Questions about boots....

[Josh]

I hope this isn't taken the wrong way. I just wanted to offer any advice on bootfitting if I could.
I have been a bootfitter for 10 years. I currently run my own skiboot shop in Verbier, Switzerland.
Peace

[midwif]

This is probably the wrong site to post on. Only those trained in the Harb system of boot fitting are recommended.

[Josh]

Ok, I was just trying to help.
I will never offer any advice concerning skiboots again.

There is a Zen story about a man riding a horse that is galloping very quickly. Another man, standing alongside the road, yells at him, "Where are you going?" and the man on the horse yells back, "I don't know ask the horse."

[Hobbit]

Hi Josh,

The post #2 is a little bit categorical. I think that the friendly discussions are always welcome here. Without knowing your background and the alignment philosophy I would not make a statement like that.

The boot fitter field at least in the U.S is full of unqualified people (this is of course my opinion). On the other hand, I have seen the PMTS boot fitters mentioning that some other boot fitter companies are following the alignment methodology which is pretty close to what PMTS specialists are doing. I believe that one thing that makes the PMTS different is that the alignment and boot fitting is an integral part of this system.

[Josh]

I totally agree. I love helping poeple with alignment and getiing positive feedback!

The thing is I am new to this type of forum and I just wanted people to know I was out there. That's all.

I will not go into my qualifications as a bootfitter. It's boring and self serving.

Thanks for the kind response...

[Harald]

Josh, I hope you are not getting the wrong impression. We are very open to having people contribute to questions on many topics. I have personally trained boot fitters ranging from PhD?s in biomechanics to podiatrists, and many ski shops around the country. OF course, if someone gives wrong or damaging advice they are called on it.

Also, our system which I organized and structured is not a closed system based on my opinions, as some would like to have you believe. My system is completely valid, science based and has been presented to an International field of sports scientists and evaluated.

I have presented numerous times to this International body, this body is compiled of the best sports scientists in the world, from the most prominent sports universities in the world. If you know your field you will recognize Dr Erich Mueller from the University of Innsbruck and Dr Herrmann Schwameder , from University of Salzburg. I consult with them and know them personally.

Of course if something wrong is presented on this forum, you will hear about it. I think that?s only fair to the readers.

[midwif]

Josh
I apologize. What I wrote came across as harsh and that was not my intent.

[Ken]

have presented numerous times to this International body, this body is compiled of the best sports scientists in the world, from the most prominent sports universities in the world.

I've read the reports from the first and third International Congress on Skiing and Science, Skiing and Science and Skiing and Science III. I've seen the names H. Harb and R.A. Hintermeister (Harald's cohort on biomechanics and some-time ski camp coach). I can only understand about a quarter of what they're saying, but it is top tier and the leading edge science of skiing.

Harald, would they accept a presentation on boot fitting and footbeds? That would be very interesting to read.


Ken

[Harald]

I?m don?t think boot fitting is considered a science by the International Congress. Although many in the industry would like to think it is. Most people in the ski world think boot fitting is trial and error. No well documented excepted formulas are disseminated, everyone has their own approach.

If there is research conduced and associated with boot fitting, for example analysis of foot types, foot dimensions and relationships between foot types (we all know these already) and boot modification required for after market modifications, there might be some credibility for this topic, but in all situations you have to make a case for your thesis.

An abstract that can be scientifically supported needs to be submitted, before presenters are accepted. It would be hard to make a case for boot fitting as a topic for a presentation, unless you have something new, revolutionary that could be substantiated, and that could change conventional thinking from a scientific point of view, on the topic.

[NoCleverName]

Josh, it would be interesting to hear what the European boot-fitting experience is like and how it differs, if you know, from what typically happens over here. It would be interesting to know what expectations people have over there, the skill levels you deal with, and typical changes you make.