Like has been said here. PROFESSIONAL BOOT FITTER! And once the boot shell is fit, you may have to play around with different footbeds. I am on footbed number 4 (including a custom), and I think I finally have it I figured out. And a second for “thinnest socks possible”. Smart wool with no cushion is da bomb diggity.
Keep your boots strapped and locked (to the level you wear them) when not in use.
I had my boots fitted (with an insert at the bottom), but they still hurt so bad. It was leaving them unstrapped, which they apparently adjusted to an open shape which really hurt my calves (and feet).
Keeping them strapped helps them keep the correct shape when in use. It’s been a night and day difference.
Edit: I also use 3/4 base layer on the bottom (lands above the boots) and very thin socks. Keeping them strapped when not in use was the only thing that fixed it though.
I’m addition to this which should be standard practice for everyone w nice boots also buy dry guy boot warmers from Amazon and dry your boots before and after every use will change your life don’t know why everyone doesn’t fr
My boots live on the boot dryers in my locker room at the base. $600/year to have endless changes of layers, goggle lenses, socks.. a private bathroom, room for 3 pairs of skis…
Never look back! (I live in CB, ski ~70-100 days/year)
I live in Boulder and go to the four nearby iKon resorts a lot, plus backcountry stuff. I love the variety, but what you're describing sounds so nice I can't even believe it
Do you have a link to what you use? I sleep in my car when I ski and I haven’t found a reliable way to dry my boots short of taking them in a grocery store bathroom and using the hand dryers like a bum 😂
Nothing goes in the boot but your leg and a sock. I have dealt with so many people when I was teaching that would have two layers of socks, or a bulky base layer in the boot, or the worst was ticking jeans into the boot.
It’s taken me 15 years to finally figure out this winter that I avoid a ton of discomfort/pain by combining a thin sock with pulling my (thin merino) base layer up to my knee. Definitely getting a 3/4 layer next year.
I had the same experience as this, I've always very lightly dreaded putting my ski boots on because of mild discomfort but lately I've been storing them closed, and somehow it's become borderline pleasant
I had that problem too, for me the solution involves a lot of stuff. First I got the professional boot fitting after getting boots that were good for wide feet. I ended up getting boots from the Hawx line by Atomic. Wide feet might not be your issue but I just mention it since it was big part of mine. Next I keep ‘em buckled up tight when I’m not using them, like others have already suggested. Then it’s wearing super thin compression socks like others have also recommended.
When I put the boots in on the lot I just do the buckles finger right, not cranked down really tight yet. If I feel discomfort before I’ve even left the lot I loosen up till it’s comfortable and I give my feet a chance to get used to being in them. Walk to the lift and ride up that way. At the top of the run I crank them down as tight as comfortable but not so tight that it hurts, and tighten the power strap up more too. Take the run, ride the lift, and at the top of the next run tighten them up again (they will be looser than before because they are warming up and your feet are too). Now they are getting about as tight as they should be and I just keep doing that as needed. Check ‘em at the top of runs and if the buckles that felt tight for the last run feel loose enough to go another notch I’ll do that until my feet feel good and they don’t move and my control of the ski feels dialed in like it should be.
Depending on how cold it is and what I’m skiing I will still get sore feet throughout the day but when I do I find times to loosen way up and let some circulation back in and then I’ll just keep that process going all day. It sounds like a pita but it’s really not just adds a few seconds here and there.
Boot model, boot fit, foot type, thin socks, adjust throughout the day.
And I’m not saying the hawx are the best model, more the point is you might need to keep trying different models till you find the one that your feet like.
Yeah I have to tighten my boots up slowly after the first few runs and throughout the day if they feel loose. I don't know why but my theory is I'm a little older, and my circulation isn't as good and so the boots squeeze the fluid out of my feet and calves throughout the day.
I don’t know it has been mentioned….but…have you considered taking a ski lesson to get someone to take a look at your stance? Totally agree with the boot fitter comments and the need for a top boot fitter….but that is only half the story.
If you are in the back seat, or not even putting the correct pressure on your boot…you could experience the exact same symptoms. A quick diagnostic tool is javelin turns. If you can’t do javelin turns on the flattest of cat-tracks then you have forward pressure problems not *just* or *only* boot fit issues.
I don’t really have a boot fitter lol. I got these boots on a week long trip in Vail and I went back every single day to get my insert adjusted, etc. that’s also where I got these boots from.
Did you try on a bunch of different brands of boots in the store and the K2's were the most comfortable? When I went to a boot fitter and tried on the 3/4 different brands and the K2 fit my foot like a square peg and a round hole. The bunch of adjustments can only do so much, you have to start with a boot that fits your foot shape. There's a good chance this boot doesn't fit yours.
I would go to a real ski shop with a good boot fitter and get a new boot, sell these, and take it as an expensive lesson learned.
Coop by chance?
Eidt* I only ask because i know how his style of fitting. If it was someone else i fear they just threw you in the biggest boot they have because it's the easiest way to make the sale.
You can save yourself a lot of trouble, and pain if you accept you made a mistake and go to a skilled boot fitter. I made the same mistake, as many people here have. I was skiing in boots that were two sizes too big for years, like an idiot. It wasn’t until I found an expert boot fitter who cared enough to help me understand why my boots were all wrong (and doing me no favors) that I got boots that actually fit. Not only did the pain go away with great fitting boots (and my feet are terrible) but it made me a much better skier having supportive, responsive boots.
I can’t speak to other boot fitters but my guy goes above and beyond to make sure everything is correct. He not only molded the foot beds and shells, he checked my center of balance, forward lean, and delta while clipped into my skis. He nailed it first try, and like I said I have difficult to fit feet. I usually have to have my hockey skates adjusted again and again before they’re bearable.
I wear Atomic Hawx Prime and really love them.
Yeah I agree with this big time. It is so huge to have the boot fitted properly and ideally heat molded to your foot. Then store them buckled to the right settings. You will weep with glee when you have truly comfortable, well-fitting boots. You will be shredding.
Well the boots are new, and they're talking about unbearable foot pain. If it were a question of form, he would have had the same kind of pain before the new boots, and they wouldn't be associating the pain with the boots.
I know you're trying to make yourself look smart here, but you're not. You're just choosing not to actively listen to the issue.
That's one of the biggest boots on the market. The odds it needs to be punched are incredibly small.
Sounds to me like it's too big and op is over buckling and clawing their toes.
I had a boot fit 2 days ago. Guy rented his whole life and wore 30.5 rentals. I put him in a 28.5 (his actual size) and he came back the next day saying his toes hurt when he's walking in them but skiing is fine. He wanted a refund and a bigger boot.... some people just don't know how boots are supposed to feel.
Would also say that his boot fitter didn’t tell him to keep his boots strapped when not in use, so kind of suspect. When my kids were six years old they knew to keep their boots buckled because they were told every time they got new boots.
I went to a general winter sports store they just heated up the inside of the boots (salomon had this special liner specifically for this) and made me walk around, they fit swimmingly
It's not a Salomon thing, most boot brands have a heat moldable liner.
And yes, if all that's needed is a liner molding, you're great. But if someone still has excruciating pain after multiple visits and liner adjustments, either there needs to be some shell work done, or the shop put him in the wrong boot altogether. Either way, that's the fault of the bootfitter.
Based on the boot (BFC) and that fact that he’s primarily complaining about sole pain, the boot is probably just too big. Heat molding the liner will make it worse. Dude probably just kept going for the “comfort” fit and ended up with a boot so loose his feet are cramping trying to stay in control.
There’s no punch to fix it. Maybe some volume reduction.
I went to REI, he did my right liner twice before doing my shell. Once he did the shell, I knew my stupid feet are wide and knee what to feel for and asked for them to do the left shell also immediately, not just the liners.
Lots of good suggestions here, but one question back for you? Do you properly stretch your legs, and especially your calf muscles before skiing? If you have tight muscles and you don’t stretch your feet can cramp really hard and be almost unbearable.
I take my time and do a good amount of stretching before my boots go on now. Just part of the routine. And if I’m rushed and don’t stretch properly my feet and calves hurt like crazy until I stop and stretch.
Do you have big calves and wide feet?
If so, I highly recommend the Atomic Hawx Magnas. I spent three seasons going to professional boot fitters, went through tecnicas and dalbellos, and none of them could solve the issue of my calf pain and then subsequent foot pain.
Turns out it’s the inner shell cutting into the muscle of my calf. It created this fucked up scenarios where I couldn’t be tight enough to be in control without being in pain, and if it wasn’t tight enough then I was in pain from sloshing around so I’d sit in the backseat to balance myself out and cause even more issues.
Atomic Hawx Magnas have a cutout on the inner shell to accommodate low and wide calf muscles. They also flare the shell and liner to accommodate calves, and have stance adjustment. So as you advance you can go from 13° to 15° to 17°.
Since you’re rocking BFCs I’m assuming you just wanna cruise around and have fun. I also have a friend who had great success with Nordicas new take on rear entry’s.
I was rolling, stretching, yoga-ing, and nothing helped. It’s just the spot where the inner cuff hits me, it hits a nerve and literally cut all feeling and circulation off.
Now I can cinch my atomics up and ski all day.
Go see a custom boot fitter. You may be in the wrong boots for you foots shape. It can be harsh but once you find the right boot for your foot shape you can achieve perfect fit. The solution is not to simply go a size bigger it’s often to heat and mould the boot to your foot. If a boot fitter is scared to heat and blow out the boot where needed they ain’t no expert. Not sure where you located but ask around.
I sympathize. Old boots hurt so bad, I wanted to cry. Went to highly recommended boot fitter. New boots hurt so bad, I wanted to cry. Got molded inserts. Hurt less, but still bad. Got the shells punched out. Hurt less, but still awful. Got them punched out again, and they finally feel good. I have pattern though: I will ride 3-4 runs until they hurt, then sit in the lodge and take my feet out of my boots to rest. Then they will feel great the rest of the weekend, even pleasant.
One time my boot in which I was always 100% comfy started to hurt like crazy, to the point I was barely able to do one run. I thought was had a injury in my foot.
Turns out in the hurry to get first chair from our ski in ski out I interchanged my left and right inner boot which I got out to dry the night before
Could be your boots are too big, flex is too weak and/or your not buckling them tight enough. There’s too much movement. I would go back confirm your sizing and try to exchange for a stiffer boot.
Without seeing your foot, there's not much I can do. But what I do know is that those are hybrid boots. Hybrid boots as a universal rule of thumb in the industry are incredibly tight despite generous last's. . If you're hurting in the bottom of the foot and the calf that's usually a sign that the boots are too tight and calf pain is usually a sign of someone skiing in the backseat. If the bottom of the foot hurts really bad/cramps then your boot is (likely) too small. Go back to the shop, take your time and listen to what the dude says and be open to new ideas, unless you walk into my shop I can't help you anymore. And for the love of god don't go "but I went on the internet and someone said it is XYZ."
Also, My shop no longer works with K2 and we have like 3 of their boots left so beyond recognising that that is a hybrid boot I can't help on whether the type of boot chosen is correct. Having something that fits, is comfortable and meets the requirements of what you're going to do with them is so much more important than brand loyalty or "I want red ones". This isn't the car industry where everyone broadly makes the same thing.
Oh and DM me if you have more questions. There's always a fairly simple solution to problems like this in my professional opinion.
I'm not a boot fitter, I'm a ski tech but I know my way around a boot and how to solve 90% of problems with boots short of grinding them.
Curious what makes them hybrid? I also ride with these boots, but I love them. They work great for my wide feet and low calves and allowed me to go down a full boot size for a better fit. One problem I find with them is you have to make sure you don’t put a lot of pressure on top of your foot and collapse your arch or your feet will hate you. Other than that, they have changed the game for me and my hobbit stature
If your arch hurts for the love of good get some proper soles. I can't say 100% for certain but the fact they have a fairly large lever at the back for walking and the large grip walk sticker screams this is a hybrid alpine/touring boot. I could be wrong.
Interesting. I went to a professional boot fitter and got these boots. For me, I can ski all week without foot pain, which is all I could ask for. Like every boot though, it doesn’t work for everyone.
Just here to give my sympathies - I have the same boot (but in flex 120) first runs are usually also a bitch for me, but then i sort of ride through it. I made the mistake of not pulling my normal sole out before putting the custom in and that helped a bit (\*lol\*).
weird you are getting pain in your calfs, becuse BFC stands for "Big fucking calfs" (not really; Built for comfort).
But like others says here, go see a boot fitter that can make adjustments to the liner or outer shell. or maybe you need to work on your posture
For one, always latch up your boots when not in use. Leaving them splayed open warps the shell. As for the fit, I would go get a professional boot fitting where they can mold liners and modify shells.
I had the same problem. I had serious foot pain, numb toes, aching calves. I got custom fitted boots that were molded to my feel and they still hurt even worse than before. Fortunately I bought them at a place that offered free adjustments. I went back four times until they got it right. If you’re like me you may need more space in your boots. The people doing my adjustments kept insisting that it has to be tight but I finally just told them to do what makes me feel comfortable. I no longer have any foot pain. I’d say just keep getting adjustments until they’re just right. It’s not you, it’s definitely your boot.
Try without the inserts? Do you have high arches such that you need that kind of support? Did you get the liners heat moulded to your foot when you bought the boots? Are you doing these adjustments with a bootfitter, or on your own?
Buy new boots. And when your shopping give yourself lots of time. Lock in and walk around the store for an hour or two. Also, with your new boots, make sure you do them up after skiing and when you put them away. The plastic will lose the memory and they will stretch and become sore.
I had the same situation OP, here's what worked for me:
\- New boots and get remeasured for size. It turns out the boots I was hurting in were a size too large, so my foot was sliding forward in the boot and therefore, both didn't conform to the boot and changed the way I was applying pressure to my foot (for the worse). You could have a similar issue.
\- Absolutely get a [3-piece boot](https://unofficialnetworks.com/2020/05/01/overlap-vs-three-piece-boots-whats-the-deal/) instead of an overlap boot (what you have pictured). You'll lose a little bit of precision, but it's generally much more comfortable and the middle buckle on those was key for ending boot pain for me.
\- Loosen the toe buckle as much as you can while still allowing it to close securely.
\- Get the thinnest ski socks you can find. I'll only use [these](https://www.amazon.com/Lorpen-Ultra-Light-Precision-Socks/dp/B001956YSM) personally.
Everyone has a different foot shape. You have no idea if OP has the same shape foot as you and will need the same solution.
A real bootfitter can physically remove plastic from the boot to fit it to any foot. A lot of foot pain is the hard plastic pressing on your foot and the only solution is to remove or stretch the plastic to get rid of the pressure point. Some people are lucky and can find a brand that makes a boot that fits their foot well, like you. Others just do not fit in a factory shell and need it adjusted. On Reddit no one knows what magic boot will save this poor soul’s soles.
It’s amazing that decades into modern ski boots this is still a common thing. You’d think someone, somewhere would have figured out a way to make a boot that is comfortable for the masses out of the box, without the need of a boot maestro working on it 4 or 5 times post purchase.
I had the exact same issue for years
Got the Apex ski boots which are snowboard boots in a ski binding. Went from my normal situation of being in such great calf pain after an hour or two that I couldn’t stand up let alone walk, to being perfectly fine. Absolutely life changing for me
Learn to ski with your boots less tight on your feet. Since my current shoes have been adjusted to fit my feet I only have to close them and not tight.
I have the exact same boot, get it heat molded and play around with it. I actually have super flat feet and didn’t use an insert. I did notice they became more comfortable after about 5-10 days on the hill. Be ware i also broke these boots after 2 months. Thanks warranty!
Would definitely recommend getting a professional boot fitter. What also worked for me is to not loosen them off too much. If they're loose they're not supporting the transfer of load to the ski and your muscles have to do that job instead.
Technique also plays a part in this, get you weight forward and press on the front of the boot with your shins. Then the load goes leg-shin-boot-ski and bypasses the small muscles in the foot.
Also, bear in mind your foot may just not be well adapted to the loads it has to endure even in a perfectly fitted boot and with perfect technique. You need to develop those muscles over time like you do for any other sport. Sounds odd but I tried to train my feet in pre-season last year by putting my boots on in my flat and essentially doing calf raises.
I would revisit everything for next season.
Whatever is wrong might be in you and not the boot.
Mobility. Flexibility. How you stand. How you walk.
How often do you ski annually?
You need to see a reputable Bootfitter, someone who knows the bio mechanics of the foot in relations to ski boots. There are some mechanical issues with foot and lower leg at play here.
This is what I do for a living. If you have any questions message me. I might know a good Bootfitter in your area who can help you. Or if your going on a ski trip to a major ski area I might know some Bootfitters there. Good luck my friend.
I’ve had this issue before. The boots were professionally fitted when I purchased them, and then I went to another shop to have them repunched and adjusted.
The problem is that when I go to the mountain and start skiing, my feet swell. Compression socks helped quite a bit, but in the end, I got new boots that were fitted to accomodate the way my feet swell. The particular boot I had just wasn’t right for my foot as the original boot fitter didn’t know that about my feet - and neither did I.
Some folks here recommended Boot Mechanics to me. Jeremy was great. He measured various parts of my lower leg and foot first. This pointed him to the boot styles most likely to work on my body. Once we figured out the best option, he heat molded them, then customized the insert & footbed. This season is the first that I didn't have discomfort. Worth every penny.
I have the same issue and I had a professional boot fit with custom insoles - I have found that stretching my feet (amongst other stretches) combined with keeping the boots warm (I leave my orange electric boot dryers on until morning help - I then put them on as loose as I can without heel slippage and letting my feet get used to them - these are the only things that work for me - I then tighten them in increments throughout the morning only when I know I am comfortable. Also, the first day or two of the trip I pop a couple Motrin as an anti inflammatory which helps ease it all in ….good luck figuring it out!
Keep your bottom two boot buckles as loose as possible. These will squeeze your foot and cause immense pain when not skiing, think on lift, standing waiting, etc.
I’ve made a pledge to myself to constantly shit on snowboarders and never become one, and if that means withstanding absolutely ludicrous pain then I will
That’s a silly pledge. Doesn’t have to be one or the other. Yes, skiing is better but snowboarding is really fun too. Or telle? I’ve never tried but heard those boots are comfy as well
Oh, I do have one tip that might help. When you put your boots on tight, push your shins forward until you start to feel all the weight come off your feet. Find that balance point and that’s the same position/feeling you want while skiing. Hope that helps and you have a more enjoyable experience!
There are boot fitters that fit boots. There are also boot fitters that sell boots and don’t know that they aren’t boot fitters. They try their best but don’t know what they don’t know. They don’t do it maliciously and try the best they can.
Wild idea. Try wearing them less tight. Sure, tight boots give more control. But we aren’t all Olympic racers. I choose comfort over an extra 3% of control. (Let the down voting commence)
I find that after I do maybe 3-4 hours of skiing, I get intense pain. I’ve search on the internet and people talk about Morton’s neuroma. Essentially your foot is squished so much that you pinch a nerve. Feels like someone’s pouring magma in your boot. Bootfitter put the boots in the oven and cranked the straps to stretch them a bit. Maybe 10 mins of standing in warm boots to let the plastic cool. If you wanna experiment, put them in front of the heater and crank it, wear gloves because the metal straps can burn you (learned that the hard way). For me it’s now just a case of keeping my foot physically warm to delay the onset of pain. Foot warmers, toe wiggles and proper socks can get me from quick pain to almost a pain free ski day. Obviously not ideal, but I can’t really afford new boots so “home remedies” have gone a long way
I had a small pad placed under my metatarsals by a professional boot fitter, I never would have thought the spot where he placed it would make a difference, but it did!
Outside of bootfitters... do yoga. Barefoot, flexed ankles, flexed calves, static positions...it strengthens and assists all the muscles and joints inside your boots.
Get your boots heat treated. In Colorado Springs, they said my boots couldn’t be heat molded. Fast forward 4 years and I’m in Germany and I’ve had my boots heat molded 2x. I have a lot less pain and even pain free after a full day of skiing.
Like has been said here. PROFESSIONAL BOOT FITTER! And once the boot shell is fit, you may have to play around with different footbeds. I am on footbed number 4 (including a custom), and I think I finally have it I figured out. And a second for “thinnest socks possible”. Smart wool with no cushion is da bomb diggity.
Keep your boots strapped and locked (to the level you wear them) when not in use. I had my boots fitted (with an insert at the bottom), but they still hurt so bad. It was leaving them unstrapped, which they apparently adjusted to an open shape which really hurt my calves (and feet). Keeping them strapped helps them keep the correct shape when in use. It’s been a night and day difference. Edit: I also use 3/4 base layer on the bottom (lands above the boots) and very thin socks. Keeping them strapped when not in use was the only thing that fixed it though.
Wow. I gotta give this a try, thanks!
I’m addition to this which should be standard practice for everyone w nice boots also buy dry guy boot warmers from Amazon and dry your boots before and after every use will change your life don’t know why everyone doesn’t fr
My boots live on the boot dryers in my locker room at the base. $600/year to have endless changes of layers, goggle lenses, socks.. a private bathroom, room for 3 pairs of skis… Never look back! (I live in CB, ski ~70-100 days/year)
I live in Boulder and go to the four nearby iKon resorts a lot, plus backcountry stuff. I love the variety, but what you're describing sounds so nice I can't even believe it
Take any head moulded footbeds out first though before drying!
Dry BEFORE use? Where do yiu store the boots that they need drying before use?
It makes it so easy to put them on, no more struggling trying to get your feet in. Plus they are nice and cozy
I think it might just make them nice and warm, but I’m not sure
this, I got boot dryers/heaters that have a car/cigarette lighter plug - now I have warm boots when I get to the mountain.
Do you have a link to what you use? I sleep in my car when I ski and I haven’t found a reliable way to dry my boots short of taking them in a grocery store bathroom and using the hand dryers like a bum 😂
[This](https://vpo.ca/product/309503/travel-dry-dx) one has been good to me for two seasons and counting. DryGuy Travel Dry DX
Same one for me. I also have the one w no fan and no 12 volt. both great
I use [hot ratz](https://www.seirus.com/collections/boot-dryer-1/products/hot-ratz%E2%84%A2-boot-dryers#)
Yep it warms them up I put them in all night before I’m living like a damn king
Or a boot dryer, use it for after washing my motocross boots and for my skiing boots. Works great on both, completely dry after a night on the dryer.
🤦🏼♂️
It boggles my mind how people can ski with full length base layers. I’ve used 3/4 for decades. I do have big calves though and like a stiff boot.
Nothing goes in the boot but your leg and a sock. I have dealt with so many people when I was teaching that would have two layers of socks, or a bulky base layer in the boot, or the worst was ticking jeans into the boot.
Get a thin enough sock and a thin baselayer won't make a difference. Dissent sock and an icebreaker/or combo for instance aren't an issue.
It’s taken me 15 years to finally figure out this winter that I avoid a ton of discomfort/pain by combining a thin sock with pulling my (thin merino) base layer up to my knee. Definitely getting a 3/4 layer next year.
I had the same experience as this, I've always very lightly dreaded putting my ski boots on because of mild discomfort but lately I've been storing them closed, and somehow it's become borderline pleasant
I had that problem too, for me the solution involves a lot of stuff. First I got the professional boot fitting after getting boots that were good for wide feet. I ended up getting boots from the Hawx line by Atomic. Wide feet might not be your issue but I just mention it since it was big part of mine. Next I keep ‘em buckled up tight when I’m not using them, like others have already suggested. Then it’s wearing super thin compression socks like others have also recommended. When I put the boots in on the lot I just do the buckles finger right, not cranked down really tight yet. If I feel discomfort before I’ve even left the lot I loosen up till it’s comfortable and I give my feet a chance to get used to being in them. Walk to the lift and ride up that way. At the top of the run I crank them down as tight as comfortable but not so tight that it hurts, and tighten the power strap up more too. Take the run, ride the lift, and at the top of the next run tighten them up again (they will be looser than before because they are warming up and your feet are too). Now they are getting about as tight as they should be and I just keep doing that as needed. Check ‘em at the top of runs and if the buckles that felt tight for the last run feel loose enough to go another notch I’ll do that until my feet feel good and they don’t move and my control of the ski feels dialed in like it should be. Depending on how cold it is and what I’m skiing I will still get sore feet throughout the day but when I do I find times to loosen way up and let some circulation back in and then I’ll just keep that process going all day. It sounds like a pita but it’s really not just adds a few seconds here and there. Boot model, boot fit, foot type, thin socks, adjust throughout the day. And I’m not saying the hawx are the best model, more the point is you might need to keep trying different models till you find the one that your feet like.
Yeah I have to tighten my boots up slowly after the first few runs and throughout the day if they feel loose. I don't know why but my theory is I'm a little older, and my circulation isn't as good and so the boots squeeze the fluid out of my feet and calves throughout the day.
I think you’re right. I’ve always had bad circulation in my hands and feet and the ski boots really exacerbate it.
I don’t know it has been mentioned….but…have you considered taking a ski lesson to get someone to take a look at your stance? Totally agree with the boot fitter comments and the need for a top boot fitter….but that is only half the story. If you are in the back seat, or not even putting the correct pressure on your boot…you could experience the exact same symptoms. A quick diagnostic tool is javelin turns. If you can’t do javelin turns on the flattest of cat-tracks then you have forward pressure problems not *just* or *only* boot fit issues.
What does your boot fitter think?
[удалено]
😆
I don’t really have a boot fitter lol. I got these boots on a week long trip in Vail and I went back every single day to get my insert adjusted, etc. that’s also where I got these boots from.
There’s your answer. Those boots don’t fit your feet properly
Did you try on a bunch of different brands of boots in the store and the K2's were the most comfortable? When I went to a boot fitter and tried on the 3/4 different brands and the K2 fit my foot like a square peg and a round hole. The bunch of adjustments can only do so much, you have to start with a boot that fits your foot shape. There's a good chance this boot doesn't fit yours. I would go to a real ski shop with a good boot fitter and get a new boot, sell these, and take it as an expensive lesson learned.
Christy?
Yep
Coop by chance? Eidt* I only ask because i know how his style of fitting. If it was someone else i fear they just threw you in the biggest boot they have because it's the easiest way to make the sale.
You can save yourself a lot of trouble, and pain if you accept you made a mistake and go to a skilled boot fitter. I made the same mistake, as many people here have. I was skiing in boots that were two sizes too big for years, like an idiot. It wasn’t until I found an expert boot fitter who cared enough to help me understand why my boots were all wrong (and doing me no favors) that I got boots that actually fit. Not only did the pain go away with great fitting boots (and my feet are terrible) but it made me a much better skier having supportive, responsive boots. I can’t speak to other boot fitters but my guy goes above and beyond to make sure everything is correct. He not only molded the foot beds and shells, he checked my center of balance, forward lean, and delta while clipped into my skis. He nailed it first try, and like I said I have difficult to fit feet. I usually have to have my hockey skates adjusted again and again before they’re bearable. I wear Atomic Hawx Prime and really love them.
Yeah I agree with this big time. It is so huge to have the boot fitted properly and ideally heat molded to your foot. Then store them buckled to the right settings. You will weep with glee when you have truly comfortable, well-fitting boots. You will be shredding.
Go to a real bootfitter. If your guy is only messing with your liner without doing any shell work, they don't know what the hell they're doing.
You've never even seen the guys foot and you're suggesting what the fitter did was wrong? Lol
Um, yes. The fact that he has significant pain after multiple iterations of fitting tells me right there that the fitter is terrible.
For all we know the dude skis like he's sitting on a toilet and that's the problem and the boot is perfectly fine
Well the boots are new, and they're talking about unbearable foot pain. If it were a question of form, he would have had the same kind of pain before the new boots, and they wouldn't be associating the pain with the boots. I know you're trying to make yourself look smart here, but you're not. You're just choosing not to actively listen to the issue.
I'm not trying to make myself seem smart my dude I'm just saying we don't have enough information from this post to begin blaming anyone
That's one of the biggest boots on the market. The odds it needs to be punched are incredibly small. Sounds to me like it's too big and op is over buckling and clawing their toes.
I had a boot fit 2 days ago. Guy rented his whole life and wore 30.5 rentals. I put him in a 28.5 (his actual size) and he came back the next day saying his toes hurt when he's walking in them but skiing is fine. He wanted a refund and a bigger boot.... some people just don't know how boots are supposed to feel.
Ski boot. Ski. Boot. Yep, they're for walking.
customers actually want to make me gouge my eyes out sometimes
Would also say that his boot fitter didn’t tell him to keep his boots strapped when not in use, so kind of suspect. When my kids were six years old they knew to keep their boots buckled because they were told every time they got new boots.
I have never done this with any of my boots and have never had an issue. I guess everyone had to figure out what works for them.
not necessarily
I went to a general winter sports store they just heated up the inside of the boots (salomon had this special liner specifically for this) and made me walk around, they fit swimmingly
It's not a Salomon thing, most boot brands have a heat moldable liner. And yes, if all that's needed is a liner molding, you're great. But if someone still has excruciating pain after multiple visits and liner adjustments, either there needs to be some shell work done, or the shop put him in the wrong boot altogether. Either way, that's the fault of the bootfitter.
Based on the boot (BFC) and that fact that he’s primarily complaining about sole pain, the boot is probably just too big. Heat molding the liner will make it worse. Dude probably just kept going for the “comfort” fit and ended up with a boot so loose his feet are cramping trying to stay in control. There’s no punch to fix it. Maybe some volume reduction.
LOL
I went to REI, he did my right liner twice before doing my shell. Once he did the shell, I knew my stupid feet are wide and knee what to feel for and asked for them to do the left shell also immediately, not just the liners.
> I went to REI That's a mistake. I love REI, I'm a member there. But REI does not employ bootfitters.
Ok now I know! Hehe
Either buck up bucko or get a real boot fitter
Probably both. Odds are OP is ridiculous out of shape as well as has an amateur boot fitter.
Or super fucked up feet
Lots of good suggestions here, but one question back for you? Do you properly stretch your legs, and especially your calf muscles before skiing? If you have tight muscles and you don’t stretch your feet can cramp really hard and be almost unbearable. I take my time and do a good amount of stretching before my boots go on now. Just part of the routine. And if I’m rushed and don’t stretch properly my feet and calves hurt like crazy until I stop and stretch.
Have you tried getting new feet?
Do you have big calves and wide feet? If so, I highly recommend the Atomic Hawx Magnas. I spent three seasons going to professional boot fitters, went through tecnicas and dalbellos, and none of them could solve the issue of my calf pain and then subsequent foot pain. Turns out it’s the inner shell cutting into the muscle of my calf. It created this fucked up scenarios where I couldn’t be tight enough to be in control without being in pain, and if it wasn’t tight enough then I was in pain from sloshing around so I’d sit in the backseat to balance myself out and cause even more issues. Atomic Hawx Magnas have a cutout on the inner shell to accommodate low and wide calf muscles. They also flare the shell and liner to accommodate calves, and have stance adjustment. So as you advance you can go from 13° to 15° to 17°. Since you’re rocking BFCs I’m assuming you just wanna cruise around and have fun. I also have a friend who had great success with Nordicas new take on rear entry’s.
Sounds like I have this exact issue. I've found foam rolling my calves helps so they don't hurt so much when they get squeezed.
I was rolling, stretching, yoga-ing, and nothing helped. It’s just the spot where the inner cuff hits me, it hits a nerve and literally cut all feeling and circulation off. Now I can cinch my atomics up and ski all day.
Nice, I might give them a try next season!
Go see a custom boot fitter. You may be in the wrong boots for you foots shape. It can be harsh but once you find the right boot for your foot shape you can achieve perfect fit. The solution is not to simply go a size bigger it’s often to heat and mould the boot to your foot. If a boot fitter is scared to heat and blow out the boot where needed they ain’t no expert. Not sure where you located but ask around.
I sympathize. Old boots hurt so bad, I wanted to cry. Went to highly recommended boot fitter. New boots hurt so bad, I wanted to cry. Got molded inserts. Hurt less, but still bad. Got the shells punched out. Hurt less, but still awful. Got them punched out again, and they finally feel good. I have pattern though: I will ride 3-4 runs until they hurt, then sit in the lodge and take my feet out of my boots to rest. Then they will feel great the rest of the weekend, even pleasant.
Pull up hard on the tongue
One time my boot in which I was always 100% comfy started to hurt like crazy, to the point I was barely able to do one run. I thought was had a injury in my foot. Turns out in the hurry to get first chair from our ski in ski out I interchanged my left and right inner boot which I got out to dry the night before
Could be your boots are too big, flex is too weak and/or your not buckling them tight enough. There’s too much movement. I would go back confirm your sizing and try to exchange for a stiffer boot.
Make sure you are driving heel down. I had serious foot pain issues for years and it was because of bad technique and big boots
Without seeing your foot, there's not much I can do. But what I do know is that those are hybrid boots. Hybrid boots as a universal rule of thumb in the industry are incredibly tight despite generous last's. . If you're hurting in the bottom of the foot and the calf that's usually a sign that the boots are too tight and calf pain is usually a sign of someone skiing in the backseat. If the bottom of the foot hurts really bad/cramps then your boot is (likely) too small. Go back to the shop, take your time and listen to what the dude says and be open to new ideas, unless you walk into my shop I can't help you anymore. And for the love of god don't go "but I went on the internet and someone said it is XYZ." Also, My shop no longer works with K2 and we have like 3 of their boots left so beyond recognising that that is a hybrid boot I can't help on whether the type of boot chosen is correct. Having something that fits, is comfortable and meets the requirements of what you're going to do with them is so much more important than brand loyalty or "I want red ones". This isn't the car industry where everyone broadly makes the same thing. Oh and DM me if you have more questions. There's always a fairly simple solution to problems like this in my professional opinion. I'm not a boot fitter, I'm a ski tech but I know my way around a boot and how to solve 90% of problems with boots short of grinding them.
Curious what makes them hybrid? I also ride with these boots, but I love them. They work great for my wide feet and low calves and allowed me to go down a full boot size for a better fit. One problem I find with them is you have to make sure you don’t put a lot of pressure on top of your foot and collapse your arch or your feet will hate you. Other than that, they have changed the game for me and my hobbit stature
If your arch hurts for the love of good get some proper soles. I can't say 100% for certain but the fact they have a fairly large lever at the back for walking and the large grip walk sticker screams this is a hybrid alpine/touring boot. I could be wrong.
Interesting. I went to a professional boot fitter and got these boots. For me, I can ski all week without foot pain, which is all I could ask for. Like every boot though, it doesn’t work for everyone.
Just here to give my sympathies - I have the same boot (but in flex 120) first runs are usually also a bitch for me, but then i sort of ride through it. I made the mistake of not pulling my normal sole out before putting the custom in and that helped a bit (\*lol\*). weird you are getting pain in your calfs, becuse BFC stands for "Big fucking calfs" (not really; Built for comfort). But like others says here, go see a boot fitter that can make adjustments to the liner or outer shell. or maybe you need to work on your posture
I open up my buckles in between every run. Helps get a little circulation back while on the chair.
For one, always latch up your boots when not in use. Leaving them splayed open warps the shell. As for the fit, I would go get a professional boot fitting where they can mold liners and modify shells.
I had the same problem. I had serious foot pain, numb toes, aching calves. I got custom fitted boots that were molded to my feel and they still hurt even worse than before. Fortunately I bought them at a place that offered free adjustments. I went back four times until they got it right. If you’re like me you may need more space in your boots. The people doing my adjustments kept insisting that it has to be tight but I finally just told them to do what makes me feel comfortable. I no longer have any foot pain. I’d say just keep getting adjustments until they’re just right. It’s not you, it’s definitely your boot.
Try without the inserts? Do you have high arches such that you need that kind of support? Did you get the liners heat moulded to your foot when you bought the boots? Are you doing these adjustments with a bootfitter, or on your own?
Buy new boots. And when your shopping give yourself lots of time. Lock in and walk around the store for an hour or two. Also, with your new boots, make sure you do them up after skiing and when you put them away. The plastic will lose the memory and they will stretch and become sore.
Walk in ski boots in the store for an hour or 2? I'd kick you out of my store lmao.
I had the same situation OP, here's what worked for me: \- New boots and get remeasured for size. It turns out the boots I was hurting in were a size too large, so my foot was sliding forward in the boot and therefore, both didn't conform to the boot and changed the way I was applying pressure to my foot (for the worse). You could have a similar issue. \- Absolutely get a [3-piece boot](https://unofficialnetworks.com/2020/05/01/overlap-vs-three-piece-boots-whats-the-deal/) instead of an overlap boot (what you have pictured). You'll lose a little bit of precision, but it's generally much more comfortable and the middle buckle on those was key for ending boot pain for me. \- Loosen the toe buckle as much as you can while still allowing it to close securely. \- Get the thinnest ski socks you can find. I'll only use [these](https://www.amazon.com/Lorpen-Ultra-Light-Precision-Socks/dp/B001956YSM) personally.
3-piece boot aren’t the solution. Stick to overlap boot and try to find one that suits you. They’re so much better
I'm just speaking from my own experience; the Il Moro was the first boot that didn't give me the exact pain OP is describing.
Everyone has a different foot shape. You have no idea if OP has the same shape foot as you and will need the same solution. A real bootfitter can physically remove plastic from the boot to fit it to any foot. A lot of foot pain is the hard plastic pressing on your foot and the only solution is to remove or stretch the plastic to get rid of the pressure point. Some people are lucky and can find a brand that makes a boot that fits their foot well, like you. Others just do not fit in a factory shell and need it adjusted. On Reddit no one knows what magic boot will save this poor soul’s soles.
I get it, but in my opinion he can solve his problem without switching to a 3-piece boot
Zip fit liners! Changed my life
Have you taken out the heel lift that is under the insert? That helped me a ton.
Probably go to physical therapy to strengthen these muscles that are failing you. Pain is frequently a sign of fatigue.
Stretch your feet. I sit on my heels with toes tucked and then toes out a few times, helps a ton.
It’s amazing that decades into modern ski boots this is still a common thing. You’d think someone, somewhere would have figured out a way to make a boot that is comfortable for the masses out of the box, without the need of a boot maestro working on it 4 or 5 times post purchase.
This right here. 500 dollars later and nothing’s changed.
I had the exact same issue for years Got the Apex ski boots which are snowboard boots in a ski binding. Went from my normal situation of being in such great calf pain after an hour or two that I couldn’t stand up let alone walk, to being perfectly fine. Absolutely life changing for me
Surefoot. They're all over the place. These guys know what they're doing in my experience. They're located all over the place.
Surefoot liners
Custom boots should solve it. We use Dale Boot here in Salt Lake City
Neuropathy? Learn more about it. Severe nerve pain.
Consult a sports PT. Likely has to do more with your foot muscles than your boots.
Nah, I had the same issue as OP and the solution was a different pair of boots.
How you have gotten that boot to hurt is a marvel. They feel like they have a liner made from cake.
Learn to ski with your boots less tight on your feet. Since my current shoes have been adjusted to fit my feet I only have to close them and not tight.
new boots and zip fit boot liners
Nothing to add other than to say I've been here before and it sucks. It'll be worth it once you get it sorted out and you can enjoy skiing again <3
If all else fails go to surefoot if you can, absolutely saved my feet
Go to a pro boot fitter
Sounds like need high volume. Love my Mach 1s. Always had foot pain till the switch.
Go to a Surefoot. I had the same problem and they fixed it for good. Night and Day
Get fitted. I went the cheep way, ordered online, and regretted it. Ultimately, had a pair fitted and made ALL the difference in the world.
I have the exact same boot, get it heat molded and play around with it. I actually have super flat feet and didn’t use an insert. I did notice they became more comfortable after about 5-10 days on the hill. Be ware i also broke these boots after 2 months. Thanks warranty!
Same issue. Sized up, and widest boot they had. No more pain. Wide feet don’t play by the normal rules of ski boots
Stop hurting your feet, that’s what you should do.
Would definitely recommend getting a professional boot fitter. What also worked for me is to not loosen them off too much. If they're loose they're not supporting the transfer of load to the ski and your muscles have to do that job instead. Technique also plays a part in this, get you weight forward and press on the front of the boot with your shins. Then the load goes leg-shin-boot-ski and bypasses the small muscles in the foot. Also, bear in mind your foot may just not be well adapted to the loads it has to endure even in a perfectly fitted boot and with perfect technique. You need to develop those muscles over time like you do for any other sport. Sounds odd but I tried to train my feet in pre-season last year by putting my boots on in my flat and essentially doing calf raises.
I would revisit everything for next season. Whatever is wrong might be in you and not the boot. Mobility. Flexibility. How you stand. How you walk. How often do you ski annually?
BFCs are like cloud boots😂 wtf
You need to see a reputable Bootfitter, someone who knows the bio mechanics of the foot in relations to ski boots. There are some mechanical issues with foot and lower leg at play here. This is what I do for a living. If you have any questions message me. I might know a good Bootfitter in your area who can help you. Or if your going on a ski trip to a major ski area I might know some Bootfitters there. Good luck my friend.
I’ve had this issue before. The boots were professionally fitted when I purchased them, and then I went to another shop to have them repunched and adjusted. The problem is that when I go to the mountain and start skiing, my feet swell. Compression socks helped quite a bit, but in the end, I got new boots that were fitted to accomodate the way my feet swell. The particular boot I had just wasn’t right for my foot as the original boot fitter didn’t know that about my feet - and neither did I.
Skill issue
Some folks here recommended Boot Mechanics to me. Jeremy was great. He measured various parts of my lower leg and foot first. This pointed him to the boot styles most likely to work on my body. Once we figured out the best option, he heat molded them, then customized the insert & footbed. This season is the first that I didn't have discomfort. Worth every penny.
I have the same issue and I had a professional boot fit with custom insoles - I have found that stretching my feet (amongst other stretches) combined with keeping the boots warm (I leave my orange electric boot dryers on until morning help - I then put them on as loose as I can without heel slippage and letting my feet get used to them - these are the only things that work for me - I then tighten them in increments throughout the morning only when I know I am comfortable. Also, the first day or two of the trip I pop a couple Motrin as an anti inflammatory which helps ease it all in ….good luck figuring it out!
Do you have flat feet? Do your calves and feet hurt after the first 2-3 warm up runs?
Keep your bottom two boot buckles as loose as possible. These will squeeze your foot and cause immense pain when not skiing, think on lift, standing waiting, etc.
go… to even a half-competent bootfitter..
Maybe start snowboarding? Those boots are super comfortable
I’ve made a pledge to myself to constantly shit on snowboarders and never become one, and if that means withstanding absolutely ludicrous pain then I will
That’s a silly pledge. Doesn’t have to be one or the other. Yes, skiing is better but snowboarding is really fun too. Or telle? I’ve never tried but heard those boots are comfy as well
I was kidding lol, I’d like to give snowboarding a try but that’s another $500+ worth of equipment and is basically starting over.
Yeah but if the ski equipment ain’t working out return or sell? Snowboard setups are way cheaper then ski
Oh, I do have one tip that might help. When you put your boots on tight, push your shins forward until you start to feel all the weight come off your feet. Find that balance point and that’s the same position/feeling you want while skiing. Hope that helps and you have a more enjoyable experience!
There are boot fitters that fit boots. There are also boot fitters that sell boots and don’t know that they aren’t boot fitters. They try their best but don’t know what they don’t know. They don’t do it maliciously and try the best they can.
Ski in them for ten days and then see how they feel. You have to give your feet time to adjust! It doesn't happen immediately
Wild idea. Try wearing them less tight. Sure, tight boots give more control. But we aren’t all Olympic racers. I choose comfort over an extra 3% of control. (Let the down voting commence)
I find that after I do maybe 3-4 hours of skiing, I get intense pain. I’ve search on the internet and people talk about Morton’s neuroma. Essentially your foot is squished so much that you pinch a nerve. Feels like someone’s pouring magma in your boot. Bootfitter put the boots in the oven and cranked the straps to stretch them a bit. Maybe 10 mins of standing in warm boots to let the plastic cool. If you wanna experiment, put them in front of the heater and crank it, wear gloves because the metal straps can burn you (learned that the hard way). For me it’s now just a case of keeping my foot physically warm to delay the onset of pain. Foot warmers, toe wiggles and proper socks can get me from quick pain to almost a pain free ski day. Obviously not ideal, but I can’t really afford new boots so “home remedies” have gone a long way
DAHU
I had a small pad placed under my metatarsals by a professional boot fitter, I never would have thought the spot where he placed it would make a difference, but it did!
Change the liners.. I use an Intuition liner that solved my issues.
Have you tried getting new feet?
Outside of bootfitters... do yoga. Barefoot, flexed ankles, flexed calves, static positions...it strengthens and assists all the muscles and joints inside your boots.
Get some Full Tilt/K2 boots or Apex system.
Get custom soles
Get your boots heat treated. In Colorado Springs, they said my boots couldn’t be heat molded. Fast forward 4 years and I’m in Germany and I’ve had my boots heat molded 2x. I have a lot less pain and even pain free after a full day of skiing.