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📞 +33 7 43 67 02 73 💬 WhatsApp Alexis FR
Certified expert · Val d'Isere

Ski without pain,
with precision

The right ski boot isn't chosen — it's built. Biomechanical analysis, custom insoles, thermoforming: I take care of your entire boot setup so your only concern is skiing.

AQ
Alexis Quelen
Certified bootfitter · FairSki
📍 Intersport Mattis · On the slopes, Val d'Isere
The diagnosis

Why do your ski boots hurt?

Pain in ski boots is very common: numbness, redness, cold feet, loss of sensation. In 90% of cases, the problem isn't the boot — it's the fit.

Forefoot
Metatarsals & toes

Bunions, little toe deviation, Morton's syndrome: wide foot zones suffer first.

Mid-foot
Instep & ankles

Navicular bone, ankle, inner edge: shell too narrow or over-tightened.

Heel
Posterior zone

Haglund syndrome, heel slip: shells too wide don't hold.

Leg & calf
Lower leg & shin

Poor calf volume fit, tongue pressure on shin: constant discomfort.

Cold feet
Blood circulation

Boots too tight = vasoconstriction = cold feet. A paradox bootfitting resolves.

Loss of control
Power transmission

A foot floating in its boot no longer transmits commands. Precision and safety affected.

The assessment

What Alexis analyses during the assessment

Every foot is different. The assessment covers everything: foot, ankle, leg, posture, skiing level and expectations.

Length and foot asymmetry
Heel circumference and width
Instep: circumference and height
Metatarsal width and circumference
Toe length and shape
Calf and lower leg circumference
Posture and ankle axis
Skiing style and level
The method

The 3 pillars of bootfitting

A methodical approach, in order. We don't reshape a shell until the insole is optimal.

01
🧬
The Custom Insole

The essential first step and often the most impactful. A Sidas or Bootdoc custom insole stabilises the foot in the shell, improves pressure distribution and reduces hotspots. It conditions the effectiveness of all subsequent steps.

Essential foundation
Without a good insole, no other intervention is lasting.
02
👟
The Liner

Direct interface between your foot and the rigid shell. A thermoformed, injected or replaced liner radically changes comfort, hold and power transmission. The liner compensates for morphological irregularities the shell alone cannot correct.

Comfort & transmission
03
⚙️
The Shell

Targeted deformation and grinding. The shell can be modified to relieve conflict zones (bunions, navicular bone, ankles). This work is only done if the improvement is significant — never without first optimising the insole and liner.

Last resort
Shell work only if previous steps are insufficient.
The session lasts 1h to 1h30 by appointment. Follow-up after your first ski days is included to fine-tune.
Often indispensable

Custom insoles: the foundation of everything

80% of skiers have a foot that rolls inside the boot. Without a proper insole, even the best boot cannot correct this. It's often the only intervention needed to eliminate pain and cold feet.

Why standard insoles aren't enough

The insoles supplied with ski boots are generic, flat inserts with no arch support. Designed to suit the majority — not your foot. A custom insole thermoformed to your morphology changes everything.

Heel stabilisation in the shell
Reduction of pressure points
Pronation/supination correction
Better power transmission
Warmer feet (improved circulation)
Reduced muscle fatigue
Thermomoulding in 4 minutes

World leader in custom insoles. Sidas technology allows direct moulding in minutes with immediate results. Different rigidities for different levels and morphologies.

  • Immediate thermoplastic moulding
  • Available in-shop, adjustable
  • Compatible with all boot brands
  • Different levels of support
Performance & precision

The reference in professional bootfitting. Bootdoc insoles offer superior customisation, with variable density foams and adjustable arch support. Ideal for demanding skiers.

  • Superior customisation
  • Adjustable arch support
  • Variable density foams
  • Professional reference
Get my custom insole
Key interface

Liners: which one for you?

The liner is the direct interface between your foot and the shell. A good liner eliminates voids, holds the ankle and transmits your edge pressure. Here are the references Alexis uses and recommends.

ZipFit
Cork composite OMFit
⭐ Long-term reference

Uses a cork-based composite (OMFit) in key areas (ankles, tongue). This material resists compression — the liner maintains its shape over time without compacting like conventional foam.

  • Better heel hold, increased stability
  • Precise edge feel without over-tightening
  • Fine and progressive adjustment
  • Reusable on another shell
Ideal forSkiers seeking longevity and precision. Narrow feet or those floating at the ankle.
Sidas
Injected PU foam
Immediate precision

Polyurethane foam is injected inside the liner. It fills all voids between foot, liner and shell, then hardens. Complete contact and immediate stability.

  • Immediate precision and lock-in
  • Excellent for narrow feet and ankles
  • Performance / competition oriented
  • Fills difficult volumes
Ideal forSkiers seeking 100% precision and hold.
Intuition
Thermoformed EVA foam
Warmth & comfort

Closed-cell foams providing superior thermal insulation, lightness and efficient thermoforming. Re-thermoformable if needed. Different densities available for comfort, balance or firm hold.

  • Immediate comfort, optimal warmth
  • Excellent thermal feel
  • Re-thermoformable
  • Ideal for freeride / ski touring
Ideal forSkiers sensitive to cold or prioritising comfort.
The process

How does the appointment work?

1
Contact

Send a WhatsApp or leave your number. Alexis calls you back the same day.

2
Appointment

At Intersport Mattis, on the slopes, Val d'Isere (9am-6:30pm).

3
Assessment

Complete analysis of your foot, current boot and needs.

4
Fitting

Insole, liner, shell: interventions in order for optimal results.

📋 Follow-up included — After your first ski outings, Alexis remains available to fine-tune the settings.
What they say

Client reviews

★★★★★

"I'd been skiing with toe pain for 3 seasons. One Sidas insole and thermoforming later — zero pain. Incredible."

S
Sophie M.
Courchevel, Jan. 2025
★★★★★

"Cold feet my whole ski life. Alexis made me a Bootdoc insole — never cold since. And I control my skis much better."

J
James K.
Val d'Isere, Dec. 2024
★★★★★

"Severe bunion. He ground the shell in the right spots, made a custom insole. The boot became wearable."

M
Marie-Claire B.
Tignes, Feb. 2025
★★★★★

"I felt I'd lost my edge feel. Insole + ZipFit liner: the transmission is incomparable now."

A
Antoine R.
Val d'Isere, Jan. 2025
★★★★★

"Alexis takes his time, explains everything. I finally understand what was happening with my foot."

E
Emma T.
Courchevel, Jan. 2025
★★★★★

"Fast, effective, available afterwards. He really knows his trade."

D
David L.
Tignes, Jan. 2025
Where to find us

The shop

Alexis welcomes you by appointment at Intersport Mattis, right on the ski slopes at Val d'Isere.

Intersport Mattis
Val d'Isere — On the slopes
Address
Front de neige, 73150 Val-d'Isere
Opening hours
Every day · 9:00am — 6:30pm
Alexis Quelen
Bootfitter · By appointment
WhatsApp direct
💬 WhatsApp 📍 Directions
Right at the foot of the slopes — ski-in access
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Sidas or Bootdoc custom insoles start from €80. Other interventions (liner, shell) are additional depending on needs. The initial assessment provides a precise quote.
No. A foot floating in the boot loses precision and tires faster. Usually solvable without buying new boots: insole + liner in 80% of cases.
Yes, absolutely. If you don't have boots yet, Alexis can advise on purchasing directly in the shop.
About 1h to 1h30 depending on the interventions. Allow time: the assessment is thorough and nothing is rushed.
Yes. Alexis remains available after your first ski outings to fine-tune settings. One WhatsApp message is all it takes.
Sidas and Bootdoc insoles are generally transferable if the template is compatible. To be checked case by case.
Book an appointment

Tell me about your boots

Leave your number and Alexis will call you back the same day. Or write directly on WhatsApp.

Request a callback
Fill in this form — Alexis will contact you to arrange your session.
or WhatsApp Alexis

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Bootfitting is built into our rental service. Book your equipment — we handle everything else on delivery.

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