People need to think more holistically about this...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
El Chupacabra
Custom foot beds: weighted vs. unweighted molding --
Pros vs cons of each?
The foot is a dynamic device. It's dependent upon the bio-structures it supports, and vice-versa.
While every foot is different and there are different variations of pronated/supinated/hypermobile/rigid/etc feet out there, the unweighted platform is, by far, the best for this one, simple reason; when an unweighted platform is molded to a neutral foot, all the bones of the foot are aligned and seated properly, nerves, tendons and ligaments are allowed to sit naturally without being stretched, veins and arteries are also unstressed, and the foot aligns naturally to the leg.
I've read the debate as it's written here and I've heard it all before. However, after having made hundreds of full Kork Superfeet, I can tell you that I've had less than 5 returned as un-ski-able.
That said, the firm post can be a bit hard on people who are off the ground as much as they are on it (pipe, big air, etc), especially if they have a rigid, supinated foot. I find that stretching prior to and while skiing makes a big difference. When the calves are tight, the feet cramp. When the hamstrings are tight, the calves are tight. Also, when the body is dehydrated, things are worse. So, if you were banging down high quantities of vodka and red-bull the night before, don't look to me when your feet are cramping in your boot. Also, drink lots of water while you are skiing. Your feet and your body will be much happier... not to mention the fact that your recovery time will be shorter.
For those of you hucking big rocks or landing hard quite often, I used to make the foam DFP footbed as you could mold it while the person was seated. I think the newer version of their custom model is still probably a good choice.
In the end, we need to fill the void between the foot and the sole of the boot for the best control over our skis, yet allow the foot some natural articulation while reducing human error and maintaining the fit of the boot. The Superfeet molding process was the absolute best for reducing human error. Additionally, I like the theory behind the Superfeet aligning the heel to allow the arch some natural flex. It also provided he most secure fit and completely eliminated toe bang for a properly sized boot; I have a bit of a hyper-mobile, pronated foot that sits at a 29.5 to 30 on a mondo-point sizer. I ski a 28.5 with no issues.
Last word- I have always found that a weighted foot bed caused my toes to go to sleep at some point during the day. Trying to correct a foot that's in a splayed position is just about impossible, and I find that there's really no single theory to make weighted insoles work better. Everyone has their own interpretation and most over-post the insole to try and stabilize the foot. It's hard to make a footbed that was molded to a splayed foot work correctly (all weighted feet have some splay going on) - even with tons of posting.
Those that don't post and claim that the foot needs to articulate in a ski boot are copping out and don't have the patience to really get the fit of a posted insole right. Foot movement reduced control over the skis and increases the risk of other injuries.
Which, in the end, is a sad statement for the direction of our industry. The knowledge and experience required to do the job right is quickly fading into oblivion and the will to provide good service has disappeared from everywhere but the few, best shops that are left.
So that's it, if you can find a full Kork bed somewhere, get it before they're gone.