Warmer feet

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:29:06 GMT

There has been loads of chat recently about cold feet / poor circulation etc... Here is my check-list for warm feet when skiing in order of effectiveness (based on personal experience):

1 - When buying boots, find a decent boot fitter to fit and modify your boots. (Boots almost always need modifying and this should be factored into the price you expect to pay for new boots.)
2 - Ensure that boots are dry.
3 - Feet change every year, get boots modified when necessary (Just a few mm change can constrict an important artery or vein and restrict blood flow enough to make a huge impact.)
4 - Keep your boots in a warm place overnight.
5 - Wear thin socks.
6 - Ski with your boots done up comfortably e.g. not too tightly (especially for the first couple of runs). The top buckles should be done up more firmly than the ones on the bridge of foot. The buckles on the bridge of the foot should really be closed just enough to hold the shell's shape rather than putting any pressure on the foot.
7 - For very cold temps get some boot gloves (take them off when you go indoors and at the end of the day.
8 - Ensure that you buckle up your boot shells when you store them. If you don't, they will alter their shape affecting the intended fit of the boot.

You should also remove the liners completely overnight to allow your boots to dry out. I have not included this as it depends on how much your feet sweat etc.. Also it can be quite difficult to remove the liners and there is a risk that doing so upsets any shims or other modifications that the boot fitter may have added. The main thing to remember is that water is a very efficient conductor of heat so your feet will cool down very quickly if the liner is not dry. The drier the better, however this is achieved.

Have i left anything out? Are there any other tips and tricks people use?

Re:Warmer feet

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:53:15 GMT

I'm such a good girl, I think I do most of those. I still own (but no longer use) really thick tube socks from when I first skied, they have been sent to my own room 101.

Warmer feet

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:25:27 GMT

steverandomno wrote:
3 - Feet change every year, get boots modified when necessary (Just a few mm change can constrict an important artery or vein and restrict blood flow enough to make a huge impact.)

I red this as "change your feet every year". I had to read it 4 times!!

I am with you Nelly! I too have tube sock

There are many similarities in ski boots to hiking boots. To keep feet warm & comfortable everything is the same. Look after your hiking boots and they will look after you!!

My hiking boots are 13 years old and still going strong!! My ski boots are 8 years old and the same stands for them.

Slighty off topic, sorry :)

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