Depending on who you ask, handmade ski boots are a necessity or a frivolous luxury. Those in the “necessity” camp might include pro skiers, instructors, people with problem feet and dedicated recreational skiers happy to part with a chunk of cash for comfortable feet. Over in the “frivolous” camp, 6-day-a-year skiers sporting their trusty 1970s Obermeyer one-piece will point out that you can buy decent boots for a fraction of the price, or simply rent a pair – with skis – for £20 a day.
Chances are, you’re somewhere in the middle of our spectrum, leaning towards the frivolous luxury end. Sure, you love skiing, and try to get out for 2 weeks each year, but why should you invest in a pair of handmade ski boots?
Well …
Firstly, bespoke ski boots not only guarantee comfort but also improve your skiing: canting and wedging in personalised boots and liners increases contact between your foot and boot to align your stance, improve balance and maximise energy transmission.
Secondly, these things are crafted by masters of their trade, which is something we should respect immensely. Based in Yorkshire, Steven Hankin has 25 years’ experience working with Strolz boots – customised orthopaedic beauties from Lech, Austria. Hankin is the UK’s sole Strolz fitter, and because he has an extensive range of shells and leather liners, he can analyse and measure your feet, create bespoke foam liners and customise boots for you during a day trip to West Yorkshire.
In London, sports footwear and orthotics specialist Profeet is the exclusive UK stockist of what simply has to be this winter’s most lustworthy ski boots. Developed by Hans-Martin Heierling, whose Davos-based family has developed and fitted ski boots since 1885, the limited-edition Heierling H1 Comfort boots are also the season’s most expensive “prêt-à-porter” option.
First, a potted history: over the past 129 years, the Heierling family has evolved ski boots from hand-stitched leather boots into the first buckled racing boots (1950s) and pioneered synthetic boots with foam liners (1970s) before selling to Salomon in 1994. Happily, the Heierlings retained their eponymous Fitting Centre in Davos, first opened in 1983, where the current generation continues the tradition of crafting small numbers of custom-fitted boots for professional and discerning recreational skiers.
Given this rich history, we love the retro look of the first Heierling branded boot to be launched since the ’90s. In a nod to the family’s original leather booties, the H1 range boasts hand-stitched brown leather inner boots, power straps and buckle attachments. The shells are fashioned from a patented, temperature-stable plastic, brushed for a smart matt finish, which provides consistent flex. There’s more magic inside: a shock-absorbing boot board, handmade from local wood, delivers unprecedented vibration control, edge response precision and comfort. Further comfort comes in a special shock-dampening sole and fur-lined toe box for men (the women’s boots are entirely fur-lined).
If you’re still worried by the price tag, bear in mind that the materials for the Heierling H1 boots are sourced locally and can be replaced, meaning these boots will last for years. The price includes a heated leather boot bag, ski socks and foot cream (the real game-changer) as well as a Profeet specialist fitting, custom insoles and lifetime comfort guarantee. And don’t forget the sheer smugness of being one of only 220 people in the world to own a pair …
Words: Gaby Le Breton
