Every skier will have a favorite pair of boots that they hold close to their heart. Ski boots are hefty, and need to be kept well so that they stay sturdy when you wear them for the ski season. Fortunately, owing to the developments in boot technology and the wide range of new-age models, you can come across a high-performance boot that is comfortable to wear and fits you well.
Skiers must realize that boots and liners are ultimately chunks of fabric, rubber, plastic, and foam that don’t last a lifetime. Some skiers tend to neglect their boots right after skiing, which ultimately forces them to replace them before their time. To avert this situation, it is necessary to care for the ski boots correctly every time after skiing. Also, during the off-season, it is necessary to store them correctly so that you can use them for a long time.
In this article, we will discuss some of the maintenance tips for ski boots that will ensure that they last longer. It will enable you to use them more and not spend unnecessarily on another pair before you need to.
Effective Ski Boot Maintenance Steps
Snow is wet, and human feet sweat. Therefore, it is necessary to take time after a ski day to take care of the boots. Don’t get discouraged by a putrid smell that your boots might give off. It’s natural because they have liners that don’t dry. That aside, there is mold on the moist boot liner.
You can avoid these when you follow the steps mentioned below:
Take Out the Sole and Liner
The boot liner is going to be damp inside, irrespective of whether you are idly skiing or going knee-deep. You must remove the liner from the boot simply by pressing down its back part, which touches the calf. Often, skiers get a little scared to pull the liners out. There’s nothing to fret about, as it will not affect the way the boot functions.
After removing the liner, you should dig down at the bottom and also pull the insole from the shoe. The objective here is for every part of the boot liner to get dried. When the insole stays inserted in moisture, it won’t dry correctly. As a result, the mold will increase and cause the boot to deteriorate.
Get a Winter Gear Dryer
Every skier should invest in a high-end winter gear dryer because it benefits their health and offers them comfort. Ski boots can take as much as hours and days to dry by themselves. And when you wear wet boots, it will feel uncomfortable, and you might just get a cold. Other than mold, wet ski boots can become a habitat for bacteria and mildew.
Skiers can opt for 230V Alpine Dryers for high-power drying needs, as they can dry six pairs of ski boots all at once. The biggest benefit here is that you will always have access to dried boots whenever you wish to ski. You can place this dryer in your garage, gear room, locker room, or mudroom.
Alpine Dryers states that whether it’s for personal or professional use, skiers will require an advanced and high-end winter gear dryer that can also hold skates, helmets, and various other athletic gear. The best players in this segment provide an optional base that sets up a freestanding dryer.
Store Your Ski Boots Properly
The way you store your boots also determines their longevity. The best storage place for ski boots is any place that is cool and dry. It’s best not to keep them in a place in your house that has major temperature fluctuations.
Make sure that the boots are at a distance from radiators, as direct heat might lead to irreversible damage to the custom insoles and plastic shells. That aside, the harsh UV rays can also prove to be detrimental to the boots over time. It degrades and fades the plastic when the boots are kept under direct sunlight for a long time.
You should not store the boots in sheds because it doesn’t record a stable temperature all year. By doing this, you might just expose the boots to nesting rodents around. The ideal way to keep your boots is by storing them in the ski boot bag. It will prevent dust particles from gathering inside and make the boots look less weathered.
Finally, every skier attaches an emotional value to their boots, because of which they want them to last as long as possible. But like everything else, ski boots need proper maintenance so that they function better and stay sturdy for the longest time. The useful guidelines mentioned above will help skiers maintain and keep their boots in the best way possible.