Adding OMFit Cork

Our OMFit kit allows you to dial in your fit so it works perfectly with your lower leg/ foot morphology and your ski boots.

Do you need to adjust your ZipFits to get the perfect fit? Here are some tips for dialing in your boots.
ZipFit liners are customizable with three ports to add (or remove) our dynamic OMFit cork, the key component to our legendary custom fit. All you will need are some tubes of OMFit cork, our plunger tool, and ideally a way to keep everything warm while you work.

Two ports (or sleeves) are located between the first and second lace loops counting from the toe up, one on each side. The third port is located on the top of the tongue behind the rigid black plastic. These ports, when not in use, are folded over and tucked away in between the interior and exterior layers of the liner.

To do any fitting work that requires adding or removing cork, locate the ports, which are made of a black synthetic fabric, and pull them out with your nails or gently with a tool such as pliers or tweezers. Once pulled out, pry the two layers apart sufficiently so they look like a sleeve that the tube of OMFit cork can slide into. Pro tip – warming the cork tube up for 15 seconds in the microwave will make application easier.

Now push the tube into the sack observing where the tip is at by looking at the inside of the liner. Point the end of the tube to where the OMFit material is needed. When the tube is correctly positioned use the plunger to push the OMFit material out of the tube and into the area of sack where it is wanted. Start small by adding only 1/4 or 1/2 of a tube. Remember that it is easier to add cork than to remove it. Once the cork is in place remove the tube and massage the OMFit cork with your fingers to even it out and push it where needed. After you have added cork to the liner, redo the initial fitting process should so that the newly added material takes the anatomical shape of the skiers foot.

Tongue – the tongue pouch can accommodate a significant amount of cork, but again start small and migrate the cork where you want it by kneading the neoprene on the tongue with your thumbs. In extreme cases, skiers with skinny shins have added upwards or 3 tubes of cork to each tongue to achieve the heel lock they desire.

Ankles – each ankle pouch is divided into three channels to help position cork precisely where you want it. There is a channel behind the ankle for increasing hold along the achilles tendon. There is a channel directly over the ankle to add cushion or fill out volume for skiers with smaller ankles. Lastly, there is a channel in front of the ankle that adds security along the sides of the instep and bridge of the foot. Once the tube of cork is inserted into the port, direct it either far toward the back of the boot, right over the ankle, or to the front of the ankle to add volume to your desired location.

Removing cork
In the event that there is too much cork in any particular area, first try warming the liner then massaging the cork toward an area where it is more welcome. If the excess cork is causing problems and needs to be removed, you’ll want to use an empty cork tube. Insert the empty cork tube into the port and using your other hand as a barrier, push the plunger into the cork to refill the empty tube. You won’t need to use the plunger for this, just an empty tube. If you don’t have an empty cork tube, feel free to reach out to us, or DIY — the tubing we use is 1/2” and customers have had success finding a substitute tool.