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In the latest installment of our “Very Deep Dive on Bootfitting” series, I am joined by Master Bootfitter & Instructor — and Founder of Boot Mechanics, a Blister Recommended Shop — Jeremy Johnston. This one is all about you, the audience, as we make our way through a bunch of your questions. We discuss the process of stance alignment; what’s happening on both ends of the spectrum when it comes to low-volume and high-volume boot design; the process of downsizing; forward lean and ramp angle; and a bunch of other bootfitting mysteries and complexities.
RELATED LINKS:
1: Blister Rec Shop: Boot Mechanics
2: GetCarv.com, use code: BLISTER32
3: OpenSnow.com/buy, use code: blister50
4: Blister Summit 2025: Learn More
5: Get Yourself Covered: BLISTER+
TOPICS & TIMES:
Boot Mechanics Background (3:44)
Stance Alignment Process (8:38)
Adjusting Flex & Forward Lean / 1-Boot Quivers (17:54)
Are Boots Getting Roomier? (23:50)
Performance Boots (28:22)
Performance Boots for HV Feet (30:30)
How Long do Insoles Last? (39:16)
Downsizing / Cuff Height (42:34)
Forward Lean & Ramp Angle (47:55)
Junior Boots (56:46)
Bootfitting Complexities (1:01:56)
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS (click each to learn more):
Question for you two, apparently the guy who downsized his boot was in the maximum flex offering of the boot, so for the sake of argument, If the guy’s downsized boot would have been a 130 Flex Fischer RC4 Pro Boa DYN and he didn’t plan on using the Dynafit tech toe inserts, would you put him in the 140 Flex RC4 Pro Boa?
In other words if there was a 140 flex option of the 130 boot the guy downsized to would you move him to the 140 flex version of the boot?
Howdy Marc,
Great question, and great point. My simple answer would be yes. Let’s get a stiffer boot if possible and if it’s available. We’re just not always seeing 140 or anything greater than 130 as an option. But if it is available I would grab it!
Also, I was still wondering if he in fact did need a stiffer boot or truly a taller cuff that provided a different flex pattern that could only be achieved with a taller cuff, rather than a stiffer boot.
We could certainly learn more by seeing him/her in person.
I suppose I should expound on my previous and most simplified question regarding guy downsizing/flex feeling softer issue.
First, is the 25.5 Low Volume and the 26.5 Mid Volume the same model boot just a different size and Volume and were they tried on when in the shop at the same fitting? If so that should mostly lessen temperature affecting the flex. I say mostly because of my next line of questions which cut to the meat of his question as I heard it. Guy assumes smaller cuff built for smaller frame. She goes directly to cuff height which I’d think misses a few key factors that in my untrained mind are more important parts of the equation to get correct than simply leverage from cuff height. I would think the smaller Shell/smaller Last Volume will have a smaller HIP Heel Instep Perimeter. Better more even shin to tongue contact and Possibly better ankle alignment with the cuff hinge point. All of which I believe will or should contribute to a given Flex rating flexing softer in the sized down one finger shell fit size than the sized up two finger shell fit.
Additionally, as JJ pointed out given Cuff size is larger at the break between shell 25.5 and 26.5, and I’ll add compounded by a greater volume lasted boot, would it not stand to reason he’d have significantly more cuff overlap in the larger size boot? Cuff overlap, “Stiction”, which will result in the larger size boot of the same flex rating being stiffer flexing for the guy.
None of which were mentioned by either of our two boot fitters in the podcast and bringing me back to my prior simplified question, if the 130 flex boot was available in a 140 flex would you be putting the guy in the 140 flex boot? Or because Flex ratings are not uniformly rated from one manufacture to the next I’ll add finding a different brand 130 flex LV boot shell matching his foot anatomy? Would that not be a better starting place than selling the guy the boot (remember he said he was trying boots, never said he purchased anything), sending him out the door to try the boot followed by trying to stiffen the boot with tricked out race room booster straps and adding materials to the tongue when he comes back to the shop complaining that he skied it and it’s still too soft flexing?
I hope you two do not see this as a personal attack on your competency as boot fitters, it’s not meant to be. I’m not a boot fitter and as they say, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, just trying to understand aspects of boot fit as they apply to me and undoubtably others listening to the podcast
Great podcast.
A factor that makes me prefer boots with a lot of forward lean: my long femurs. The lean, combined with about a half cm of heel lift, allow me to ski with a more neutral stance–similar to using heel lifts for squats.
Kara clearly knows about bootfitting and the insight and context she offers when introducing the questions really helped direct the answers. I don’t think Jeremy needed it (he’s an excellent speaker and SME), but her hosting was certainly value added.
I agree! Great conversation between two Boot Bosses.