Correct adjusted equipment is essential in alpine skiing, especially in racing. Today, all racers test and adjust their equipment, especially the boots. One of the most effective ways to influence skiing performance is canting. Canting is done by altering the vertical angel of the sole to fit the individual skier’s lower body. Canting does not only affect skiing performance but also plays an essential role in injury prevention, as stated by Flörens et al. [1].
The main reason to align and cant ski boots is to get a straight or straighter line between the foot, knee, and hip. The straighter the line is, the easier it is to withstand high loads, edge the ski and to apply force when skiing. A correct canted/aligned boot- setup allows for maximum control and power transmission to the ski AND faster on-edge movements since less inward lean is necessary to get the ski up on it’s edge.
A skier can be extremely knocked kneed to bull legged, but most alpine boots are built as “one-size fits all” even though some manufacturers accommodate canting through shims.
Assessing a skier’s lower body angels and adjusting the boots to the individual will enhance not only the performance and enjoyment but also prevent injuries no matter if you are a recreational skier or a racer!
1. Flørenes, T.W., et al., Injuries among male and female World Cup alpine skiers. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2009. 43(13): p. 973-978.