There’s no way to answer the rhetorical question posed by this podcast’s title, but that Schaffner belongs on the short list of the world’s best bootfitters is irrefutable. His resume is bulletproof: he began modifying race boots for Salomon when its flagship boot was the rear-entry SX 90 Equipe, and he continues plying this arcane craft to this day. He has been an instructor for Masterfit University since its inception, has consulted with virtually every boot brand extant and has taken test runs in every Alpine boot made in the last 25 years.

When Jim Schaffner talks about boots, the people who make them listen. You should, too.