Wearing orthotics in winter, just like in summer, is an excellent way to prevent pain and injuries that can result from regular participation in sports. Few sports activities do not involve the use of the feet, and gliding sports, for example, are no exception. Not to mention that the cold and the required equipment (alpine ski boots, cross-country ski shoes, ice skates, etc.) are factors that increase the strain. Fortunately, there are orthotics designed for winter sports that provide all-day comfort.
Enjoy the Cold Season with Orthotics Designed for Winter Sports
There’s nothing worse than not being able to fully enjoy a beautiful winter day outdoors because of equipment issues… and discomfort. Skiing down a slope, hiking a trail, skating, or simply walking through snow all involve using our feet in “collaboration” with technical equipment. If the gear is not suited for the winter sport, poorly adjusted, or uncomfortable, it negatively impacts the whole activity. Fortunately, orthotics can compensate for some of these shortcomings.
From figure skating to biathlon, snowboarding, ski jumping, or speed skating, each sport requires precise body movements. These movements are supported by increasingly advanced equipment, especially boots and shoes. An evolution that enhances performance but also increases the level of stress on the lower limbs and feet of athletes.
In skiing, for example, the design of the boot is influenced by factors such as aerodynamics, rigidity and flexibility, weight, and safety. Comfort is also considered, but it’s also up to the athlete to adapt. And this can sometimes be problematic: cramps, pain, excessive rubbing, frostbite on the feet, etc. That’s why every detail counts in ensuring a healthy and enjoyable experience: warm-up, gradual tightening, thermal socks, moisture-wicking, and, most importantly, the presence of a custom-made orthotics specific to the boot, ice skate, etc.
Orthotics or Orthopedic Boots? The Ideal Is…
Orthotics help make winter sport boots and shoes warmer, more comfortable, and better adjusted to the often atypical shapes of feet. They also have the potential to compensate for the lack of tolerance in rigid shells (ski boots, skates…) and provide maximum support and stability during long outdoor sports sessions.
One should avoid pre-made solutions. Preventing or reducing foot pain is not easy for athletes; a simple store-bought orthotics has no orthopedic value. Isn’t it better to opt for a custom-made boot instead?
In high-level competition, boots, skates, and shoes custom-made to fit the athlete’s morphology and requirements are superior in terms of performance. However, the cost of this personalized equipment is very high. “Regular” athletes, on the other hand, can get more comfort and get the most out of their gear with orthotics made by a foot professional. They can even insert these orthotics for winter sports into different equipment—provided the size and shape are the same—thereby preventing injuries with frequent use.
The Choice of Orthotics May Vary by Winter Sport
Of course, different sports require different types of equipment, especially when it comes to footwear. Snowshoeing, for example, will be more pleasant with warm and flexible boots, while alpine skiing and ice skating require rigidity and precision in boot or skate tightening.
As a general rule, winter sports impose severe strains on the feet, particularly on the joints. Intense practice can even cause irritations and pain. All the more reason to choose orthotics well-suited for this type of strain. One thing is certain: it will always be more enjoyable for an athlete to repeat the experience with custom-made orthotics, especially if they already have anatomical peculiarities (arched feet, bunions, plantar fascia sensitivity, etc.).
Sports Performance with Reduced Foot Injury Risk
Increased comfort and peace of mind during strenuous activity or the calm of a winter hike: this is what athletes of all levels want to experience. Only custom-made, precisely crafted orthotics can provide them with that kind of confidence.
By relying on a digital capture and 3D printing manufacturing process, Skeltec offers high-tech, high-performance orthotics as well.
Ask your foot professional for more information.