BREAKING IN
All footwear requires some amount of breaking in before reaching optimum comfort, therefore we would expect your new footwear to feel firm, snug, perhaps a little stiff, but not uncomfortable. Remember to wear your footwear with the style of sock that you were recommended at the time of purchase as this can dramatically affect the fit.
WEARING FOOTWEAR INDOORS
Wear your new footwear indoors for a few hours, this should show up any problem areas.
Footwear if not worn outside can usually be exchanged at this point depending on the retailer, although generally all that is required is a slight modification.
Remember your feet are unique and footwear comes out of boxes.
FOOTBEDS
Although not seen due to its positioning inside footwear, footbeds are responsible for many things; comfort, stability and performance being the three most noticeable. Holding the foot firmly in a neutral position, footbeds reduce any motion which may have previously affected fit or caused problems. Selection of the correct footbed for your needs is paramount.
Once you have the perfect footbeds they will increase the comfort and performance of your footwear, but before then, they will also require some breaking in time. During the first few hours on a new footbed you may experience some corrective pressure at the base of the arch. This is quite normal, and shows that the footbed is working correctly.
Only when you are happy with the overall fit of your footwear should you use it for your chosen activity.
Having used your footwear, it may require minor modifications to tune the fit.
CARE OF FOOTWEAR
Ski Boots
- When not in use, store your ski boots with the clips fastened – this will help keep them in good shape.
- Dry boots in a warm room away from direct heat – if they get very wet remove the liner and foot bed and dry all parts separately.
- Do not store the liner outside the shell for long periods of time.
- The plastic shell of the boot can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water – however the liner should not be washed.
Walking Boots
- All outdoor footwear should be properly cleaned on a regular basis with the appropriate conditioner / proofing agent applied.
- The cleaning and proofing procedure should be carried out on all types of footwear whether leather, suede, or cordura regardless of them having a waterproof membrane or not – this will prolong the life and performance of your footwear.
- Dry your boots in a warm room – away from direct heat.
- Remove any footbeds on a regular basis – this will prevent the growth of mould.
Brands
Always choose a quality brand, e.g. Salomon, Berghaus, Lowe alpine, Schoffel, Helly Hansen, Protest, Sprayway, Scarpa, Zamberlan, Icebreaker, DTS Tracker, Sidas, Trespass, Rossignol, Atomic, K2, Volkl, Tecnica, Lange, Head, or Nordica.
Materials and terms
GORE-TEX
The most durably waterproof, very breathable outerwear in the world is made from GORE-TEX® fabric; it is also totally windproof. It is made by laminating a waterproof membrane (a composite of expanded polyetrafluoroethylene – ePTFE – and an oil hating substance) to a variety of fabrics suited to outdoor conditions and is unique to W.L Gore & Associates.
ORTHOTIC
A custom formed support which fits into footwear under the foot.
PRIMALOFT
Soft, durable, polyester microfibre high loft insulation with high thermal efficiency and breathability. Keeps you drier and warmer than down.
SEALED SEAMS
To make any garment waterproof the seams need to be sealed using a waterproof tape on the inside. Some garments only have the critical seams sealed to keep weight and cost down, this usually refers to the shoulders of jackets and the seat of pants.
SHELL LAYER
Refers to an outer garment that is worn over clothing layers to provide protection from wind and rain.
SOFT SHELL
Replacing the traditional 2 layer system, a soft shell garment is extremely waterproof, providing excellent protection from wind, cold, snow and light rain, especially suitable for active sports.