in less fatigue. In the long term, there is less strain on your joints.
How do I find the right insoles?
Choosing the right type of insoles depends on several factors:
- your arch shape (low, medium, high)
- the degree of warmth you’re looking for
- your preferred type of activity (skiing, snowboarding, ski touring, …)
- the intensity of your activity
Depending on your individual needs, Sidas offers different types of insoles, ranging from heated to thermo-moulded insoles for women and men.
What types of ski boot insoles are there?
If you’re looking for high-quality insoles, we recommend the professional products offered by Sidas. To cater to the needs of different types of winter sports athletes, they offer five categories of functional insoles.
Category #1: 3D insoles
Pre-moulded 3D insoles for increased foot stability and comfort
SANISOLE 3D
- antibacterial top layer
- excellent foot support
WINTER 3D RENTAL
- enhanced comfort and hygiene
- available in 15 sizes
WINTER 3D MERINO
- maximum comfort and warmth
WINTER 3D PERFORMANCE
- improved pressure transmission, carving precision and comfort
NORDIC 3D
- for Nordic skiing
- maximum stability while gilding and manoeuvring
- kick pad optimises the propulsion phase
Category #2: 3Feet soles
Biomechanical construction for different arch types
3Feet WINTER
- optimised pressure distribution
- anatomical construction for high-arch feet
3Feet MERINO
- hybrid top cover (synthetic fibres / merino wool)
- anatomical construction for high-arch feet
Category #3: Flashfit soles
Partly customised insoles for more power, control and comfort
WINTER+
- optimum comfort for skiing and snowboarding
WINTER+ SLIM
- designed for slim-fitting footwear
COMFORT + MERINO
- hybrid top cover (synthetic fibres / merino wool)
Category #4: Custom soles
Fully customised insoles for the highest levels of comfort and support
WINTER CUSTOM COMFORT
- excellent forefoot comfort
- fully thermoformable
WINTER CUSTOM RACE MERINO
- excellent stability and precision
- fatigue prevention
- ideal hybrid top cover
WINTER CUSTOM PRO
- ultimate comfort and performance
WINTER CUSTOM SKI
- ideally combined with Heel Stabs or Translux reinforcements
CUSTOM XC CLASSIC
- excellent comfort, control and power transfer for Nordic skiers (classic)
CUSTOM XC STATING
- excellent comfort, control and power transfer for Nordic skiers (skating)
CUSTOM COMFORT MERINO
- excellent forefoot comfort
- perfectly matches the shape of the skier’s foot
WINTER CUSTOM PRO HEAT READY
- 100 % customised insoles designed for winter sports
- optional heating thanks to Heat Ready Technology
Category #5: Heat insoles
Insoles with an integrated heating element
3D POWER HEAT
- optimal thermal comfort for any outdoor activity
FLAT POWER HEAT
- soft fabric top
- great cushioning and insulation
INTERSPORT Rent tip
Arch height, heel stability … Do you need an expert to talk you through all the technical terms and help you find ski boots that truly fit? Then it’s time to drop by at INTERSPORT Rent! Our professional RENTertainers on site know all about how to find winter sports gear that’s perfectly tailored to your needs.
Rely on their expertise and have them show you around our vast selection of rental gear – we’re sure you’ll walk out with ski boots that truly fit!
