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May, 2025

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

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onenerdykid
Posts: 6747 - Karma: 11,771
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.


11 years ago
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AJizzle
Posts: 1882 - Karma: 522
If you got fitted for them in a store you want to get it taken care of as soon as possible, so either they don't forget you, lose proof of purchase, or expire a one season bootfit guarantee.
11 years ago
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BackseatBrah
Posts: 139 - Karma: 118
I got them in October of 2012... Do you think they'll do anything? I took great care of them, they have a few scratches but nothing too major
11 years ago
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ALMIGHTYSOSA
Posts: 2800 - Karma: 2,102
+k so legit! My shins feel so much better now
11 years ago
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AJizzle
Posts: 1882 - Karma: 522
Just go back and talk to them, say that you think the boots you got from them are too big and have them re-evaluate their foot. They maybe accommodating. If you bought them at a specialty shop there is probably a higher chance that they will take care of you.
11 years ago
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WaffleMaster
Posts: 661 - Karma: 5,565
QUESTION

Dalbello Krypton Rampages, 3-piece boot.

My boots flex differently. Checked flex adjustments, same in each boot. My left, when buckled snug, flexes just the way I want it, with no pressure points throughout any flex position. My right, is super stiff. When I push with my hand it's actually not too bad, barely noticeable. But with my leg, it feels like there's a motherfuggin bar going right across, preventing the boot from flexing.

Please help!



11 years ago
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brenker
Posts: 3188 - Karma: 72
Are your buckle ladders positioned in the same holes on each boot?
11 years ago
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WaffleMaster
Posts: 661 - Karma: 5,565
nah, I adjust so they are equally snug on each foot, regardless of where the buckle is. I know feet can be different shapes and sizes.
11 years ago
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AJizzle
Posts: 1882 - Karma: 522
It sounds like you don't have custom footbeds in your boot and that the stabilization muscles in your leg are having to work overtime to support your foot and ankle. Step one: go get custom insoles made to keep your foot stabilized at neutral. Step two: if pain persists we will revisit. Hell I may even meet you to take a look at your foot in the boot when I come up to North*. Ps: it could also be that the boot is not snug enough around the ankle and lower leg.
11 years ago
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AJizzle
Posts: 1882 - Karma: 522
First, check the flex of the tongue. There is a clock looking stamp on the back of the tongue, there is an arrow on the circle that points to the flex of the tongue. Second; have you broken your ankle or had any Achilles problems at any point (how good is your ankle flexion)?
11 years ago
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AJizzle
Posts: 1882 - Karma: 522
Superfeet have a 60 day fit guarantee, take them back to the place you bought them, tell them they are uncomfortable and assuming they have competent bootfitters, use the credit to apply toward a full custom. Try not to go with the superfeet kirks, but rather look for instaprint or quikbeds from masterfit, or sidas options. If they don't have a solid bootfitter, try to get a refund for the insoles and go somewhere in North* with a well respected fitter.
11 years ago
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WaffleMaster
Posts: 661 - Karma: 5,565
Both at C. And nope. I can't touch my toes though haha. But I've recently started stretching hard every day and I'm getting closer.
11 years ago
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7293 - Karma: 18,716
The reason it is happening is the muscle is being activated and not allowed to relax. This can happen for a few reasons. Often its being slightly backseat. This can be because the boots are too stiff, you may lack ankle flex or you may just need to work on technique.

It can also be that your foot is pronating inside the boot still which is in turn activating the muscle. Tightening the boot will often make this feel worse. Because you have not got footbeds and only have the superfeet green, I would imagine its certainly partly this. A good custom footbed hopefully from Sidas will really help.

Add to this a possible heel lift if required and maybe softening the boots may help.

But start with some footbeds.
11 years ago
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7293 - Karma: 18,716
More then likely its how your foot is sat in the boot. Do you have any kind of custom footbed. Interestingly (well interesting to a boot fitter) a more pronated foot will allow more forward lean. This can mean if one of your feet is pronating more then the other, you can find that the more pronated foot feels like it can flex easier.

So a good pair of custom footbeds which put both feet into a more neutral stance will give a much better idea of the true flex.
11 years ago
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AJizzle
Posts: 1882 - Karma: 522
In addition to a custom footbed (which is always a good idea) see about having some small heel lifts put in your boots to give you better leverage and allow you to get further forward. Keep stretching and try to increase your flexion.
11 years ago
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WaffleMaster
Posts: 661 - Karma: 5,565
I don't have a custom footbed, I've never had one in any boot. Sure I'd get one but the left boot is fine...

It's weird though, no matter how loose I make the buckles, I can still feel the "bar" feeling across the front. Even loosened to the first "rung" of the "ladder" (idk proper terms).

The only time I can't feel it is when the buckle isn't attached to the rungs at all.
11 years ago
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6747 - Karma: 11,771
I totally grant that things might be ok or feel fine without a footbed, but once you get one you will be so surprised that you ever skied without one.

I find that they not only fix at least 80% of the weird things people feel with boots (like what you describe with the tooth plates) but also simply make your skiing so much more direct and efficient.
11 years ago
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MartianMan
Posts: 1101 - Karma: 2,094
My current boots are old and do not fit me well. I don't have the money for a new pair of boots right now, but I plan on buying a pair next season. However, I am looking into buying custom footbeds for the boots I own now, but if I get a new pair of boots, can I reuse the footbeds?
11 years ago
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WaffleMaster
Posts: 661 - Karma: 5,565
Alright. I wish but they're expensive. Definitely my next skiing purchase tho.

I have some plastic pieces that came with the boot and go under the liner where the arches are. I'll see what happens.
11 years ago
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SKI.ING
Posts: 2695 - Karma: 2,536
I know you want to use your employee discount and stuff, but save yourself the hassle and go to Starthaus. You're not that far from it if you're working at Northstar and it will be completely worth it. They are pros there, trust me.
11 years ago
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WaffleMaster
Posts: 661 - Karma: 5,565
Update: found some footbeds in another pair of boots. Not custom fit, but raise my heel and make contact with my arches. I'm excited to ski with these!

But they didn't solve the problem, they only made it a little better.

I DID find though that putting my power strap on the inside of the shell, right outside the liner, almost totally fixed the problem. Yeah it's a solution, but is that the ONLY solution? I hope that clarifies the problem more.
11 years ago
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dross250
Posts: 380 - Karma: 119
I live in an area with one ski shop and even that is a significant drive away just to try on / browse footbeds. Are there any specific brands you would recommend trying or browsing for finding a good fit for both my feet and that are compatible with ski boots.

I've read a little bit into the matter and it seems that there are MANY options out there including full customization of insoles. I doubt I will be able to afford to take that route but am committed to trying a good footbed. I have a high arch / high instep with a wider last and stubby toes if that helps. Any suggestions are welcomed. Thanks everybody
11 years ago
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7293 - Karma: 18,716
I would only suggest looking at th sidas full custom option. Avoid any form of trim to fit insole, such as superfeet. Pre molded footbeds are alwYs too low in the medial arch for most people. They will feel better then stock insoles but are now where close to what a full custom will offer.

If there is one thing I could advise you all here it's this. Buy your full custom footbed first. Then spend what money you have left on a boot. Footbeds really are that inportant. And price wise when you think they will last and you can use them in 2-3 boots they really are not too expensive.
11 years ago
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6747 - Karma: 11,771
Yes, footbeds are transferable from boot to boot. Footbeds will usually last you at least 2 or more pairs of boots.
11 years ago
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last_tango
Posts: 2635 - Karma: 2,665
Can you remold the sidas custom foot beds? I think the arch in my foot bed may have been done too aggressively or I'm in arch pain because my foot is moving in the boot cause its now two sizes too big. I may go for more pizza box cardboard underfoot to take up more volume but I think its going to put me through more discomfort.
11 years ago
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Avifarer
Posts: 5926 - Karma: 598
Do you ever run into any issues with the sidas? Never dealt with them but a lady brought her boots into the shop one day and the sidas was so stiff/wide it seemed like her footbed wasnt even sitting flat in her boots.
11 years ago
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7293 - Karma: 18,716
That is error when it's produced. Sidas offer the most flexibility in terms of shaping and remoulding. You can have a customer bring in a set they got 10 years ago an you can reshape and stabilise them just like a new pair. I really would recommend everyone go sidas. But you do need a very good fitter to make them well. I remold nearly every pair I see as unfortunately there are not many good fitters out there.
11 years ago
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7293 - Karma: 18,716
You can remold but I would not start there. First check the length. If they are just a few mm too long it can feel very excessive in the rear medial arch infront of the heel. It may also be that the heel is not level when it's been ground. This can be fairly easily corrected by re grinding. Lastly what type of stabiliser was used? It may just be too stiff, which again can be corrected by regrinding.
11 years ago
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6747 - Karma: 11,771
Don't mess with your footbed if you know your boot is 2 sizes too big. You are band-aiding the main problem that is more than likely why you are feeling pain underfoot- your boot is not holding you in place, which is allowing your foot to slide and move on top of the footbed. This places the arch contours in different places under your foot which can for sure lead to discomfort.

Perhaps your footbed needs tweaking but your main problem is your boot. Fix your boot first, then see how the footbeds feel once your foot is not sliding around on top of the footbed.
11 years ago
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MartianMan
Posts: 1101 - Karma: 2,094
My local shop sells "foot balance" custom footbeds. Are those desirable or should I keep looking? They are only $99, so if they are of decent quality I would be happy to pull the trigger.
11 years ago
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7293 - Karma: 18,716
I have not worked with them directly, but they look a bit basic. Is that the cost for the footbed alone or when its stabilized? If its footbed only it will still be around 150 when finished. They will be better then a superfeet trim to fit or Kork but not as good as a sidas option.
11 years ago
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dross250
Posts: 380 - Karma: 119
Thank you for sharing all your knowledge and expertise with us who know next to nothing about footbeds and so on. I am going to look into sidas as per your recommendation. I am just wondering if you could shed some light on the price I would be looking at for a set of 2 customized sidas footbeds? I ant to be prepared / know what I am up against as I will have to save a little money in the budget elsewhere.

Thanks again.
11 years ago
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7293 - Karma: 18,716
Where are you located? The price will vary depending where you are. In Europe you will be look at about 65 quid/euro or about 90 bucks. Stateside tht footbed will be more like 150-200. Costs go up due to import fees and shipping ect.

So for two pairs in the states 300-400 but why do you want two pairs out of interest?
11 years ago
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dross250
Posts: 380 - Karma: 119
I was planning to get a second pair for my hockey skates. I play hockey 3-4 times a week and ski 2-3 so it seems logical that if I'm going to invest in a pair for skiing that I do the same for hockey. Unless you guys with more expertise can convince me otherwise.
11 years ago
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will_powder
Posts: 3194 - Karma: 5,445
Just swap into your skates and vice versa?
11 years ago
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7293 - Karma: 18,716
Oh ok yeah I would get two. You can have the ones for the skates a bit softer then the ski ones. You want a bit more mobility in the skate compared to a ski boot, not much more but that is what we found worked best. You can also get thinner insoles from sidas an I'm sure other brands which will take up less volume in a skate.
11 years ago
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MartianMan
Posts: 1101 - Karma: 2,094
That was the price for the footbed and the installation. Another close shop does sell the Sidas full customs, for $150 with the installation. Is that worth the the $50 more for a sides over a foot balance?
11 years ago
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dross250
Posts: 380 - Karma: 119
This is definitely option B if I can't afford two pairs. I'm thinking that I will get a pair for my ski boots first and see how much of a difference it makes.
11 years ago
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SKI.ING
Posts: 2695 - Karma: 2,536
Yes.
11 years ago
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6747 - Karma: 11,771
Yes. Foot balance is garbage. If the choice is between Foot Balance and Sidas, it is Sidas all the way.
11 years ago
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last_tango
Posts: 2635 - Karma: 2,665
Went to the boot fitter and the footbeds needed tweaking. Managed to have the bootfitter go next door to the second hand ski shop and got custom fitted salomon ghosts for 250 with work included. Best deal im probably going to get. Now im in need of medical orthodics. They told me to go see a doctor before my knees and ankles turn to dust.
11 years ago
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.cam.
Posts: 1852 - Karma: 48
Right now i have a pair of boots that the shells only have about 30 days on but they have a set of intuitions in them that have +/- 200 days on them and I am starting to get some slop. The shells are border line too big in all directions (about a two finger shell fit behind and about 3 mm per side. At first I was going to just get some new intuitions but is that the right choice? or for some more money just get a boot that might fit a little better? For reference this is my second pair of these shells and I have had no discernible issues other than the slop I have now. Is a new issue a poor choice that is just masking a problem?
11 years ago
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7293 - Karma: 18,716
It's not a bad idea to get a podiatrist to have a look at your feet but for footbeds for boots it either needs to be a podiatrist who fits ski boots or a very good boot fitter. A orthotic for a show is very differnt then a footbed for a shoe. Some good ski shops have podiatrists on staff maybe see if you can find one of these shops.
11 years ago
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7293 - Karma: 18,716
It depends if the shells really are too big. How you described then sounds fine actually. Take them too a shop and have them look at the shell fit. If they are ok get some new liners and a good custom footbed. If they are too big get new boots and custom footbeds.
11 years ago
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rudager
Posts: 11336 - Karma: 4,650
Second time this has happened. Can't seem to adjust it to make it better.

Currently rocking Full Tilt First Chairs. Fourth season in them. Still original intuition liner. No footbeds either.

Problem is swelling along the sides of my legs/lower calf region. Most pain is on the outside of each leg, this is pain where it hurt to drive after leaving the hill yesterday. I was only in the boots for two hours, mellow park skiing.

Tried loosening the buckles, loosing the booster strap, and all the go in betweens.

Anyone with similar experience? Or know what's going on?
11 years ago
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7293 - Karma: 18,716
Sounds like the same issue a guy had a bit above, this was the response for him it should work you too,

The reason it is happening is the muscle is being activated and not allowed to relax. This can happen for a few reasons. Often its being slightly backseat. This can be because the boots are too stiff, you may lack ankle flex or you may just need to work on technique.

It can also be that your foot is pronating inside the boot still which is in turn activating the muscle. Tightening the boot will often make this feel worse. Because you have not got footbeds and only have the superfeet green, I would imagine its certainly partly this. A good custom footbed hopefully from Sidas will really help.

Add to this a possible heel lift if required and maybe softening the boots may help.

But start with some footbeds.
11 years ago
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Harry_Twatter
Posts: 36 - Karma: 370
i just bought a pair of FT level 1 boots,i was fitted for them and they fit my foot the best out of all the boots i tried.also had them heat molded.Sometimes when im skiing the tendon/muscle on the bottom of my left foot becomes really tight right where my arch is and make it very uncomfortable to ski to the point i stop.This only happens sometimes and only happens with my left foot not my right.As soon as i take my boot off it goes away.Anyone know what causing this or how to fix it.Would really appreciate the help.
11 years ago
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7293 - Karma: 18,716
Did you get custom footbeds when you had them fitted? If not that is almost certainly your problem. Your medial arch is collapsing under load and over time this is causing the pain in the foot. Everyone will benifit from a good custom footbed so if you have not already start by getting some.
11 years ago
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