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The Official: "What is wrong with my boots?" Thread

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onenerdykid
Posts: 6638 - Karma: 10,532
This thread should be seen as an accompaniment to the "How To Buy Ski Boots" thread, more specifically aimed at solving a problem with your existing ski boots. Rather than clog up Gear Talk with countless repeating threads, please dump your boot-fitting related questions here and we will do our best to help you out.

Remember, nothing is a substitute for going to a real boot-fitter; they can see your foot, we can't. So if you can't get to a boot-fitter, or are frustrated with your current one, we can help point you in the right direction. Try to be as descriptive of your problem as possible and post pics if you can. The more information we get from you, the more successful we will hopefully be in helping you out.

Ready, set, go.


Dec 14 2013 2:45PM
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srg_bchkv
Posts: 200 - Karma: 170
Things don't work that way I'm afraid. Even if you spend an hour standing or walking with the new boots at the store and they seem perfect, there's no guarantee that they will feel the same when you ski in them. Actually you would never know how a new boot would feel on the hill, that is why a bootfitter is there to tell you which boot will work for you.
Dec 16 2013 4:12PM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6638 - Karma: 10,532
1. Did you get footbeds?
2. Were the liners heat molded?
Dec 16 2013 4:15PM
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jb616
Posts: 163 - Karma: 92
1. no (im figuring to get some)
2. yes
Dec 16 2013 4:16PM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6638 - Karma: 10,532
It is quite normal for one ankle/leg to sit differently in the boot than the other ankle/leg, so it isn't surprising that you have an issue on one but not the other. Footbeds position your feet, ankles, legs, etc in the proper way so without them a lot can go wrong. When you do get footbeds made for you, make sure to also get your liners remolded because of the new position you will be in.
Dec 16 2013 4:55PM
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b.utters
Posts: 321 - Karma: 99
My current boot has been fitted, molded and has footbeds although I am now starting to overpower them. When changing from one boot to another is it usually possible to transfer the footbed or will new ones be required?

Dec 16 2013 6:57PM
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jb616
Posts: 163 - Karma: 92
Got the footbeds, got the liners remolded, will have to wait till this weekend to try them out but they felt way better than they did.
Dec 16 2013 7:48PM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6638 - Karma: 10,532
Foobeds are primarily matched to your foot, so as long as your foot doesn't change you can transfer them to a new pair of boots. Second requirement- your new boots are not bigger/longer than your current ones. You can always cut/grind a footbed down so that it fits into a smaller boot, you generally cannot add length to them.
Dec 17 2013 3:18AM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7099 - Karma: 17,043
Actually as long as your within a couple of sizes you can stretch sidAs and superfeet in the toe. So unless your going like 3 sizes bigger you should be ok.
Dec 17 2013 3:29AM
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kevinegan
Posts: 117 - Karma: 120
my pants are over my boots im not a fucking scrub. im just putting duct tape over it fixes everything
Dec 17 2013 12:57PM
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ALMIGHTYSOSA
Posts: 2800 - Karma: 2,102

Relevant question to thread. I've been riding the same pair of boots for two years now and last year they gave me no problems. Though this year I have been experiencing a lot of shin pain especially because I have been tightening my straps more tighter than I have last year. I also never experienced shin bang so I don't know if this is shin bang. Is this A) My boots don't fit anymore? B) My shins aren't use to my boots being tighter. or C) Man up and deal with the pain? +k to whoever can help me figure this out!
Dec 17 2013 3:48PM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6638 - Karma: 10,532
If you remove your liners from the shells, step into the shell with a ski sock on, slide your toes gently to the front, and check how much space is behind your heel. 1cm? 2cm? 3cm? Also do you have proper footbeds?
Dec 17 2013 4:25PM
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J_Steez
Posts: 1145 - Karma: 4,070
Thanks +K
Dec 17 2013 5:15PM
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cwillygood
Posts: 6831 - Karma: 1,829
Hey guys!

So i got new boots, seth morrison FT's. They fit well except for the fact that my left boot hurts my ankle right on the bone. I'm talking about the part of the ankle that sticks out the little nob. This happens especially when i flex forward. This doesnt happen to my right foot.

Could anything be done about this? Could it possibly be shaved down? Punched out or anything like that? I am hoping it packs out but i have skied on them at least 6 times now.
Dec 17 2013 5:56PM
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I_liketobutter
Posts: 2664 - Karma: 997
I'm no boot expert, but one thing I've learned about FTs is that they seem to put a fucking bolt more often then not that isn't flush with the shell at almost every pressure point on the foot.

I had that pain on the ankle at first, but it eventually went away.
Dec 17 2013 7:59PM
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cwillygood
Posts: 6831 - Karma: 1,829
exactly! thats what i don't know if anything can be done. I'm hoping it goes away after more time in the boot.
Dec 17 2013 8:11PM
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40oz.
Posts: 1758 - Karma: 555
If you have no footbeds at all, look into buying Superfeet Green. They made my feet feel worlds better, a little trim to fit and boom! (They did make my toes fit a little uncomfortably tight at first, just needed some more trimming and packing out).

NOW...

make my boot squeak stop. please oh please. any ideas?
Dec 17 2013 10:54PM
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Avifarer
Posts: 5926 - Karma: 598
man embrace the boot squeak, makes it sound like you have brand new boots!
or is the squeak from the superfeet? baby powder if so
Dec 18 2013 12:45AM
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doyle.
Posts: 1624 - Karma: 596
I love Superfeet! wear em in all my shoes, I have the carbon ones in my boots
Dec 18 2013 2:50AM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6638 - Karma: 10,532
This question will get asked a lot because its importance is wide spread: do you have footbeds in your boots?

If you do not have footbeds, then your foot will naturally pronate inside the shell and potentially come into contact with the medial wall of the boot, sometimes near the hinge rivet/screw. A proper footbed supports your foot and prevents your ankle from falling inwards.

Also, did you get your liners molded? If not, then this is step 2. Get the footbed first.
Dec 18 2013 3:14AM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6638 - Karma: 10,532
Depends on where the squeak is coming from. Many times it is plastic on plastic rubbing. To solve this, go to your local hardware store and buy some silicone spray- it's what we use in our own boot production facility to stop this squeaking. Eventually it wears out or rubs off and the boot squeaks. Just add a light spray to wherever the cuff & shell overlap and you should be good to go.

If the sound is coming from the hinge point hardware, I would suggest spraying a nice bike chain lubricant (not the wax kind, so something like Boshield T-9 or Tri-Flow) into the hardware and that should work too.
Dec 18 2013 3:20AM
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cwillygood
Posts: 6831 - Karma: 1,829
the liners are molded. But it is the outside of the ankle rather than the inside if that makes a difference. What kind of footbeds would you recommend for a boot?
Dec 18 2013 6:37AM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6638 - Karma: 10,532
As the foot pronates inwards, the lateral malleolous rises and moves as well. So a footbed will really help this too. The best footbed is always the one that works for your specific foot needs. I have had great success with Aline and Sidas, while other really like Superfeet. I would trust the judgement of your boot-fitter on this one.

Once you foot & ankle are properly stabilized, then liner and shell modifications can be done to reshape the boot around your ankle. Grinding, stretching, padding are usually the options depending on your exact needs.
Dec 18 2013 7:13AM
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HolySchimmel
Posts: 1601 - Karma: 1,297
Did anyo else in here managae to get a hole in your intuition liners? I noticed that there was a hole in the liner of my right foot, right where my big toe is.
Dec 18 2013 8:25AM
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40oz.
Posts: 1758 - Karma: 555
Nope, no squeak from the superfeet. It's from the shell. Baking soda all the way to eliminate the smell though!!
Dec 18 2013 9:50AM
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40oz.
Posts: 1758 - Karma: 555
Don't think it's the hinges. It's happenings the most when I'm standing and purposely flexing or when I'm walking. I think the tongue rubbing on the shell I'm not sure. I will go get some silicon spray and try to neutralize it with that first. Thanks!
Dec 18 2013 9:52AM
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40oz.
Posts: 1758 - Karma: 555
Yeah for $40 it was the best fix ever. Literally made my feet feel so better! And they don't get near as sore or worn out after a day if skiing!
Dec 18 2013 9:54AM
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Twerk
Posts: 252 - Karma: 1,059
I got old raichle flexors last year for really cheap because i didn't have ski boots and they were only 25$. They came with a liner similar to the full tilt liner obviously less nice though. My problem is after like 10 mins theres a pressure point about 5 inches above the outside of my ankle on both of my boots. This pain is pretty bad and i have no clue how to fix it. What should I do?
Dec 18 2013 8:18PM
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BoughtJagged
Posts: 19 - Karma: 55
RX 130 lv excellent choice. Add on a pair of WC Boosters and you will feel like a Ski God.
Dec 18 2013 8:48PM
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ALMIGHTYSOSA
Posts: 2800 - Karma: 2,102
About 1 and a half cm also no I dont have proper footbeds
Dec 19 2013 12:01AM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6638 - Karma: 10,532
The problem with buying old boots is that the plastic ages and becomes brittle. Most boot-fitters will not stretch or grind boots that are that old because it will probably destroy the boot. If you really want to make those boots work, make sure get a nice footbed that will hold your foot in place (which you can transfer to a new boot down the road) and upgrade to a nicer Intuition liner. But honestly, don't throw too much money at this boot. You are better off spending $400 on a new boot rather than $250-300 to make this one hopefully work...

Dec 19 2013 3:04AM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6638 - Karma: 10,532
Good news is that your shell is most likely the right size for you, but you really need to get nice footbeds. This is your #1 priority because right now your foot is not sitting in the shell properly. So, any adjustments you make without a footbed is like trying to treat the symptoms rather than the main cause of the problem. Stabilize your foot first with a good footbed and then remold your liners.
Dec 19 2013 3:07AM
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AJizzle
Posts: 1882 - Karma: 522
I love that the vast majority of these problems can be all or partially solved with a proper footbed. It still amazes me to this day how many skier think you are bullshitting them when you tell them that a proper footbed is the most important thing you can buy for skiing.
Dec 19 2013 3:39AM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6638 - Karma: 10,532
So many people simply think that if it doesn't come in or with the boot, then I don't need it. Which, as we can clearly all see, is not the case.

Hopefully we can write this enough times that more and more people understand the importance of a good footbed.
Dec 19 2013 6:46AM
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spushkin
Posts: 50 - Karma: 67
My shins hurt at the bottom near my ankles. I have Nordica Transfire R3's.
Dec 19 2013 6:16PM
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AJizzle
Posts: 1882 - Karma: 522
Do you have a foot bed, if so what type? As nerdy said, take the liner out of the boot, and put your foot in the shell. Slide your foot to the front and let us know exactly how much room you have behind your heel.
Dec 19 2013 6:58PM
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spushkin
Posts: 50 - Karma: 67
Yeah that's exactly what my dad told me. The boots fit properly, I just put in some cheap insoles.

I am considering buying SuperFeet Greens. My boot fitter recommended them to me, but I thought it was a rip off so I didn't buy them. Should I get them?
Dec 19 2013 8:14PM
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AJizzle
Posts: 1882 - Karma: 522
You should go to a bootfitter, and to start the process buy a fully custom insole it's going to run you between $160 and $200 but it is literally the best investment you can make for a boot. If that isn't an option a trim to fit will help, but is far inferior. If you have to get a trim to fit, get superfoot carbon (itinterfaces with the heel of a ski boot better than the green IMO), or a sidas option. Then have the bootfitter re-evaluate your foot inside the shell of the boot with the custom and go from there. What it sounds like is happening is that your foot as it gets pressured is pronating inside the boot causing your instep to lower. This allows your foot to slide t forward in the boot and can definitely lead to over pressure on the front of your lower leg (just a guess, as shin bang can be cause by a lot of things).
Dec 20 2013 12:53AM
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spushkin
Posts: 50 - Karma: 67
Alright man thanks a ton! Appreciate the detailed response. I think I will go get some custom insoles.
Dec 20 2013 9:49AM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6638 - Karma: 10,532
Inside the liner or on the outside of the liner?
Dec 21 2013 1:36PM
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Triple_Strum
Posts: 6382 - Karma: 946
Great stuff in here and thanks for the contributors who are knowledgeable boot fitters. So I have very pronated feet and over the last couple of years have developed real foot problems - which is very sad because I am only 32. It is getting to the point that really inhibits me skiing and I can nearly crippled for a couple of days after skiing, the outside of my foot at the arch hurts so bad. I have had custom footbeds before and those really helped, but my most recent boots just have the standard foot bed. I live in the middle of nowhere when it comes to skiing (Kansas City) now, and I am wondering if there is a real difference in a talent footbed designer or maker or not. I know it is worth the money, but frankly am afraid to go spend $200 on footbeds and have them suck. Any advice aside from new footbeds, and is my local shop reliable at all?
Dec 21 2013 2:43PM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6638 - Karma: 10,532
A good pair of properly made footbeds will for sure be of great benefit to you. The hard part will be finding the right person who can make them for you, as it doesn't matter so much on which brand of custom footbed you buy but instead on the person making them for you. If you are having trouble tracking down a good one, you can check out Master Fit and America's Best Boot Fitters for a start. This is by no means an exhaustive list but it will give a starting point for calling shops in your area or at the mountain you ski at.
Dec 21 2013 3:10PM
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AJizzle
Posts: 1882 - Karma: 522
When you do find a trusted bootfitter to do your foot beds, you should ask him about the possibility of making a shim to fit the entire medial side of your boot for the top of your cuff to just past the navicular with areas ground out to fit your navicular and ankle, as this may help in getting your foot and lower leg they room that you need to relieve some of that pressure.
Dec 21 2013 3:35PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7099 - Karma: 17,043
If the footbed is done correctly this should not be needed. The point of a footbed is to put the foot back into a neatral position. When this is done the ankle, knee and hip should be stacked or aligned. This should mean the cuff of the boot roughly matches. If it does not it may mean there is a curve to the tib and fib. In this case a sole grind is a better choice to realign the cuff. However this I would say applies to around 2% of skiers so it's pretty rare.
Dec 21 2013 4:28PM
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Triple_Strum
Posts: 6382 - Karma: 946
Thanks so much guys. I am heading out to Summit Co this year. Anyone know a great bootfitter actually in Breck by any chance? (that is where I am staying).
Dec 21 2013 7:21PM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6638 - Karma: 10,532
I've heard good things about Slopestyle... Any locals care to weigh in other options?
Dec 22 2013 9:22AM
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40oz.
Posts: 1758 - Karma: 555
Okay I bought a nice silicon spray, (2011 Full Tilt Booters for reference). I used the spray and the hinges and where any of the shell was "rubbing". After doing this I've decided my boots don't really have a "squeak". It is caused from the intuition liner rubbing on the inside on the shell. For example, when I flex it it pressed so tightly against the shell it creates a loud noise per say not really a squeak. And it is in both boots. The boots are the right size as I had them fitted again recently and it's not really a huge deal because the boots feel good it's just sooo damn annoying to the point when I come inside I take off my boots and put on shoes so I don't hear it when I walk!!

Yes I am getting them (buckles) tight enough and have 3 band Booster Strap so they're tight. I have removed spoiler for more calf room and I think that little space it gave me is where the wiggle room is coming from to make the annoying rubbing noise. So I will try to put the spoiler back on and see how this helps.

But any boot experts here or anyone with similar issues know anything to put on the liner? I don't really wanna spray silicone on the liner because then it would just get insanely slippery inside the shell. I need like something about the liner similar to what is used under rugs on hard floors to keep them from sliding.

Just any thoughts would be appreciated. I know it's not a big deal but it is ungodly loud and I'm sure it drives everyone else not just myself crazy. Thanks
Dec 23 2013 10:11AM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6638 - Karma: 10,532
Weird that a fabric-y liner would be squeaking in the shell, but if you have narrowed it down to this you could go into any shop that sells touring boots and ask for the protective stickers that come with lots of Scarpa or Dynafit boots. These stickers go on the outside of the liner where the liner usually wears/moves against the shell. They could probably solve what you are experiencing.
Dec 24 2013 7:45AM
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rtav
Posts: 227 - Karma: 90
Quick question regarding toe pain. I have full tilt hod doggers with custom footbeds. Every time I land, my big toe immediately is in pain, and it hurts for up to three days after skiing. I think that's foot is sliding upon landing. Is there anything that I can do for this? As I said, I have a custom footbed and I also wear super thin socks. I recently had my liners remolded with the footbeds in and I have yet to ski with this set up, but any other suggestions are appreciated.
Dec 25 2013 12:02AM
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srg_bchkv
Posts: 200 - Karma: 170
Your boots might be too big?
Dec 25 2013 2:39AM
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suup
Posts: 1485 - Karma: 4,366
My spk buckle broke
Dec 25 2013 3:16AM
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