The first step is to make a custom footbed to support your foot in a soft neutral position which promotes a vertical heel chord yet allows the foot to articulate inside the boot to effectively pressure the inside edge and affect finite balancing movements. The foot is the first link in the kinetic chain and needs to be able to articulate to function properly. The footbed will also help to correct any excessive pronation or foot anomolies that may need attention. Footbeds are the fulcrum between fitting and alignment as they affect both comfort and performance. A well made footbed is the best starting point for both a good fit and proper alignment.

It is important to consider all of the parameters to match your individual needs and insure they work in concert to optimize the skills of balance, edge management, rotary management, and pressure management. This is what boot balancing or alignment is all about. Getting it right will make your skiing experience more comfortable and successful. Click on the links to the left to find out more about alignment parameters.

•Optimum fore/aft alignment ••Inappropriate alignment