Would love to get the opinion from some expert boot fitters about Fischer Alpine Technology’s “VACUUM” which uses an interplay of three top technologies in boot fitting“leading the way to a perfect fit.” What do you think of the process? How could it be improved? Would you want one of these machines in your shop?
Here’s a quick explanation of the three technologies at work:
VACUUM 3D FOOT SCAN
To guarantee maximum individuality when determining the right ski boot, an exact 3D scan of the feet is carried out. This means that not only the length and width, but also the complete shape of the foot is precisely determined. An appropriate choice of the right boots can be made based on this analysis. In the Virtual Try-on the boot is then placed over the scan. Any potential pressure points are identified and visualized. Should a modification be required, one of the two fitting technologies VACUUM ZONE FIT or VACUUM FULL FIT is chosen.
VACUUM ZONE FIT
VACUUM ZONE FIT enables an uncompromisingly exact fitting of the shell to the individual anatomy of the foot – in exactly those places where it is necessary. First, the pressure points determined in the 3D scan are identified and analyzed. In the forming process silicone pads are placed on the shell and the Heating Pads are activated. There is then a partial customization of the shell to the individual foot shape to achieve the optimum fit.
VACUUM FULL FIT PROCESS
VACUUM FULL FIT enables a complete fitting of the shell through VACUUM 2Zone for maximum individuality and optimum fit. In Fischer’s VACUUM FULL FIT process, the shell is heated to 80°C before you step inside the shell with the boot liner. The Cooling and Compression Pad is put on and the standing position is fixed. Fischer has developed the VACUUM Station especially for this purpose. It is the heart of the fitting process. Compressed air is used to shape the entire boot ideally to match the foot – and the boot retains this shape once it has cooled down.