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

[onenerdykid]

I think you nailed it, I bet the liners are packed to the point where the foot falls off the footbed and gets pinched between the bed and the liner. The pain gets worse if I carve really hard, makes sense because if my foot's sliding around it'll slide around the most then, right?

Any solution I can try to eek out the rest of the season, or are new liners and/or boots my only real option?

Also, with 110 days ish on these boots the shells aren't in the worse shape but def not in the best. A liner + new heels and toes are nearing half the price of a new boot in general, worth it in your experience to re-liner, or go with a whole new setup?

Thanks for the advice and in advance

If your liner is packed out to the point that your foot overhangs the footbed, there's no great fix for that. Just make sure the next time you get new footbeds that the boot-fitter doesn't trim/grind off too much. Going 1mm wider than the stock insole is always a safe bet.

And if your shells are in good shape and you like them, just get new liners. No need buying an entirely new boot if you don't have to.

 

[PacificRimJob]

I think you nailed it, I bet the liners are packed to the point where the foot falls off the footbed and gets pinched between the bed and the liner. The pain gets worse if I carve really hard, makes sense because if my foot's sliding around it'll slide around the most then, right?

Any solution I can try to eek out the rest of the season, or are new liners and/or boots my only real option?

Also, with 110 days ish on these boots the shells aren't in the worse shape but def not in the best. A liner + new heels and toes are nearing half the price of a new boot in general, worth it in your experience to re-liner, or go with a whole new setup?

Thanks for the advice and in advance

If the shells feel good, just drop a new liner in there. a new Pro wrap aught to work just fine.

In the meantime, I'd suggest doing an experiment - take a piece of foam, or rubber, or a piece of a chamois towel - something that won't fully compress or something with some bounce to it (if you have a foam footbed in one of your shoes, that could work great) you don't want it more than about 3-5mm thick. Once you've found something suitable cut an oval-ish shape out of it about an inch or two in diameter...

tape it to the side of the liner on the effected area and try it on. if it doesnt hurt immediately, ski a run or two with it.. see if it holds you in or just makes it more painful.

you could also throw in some footbed from your shoes into the shell itself... tape it underneath the liner to the boot board... it might lift you in the boot just enough that it prevents your foot from moving as much laterally within the boot, and could eliminate some of the pain (or it could make it worse, but this is all a bit of experimentation at this point)

Either way, these methods will at least allow you to diagnose what's really happening in there... especially if you can't tell what's causing the pain before you spend a few hours skiing in the boots.

 

[snowpig]

I have the Tecnica Cochise 110 with custom insoles. Was ok last season, but this season I got a terrible pressure point on top of the feet, around the instep, when the 1st tarsal begins, more on the right foot. I did start doing some park this year, so some jumping etc, also more aggressive skiing as I am becoming less lame. It does seem to be ok if I am just cruising and then start hurting once I hit the park.

So... the weekend after posting this I put some foam around the pressure points which made it a bit more bearable. Then a few days after I went to a bootfitter, who put some stuff under the footbed to make it more stable. This definitely fixed the ankle/navicular pressure points again, which is great. But didn't really fix the instep pressure point at the joint of the first tarsal.

I do have huge issues with my stance, with supination in the right foot and pronation on the left, so I realise no boot will be perfect, but the comfort fit of the Cochise I guess lets my feet move too much in different directions, while the instep is not as roomy and thus the pressure point. It works ok if I just ski slopes, but if I start jumping, trying to butter and stuff, it becomes painful very quickly, and I didn't buy the Line Blend to ride it like a dad.

From what I read Full Tilts provide a more snug fit, I also like the progressive flex idea and I think it will suit my style. The intuition liner should make it more comfortable (the Cochise liner is thin shit). I am just unsure about the fit and the problem is they are not available in my city so I have to buy online (only the touring models are sold here).

On another note, my self-measured foot measurements are 29cm length, 102mm last, 28cm instep, I'm in a 28.5 FT First Chair 8-- booster straps, custom footbeds, molded intuition powerwraps.

My feet are almost the same - 29.2, 103mm last, 28.5 instep. My current boots are 29.5 and the Full Tilts shell size is like 8mm shorter for 29.5. I was thinking of getting 29.5 again, but you ride 28.5 and complain that it's too big?

Can anyone advice:

- how much roomier is the Soul shell vs the Original, do they differ in instep area at all?

- most people seem to enjoy the wrap liner, but some prefer tongue. Which would work better for me?

- I am thinking Classics or last year's First Chair (which used the wrap liner). Or drop kick pro + stiffer tongue.

 

[TreyDudski]

So right below my liners in my FT drops kicks the plastic (that covers up the wholes where the part of the boot connect with the binding) is like super loose. I can feel it moving around inside my boot while I ski. I know that my boots are too big and I am getting a new pair this summer but is this normal for full tilt boots or has something broke inside the shell?

 

[ThaLorax]

So right below my liners in my FT drops kicks the plastic (that covers up the wholes where the part of the boot connect with the binding) is like super loose. I can feel it moving around inside my boot while I ski. I know that my boots are too big and I am getting a new pair this summer but is this normal for full tilt boots or has something broke inside the shell?

I think what you're talking about is the boot board. Just pull it out and out it back in. Its not very common, but sometimes they get misaligned. Sounds like a boot being too big issue though.

 

[TreyDudski]

I think what you're talking about is the boot board. Just pull it out and out it back in. Its not very common, but sometimes they get misaligned. Sounds like a boot being too big issue though.

Ok thank you!

 

[lucadigianno]

medias de lana, me tejio mi abuela, son lo mas

 

[PizzaTotinoBoy]

I got atomic hawx magna 110s last year, my feet are super super wide. They felt good in the store but after a few hours in them on the mtn there’s bad pain on the outsides of my feet. We heat treated them with spacers and everything and I wear the ultra thin smart wool socks. They’re 102mm last so I’m not sure if there is anything wider on the market even. I’m not sure if I should sell them or what. They fit very comfortably when I take the insoles out but obviously that’s not the ideal way to ski lol

**This post was edited on Sep 27th 2021 at 1:41:07am

 

[PacificRimJob]

I got atomic hawx magna 110s last year, my feet are super super wide. They felt good in the store but after a few hours in them on the mtn there’s bad pain on the outsides of my feet. We heat treated them with spacers and everything and I wear the ultra thin smart wool socks. They’re 102mm last so I’m not sure if there is anything wider on the market even. I’m not sure if I should sell them or what. They fit very comfortably when I take the insoles out but obviously that’s not the ideal way to ski lol

**This post was edited on Sep 27th 2021 at 1:41:07am

Take the liners out and try the liners on by themselves... if they feel super tight alone with the liners, then that could be a problem... those liners in the 110s dont really move a whole lot or stretch.

Also, throw your foot into the empty boot shell and see how much space you have in the toe of the boot...

 

[onenerdykid]

I got atomic hawx magna 110s last year, my feet are super super wide. They felt good in the store but after a few hours in them on the mtn there’s bad pain on the outsides of my feet. We heat treated them with spacers and everything and I wear the ultra thin smart wool socks. They’re 102mm last so I’m not sure if there is anything wider on the market even. I’m not sure if I should sell them or what. They fit very comfortably when I take the insoles out but obviously that’s not the ideal way to ski lol

**This post was edited on Sep 27th 2021 at 1:41:07am

If your foot is filling up a Hawx Magna, then you will need to have every boot option in this category stretched. Selling them and buying something else won't solve your issues.

1. When you say "insole" do you mean a custom footbed is in there? If you are just using the stock insole, then stretching the boot is basically useless as your foot will simply pronate and shift laterally into the space that Memory Fit made for you. You need to support your foot with a proper footbed and this will make the stretch more effective.

2. If you do have a custom footbed, a ski boot can always be traditionally stretched to make more room than Memory Fit tends to give. A decent boot-fitter can easily make a boot 10mm wider.

 

[PizzaTotinoBoy]

If your foot is filling up a Hawx Magna, then you will need to have every boot option in this category stretched. Selling them and buying something else won't solve your issues.

1. When you say "insole" do you mean a custom footbed is in there? If you are just using the stock insole, then stretching the boot is basically useless as your foot will simply pronate and shift laterally into the space that Memory Fit made for you. You need to support your foot with a proper footbed and this will make the stretch more effective.

2. If you do have a custom footbed, a ski boot can always be traditionally stretched to make more room than Memory Fit tends to give. A decent boot-fitter can easily make a boot 10mm wider.

Yes I have the stock insole. I was holding off on getting a custom one to decide if he magna are good for me, I do like everything about them except the eventual discomfort. Is 110 flex high enough for park + expert level skiing or should I have gotten 120? I will definitely make an appointment at my bootfitter then to get a custom insole done. Thanks!!

 

[onenerdykid]

Yes I have the stock insole. I was holding off on getting a custom one to decide if he magna are good for me, I do like everything about them except the eventual discomfort. Is 110 flex high enough for park + expert level skiing or should I have gotten 120? I will definitely make an appointment at my bootfitter then to get a custom insole done. Thanks!!

A custom insole will also narrow your foot (it will hold it up, not allowing it to flatten out).

The right flex isn't so much dependent on where you ski or how good you are - the right flex is more of a reflection of the forces you put into the boot. So 110 could be fine if you are on the lighter/smaller side of things, but it might be too soft if you are a larger/stronger guy.

 

[PizzaTotinoBoy]

A custom insole will also narrow your foot (it will hold it up, not allowing it to flatten out).

The right flex isn't so much dependent on where you ski or how good you are - the right flex is more of a reflection of the forces you put into the boot. So 110 could be fine if you are on the lighter/smaller side of things, but it might be too soft if you are a larger/stronger guy.

Sick, gotta go custom for sure. im 5'11" 170 lbs so pretty average sized

 

[Chipy2000]

I use some atomic race boots as daily’s, they are really tight at the top of my foot, sometimes if i had long days at the mountain; they could even numb my foot a bit, otherwise they fit me quite nicely, any idea how i could fix it at home? I don’t have many boot fitters in town.

 

[onenerdykid]

I use some atomic race boots as daily’s, they are really tight at the top of my foot, sometimes if i had long days at the mountain; they could even numb my foot a bit, otherwise they fit me quite nicely, any idea how i could fix it at home? I don’t have many boot fitters in town.

I like to equate DIY boot-fitting to DIY dentistry... sure you can give it a try, but without the right tools and training, you're most likely going to fuck it up and make it worse.

There are a handful of proper solutions to the issue you are facing, but you will need the right tools and knowledge to figure out which one to use. And picking the wrong one can often create a new, unintended issue to arise.

If you don't have a boot-fitter nearby, then look for boot-fitters in the area where you go skiing. Call them, describe your issue, and make an appointment with them so they can get you fixed up. It will be worth taking the time and doing it right vs. doing it now, on your own.

 

[Chipy2000]

[tag=134699]@onenerdykid[/tag] will do then, don’t really want to fuck up my boots just to save a few bucks i might spend fixing them later

I like to equate DIY boot-fitting to DIY dentistry... sure you can give it a try, but without the right tools and training, you're most likely going to fuck it up and make it worse.

There are a handful of proper solutions to the issue you are facing, but you will need the right tools and knowledge to figure out which one to use. And picking the wrong one can often create a new, unintended issue to arise.

If you don't have a boot-fitter nearby, then look for boot-fitters in the area where you go skiing. Call them, describe your issue, and make an appointment with them so they can get you fixed up. It will be worth taking the time and doing it right vs. doing it now, on your own.

 

[holytoast]

Currently I have K2 poachers with the pivot 15 GW. Bought some new Roxa element 120 boots last year and 4th time I used them the tongue on the left boot came off clean when putting the boots on. Cant say im impressed with Roxa quality/fit considering the high price tag. The boots didnt actually clip in properly with the Grip walk soles - there wasnt enough clearance for the heel to clip in so i had to remove the gw soles and put on the normal pair they came with. Even though i went through the process of getting fitted by a professional who solely does bootfitting and has been doing so for over a decade, i feel like the boots don't fit well. Should i try and get a replacement tongue and keep skiing on them considering how little ive actually used them or should i go back to my old pair of boots that are just alright?

 

[PacificRimJob]

Currently I have K2 poachers with the pivot 15 GW. Bought some new Roxa element 120 boots last year and 4th time I used them the tongue on the left boot came off clean when putting the boots on. Cant say im impressed with Roxa quality/fit considering the high price tag. The boots didnt actually clip in properly with the Grip walk soles - there wasnt enough clearance for the heel to clip in so i had to remove the gw soles and put on the normal pair they came with. Even though i went through the process of getting fitted by a professional who solely does bootfitting and has been doing so for over a decade, i feel like the boots don't fit well. Should i try and get a replacement tongue and keep skiing on them considering how little ive actually used them or should i go back to my old pair of boots that are just alright?

Do you mean the plastic flexion tongue that's part of the shell or something? Last time I checked those all came with a wrap liner so you shouldnt be ripping any tongue off the liner.

 

[holytoast]

Do you mean the plastic flexion tongue that's part of the shell or something? Last time I checked those all came with a wrap liner so you shouldnt be ripping any tongue off the liner.

My bad…yeah the plastic tongue ripped off when i was putting them on. Didn't over extend or anything, just ripped right off :/

 

[PacificRimJob]

My bad…yeah the plastic tongue ripped off when i was putting them on. Didn't over extend or anything, just ripped right off :/

Doesn't it re-attach?

I havent fucked around with that boot so I don't know how the flexion tongue attaches to the scoffa

 

[ThaLorax]

Doesn't it have a clip to re-attatch? I haven't played with that boot in a while, but I'm pretty sure that tongue piece is replaceable. Post a pic?

My bad…yeah the plastic tongue ripped off when i was putting them on. Didn't over extend or anything, just ripped right off :/

**This post was edited on Nov 10th 2021 at 9:22:57am

 

[holytoast]

Doesn't it re-attach?

I havent fucked around with that boot so I don't know how the flexion tongue attaches to the scoffa

 

[PacificRimJob]

View attachment 1017505

Wait is it a plastic on plastic connection? I thought it had a metal clip like the Full Tilts do.

 

[holytoast]

Wait is it a plastic on plastic connection? I thought it had a metal clip like the Full Tilts do.

That little plastic piece thats broken off should be attached to the hole in this photo

 

[who_is_broid]

Ive skied full tilt park boots my entire life and I'm now looking to be able to through stuff in the backcountry and ski bigger lines outside the resort but no boots feel like they ski aggressively enough to ski confidently. My favorite thing about full tilt is the aggressive forward lean, which no AT boots I have treid have, has anyone else had this problem?

 

[PacificRimJob]

That little plastic piece thats broken off should be attached to the hole in this photo

View attachment 1017546

Ah shit, how did you do that lol.

Oh well. Easy fix. Snip the broken plastic doohickey out of there, then drill a hole and bolt it into place. If youre worried about it coming out, use some loctite. It will stay forever.

 

[reeddavis218]

Ive skied full tilt park boots my entire life and I'm now looking to be able to through stuff in the backcountry and ski bigger lines outside the resort but no boots feel like they ski aggressively enough to ski confidently. My favorite thing about full tilt is the aggressive forward lean, which no AT boots I have treid have, has anyone else had this problem?

FT SC, Dalbello lupo- could get a stiffer tongue and change the fwd lean on both as well

 

[Jerziii]

Planning on buying new pair of boots because I am getting into learning butters. My current boots are 29,5 FT Decendant 4's but have bought stiffer tonque 6 (on FT scale 4-12), switched from stiffer ski to softer in hopes of easier butters (völkl revolt 95 to K2 reckoner 102). Now when i lean forward and try to flex I have to lean really forward and i feel my heel/liner lifting while leaning. Figured that when i bought the boots I was sold too large boots so went to test Dalbello il moro mx90's on 28,5. These felt more snug and comfortable but the main question is that is the 90 flex on the boot too soft? I'm 6'1 and 195. Thanks for help!

 

[kvan]

Planning on buying new pair of boots because I am getting into learning butters. My current boots are 29,5 FT Decendant 4's but have bought stiffer tonque 6 (on FT scale 4-12), switched from stiffer ski to softer in hopes of easier butters (völkl revolt 95 to K2 reckoner 102). Now when i lean forward and try to flex I have to lean really forward and i feel my heel/liner lifting while leaning. Figured that when i bought the boots I was sold too large boots so went to test Dalbello il moro mx90's on 28,5. These felt more snug and comfortable but the main question is that is the 90 flex on the boot too soft? I'm 6'1 and 195. Thanks for help!

That's no doubt a soft boot for someone of your stature and build. Dalbello makes that boot in a 120 I would give that a try with the help and guidance of a good bootfitter. Keep in mind you want to make sure you're able to adequately flex the boot at ambient temperature because they stiffen up quite a bit in the cold.

 

[ThaLorax]

Planning on buying new pair of boots because I am getting into learning butters. My current boots are 29,5 FT Decendant 4's but have bought stiffer tonque 6 (on FT scale 4-12), switched from stiffer ski to softer in hopes of easier butters (völkl revolt 95 to K2 reckoner 102). Now when i lean forward and try to flex I have to lean really forward and i feel my heel/liner lifting while leaning. Figured that when i bought the boots I was sold too large boots so went to test Dalbello il moro mx90's on 28,5. These felt more snug and comfortable but the main question is that is the 90 flex on the boot too soft? I'm 6'1 and 195. Thanks for help!

You should 348% go see a boot fitter if you have a decent one near you. All boots come in different shapes, flexes and styles. They measure your foot, and will know which ones to narrow it down to.

 

[ThaLorax]

Also, a custom footbed helps a ton for heel hold, but wait until you find the right boot! A good footbed will outlast your boot and can be reused in your next one(s).

 

[JacksonA125]

My boot goes into walk mode anytime I’m dropping anything 10+ feet, warranty time, or is this common? Boot is a k2 mindbender 130

 

[PacificRimJob]

My boot goes into walk mode anytime I’m dropping anything 10+ feet, warranty time, or is this common? Boot is a k2 mindbender 130

Like, the walk mode levers slip out and flip up?

 

[PacificRimJob]

Lol. I love how it's been literally -10 degrees or colder out for about 2 weeks now and I still have dozens of clients coming in complaining of cold toes, assuming I have some magical way of making their toes warm or improving circulation...

Look, even I gave in last season and chucked some boot heaters into my shit... and they have been an absolute godsend ever since I have.

Hokkaido is fucking cold, dude. Stop begging me to pull a rabbit out of my asshole and shell out the 150$ for me to throw in some boot heaters, or better yet, the 300-400 for heated socks...

 

[JacksonA125]

Like, the walk mode levers slip out and flip up?

Exactly… it’s never happened just skiing, but when I hit a drop and then successively exit at speed through crud my walk mode lever flips up and it’s a really horrible experience. I haven’t hit anything big this season with a sketchy outrun because I don’t trust the boot, wondering if this is anything anyone has dealt with

 

[PacificRimJob]

Exactly… it’s never happened just skiing, but when I hit a drop and then successively exit at speed through crud my walk mode lever flips up and it’s a really horrible experience. I haven’t hit anything big this season with a sketchy outrun because I don’t trust the boot, wondering if this is anything anyone has dealt with

yeah youre landing backseat im guessing and its forcing them out. certainly not a warranty issue. Theyre still touring boots at the end of the day. throw a strap or something around your cuff when youre skiing inbounds and it will force it to stay in its spot.

 

[KooK_Luke]

invest in zip fit liners

 

[PizzaKid]

Checking in, since I have not really found my issue in this thread... Currently I ride the salomon s max 110 boots with about 50 days on them. The problem is that suddenly last week after 3 continuous days of skiing the lowest part of my shin/ frontal part of the ankle is hugely swollen like I rolled my ankle. To illustrate, it is the part where the lower part of the boot and the cuff press into the shin when for example overflexing cheap super soft boots. So what could be my issue here? Is there too much volume in these somewhat low volume boots, are these boots too soft or have the liners packed out? For reference I am 190 cm, 77 kg and my feet measure 272mm and 274 mm in length and 98/99 in width and I ride 27.5 with some non custom (but seemingly comfortable) sidas insoles. Any input is greatly appreciated!

 

[ThaLorax]

You're 77kg skiing a smax 110?

1. Assuming you're a solid skier... yes, your boots are probably too soft

2. Would you consider that particular part of your shin to be skinny? If so, You could either experiment by having a boot fitter put some foam or similar material to fill that space, or you could try aftermarket custom liners. Or, you can find someone with a Fischer Vaccum machine to vacuum fit them and crank the pressure over that zone, while leaving the forefoot average pressure.

Checking in, since I have not really found my issue in this thread... Currently I ride the salomon s max 110 boots with about 50 days on them. The problem is that suddenly last week after 3 continuous days of skiing the lowest part of my shin/ frontal part of the ankle is hugely swollen like I rolled my ankle. To illustrate, it is the part where the lower part of the boot and the cuff press into the shin when for example overflexing cheap super soft boots. So what could be my issue here? Is there too much volume in these somewhat low volume boots, are these boots too soft or have the liners packed out? For reference I am 190 cm, 77 kg and my feet measure 272mm and 274 mm in length and 98/99 in width and I ride 27.5 with some non custom (but seemingly comfortable) sidas insoles. Any input is greatly appreciated!

 

[PizzaKid]

You're 77kg skiing a smax 110?

1. Assuming you're a solid skier... yes, your boots are probably too soft

2. Would you consider that particular part of your shin to be skinny? If so, You could either experiment by having a boot fitter put some foam or similar material to fill that space, or you could try aftermarket custom liners. Or, you can find someone with a Fischer Vaccum machine to vacuum fit them and crank the pressure over that zone, while leaving the forefoot average pressure.

Thanks man I appreciate the advice! Once the swelling is gone I’ll try out some stiffer boots. The Fischer vacuum suggestion is also sounds interesting. I do have access to both so in the end it should work out. Again thanks for the advice!

 

[vtmoonbooter]

So I recently bought a pair of Dalbello Lupos ax 120 in a size 27.5 at a shop with fitting. After skiing in some Salomon shitters 28.5 with a 90 flex for years Because im a cheapo they felt great. But skiing with the dalbellos 2 times now I've developed some pretty bad shin bang and my heel/the liner seems to rise a lot when trying to butter/jib or do anything fun. is there anything I can do or just try and resell and try them in a 26.5 now?

 

[onenerdykid]

So I recently bought a pair of Dalbello Lupos ax 120 in a size 27.5 at a shop with fitting. After skiing in some Salomon shitters 28.5 with a 90 flex for years Because im a cheapo they felt great. But skiing with the dalbellos 2 times now I've developed some pretty bad shin bang and my heel/the liner seems to rise a lot when trying to butter/jib or do anything fun. is there anything I can do or just try and resell and try them in a 26.5 now?

Do a shell fit:

1. remove the liner from the shell

2. step into the shell with a very thin ski sock on (or no sock)

3. slide your foot to the front of the shell so your toes just barely touch

4. how much space is behind your heel? 1cm = high performance fit, 2cm = normal, 3cm = boot is too big, start over

If you pass the shell fit stage and don't have a footbed, you will need to get a footbed.

If you've done both of those steps, were your liners heat molded?

 

[vtmoonbooter]

Do a shell fit:

1. remove the liner from the shell

2. step into the shell with a very thin ski sock on (or no sock)

3. slide your foot to the front of the shell so your toes just barely touch

4. how much space is behind your heel? 1cm = high performance fit, 2cm = normal, 3cm = boot is too big, start over

If you pass the shell fit stage and don't have a footbed, you will need to get a footbed.

If you've done both of those steps, were your liners heat molded?

There's like a little over 2cm maybe 2.5. Would a footbed help the heel rise feeling and shin bang? and yes they were heat molded.

 

[onenerdykid]

There's like a little over 2cm maybe 2.5. Would a footbed help the heel rise feeling and shin bang? and yes they were heat molded.

Size sounds roughly normal. But without a footbed, your foot is going to twist & move around. When this happens, you get heel lift and shin bang. Getting a good footbed is your first order of action and then re-mold the liner.

 

[clouded]

Here’s my story of how I spent numerous days trying to get myself some good-fitting boots, but still achieved no result.

I have short, slightly wide feet with high arches and high insteps.

Here’s a screenshot from the Fischer app

​

Real measurements:

254mm/99mm left

250mm/99mm right

I’ve tried around 20 boots and almost all of them were crushing my insteps immediately even after sizing up. Here are the ones that I’ve made notes of:

FISCHER Ranger 110 275 - toes are fine, instep crushed

HEAD Kore 2 270 - pinky pressured, instep crushed

Salomon Shift Pro 265 - pinky pressured, instep crushed

Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 275 - toes are fine, instep crushed hard

Rossignol Alltrack Pro 265 - toes are crushed, instep pressured

Tecnica Mach1 MV 275 - toes are slightly pressured, instep pressured moderately

Couldn’t find any popular high volume boots like Magna in my size to try.

So out of in-stock options Dalbello Panterra 120 260/265 are the only boots that didn’t immediately crush my toes and insteps. I spent 30 minutes in the store and my feet felt fine. The size also felt right length-wise. There was some light pressure on the instep, but I thought it would go away over time.

So I got the Panterras.

Every time I skied my instep hurt, fingers from the pinky side went numb, some pain over the ball. It was worse when I was not skiing but just standing in the boots.

I went to a boot fitter, got myself a custom Sidas sole and heat-molded the boots.

Heat molding helped with my toes, but didn’t help with the instep (maybe it was compensated by the custom sole).

The boot fitter said it would’ve been easier to make the instep bigger in 2-piece boots, but with a 3-piece there’s now only an option of grinding the plastic sole to lower the feet.

So I agreed and grinding actually did help with the instep.

Now this is what happens:

When I buckle to the middle - they feel loose, especially above the front of the feet near the big toe. Tongues feel loose. There is enough control for simple skiing, but trying to jump/butter feels uncontrollable.

When I buckle hard - everything starts hurting again, the pinky toes, the insteps.

I’m going to the boot fitter again to see if there’s anything to do.

But I guess I screwed up since now my boots are too loose in the front?

P.S. Could you guys please recommend some more boot models with shells that would be fitting to my type of feet (high insteps, wide but not too wide)? I'd like to try some more options

 

[clouded]

I went to a boot fitter, got myself a custom Sidas sole and heat-molded the boots.

The boot fitter said it would’ve been easier to make the instep bigger in 2-piece boots, but with a 3-piece there’s now only an option of grinding the plastic sole to lower the feet.

I meant Sidas footbeds and plastic insoles instead of soles

 

[Substitute]

I meant Sidas footbeds and plastic insoles instead of soles

Just replying to this so I don't have your original longer post quoted.

Were you at a fitter when you tried on all those boots? A few of the ones you listed wouldn't have any chance of fitting you, particularly the shift. The instep is far too low.

Did your fitter just grind the boot board, or did they grind the bottom of the shell itself? Those dalbellos you have don't have much of a boot board.

When it comes to your panterra's your fitter is correct that its hard to stretch the instep on a 3 piece boot. I've had really good success grinding the plastic on the tongue of the liner, and off the tongue of the boot itself. I've had customers with similar sounding issues, and this can help. This would only apply if you have the tongue style liner, not the wrap. I would check with your fitter, and have them do any grinding.

Since I don't use the Fischer scanner at the shop I work at, so I'm not too sure what all those numbers equate to. Maybe someone else could speak more on that system. It could be helpful to have your fitter measure your instep-heel diameter, so we could get a better sense of how high volume your feet are.

You're not the only one out there with high volume feet, I'm sure you'll get it sorted out eventually.

 

[clouded]

Were you at a fitter when you tried on all those boots? A few of the ones you listed wouldn't have any chance of fitting you, particularly the shift. The instep is far too low.

Did your fitter just grind the boot board, or did they grind the bottom of the shell itself? Those dalbellos you have don't have much of a boot board.

No, I was just trying all boots with 100+ last I could find in all stores around the city since instep info usually is not specified. The stock is low in stores now and the store where my fitter works only has a few Fischer/Atomic race models. The fitter recommended Salomon S/Pro HV, but I couldn't find it in my size.

The grinding was done on the bootboard, yeah, not the shell. I'll suggest him to grind the plastic on the liner too, sound like it may allow me to buckle up more.

You're not the only one out there with high volume feet, I'm sure you'll get it sorted out eventually.

Thanks for believing in me I hope I'd be able to enjoy skiing once in a while instead of struggling

 

[Substitute]

No, I was just trying all boots with 100+ last I could find in all stores around the city since instep info usually is not specified. The stock is low in stores now and the store where my fitter works only has a few Fischer/Atomic race models. The fitter recommended Salomon S/Pro HV, but I couldn't find it in my size.

The grinding was done on the bootboard, yeah, not the shell. I'll suggest him to grind the plastic on the liner too, sound like it may allow me to buckle up more.

Thanks for believing in me I hope I'd be able to enjoy skiing once in a while instead of struggling

Gotcha, yeah inventory is a bit tricky at the moment.

If you are having trouble with a sloppy fit after grinding the liner, maybe see if you can get some unmodified boot boards.

S/Pro HV would certainly be a good option. If you can find a Nordica Sport Machine, that may also be a good option.

 

[kvan]

@clouded it sounds like you need to go see a different fitter. The instep is a very tricky area to modify therefore, the bootfitter should prioritize that part of the fit when helping you pick a boot. Ski boots are fit to match the volume of your foot, not length especially someone with a high instep. Different cabrio (3 piece) boots are always worth a try like that Panterra because of the opening on the top of the boot underneath the tongue. They definitely can offer relief along this area especially for those who have a prominent instep bump. Sometimes even upsizing a 2-piece boot to accommodate the instep ends up working out. It's all case by case.

Keep in mind custom insoles take up quite a bit of volume. I might experiment and try boots on with just the stock insole to see if this alleviates the instep pressure. Custom insoles have many benefits, but they aren't for everyone and what good are they going to do you if your issue is excessive instep pressure?

A high instep foot can be a difficult fit even for a veteran and either way I'd definitely get it sorted out with a pro. If the situation with your current fitter goes south, let us know your location and someone could probably refer you to a fitter. I wish I could be more help man, best of luck!