Have you problems with Ski Boot Pain? - suggested resolutions

Well 'tis the season to remember foot pain in ski boots and I thought I'd give you the heads up on a couple of common reasons why this happens and what you can do about it.

1) Over-tightening your boots.

You wouldn't believe the number of people I see who have boots sized too big for them. They feel super comfy when new but soon they will be feeling the need to clamp down the buckles over the top of their foot. This has the effect of reducing the volume of the boot - which is the aim. But, think of this: The boot has been shaped in such a way as to 'match' the shape of a human foot. When you over tighten a boot (think anything which makes you grunt when closing it!) it deforms that human shape and impinges into your foot.

One of the simple resolutions I use as a boot fitter is to fit a volume reducer. This is a 3-5 mm compressed piece of foam or card which sits within the boot on the bottom. It lifts you up into a narrower part of the boot and hey presto the boot feels tighter but maintains its shape. From this you improve your control over the boot and the knock on effect is a boost in your confidence levels.

Please see an experienced boot fitter before trying this yourself as there may be more going on!

2) Unstable foot

The foot is a pretty complex device so, keeping this simple...Depending on who you listen to between 80-90% of the population has some kind of instability in the foot or ankle. Not always a problem in normal shoes but the world of ski boots is a different story (as if you didn't already know!). The ski boot is effectively a medieval torture device in the form of an iron maiden. A casket which tells your lower leg where IT wants you to be. However if you have some instability in your foot, it may not like being told where it should be. As instability can lead it to want to place itself elsewhere to relieve discomfort we need to help it to feel comfortable in the place we need it to be
To keep the foot happy consider placing some kind of supportive insole within the boot. This will hold the foot in a better position and help it to be happier where we need it to be.
The insole that comes with the boot is no better than a cheap piece of carpet offering no support. Think of a baby pram without the sides or a racing car without a supportive racing seat. With both of these in place the person in the seat is held in the position they need to be to keep them safe. Same with the foot.

With all of these please ask your local boot fitting outfit for advice.

That's it for this time. Enjoy your skiing and stay safe.

PS Please ask any questions you have re your boots, happy to help.

Andy Maxell has given some excellent advice about boot issues!

The first point ,,,,re putting too much pressure on buckles is so common with men ! With modern boots that are so well made, you do not have to tighten buckles so much that the shell is de-formed! Great advice !

Selection of correct socks is still very important! Thick wool socks is not the answer to cold feet !

Pavel

:D Absolutely Pavel. Potentially the thicker the ski sock the more compression to exert on your foot, cutting off blood flow.

Infact, the liner of the ski boot is designed to be the insulating force. Have you checked out the ladies boot liners, more fur than a litter of kittens!