Why Choose a Custom Liner

We’ve covered off why custom boots and insoles might be a good fit for you — pun intended — but we want to touch on one last piece of gear that is often overlooked: liners.

When you buy new ski boots, most come with a stock liner by default. And while these can get the job done, if you’re looking for top comfort and performance, custom liners are the way to go. For those who are looking for that extra edge (or who can’t seem to attain a pain-free ski experience), they may be the tool that’s missing from your ski arsenal.

The key to a precise fit — and to next-level performance.

Custom liners offer a number of benefits over traditional liners. The main advantage is their ability to achieve a more precise fit. Stock liners are designed to fit the average customer, so they’re made to cater to as many different foot shapes and sizes as possible. Custom liners are custom-made to a skier’s individual foot, down to every last detail. A custom fit translates to feeling more comfortable and secure in your boots. On the mountain, this means less foot fatigue (since your feet won’t be sliding around in a too-large liner) and better overall performance.

Stay warmer for longer.

Quality and longevity are particularly important for skiers who regularly spend long days on the mountain in cold weather. At the end of the day, you want to be wearing something that will hold up as long as you do. Custom liners are made with high quality materials designed to provide additional warmth and insulation. They are commonly made with materials like foam or fleece, which keep your feet warm and cozy even in the harshest conditions. To top it off, these materials last longer than stock liners, which typically tap out at 30-60 days.

Customize your cushion.

A third benefit of custom liners is the ability to customize your level of support and cushioning. Traditional liners may not provide enough support for skiers with specific foot needs — for example, for those with high arches or flat feet. Custom liners can be made with varying degrees of support to meet the individual needs of the skier, thus improving stability and control on the slopes.

Okay, you’ve sold me on a custom liner. But how do I choose which one?

For one: try some on. Book an appointment with us and we’ll get you sorted, whether you’re bringing in your old boots or buying new. But aside from testing out liner options, there are a few factors to consider. Here at Pulse, we sell two different types of custom liners: injection and thermo liners. Let’s take a look at the differences:

Injection liners are molded to the shape of your foot by filling all the voids that exist between your foot and the shell, whereas thermo liners are heated first before being molded to your foot shape. This makes the thermo liner a good option that outweighs a stock liner, but won’t be quite as customizable as injection liners.

Another consideration when choosing between these two liners is insulation. Injection liners are made from a denser foam material, which can provide slightly less insulation while also being a bit heavier on the feet. Thermo liners on the other hand are made from a lighter foam and provide slightly more insulation. The tradeoff is that since the material is lighter, they won’t last quite as long. Lasting anywhere between 50-150 days on the snow, thermo liners still beat traditional liners — which last around 30-60 days — but won’t top the injection liners at 150-250 days of use.