(Feb. 10, 2022)
ZipFit worked with the team at SnowBrains to share the stories of different ski professionals using ZipFit ski boot liners. Check out the original story here or read on below. Words by Katy Shipley.
About ZipFit
Foot health and good skiing go hand in hand. It goes without saying that boot liners can make or break your performance and comfort. For those who find themselves in foot pain, ZipFit Liners are the answer to happy feet and longer days on your skis.
ZipFit has quite the following in Tahoe with multiple retailers from Truckee to South Lake Tahoe. To learn more about the brand, I reached out to ZipFit’s Tahoe-based athletes, Kyle Smaine and Aimee Doran. It was clear that these liners are key to their lifestyle and career. Thanks to Aimee, I was also able to learn about Zipfit’s #1 retailer in the world – Olympic Bootworks.
ZipFit is an acronym for Zero Injection Pressure Fit (system), developed by Sven Coomer, one of the most recognized ski boot designers in the world. As I researched the product, I could see the tech behind these boot liners is incredible. One thing I found unique was the self-molding cork composite (OMFit) that properly secures the heel and ankle in place. This is huge when it comes to controlling your skis. Compared to foam, the cork doesn’t pack out and lose its fit. They also are durable, warm, and comfortable. It’s no surprise professional skiers and Tahoe locals turn to these liners.
A Career in ZipFits with Aimee Doran
Aimee has been skiing in Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows since she was two years old. In her mid-20s, she started competing. In 2015, she placed 3rd overall in the legendary Rahlves Banzai Tour. She also competed in the Freeride World Qualifiers. After an ACL injury, she turned to skiing for media and hasn’t stopped since. You can find her in videos for companies like Backcountry.com, Ruby Mountain Heli, and High Fives Foundation. ZipFits allowed her to tackle competitions and spend long days in the field without sacrificing foot health.
“Nothing would do and I needed the best custom liner on the market. I’ve never looked back and won’t even try a boot on without my ZipFits.” – Aimee Doran
When I asked her how she got into Zipfits, she had a story that others with low volume feet can surely relate to…
“My transition to Zipfits came out of necessity for gaining better control while skiing the insane race that is Rahlves Banzai Tour. My extremely low volume foot and ankle had me slipping around inside my stock liners. Having a proper fit has changed my foot health. I have definitely progressed in skiing, but ultimately I ski the same terrain, probably faster and smoother, but without having to stop and take my boots off. My toe bang used to be so bad I would have a nasty black big toe on either foot and bone spurs. Olympic Bootworks put me into their Heel Loc Power Transfer Orthotics and ZipFit and all of that went away. Happy Feet!”
It was great to hear Aimee’s testament to these liners. She went from bone spurs and discomfort to spending whole days in her boots without taking them off. It’s inspiring for those who feel that foot pain is simply a way of life. ZipFits have an impressive way of getting people who have been in tremendous foot pain back on the slopes as happy skiers.
Aimee is also the social media rep for Olympic Bootworks, the top ZipFit retailer in Tahoe. She had a wealth of knowledge about the shop and the boot fitting experience. I asked her what someone can expect when coming to Olympic Bootworks for a custom fit…
“You can expect to learn a lot when going to a boot fitting at Olympic Bootworks. Bring a thin pair of ski socks with you and be prepared to get hands-on experience. Employees will have you walk to see how your feet move and whether you are turned out or in. They will assess whether you would benefit from a custom orthotic, which I can attest to the answer is yes. They will measure your foot on the ground and find the boot that best fits your shape. Our team will size your ZipFit to your boot and go to work on making any adjustments to ‘hot spots’.”
