Aspen Highlands, Colorado

When it comes to skiing like a pro, it's all about the boots. World Cup racers, ski instructors and serious enthusiasts know this—that's why many of them book well in advance for an appointment with Jim Lindsay, founder of BOOTech, an expert boot-fitter based in Aspen Highlands, Colorado. A certified pedorthist and an avid skier himself, Lindsay serves on the faculty of the Aspen Foundation for Sports Medicine, and was previously the Director of the Performance Centers of Aspen, an on-snow movement analysis clinic.

After a personal consultation and a thorough, high-tech evaluation of the mechanics of your feet, ankles, legs, range of motion and  balance, Lindsay will alter and align your boots to fit perfectly, and then add the most important ingredient—custom ski boot orthotics."The thing that makes Jim so effective is that he combines a podiatrist's understanding of foot and leg mechanics with a ski coach's knowledge of technique, and a concierge's concern for the comfort of his clients," says Aspen resident Kelly Hayes, a spotter for NBC's Football Night in America, and a wine columnist for The Aspen Times. "He knows that some people come in to improve how they ski while other folks just want their boots not to hurt. Jim uses the orthotic technology in his shop to make sure that both things happen for each skier."

When trying out his bespoke orthotics, Kelly noticed immediate results. "The adjustments that were made in my stance and positioning due to the slightest variations in how my foot contacted my boots, and therefore my skis, placed me further forward and allowed me to both ski more aggressively and get much better edging on my turns," he says. "The physical changes gave me greater confidence, and my skiing, something I love to do, has improved dramatically." Prices for a basic, initial consultation start at $25, and a full assessment with custom orthotics runs about $410 (not including a purchase from his fine selection of performance boots, if needed). For frequent skiers, the investment in what Lindsay calls "smarter ski boots" is worth it, and a coveted appointment with him is a good excuse for a trip to Aspen …

BOOTech
0115 Boomerang Road
Aspen Highlands, CO 81611
United States
+1 970 925 2526