Have you ever tried on a pair of ski boots and noticed that the ankle section was a little tight? Or perhaps the fit isn’t right for your feet and you have to keep adjusting it? Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night because your feet are killing you even though you took off your ski boots in the morning?
If you answered yes to any of the above, then you’re in luck because we’ve got the perfect solution for you. Ski boot stretching is the process of elongating the ski boots’ liners so that they fit tighter and feel better against your skin. It’s a much needed procedure especially if you’re planning on spending more than a couple of days on the mountain. For some people, it can also be pretty painful so it’s worth seeking professional help if you’re not sure how to go about doing it yourself. However, for those who want to give it a try, here’s the step-by-step guide to doing it yourself.
Table of Contents
Get The Right Equipment
The first thing you need to do is get the right equipment. Aside from having a healthy pair of feet, you also need to have the proper tools to properly stretch your ski boots. There are several tools that can be of great assistance in this process, so make sure to invest in at least two pairs. One of the pairs should be a hand-held tool, and the other one should be a foot pedal-type tool. You can also use an electric drill to speed up the process if you’re feeling lazy. In addition to this, you need specialized tools for each type of lacing system that your boots employ. For example, if they have a traditional lace, you’ll need a normal lace-tying tool as well as a jigging device specifically made for that type of lacing system.
Choose The Right Location
Choose the right location for stretching your ski boots. You don’t want to do this anywhere near a wall or other objects that might affect the ceiling height. Instead, look for a space that’s big enough for you to stretch out comfortably. If possible, you also want to pick a room with some natural light so that you can see what you’re doing. This will make a massive difference because when you’re working in low light, it’s hard to tell if the boots are actually getting longer or shorter. If possible, get a pair of boots that fit you well before you start stretching them so that you can start off with a baseline measurement. This will also make it easier to ensure that you’re not accidentally damaging the boots during the procedure. You can use the same pair of boots for multiple stretches if need be.
Find The Right Position
Find a comfortable position for stretching your ski boots. To do this, sit or stand in front of a large mirror so that you can observe yourself while you work. This will ensure that you’re not accidentally injuring yourself while stretching the boots. Once you’re in the correct position, put one foot in the boot, and then put the other one in the corresponding shoe. Ensure that the heel of the shoe is facing upward, and that the toes are facing downward. In addition, set your knee to the side so that you can easily access your ankle.
Take Off The Toe And Heel Pads
Take off your toe pads and heel pads. These are the pieces of plastic or rubber that protect your feet from getting hurt on the ice. When removing these protective devices, make sure to pull off the residue as well. Otherwise, it’ll just collect dirt and gunk on the bottom of your boot and cause you some discomfort as you walk around. Once this residue is off, you can get back to work on your stretching. Take off your socks as well so that you’re working directly against your skin. This will make a massive difference when it comes to properly stretching your ski boots. In addition to this, ensure that your shoes are the right size for your feet. If they’re too small, it’ll hurt your feet as you walk around. If they’re too large, then it’ll be uncomfortable to wear them and they might even cause blisters. Take off your hand gloves too, if you’re wearing them. This will make it easier for you to stretch the boots effectively. If you’re wearing any jewelry on your feet, remove it so that you can focus solely on stretching the boots. This includes watches, bangles, and even ankle rings. These are all things that might get in the way of you achieving the perfect fit that you’re looking for. If you’re wearing glasses, remove them so that you can see what you’re doing. This will be important because when you can’t see what you’re doing, it’s easy to hurt yourself while trying to fit more centimeters into the boots. In addition to this, when you’re wearing glasses, it’s hard to judge how much longer the boots need to be stretched. Take off your other shoes and socks as well so that you can get back to working on your ski boots. Ensure that all personal items are far away from where you’re about to stretch the boots. This means getting rid of any clutter that might interfere with your work. You don’t want any accidents to happen because there’s a lot of temptation for someone to trip over these items and fall.
Take Off The Laces
Take off your laces. You can either do this manually or with the help of a pair of pliers. When removing the laces, make sure to pull off the residue as well. This will ensure that your footwear stays waterproof even after all these years of use. Once you’ve removed the laces, it’s time for you to start working on extending the boot liners. Start by pulling the heel of the boot to the rear as far as it will go. Then, take off the instep and place it on a flat surface. Finally, give the boot a good tug so that it’s no longer attached to your foot. This is the process of extending your boot liners and it has to be done with care because if you pull too hard, you might damage the boot. In case you’re wondering, the purpose of stretching your ski boots is so that they fit snugly against your skin when you put them on. This is the best way to keep your feet warm during those cold winter months on the slopes. So, if you have a pair of ski boots that are getting a little tight, give this process a try and see how much easier it is to fit your feet into your favorite ski gear. This guide should help you stretch out your ski boots so that you can enjoy your time on the mountain without any worries. Make sure to take your shoes off before starting so that you can properly get down to business. This will help ensure that your ankles, knee, and back are all in good shape while you work. You can also use this opportunity to work on extending the life of your current ski boots by replacing the inner boots and lining them. If you’re doing this process regularly, then after a while, you’ll notice that your boots are becoming more comfortable and shapely to wear. It’s all about finding the right size and fit for your feet so that your ski experience is as enjoyable as possible. If you have any other questions or want to share your experience with others, then just leave us a comment below! We’d love to hear from you.