Put Some Zapz In Your Backcountry Hiking

While having Masterfit Instaprint Custom Footbeds installed in my new Scarpa Matrix AT boots at Northern Ski Works in Killington, VT I realized that backcountry skiing in the springtime may involve a lot of hiking. I mean hiking through fields of mud that only a short while ago were covered in snow. There is still snow tucked away on the north facing slopes of the mountains but spring sun does a quick job on exposed snow. This means good traction, waterproof hiking boots will be in use until reaching the snowfields where you can make the switch to AT ski boots, or Telemark boots if you are so inclined.

Hal Karbots, bootfitting specialist at Northern Ski Works, suggested I look into a pair of Zapz Microwavable Custom Insoles for my hiking boots to maximize comfort and increase support for long treks over the varying spring conditions. No question you are going to earn your turns in the backcountry and whatever you can do to reduce stress and foot fatigue while hiking in will make your skiing more enjoyable and the trip back out a little easier.

Zapz Microwavable Custom Insoles come in various sizes and can be cut and trimmed to fit a specific foot. Zapz come with easily followed directions and can be installed by the buyer. However, Hal at Northern Ski Works recommends having a trained bootfitter do the installation because it is important to match the factory insole with the customer’s arch length, i.e. longer arches need longer stock insoles. The bootfitter will also grind out the edges of the trimmed area to eliminate any ragged edges and at the same time he may be able to pick out any other irregularities of foot or boot that may need to addressed for comfort and support.

_{Image © Mike Doyle}