Ski Boots. Tips To Pain-free Skiing - Snopro

Ski boots that are too big often cause you more pain. When your foot is slipping and sliding around inside the boot it leads to bruised toes and blisters.

If you have had this then try going down a size, not up. Too much room allows your foot to bang around in the boot causing these problems.

A tight fit means the boot will move with your foot removing any rubbing, bruises and blisters. Make sure you are wearing a good pair of modern ski socks, as the wrong sock can also lead to similar problems.

Why Do Ski Boots Hurt My Shins?

Shin bang. Bruised shins are another thing that can hinder your skiing. Get your boots done up nice and tight around your leg so the cuff moves and flexes with your leg. Boots with room around the leg will allow your shins to bag and rub. Hence ‘shin bang’. Over a day’s skiing, this will take its toll and it can become painful and even stop you from skiing until you recover.

Another common mistake is having thermals or other pieces of outerwear in the boot. The only things in the boot should be your sock, err and your foot… Small ridges and seams from other clothing can cause a lot of pain.

How Ski Boots Should Feel

Ski boots should be as tight fitting as possible. You need minimal foot movement inside the boot.

If your boot moves with your foot, your ski will move with your boot and in turn your foot. Allowing you to exert maximum control over your skis.

Conversely, if your foot moves and slips around inside the boot, your boot will not move accurately with your foot, so you will reduce control of your skis.

Ski shops can be busy and often hand you the size you ask for with no further help in the fitting process.

Be very aware that you are likely to be wearing street shoes a size bigger than you would a ski boot.

It may be wise to ask for a size smaller to start with to get that nice snug feel.

Your toes should be touching the end of the boot when you first put it on, it may even feel half a size too small.

Then as you buckle the ski boot up and flex forward (push your knees over your toes) you will feel some pressure release and a bit of room for your toes.

If the ski boots feel good in this position then you might be onto a winner.

Stood up straight or leaning back a ski boot SHOULD feel uncomfortable as this is not a natural skiing position.

Remember, the key position is when you are flexed forward in a ‘ski position’.

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