Gianni Mayer's Expertise in Ski Boots
25 Years of World-Class Bootfitting at the ORIGINAL+ Factory Store
A perfect ski setup is more than just skis, which is why we've partnered with experts. One of those experts is Gian-Andrea "Gianni" Mayer, one of the best bootfitters in the Alps, who is now available at ORIGINAL+ to ensure perfectly fitting ski boots.
Our Motto: “Quality over Quantity” Applies to Ski Boots, Just as it Does to Skis
When talking about skiing with friends and colleagues, the focus is usually on the “holy boards.” Skis are cool, intricately designed, always in the spotlight, and for many skiers, they’re even a status symbol.
Ski boots, on the other hand, are often overlooked, half-hidden under ski pants, and have a somewhat problematic reputation. But that’s completely unjustified. The right ski boots are just as crucial as the right skis—not only for comfort but also for your performance on the slopes, and consequently, for your safety and enjoyment in the snow.
"You can have the best skis in the world, but if your boots aren’t perfectly tuned to you, you’ll never get the most out of your skis."
Siegfried Rumpfhuber
That’s why, at ORIGINAL+, we work with a true bootfitting master—Gianni Mayer, whom we’re excited to introduce below.
In the Spotlight: Gian-Andrea “Gianni” Mayer, Bootfitting Partner of ORIGINAL+
When it comes to ski boot fitting, few can match Gian-Andrea "Gianni" Mayer. The Swiss expert knows exactly what it takes for ski boots to not just fit but fit perfectly. Over the past 25 years, as a service technician in the Ski World Cup, he has customized boots for countless world-class athletes, contributing to many World Cup victories, as well as World Championship and Olympic medals.
In his specialty store, GIANNI BOOTFITTING, this certified orthopedic shoemaker from Engadin—now based in Gmunden, Austria, thanks to his love for fly fishing—helps recreational skiers find perfectly fitting boots for a pain-free skiing experience.
In this interview, Gianni shares insights about his work with ORIGINAL+:
O+: How did your partnership with ORIGINAL+ come about?
Gianni: I know Sigi Rumpfhuber from the Ski World Cup—through his sister, Ingrid Rumpfhuber, who competed in the World Cup from 2001 to 2008. Our acquaintance eventually led to our partnership.
What do you like about ORIGINAL+?
I think ORIGINAL+ is fantastic because the company takes a different path than traditional manufacturers. Here, quality is the priority, not quantity. As a Swiss, I greatly value quality! When I buy something, it’s always a high-quality product.
What does skiing mean to you personally?
I come from ski racing and was a competitive skier myself. For me, skiing represents freedom and speed—it's simply a unique way of life.
Do you have a skiing hero? If so, who and why?
Michael von Grünigen and Marcel Hirscher. They had an exceptional feel for their equipment. During our collaboration, they could sense every detail of the setup and notice any change made to the boot or ski instantly. It’s nice that I now work with Michael von Grünigen's son, who competes in the European Cup and occasionally in the World Cup.
How did you get into bootfitting?
Through my own racing background. When you ski a lot, you get bunions. Back then, there weren’t service people dedicated to this, so you had to improvise and fit your boots yourself. I quickly realized how much my setup could change. I took notes and learned what worked and what didn’t. I chose bootfitting because a skier typically only has one pair of boots, and they need to fit perfectly—unlike skis, which you can change frequently.
What makes your work special?
Each customer and foot is unique, presenting a different challenge. The physical makeup of the customer, and how and where they ski, creates this individuality.
How many boots have you fitted so far?
Thousands! When fitting boots for a ski racer, it’s possible we’ll try around 100 models before finding the right one.
What are your career highlights?
There are many. Last year, at the Ski World Championships in Cortina d’Ampezzo, several titles were won with "my" ski boots: Slalom World Champion Sebastian Foss-Solevaag (NOR) and Vice Slalom World Champion Adrian Pertl (AUT), for example. I currently work with about 40 World Cup skiers in alpine and ski cross disciplines.
Are there any new trends in bootfitting?
Not really, bootfitting itself stays the same. What changes are the materials. Recent innovations include lightweight materials like carbon cuffs.
What are the advantages of bootfitting?
The ski boot is individually customized to fit 100% with the skier. This allows for much better skiing performance, as the ski responds more effectively, the edges bite better, and best of all—no more pain!
Gianni's Quickfire Questions
- In the morning: Nutella on bread … with butter.
- On the snow: going up or down … definitely down, although I also enjoy the uphill.
- On the ski lift: Wafers or hip flask … Wafers, for sure.
- After waxing: scrape off the wax or leave it on … scrape off the wax.
- For rhythm: your après-ski hit or motivational song for skiing … on the hut, I love ‘Atemlos’ by Helene Fischer.
- Favorite ski model/design: I love skiing on the ORIGINAL+ mod.6S.
Our New Service: World-Class Bootfitting with Gianni Mayer at ORIGINAL+
From now on, you can have your ski boots fitted directly at the ORIGINAL+ Factory Store.
"You can read more about Gianni, the athletes he has worked with, and why he moved from Switzerland to Austria here.": www.giannimayer.com
