Telemark Talk / Telemark Tips Forum

Has anyone ever messed around with putting a pair of carbon fiber insoles into a pair of Bre’s or something similar? Surely there’d be some increase in power getting to the ski

Not carbon fiber specifically, but I have put upgraded footbeds (as simple as Superfeet, or a little better with "SOLE" brand or similar) in nearly all my boots. It's made a very noticeable difference for me in a couple of pair of leathers.The right insole will depend on what sort of foot you have; might need more volume or less, higher arch or lower, etc.

Big fan of superfeet myself. I’ve recently been using their snow sport specific model in a pair of scarpa t-race and my Alpina alaskas and have been very pleased. I was thinking of something that would add some stiffness to the sole. Specifically, a brand called VKTRY insoles. They designed to mimic what you see in the modern running super shoes with the intent of increasing energy return in the toe off of a running stride

I've thought of the same thing. It occurred to me when I pulled the insole out of my UK military issue Alico 75mm boots and the thing was super stiff. Maybe this contributed to how stiff those boots are and I thought removing it would aid in the break in process of these notoriously hard to break in boots. Then maybe I could put in in my Svartisens to firm up that sole. That's as far as I got. I mean I'm so happy with the way the Svartisens feel I'm reluctant to mess with it. Maybe I should try it. There are also rock guards from my trail running shoes that might add some stiffness. I would think if you did add a stiff insole and actually glued it in, it definitely would add to the sole stiffness.

Nice, we’re thinking on the same wavelength here. I think logic would say that it would certainly stiffen the sole, I just wonder if that would translate to turning a ski, or just excruciating pain lol. I know my first few runs in a carbon shoe were far from pleasant

That sounds very painful. All of that stiffness would result in extreme, hard pressure on the ball of your foot.