It was 2 days before Thanksgiving, and Aspen was getting absolutely nuked by an early winter snowstorm. I could almost smell the electric stoke in the air as the ski town buzzed with powder day energy.
My timing couldn’t have been better. I’d come to Aspen to test out the Surefoot custom liner fitting process. The brand claims its custom process helps “bridge the gap between comfort and performance,” which is a good PR line. It made me wonder: Could more comfortable, better-fitting liners actually make me a better skier?
It was an intriguing concept. I’ve skied all my life, and I’ve gotten away with 29 years of using factory liners. I never felt like they were holding me back. But maybe they were — maybe I had untapped skiing potential, and I just needed the right fit to unleash it. I also had my reservations. Claims like that are a dime a dozen in the outdoor gear world.
So I was excited, if skeptical, to see how Surefoot’s boot-fitting process worked. Admittedly, I was also a little nervous it would ruin me forever.
In short: Surefoot custom liners ($485) and orthotics ($270) are designed and molded around your feet using high-tech lasers and proprietary foam. They make skiing much more comfortable and may offer some skiers a greater level of performance. They can also be used interchangeably in any boot shell they’re sized for. These liners and orthotics are an expensive addition to any boot. But for avid skiers or those who really value comfort, they’re a worthy investment.
If you’re shopping for ski boots, check out GearJunkie’s guide to the Best Ski Boots.
Surefoot Custom Ski Boot Liners
- Liner: Foam injected, custom
- Heating system: Integrated
- Orthotics: Custom
Pros
- Extremely comfortable
- Some performance benefits
- Useable with any same-size boot
- Zero issues with hot spots or pinch points
- Warming function prevents cold feet
Cons
- Doubles the cost of a ski boot
- Extraneous wire for heating element gets in the way
Surefoot Custom Boot Liners & Orthotics Review
Customization Part I: Volumetric Scan, Orthotic Sole


Customization Part II: Foam Injection


Skiing in Surefoot Custom Liners


Three Months In

Swapping Shells


Justifying the Price

One Small Gripe

Surefoot Custom Liners & Orthotics: Who Are They For?
