Once aligned and in a neutral position it is now possible to get equal edging from your skis. A skier who is aligned is more efficient, uses less energy and has more control. The process of making a turn is easier as it takes less energy to tip the skis to engage the edges. Alignment encompasses five areas and consists of: · Having the right (lateral) type of boot · Proper sizing · The right fit · Custom insoles · Canting or "alignment strips' This five-part process is designed to eliminate any imbalance and put you in a "neutral" position so you are capable of equal edging from both skis. It is common to blame ourselves for what appears to be a lack of ability. And while knowing what to do is important many times it can be our equipment or more specifically our alignment that holds us back.

Once aligned you will see changes that are immediate, definite and recognizable. In my last two columns I have said that your ski boots are your single most important piece of equipment. Alignment starts with boots that fit properly, are snug to your feet and minimize excessive movement. The best way to secure the foot and eliminate movement is with a custom insole or orthotic. Most insoles (also known as foot beds) are made of plastic, foam, silicone or cork, are molded to your foot and sit inside the liner of your boot. A good custom insole does four things: · Supports and distributes the weight over the entire foot. · Increases the response when pressure from the foot is applied to the ski or edge. · Allows for the natural movement to occur within the ankle when applying pressure from foot to ski. · Makes your boot more comfortable.

If you want to excel at skiing, custom insoles in your boots are part of that process. All the pros and top competitive skiers use them for greater support and control. It can help take you from a frustrated intermediate to a confident advanced skier and move you from the blue runs to the black ones. Having a true fit that only a custom insole can provide can improve your skiing by 50% or more. There are two varieties of custom insoles, hard and soft (actually semi-rigid). I recommend the softer insole usually made of foam or a lighter plastic. The softer version supports the foot, but has more "give" when you stand on it. The "give" in the insole (under the arch) allows for the natural movement of the ankle and is something you need when you ski. This slight mobility increases the sensitivity under the arch and ball of the foot through the turn. Another benefit of the softer or semi-rigid insole is that it gives better shock absorption with more even weight distribution inside the ski boot. The other type of insole is made more firm or rigid. Unfortunately a foot bed with no give actually restricts the natural movement of the ankle. This locks the ankle and deprives the foot not only of the natural ankle movement but the sensitivity you need to engage the edge and ski. This can also be true of a softer foot bed that has been built up or excessively "posted" under the arch so as to inhibit the ankle motion. The insole should give slightly under the arch without flattening out. Custom insoles are available at most specialty ski shops or custom boot fitters and run from $50 to over $200 or more. These should be considered an investment that will last for many years and are interchangeable when you switch boots. I recommend working with a ski shop specialist who can help maximize your fit with your insoles. If you have problem feet or past injuries relating to your feet, knees or hips, you might want to consult a podiatrist. They can help design a foot bed or orthotic that will take into account any special problems you might have, or have had in the past. Although they will probably be more expensive, you can minimize or alleviate most knee or ankle problems with the right insoles. If you don't have a pair of custom insoles and seriously want to take your skiing to new heights, look into getting a pair. They can help skiers of all levels and abilities. If you are shopping try a softer version or one that has less posting under the arch. If you already own a pair and they are hard or firm don't worry about it. A custom insole regardless of whether hard or soft is better than no insole at all. Even though a harder insole limits the motion of the foot to some degree, it will still support the foot. If you've been in a rut, want to make serious breakthroughs or simply want more control at your current level, think about custom insoles. They might be the answer you've been looking for.