How to Heat Mold Ski Boot Liners

Most high-end and even mid-range ski boots today come with liners that can be custom molded to the wearer's foot. This customization is accomplished through a process called heat molding. The process is relatively easy and can be accomplished by following simple instructions at home using your oven. Plus, heat-moldable liners can be molded up to five times, so if the first attempt doesn't come out perfect, simply heat them back up and try again.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Foot bed from your boots
Liners from your boots
Toe cap
Thin ski sock
Boot shells

Step 1

Place the liners in the oven to heat. If you're using a home oven, heating temperature should be 275 degrees. Commercial ovens made for boot molding will heat to the appropriate temperature automatically.

Step 2

While the liners are heating, place the foot beds and toe caps on your feet, and slide the thin ski socks over to hold them in place. If your boots do not come with a toe cap, you can make one by cutting the toe off a very thick sock.

Step 3

After about 12 minutes, remove the liners from the oven and place them over your feet. Be sure the heel sits all the way back in the heel cup of the liner, and that the liner is wrapped snugly around your lower leg.

Step 4

Place feet, liners and all into the shells of your boots and buckle the boots. The tighter you buckle the shells, the looser the liners will feel when molded. Stand in a neutral position for 10 minutes.

Step 5

Remove the liners from the shells and check that the shape molded correctly without folds or wrinkles. If they are folded or wrinkled, reheat the liners and attempt the molding again.

Tips & Warnings

Moldable liners can be molded up to five times.

When properly heated, boot liners will appear puffy and have about the same consistency as silicone implants.

Article Written By Christopher Williams

Christopher Williams has spent over 11 years working in the information technology, health care and outdoor recreation fields. He has over seven years of technical and educational writing experience, and has brought strong skills and passion to the Demand Studios team in articles for eHow and Trails in 2009.

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