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How to Heat Mold Ski Boots at Home

How to Heat Mold Ski Boots at Home
Many advanced skiers used to go to custom boot fitters to get liner boots for their ski boots; these were custom fitted to their feet so they got the best performance. Modern ski boots come with liner boots that can be custom molded to your feet quickly by using heat. Many ski shops will do this for free if you buy the boots from them, but will charge you otherwise. However, it is fairly easy to do in the home.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Foam toe spacers Heavy wool sock Thin ski sock Aluminum foil for oven racks
  • Foam toe spacers
  • Heavy wool sock
  • Thin ski sock
  • Aluminum foil for oven racks
Step 1
Cut the foam into four small wedges that you can place between your big toe and second toe and between your two smallest toes.
Step 2
Cut the heavy wool sock around the toe box of the sock and pull it over your toes. This will be the toe cap. Pull the thin ski sock on over the toe cap.
Step 3
Line the oven racks with aluminum foil so your liners won't get burned. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees, then turn the oven down to warm.
Step 4
Heat the liner boots inside the oven for approximately four to six minutes. Check them to make sure they don't burn inside the oven. Test the boots by pulling them out of the oven and checking to see if they are soft and flexible; if not, let them warm a little more.
Step 5
Slide the liner into the boot shell. Put the boot on and fasten the buckles on your ski boots at half their normal tightness; this will ensure that you get best fit. Leave your feet in the liners for 10 to 20 minutes.

Tips & Warnings

 
While the liners of ski boots do come with a footbed, it is best to remove that footbed and get a custom footbed or a performance footbed and place it inside the liner boot. This will give the liner added rigidity and a much higher level of performance.

Article Written By Candace Horgan

Candace Horgan has worked as a freelance journalist for more than 12 years. Her work has appeared in various print and online publications, including the "Denver Post" and "Mix." Horgan holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and history.

Write for Trails.com

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