A method of customizing a boot, for example a skate boot, includes generating a tridimensional digital representation of a wearer's foot using numerical data obtained by scanning the wearer's foot. A boot with a foot size corresponding generally to a foot length of the wearer's foot is selected. A core is also selected. The core, a medial side insert and a lateral side insert are inserted into an internal space of the boot such that the medial side insert and the lateral side insert straddle the core. The medial side insert and the lateral side insert are manufactured based on the tridimensional shape of the foot. At least a portion of the boot is then heated such that the boot is thermoformed to follow surfaces of the medial and lateral side inserts. The core, the medial side insert and the lateral side insert are then removed from the boot.

A tool for removing orthotic inserts from inside of a shoe. The tool consists of a blade with a narrow tip for inserting between the edge of the orthotic and the inside of the shoe, a housing attached to the blade, the housing containing an LED light, a battery and an on/off switch to active the light, and a handle use for leverage to remove the orthotic. The handle is covered by a soft pliable rubberized grip made of a silica gel material.