Sportstadl Fitting Lab (Stephan Patzl)

The Fitting Lab

The Fitting Labs are all about excellence. They are the leaders in bootfitting services and expertise. A one-of-a-kind place where the bootfitter works with the highest-quality products using the most precise and innovative tools on the market.

Sidas was committed to developing these Fitting Labs to provide consumers with a place where every problem has a solution. Where skiers—from beginners to competitive racers—can get advice from an expert and be equipped with the best products.

But beyond SIDAS products and machines, the Fitting Labs have a responsibility to provide an equally premium customer experience. Training and certification are therefore mandatory, ensuring an excellent level of service over the years.

So it was only natural that the Fitting Lab story would unfold in partnership with Stephan Patzl and his SPORTSTADL store in Austria.

Sidas Fitting Lab at the Sportstadl: Excellence in Bootfitting in the Heart of Austria

Tucked away in the heart of the Austrian Alps, in Spital am Pyhrn in the Upper Austria region, the Sportstadl store is no ordinary sports shop. Over decades, this family-owned business has established itself as a leading name among winter sports and outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike. Its inclusion in the Sidas Fitting Lab network is the culmination of expertise that is already deeply rooted in the store’s DNA.

As soon as you walk in, you are immersed in a premium environment, notably featuring the molding and analysis area, which has been designed with clean, elegant lines. The custom-made bench, comfortable seating, LED lighting, and solid wood quickly immerse customers in an atmosphere that is both professional and warm.

A must-see address in Spital am Pyhrn

Located in the heart of the village of Spital am Pyhrn, the Sportstadl offers a full range of services: Digital foot analysis, foot scanning, custom orthotics, shell molding, injection-molded boots, race shoe preparation, ski rental and service, bicycles and bike repair shop, sports apparel. The store also has a branch in Windischgarsten, just a few kilometers away, demonstrating its strong local presence.

But it is indeed the Sidas Fitting Lab certification that sets Sportstadl apart today as one of the top bootfitting destinations in Austria. This certification, issued by Sidas, is awarded only to stores that meet the highest standards of technical expertise, equipment, and service.

Stephan Patzl: A Passion Passed Down from Father to Son

Behind this Fitting Lab lies, above all, a human story—that of the Patzl family. Stephan Patzl, who has been with Sidas since 1980, has more than sixteen years of experience in bootfitting. His father, Herwig Patzl, the shop's former owner with more than 40 years of experience, passed on his passion for the trade to him. He has always found the right shoe for every customer.

For his part, Stephan is a graduate of the ski school and a bootfitting instructor at the Sidas Academy.

Skiing has always played a central role in Stephan's life, from ski school and junior competitions to his work in bootfitting. Since 2022, he has also been a Sidas Academy instructor. This impressive track record makes him one of the most qualified bootfitters in the Alpine region.

State-of-the-art analysis and adjustment services

The Sidas Fitting Lab at Sportstadl offers much more than just ski boots for sale. It is a truly personalized experience, powered by cutting-edge technologies developed, in particular, by Sidas. For example, these include:

The FeetBox 3D tool for digital analysis. This service provides a precise 3D map of the foot to the knee, using a 3D camera to scan the client from all angles. Distribution of support, type of arch, overall volume. None of the information needed to ensure a proper fit is left out.

The latest line of Custom insoles. As the store’s flagship product, the new line of SIDAS insoles helps you get the most out of your sport, whether you’re looking for performance or comfort. The completely redesigned Custom technology, featuring the highest-performance materials on the market, offers a unique experience for beginners and experts alike.

The Sheeva, for shell deformations. This unique, futuristic-looking tool is designed to perform multiple, precise shell deformations. Each problem area identified with the skier can be adjusted to allow the foot to move without pain. The controlled, progressive heating system, along with the integrated cooling system, helps prevent any risk of errors or faulty workmanship.

The Expertise Center offers 100% customized solutions: bootfitting, shoefitting, digital analysis, and customized race services. Every customer receives a comprehensive foot assessment before any product recommendations are made.

A Shared Success

The collaboration between Sportstadl, Sidas, and the Sidas Academy perfectly illustrates the power of an ecosystem built around shared expertise. Stephan Patzl, a trainer at the Sidas Academy since 2022, doesn’t just apply his technical and product knowledge—he helps pass it on, creating a virtuous cycle between the brand, its customers, and sports professionals. The store leverages technology and the Fitting Lab brand to set itself apart; Sidas gains a credible ambassador with over forty years of family history in bootfitting; and the Sidas Academy can rely on a passionate expert to train the next generation. It is this combination of expertise, technological innovation, and the passing down of the craft that makes Sportstadl much more than just a retail store: it is a true pillar of bootfitting in Austria.