Expert ski boot fitting at The Boot Lab, Méribel

Below you’ll find answers to our most frequently asked questions, from how long a ski fitting takes, to whether we can help with numb toes or ski touring boot options. Our expert team is here to make sure you’re comfortable, supported, and ready to enjoy the mountain.

The Boot Lab is in the a parade of shops called the Galérie des Cimes, in the centre of Méribel. We are next to the Igloo restaurant, on the ground floor below the Spar supermarket. Please take a look at the map on our Contact page to find us.

There is no allocated time for a boot fitting because the goal is to get you fitted correctly, not in a specific time. Some fits take longer than others, but rest assured that we will be as efficient as we can. For a new pair of boots, as a rough guide we’d say 1.5-2hrs for the assessment, the foot bed moulding and the final adjustment. If we are busy then usually we will do the final stages in the evening so that you can pick the boots up on your way to the slopes the next morning.

Yes. It is good for us to see what sock you have already been skiing in, and gives us a good insight into the type of fit you’re used to. For a good fit, and for warmth and breathability, we do always recommend a very thin, tight fitting merino sock.

Ski boots are pretty tough but there are a few things that will help to extend their life.

Custom footbeds and some liners are moulded using heat, so if they are placed on a traditional boot dryer, in a hot attic, or near a radiator to dry, they will lose their shape and you will lose your support.

Before you put them into storage for the summer, pull the liners and insoles out for a few days to make sure everything is aired and dry (nobody wants to unpack mouldy boots before the winter!)

To store your ski boots, put the liners and footbeds back in, and fasten the buckles. (Take care to put the left liner and footbed in the left boot and vice versa!) Store them somewhere cool and dry: not too hot, too cold, or damp. Storing ski boots at the bottom of your wardrobe or under your bed is perfect.

We’ve got you covered. If anything feels off once you’ve skied in your new boots, just pop back into the shop while you’re still in resort. We offer free adjustments as part of our comfort guarantee. Whether it’s a shell stretch, liner tweak, or something smaller, we’ll make sure your boots feel just right.

Yes. Socks come in all shapes and sizes. The difference between a boot fitting great or not is often a millimetre or two! If you use thick socks they can bunch up and move on your foot, completely changing the feel of the fit. Tight, thin socks like the Smartwool zero cushion are what we recommend and use for fitting.

Absolutely. At The Boot Lab, we’re big believers in making the most of your current ski boots, it’s better for your budget and the environment. We can stretch the shell, replace liners or buckles, and create custom insoles to provide better support. Sometimes a better sock is all you need. If a new boot is a better long-term option, we’ll explain why and help you decide.

We don’t keep a stock of children's boots but we are more than happy to take a look and see if we can help, either by adjusting their current boots or making a set of custom footbeds to help align their feet.

That could be one of hundreds of different reasons! Come and have a chat with us. It can be a very simple fix and we promise we won’t just try to sell you a new boot.

There are a few common reasons for this. It is often to do with the positioning of the foot in the boot or excessive tightness in one of a few key areas. We can help by repositioning your foot with a custom footbed or stretching the outer shell of the boot. It is a common preconception that boots must be very tight but in fact in a good pair of boots, you should be able to clip them up with one finger, you shouldn’t have to force them. If you are, then you may well be overtightening them and causing numbness.

Yes. Ankle pain is often a sign of poor alignment inside the boot. A properly moulded footbed can improve support and relieve pressure. Come see us and we’ll assess your stance and ski boots to help solve the problem.

We can’t adjust a rental boot but we can make you some custom footbeds to help with alignment and hold your foot in the right position. A lot of problems with rental ski boots are down to being in a boot that’s too big, so we’ll check the size as well.

We are a small team and are generally very busy, but we want to help as many people as we can. Booking an appointment helps us to make sure we have the time to give you our full attention and find the right solution for you.

If we have space, we will do our best to fit you if you don’t have an appointment, but please do be prepared to need to make an appointment at another time if we are too busy.

We will do our best to get you back out on the hill the same day. If we are very busy or you require lots of adjustments to get the correct fit, we may have to get them ready for you for the next morning.

We’ll take you through our full fitting process, beginning with a foot and stance assessment. We’ll talk about your skiing style and goals, then match you with a boot that works for you.

This is usually because your ski boot is too large, or is not the right shape to fit your leg and calf. There are gels or pads that claim to prevent shin pain but in our experience, these solutions don't work very well. To stop your shin pain, come and chat with one of our team who will be happy to give advice.

We carry a large selection of boots that will work with a ski touring set-up. Depending on your ski touring goals we’ll help you pick the boot. Ski touring kit comes in many forms, ranging from a heavier but more ski focused freeride style to super lightweight uphill racing. We love ski touring ourselves and will be more than happy to have a chat and help point you in the right direction.

Yes, but not as much as you might think. With modern touring-compatible boots and bindings, you can combine resort skiing and ski touring in one setup. Whether you’re chasing powder or doing early-morning laps, we can help you get started.

Standard insoles that come with a boot are made from very thin foam and offer no support or alignment adjustment. Some off-the-shelf insoles are sold as ‘custom’ and these offer a bit more arch support but are not made to fit YOUR foot. Our custom insoles are moulded to your own unique foot shape, in an aligned ski position, to support your foot in the boot and therefore help you ski better.

Yes. Our team of expert ski boot fitters in Méribel has over 20 years of experience and is BSBA certified.

Expect your new boots to take two or three days for the liners to mould to the shape of your foot and ankle. You might feel mild discomfort during this time, but after those few days they should feel great. If they don’t, come back and see us for an adjustment.

• Store boots in a cool, dry place (avoid heat or attics)

• Pull liners out after your trip to dry them fully

• Never leave custom footbeds near heat sources

• Avoid hotel/chalet boot dryers, they can damage moulded components

No. We always suggest to stay away from these boot dryers as they can get too hot and take the shape out of your footbeds as well as allowing any stretch work to return to its original form.

If your boots are wet, pull the liners out to allow the air to circulate. A warm room is fine but be careful of hot underfloor heating and radiators.

To maintain the battery life and ensure that your boot heaters will warm your toes every winter, set yourself a mid-summer reminder to put them on charge. Ski boot heater batteries need to be recharged every six months.

We use custom Sidas footbeds, developed specifically for our style of ski boot fitting. They offer targeted support, better balance, and enhanced comfort.

It is normal for new ski boots to feel a little tight for the first two to three days as the liner shapes to your foot (especially if your previous boots were too large, getting old, or were rented). If discomfort continues, bring them back and we will make adjustments to help you feel comfortable - this is a free service included in our comfort guarantee on new boots.

Absolutely. We’d love to help get everyone out on the mountain. Drop us an email or give us a call and let us see how we can help.

We have a large range of all mountain skis available for testing, whether it be one day or a few weeks. From piste oriented all-mountain skis to powder skis, we stock the skis we like to ski. Fill out our booking form or send us an email enquiry and we can advise you on a few skis we think you should try.

Yes. Whether you’re a seasoned skier looking for something specific or simply curious to see how different models feel underfoot. We think the best way to choose a new ski is to try it on the hill.

Book a ski test

We have some methods we can show you and even a tool to help if needs be!

Yes. We will always do our best to find a solution using your current boots - it’s better for your wallet and for the planet. We can adjust your boots by stretching the exterior shell or replace your liners/buckles, and provide you with a custom made insole/footbed to give you support in the right places. And sometimes it’s as simple as a new pair of socks! If a new boot makes more sense, eg. if the boots are much too large, we’ll explain everything and help you decide the best course of action.

Ski touring is a great way to see more of the mountains and get away from the crowds. Ski touring gear is a bit different to your normal alpine set up but with modern crossover boots and bindings you can have a great resort ski experience and still be able to head uphill, whether it’s to reach big powder lines or just an early morning skin with the dog for fitness.

Start by opening the boot completely: undo all the buckles and power strap, and pull the tongue forward to create space. Wear thin, ski-specific socks that reach just below the knee. Slide your toes in first, then push your heel down while holding the tongue forward - tapping your heel gently on the ground can help it settle into place. Once your foot is in, fasten the buckles from the top down and secure the power strap. The fit should be snug with your heel held firmly, but you should still be able to wiggle your toes slightly.