Why It’s Worth Buying Your Ski or Snowboard Boots from a Reputable Bootfitting Store

For skiers and snowboarders, having the right boots is the foundation of a great experience on the slopes. Yet, finding the perfect fit can often be a daunting process. Many people unknowingly purchase boots that are too big, poorly suited to their anatomy, or simply not the right style for their skiing or boarding needs. Whilst at Boot Solutions we can improve the fit of boots you already own, starting with the right boot is crucial to achieving the ultimate fit and performance. Here’s why investing in a proper bootfitting experience from the very start is worth every penny, and how it can transform your time on the mountain.

The Pitfalls of Poorly Fitted Boots

Many retail shops sell ski and snowboard boots without offering a personalised fitting process, and the result can be detrimental to your on mountain experience. A common issue is being sold boots that are far too big. While they may feel comfortable in the store, oversized boots lead to reduced control, excessive movement, and potential foot pain on the slopes. Worse yet, they can be difficult to modify to achieve a snug and supportive fit. Although skilled bootfitters can make countless modifications to improve a boot, there are inherent limitations when starting with a boot that’s fundamentally wrong for your feet or your style of skiing.

This is why beginning your journey at a specialised bootfitting store is so important. Our expertise ensures that you to start the process with not only the correct size, but also a boot that is suited to your skill level, skiing style, and unique anatomy.

The Art of Bootfitting: Why Expertise Matters

Bootfitting is a combination of science and art. It’s not just about slapping on any available modifications but making careful, incremental changes to achieve the ideal fit. At Boot Solutions, we approach every pair of boots with precision and a tailored mindset. Instead of making sweeping changes that can compromise the boot’s integrity or performance—like widening the shell too much or unnecessarily increasing the volume—we fine-tune your boots on an ad hoc basis, which sometimes means over time. This is why we believe it’s optimal to get fitted for new boots at a store near the resort where you’ll be skiing, as that way, you can return for minor adjustments as needed. Usually any issues will come up within the first week of skiing, and with our three locations (Hakuba, Niseko Hirafu, and Niseko Village), you can return to any of our stores for further adjustments.

The Benefits of Ongoing Adjustments

One of the greatest advantages of visiting a bootfitting store near a ski resort is the ability to make incremental changes during your trip. Sometimes, issues with fit only become apparent after a full day on the slopes. By working with experienced bootfitters like those at Boot Solutions, you can address these issues as they arise, ensuring that your boots feel better with each adjustment.

How Should Ski Boots Fit?

For those new to skiing, a proper ski boot fit may initially feel tighter than expected. When standing upright, your toes should lightly brush the front of the boot, but when you flex forward into a skiing stance, they should pull back slightly. The fit should be snug around your entire foot without pressure points or excess space. Note that ski and snowboard boots are not designed for the same level of “comfort” as regular shoes, and this is because they are the connection point between your feet and equipment. When riding over bumps or rough terrain, the ski/board and boot must work together to absorb impact and transfer energy efficiently and in an oversized boot, excess movement allows parts of your foot and shin to smack into various areas of the boot. This repeated impact creates uneven pressure and can result in bruising, pain, and sometimes a phenomenon known as “shinbang.” Shinbang occurs when only part of your shin contacts the boot, concentrating pressure in a small area and leading to inflammation and soreness. Conversely, a correctly fitted boot supports your foot and shin evenly, ensuring all contact points distribute pressure equally. This reduces the risk of pain and improves your ability to control your skis effectively.

It’s also worth noting that even with perfectly fitted boots, some discomfort is normal in the beginning. If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, or if it’s your first few days of the season, your feet may need time to adjust to the unique demands of these sports. This doesn’t necessarily mean your boots don’t fit; it’s simply a part of the process of your body getting acclimatised to the demands of the sport.

Common Boot Modifications and Their Benefits

Our bootfitters can perform a range of customisations to optimise your comfort and performance. Here are some of the most common modifications we offer:

1. Custom Footbeds

Custom footbeds provide a stable and supportive base for your feet. By matching the contours of your foot, they improve alignment, reduce pressure points, and enhance energy transfer to the ski or snowboard via providing a solid foundation from the ground up. This is by far one of our most common modifications, and we make custom footbeds for approximately 90% of our customers who buy new boots, and solve big portion of our walk in customers problems with custom footbeds. For example you might be getting a sore ankle, and by simply stabilising your foot with a footbed and distributing the pressure evenly, this will often eliminate the issue all together.

2. Shell Stretch/Punch

If the plastic shell of your boot is too tight in specific areas, we can stretch it to create more room. This is particularly common for skiers with wider feet or prominent bone structures, such as bunions. Shell stretching allows us to relieve pressure points without compromising the overall fit, by creating more room where you specifically need it, as opposed to going a size bigger just to fit that one problemed spot, and having everything else fit too big.

3. Custom Liner Upgrade

Upgrading to aftermarket custom liners, such as ZipFit or Intuition, can dramatically enhance the fit and feel of your boots. These liners are not only heat mouldable, but also have are made by more higher end materials that allow them to conform more precisely to the shape of your foot, ankle and leg, increasing comfort and performance. ZipFit liners, for example, use a cork material that adapts over time, while Intuition liners offer lightweight warmth and support.

4. Foam Padding and Volume Adjustments

In some cases, we add foam or other materials inside the boot to fill empty spaces and eliminate unwanted movement. For example, skiers with low-volume feet may benefit from padding in specific areas to achieve a snugger fit. These modifications are particularly useful when small adjustments are needed to fine-tune the fit.

5. Canting Adjustments

For skiers who struggle with alignment issues, canting adjustments can help align the boot’s cuff with your leg shape. This improves balance and reduces strain on your knees, especially for those with bow-legged or knock-kneed stances.

Why Invest in the Right Boots from the Start?

While it may be tempting to buy boots online or at a generic retail store, this often leads to frustration and disappointment. A reputable bootfitting store not only helps you find the right boot but also offers a level of expertise and service that you simply can’t get elsewhere. From personalised recommendations to precise modifications, our goal is to provide you with a boot that enhances your experience on the slopes.

So, whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-timer, investing in boots from a reputable bootfitting store like Boot Solutions is the best decision you can make. Your feet will thank you, and your time on the mountain will be that much more enjoyable. Don’t settle for “good enough”—get boots that are truly designed to work for you.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Fit?

Visit us at Boot Solutions, where our expert team is ready to guide you through the custom boot fitting process. We don’t require customers to make an appointment, however if you are looking to buy new boots, new liners, or have custom footbeds, we do recommend making an appointment as it does allow us to be that much more ready for you. Click here to learn more about how our appointments work.

Boot Solutions Niseko Hirafu Unveils New Store with Expanded Capacity and Enhanced Services

Niseko, Japan – 12/12/2024

Boot Solutions Niseko Hirafu is excited to announce the opening of its newly relocated and expanded store in the heart of Niseko’s vibrant Hirafu Village. Just 100 meters up the road from our original location, the new store is now located in the sleek Suiboku Building, offering more space, state-of-the-art facilities, and an improved customer experience to help you get ready for the upcoming ski season.

With double the capacity for boot fittings, the new location is designed to meet the growing demand for our expert boot fitting services. Our cutting-edge workshop is equipped with the latest technology to ensure the highest quality craftsmanship for all your ski and snowboard needs. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced skier, we are committed to providing personalized fittings that ensure a perfect fit and optimum performance on the slopes.

New Products & Enhanced Experience

At the new store, Boot Solutions Niseko is expanding its retail offerings, now featuring a selection of hardgoods and Peak Performance outerwear alongside our renowned boot fitting services. Our hardgoods range include skis from Nordica and Atomic, with the range covering a range of conditions and abilities.  

We’ve also revamped our waitlist system, implementing a digital system to streamline the process and minimize wait times, ensuring a smoother and more efficient experience for our customers.

In addition, we are delighted to introduce a coffee shop within the store, open every day from 7:00 AM, where visitors can relax, refuel, and get ready for their day on the slopes. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea while browsing our products or waiting for your boot fitting.

Rental and Ski School Service Now Available on Site

We're also thrilled to be sharing the space with Niseko Wow, an industry leader in premium ski and snowboard rental services, tuning, and ski school offerings. Together, we're offering a complete one-stop-shop for everything you need to enjoy your time in Niseko, from expert advice to top-quality gear and services.

Ready for a Busy Season

Our team at Boot Solutions Niseko Hirafu is ready for what is expected to be a busy and exciting ski season. Whether you're new to the area or a returning guest, we’re committed to providing top-tier customer service and helping you enjoy your Niseko adventure to the fullest.

Visit us today at our new location in the Suiboku Building, just a short walk up the main street from our original location, and experience everything our expanded store has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you to our new space!

For more information, you can call us on +81 0136555695.

To make a booking (not essential but reccomended), please click here.

About Boot Solutions Niseko Hirafu:
Boot Solutions Niseko Hirafu is a premier ski boot fitting service provider in Japan, offering personalised, expert boot fittings, retail sales of ski and snowboard equipment, and a variety of other services for winter sports enthusiasts. With an emphasis on comfort, performance, and customer satisfaction, Boot Solutions has been helping skiers and snowboarders enjoy the slopes since its inception.

Heated Socks – Are they worth the money?

Although I am not one to particularly feel the cold, I have often experienced cold feet in my ski boots on the best days of winter. For the 2023/2024 season I took the plunge and went for a pair of heated socks, and in this blog I will discuss my experience and provide a brief review of the Lenz 5.1 heated sock, Lenz RC1200 battery, and the Lenz Heat App.    

Initial setup and installation

The sock I chose was the Lenz 5.1 sock and Lenz RC1200 battery, which is a medium cushioned merino sock paired with a 1200 m/h battery. My first impression was that the sock felt like any other technical ski sock that I had ever worn which was a relief, as the heating elements within the sock did not diminish the comfort and the way that it felt in my ski boots.

The second thing I noticed was the ease of use first time round, as I simply had to charge the battery overnight, download the Lenz Heat App and pair it with my batteries, and then I was ready to go. On the first day of skiing all I had to do was attach the batteries to the top of the socks using the built in attachment buttons, turn the batteries on, and choose my heat level using the Lenz Heat App when I got to the snow. It really was a simple and intuitive process, and was more straightforward than I had expected.

On the snow

Almost as soon as I activated the heat level on the socks I felt a gentle warming sensation in my feet, and this continued throughout the morning even though a storm was rolling in and the temperature was dropping. When it wasn’t quite enough and my feet only felt moderately warm I increased the heat level from 5/10 to 8/10 on the app via my phone and felt the increased heat almost instantly, and skied the rest of the day in comfort. It was a great day skiing cold dry powder, and for the first time in a while I realised that I wasn’t thinking about my cold feet on each chairlift ride. The story went the same for rest of the season, I would start the day with my socks on a moderate temperature and adjust if necessary, and started to muse about how I had suffered so much before getting the heated socks. Now that they were on my feet they seemed like they should have always been there, and something that I would not go without again.  

The app

I downloaded the Lenz Heat App to my iphone from the app store, and was grateful to find that it was free and required no subscriptions to access the full features. It was easy to pair with the batteries after a quick read of the instructions, and after the initial set up I found everything would naturally pair up without having to manually reconnect. It is a simple and intuitive app that I mostly used to adjust the temperature levels and monitor battery levels, though it has more in-depth features available such as an interval timer that allows you to cycle between low and medium heat at specified time intervals, and a left/right adjustment feature that enables you to have different settings on each sock if you for some reason have the need for that. I found this app very helpful on the mountain as I could easily control the heat level of my socks without having to pull up the cuff of my pants and control the system via the battery, however that is still an option if your phone goes flat. Overall I am stoked with the app and how well it works.

The Batteries

I opted for the RC 1200 battery as opposed to the larger capacity RC 1800 battery, as I am a skier who rarely skis for longer that 6 hours in a day. The RC 1200 battery definitely was enough for me, however if you often ski for 6 hours or longer or if you think you might want to run your socks on maximum power each day due to having very very cold feet, it may be worth considering the RC1800 battery. The only real disadvantage of the bigger battery is the price, as they are interchangeable with all Lenz socks. In terms of charging I would do this after each use, using the USB charger that works on both 100V (Japan), 120V or 240V power supplies.

Caring for the socks

As per the care recommendations I would simply put them in the washing machine in the supplied washing bag, and then hang them out to dry. As they are made from merino I found that they would dry quickly in a moderately warm place, meaning they would be clean, dry and ready for use the following day.

Overall experience

Having heated socks may not be 100% necessary for everyone however they certainly make the great days better. I have spent a lot of money on ski gear and ski trips as it stands and hindsight I wish I had spent that bit extra on heated socks earlier. Cold feet are now one thing I don’t have to worry about, and for people who often suffer from cold feet I really recommend going for these. They are the envy of my friends, and if I had more money I would be buying a pair for each of them for Christmas.

The Lenz 5.1 toe cap sock and RC1200 battery pack retails for ¥49,700 total are available at our Niseko Hirafu and Niseko Village stores.

A Beginners Guide to Finding Comfort in Ski Boots

Wearing ski boots can be daunting for new skiers, though at Boot Solutions we’re here to help and have been solving boot problems for over 15 years. Here are our tips for making your ski experience that much more comfortable, and ultimately more worthwhile.

Choose your boots based on fit, and not on colour or reviews

Boots are more rigid than shoes and the fit is a lot more important due to the pressure being transmitted through your skis and snowboard. For these reasons it is crucial that you wear a boot that is the right size and shape for your foot. If a pair of boots is too big you will slide around in it and hit the end, while your shin and ankle move around and sometimes receiving shin bang (ouch!) This is why it is important to choose a pair of boots under the guidance of professional bootfitter, as opposed to choosing a pair based on your shoe size, reviews, and advertising. What is comfortable for one person may be hell for another, so be sure to see a professional and prioritise fit over all other factors.

Have a pair of Custom Footbeds made

Custom Footbeds stabilise and provide a solid foundation for your foot from the ground up, so that your foot doesn’t collapse or change shape when weight is applied. Without Footbeds it is common for feet to roll inwards (pronation), which can lead to the inside ankle bone pressing up hard against the inside of the boot which can lead to discomfort and sometimes injury. Other people may experience cold feet due to the blood not being able to circulate with the soles of their feet being oddly weighted, and installing Custom Footbeds often helps with this. Lastly most skiers report an increased feeling of control after having custom footbeds installed, so this is a product that that will likely lead to improvements in your skiing.

Don’t put up with intense pain or excess movement in your boots

It is natural for your feet to experience minor discomfort when you haven’t worn ski boots for a while, however if it doesn’t go away come and see a bootfitter to see if there is an easy solution to the problem. There are many things that we can do to improve the way your boots fit, as all ski and snowboard boots can be customised. Common modifications include stretching the plastic shell to accommodate a wider forefoot or bunion, deepening the ankle pocket to accommodate more voluminous ankle bones, tailoring foam to eliminate excess space and increase heel hold, adjusting the buckle placement, or adding aftermarket power straps to reduce the movement in your leg. If your boot is too big or too small it will lead to reduced control and comfort, so come and see us if you think this may be the case.

Wear proper fitting ski socks

Wearing the right socks makes a much bigger difference than many beginner skiers expect, as it is the only thing between you and your ski boots. Counterintuitively thicker isn’t always better, and a thin to medium thickness merino sock will usually provide the greatest combination of warmth and comfort. In term of thickness we recommend keeping your socks consistent, as if you have a thin pair one day and a thick pair the next you will find that your boots fit tighter and then looser, which leads to reduced comfort and control.

It's also important to note that you should never wear two pairs of socks in your boots, as this will lead to circulation issues and ultimately cold feet.

Invest in heated socks if your feet are always cold

Some people suffer a lot more than others and if this sounds like you, you should consider investing in heated socks. Most heated socks nowadays are easy to wash and include an accompanying iphone/android app that allows you to easily moderate your temperature. Our Lenz 5.1 Heated Sock and RC 1200 battery pack kit is priced at ¥51,200 and in our opinion is worth every yen.

Do not tuck your thermals/leggings into your boots

The bottom hem of your thermals absolutely cannot go on the inside of your boot, as it will result in an uncomfortable mark forming on the front of your shin where pressure is applied to the tongue of your ski boot. When purchasing thermals, ensure that they can be easily pulled up above your boot line, or choose a three-quarter or legless option.

Purchase a travel friendly boot dryer

Moisture will build up in your ski boots throughout the day and unless you dry them each day, it will eventually lead to smelly boots, cold wet feet, or both. By purchasing a boot dryer like the USB powered Therm-ic for ¥7990 you will easily be able to dry your boots out at the end of each day regardless of what drying facilities your accommodation provides, without the hassle of having to remove your liners.

Avoid leaving your boots in the car overnight

If you start the day with cold boots, the chances are that they will not only be extremely difficult to put on, but they will stay cold all day. Always bring them inside when travelling so that you can start the day with warm, dry boots.

Learn how to put your ski boots on properly

There are a few tricks that can lead to your ski boots going on much easier, so watch the video below from Blister for more information.

Conclusion

Taking the right steps to find comfort in ski boots is not always intuitive for a new skier, however if you start the journey with the right fit, install custom footbeds and modifications, choose the right socks, use the correct technique to take your boots on and off, and start each day with warm, dry boots it will make your ski experience that much more rewarding.

For ski boot advice, products and service come and visit the professionals at any of our three Boot Solutions locations. We accept both walk-ins and appointments, to make an appointment click here.

2024 Japan Season Outlook

Introduction

After a few rollercoaster seasons, the team is returning in full force and preparing to serve you up with the best boots and service for the 2023/2024 winter. This blog provides a brief overview of how things are shaping up and what to expect this season.

The forbidden winters of COVID

There is not a lot that needs to be said except that we survived, and are very grateful to those who helped keep our doors open over the past two seasons. Business was tough but the skiing definitely was not, and solid levels of snowfall both seasons reminded the world that Japan is still the undeniable powder destination of the world.  

Stock and inventory situation

To make up for the fact that many people could not get new boots over the past two seasons, we have gone a bit crazy with our orders this year! Our range is wider and deeper than ever, and our brands instore will include Atomic, Burton, Dalbello, Darn Tough, K2, Kamik, Lange, Nitro, Nordica, Technica, ZipFit. For a sneak peak of what we will have in stock this winter, keep an eye on our digital channels.

The staff

It is no secret that we are regarded as one of Japan’s best custom boot fitting shops, and our staff are a key part of what sets us apart. For the 2023/2024 season we are stoked to welcome back many returning staff, along with new faces from within Japan and around the world. See you all soon!

Hakuba locations

We are still operating in Hakuba, however the store has moved to a new location. This specialist store has a licenced bar inside so if our boots are not enough to earn your visit, we hope our beer, wine and whisky will be.

Note: we are no longer operating within the Rhythm store in Hakuba, so although there is a similar looking boot shop set up in our old location, it is not us.  

Niseko Locations

In the Niseko region we have the same Hirafu store as years previous, located in the bottom floor of the  Nozami Views building, right next to the Rhythm main store. This is our one and only Hirafu location.

Over at Niseko Village we are located within the Village Sports store, right next to the ski lift. Village Sports is a premier ski shop that offers the best of everything that you might need on the mountain, while Boot Solutions provides everything within the store related to boots. This store has received rave reviews since its inception five years ago thanks to its extensive range, top notch service and the reality that it does not get as chaotic as the stores in Niseko Hirafu. Oh, and did we mention they have parking, and are currently running a 30% off rental special?! Click here to learn more about Village Sports.

Opening dates

Our stores are all currently closed for the season of Autumn. Our stores open for winter in line with the resorts which they are located around, for example our Hirafu store will open when Grand Hirafu opens, the Niseko Village store will open when Niseko Village opens, and the Hakuba store will open when the lifts start turning at Happo One. Please check back closer to the time for confirmed opening dates.  

Boot fitting appointments

Although not at all essential, we recommend you make an appointment if you know you’ll need to see us when you arrive in town. It is free to make an appointment, click here to get started.

Social media

If you like deep powder snow, geeking out on products and seeing what we get up to behind the scenes in the boot lab, make sure you are following us on Facebook and Instagram. Once the Japan powder tap turns on we will be giving you a glimpse from within the snowglobe, so make sure you are following us, get involved, and tag us or dm us your content to be featured.

Events

We’ve got a few events in the pipeline for the upcoming season, these will be announced on our Facebook as they are finalised.