If you skate a lot and fast, you notice every imperfection in the boot. For most skaters, pressure points can be dealt with by choosing the right size, heat moulding the shell and wearing thin neoprene protection. Some feet, however, do not fit into any off-the-shelf boot. For them there are Custom-Made Boots: speed skate boots made from an impression of your own foot. This guide explains who a made-to-measure boot is suitable for and how the path from footprint to finished boot works with us.
Who should consider a made-to-measure boot?
An off-the-shelf boot is built on a standard last. If your foot differs greatly from it, a compromise often remains despite all adjustments. Typical reasons for a Custom-Made Boot are:
- very narrow or very wide feet
- a particularly narrow heel that slips in an off-the-shelf boot
- feet of clearly different length or width
- misalignments or pronounced ankle bones that repeatedly lead to pressure points
- pressure points that remain even after heat moulding
- ambitious goals such as long distances or races, where every detail counts
Check the simpler solutions first
Before you decide on a made-to-measure boot, it is worth looking at the alternatives:
- Check the size: many problems are caused by a boot that is too big or too small.
- Heat moulding: many speed skate shells and liners are heat-mouldable. You can read how this works in the guide Heat moulding speed skate boots.
- Insole: according to the product description, the cork Sunbed Sports Insole is designed to stabilise the foot in the skate or boot and to distribute the pressure from the wheels and frame.
- Reduce friction: thin neoprene socks such as the Ankle Booties protect sensitive areas on the skin.
If none of this helps in the long term, a Custom-Made Boot is the logical next step.
Our offer: Bont Vaypor CUSTOM MADE
In our Custom-Made Boots category you will find the Bont Vaypor CUSTOM MADE. Bont is an Australian manufacturer of speed skate boots. According to the product description, the base price includes:
- the plaster cast of your feet
- material and processing
- a heat-mouldable carbon boot
- micro buckle and power straps
- a frame mounting with 195 mm mounting distance
- colour and design of your choice
- your name printed on the boot
- the shipping costs
Frames, wheels and bearings are not included. They can be ordered in addition, and the price increases accordingly.
From footprint to finished boot
- Make an appointment: get in touch by phone or email and arrange an appointment in our shop.
- Consultation: at the appointment we discuss your new Custom-Made Bont skate with you.
- Plaster cast: we then take a plaster cast of your feet.
- Manufacturing at Bont: we send the plaster casts and all the necessary details directly to Bont, where the boot is made.
- Collection or shipping: once the boot is finished, you collect it from the shop or we send it to you.
Manufacturing takes several weeks. You will find the current delivery time and the deposit terms on the product page. So plan your order well ahead of the season or an important race.
How to prepare for the appointment
The more we know about your feet and your training, the more specifically we can advise you. It helps if you bring the following with you or note it down in advance:
- your current skates, so that we can see wear and pressure points
- the socks and, if applicable, the neoprene protection you wear when skating
- a short description of where and after what distance problems occur
- your goals: training, tours, marathon or racing
- your wishes regarding colour, design and name print
Choosing a matching frame and wheels
The Bont Vaypor CUSTOM MADE has a frame mounting with 195 mm spacing. The frame must match this mounting distance. We explain what 195 mm, 165 mm and Trinity mean and what to look out for when combining them in the guide Frame mounting systems: 195 mm, 165 mm and Trinity. At the consultation we will also be happy to put together the right combination of frame, wheels and bearings for you.
A made-to-measure boot also needs breaking in
A made-to-measure boot fits the foot more closely from the outset than an off-the-shelf boot. Even so, it needs a few sessions until foot and boot have got used to each other. Skate shorter distances the first few times and then increase the distance. As the boot is heat-mouldable, individual spots can be adjusted afterwards if necessary.
Appointment and advice
Would you like to know whether a Custom-Made Boot makes sense for you? Call us on +49 (0) 77 20 / 34 70 6 or write to us using the contact form. You can find out how to get to our shop in Villingen-Schwenningen under Directions and opening hours.
