the answer to "WTF is wrong with my boots?"

[gregL]

Yep, I am trying to tweak things at home before going to the boot fitter. I am not trusting myself enough to do some irreversible changes.

Cutting a tiny hole in the elastic over the instep doesn't do much; you can cut off the entire thing including the vinyl tabs of the liner (this makes the tongue connection weaker, but not a problem as long as you are putting on the boot correctly i.e. widening the throat of the shell and not pulling "up" on the tongue). That footbed is quite thick; you can grind at least 1 - 1.5 mm off the white part with a bench mount belt sander and get more instep clearance (you could also thin the black cushion material thinner if you have a Foredom or Dremel tool). Every millimeter helps.

Once you have your height established, have someone who knows what they are doing punch for the malleolus.

[Diamond Joe]

I tried to search, but not having much success. How/where can I search to find a good boot fitter in my area? (S NH area). I *did* have a good boot fitter/podiatrist back when I was patrolling but he passed away a few years ago and looking for a new pair of boots/boot fitter.

[Hood26]

Thanks for the help guys. After sitting in the shop with the Solomon Boa and the Lange Shadow MV. I brought the Langes home.

[MyNameIsAugustWest]

I tried to search, but not having much success. How/where can I search to find a good boot fitter in my area? (S NH area). I *did* have a good boot fitter/podiatrist back when I was patrolling but he passed away a few years ago and looking for a new pair of boots/boot fitter.

Are you eastern SoNH or western SoNH?

Paul Richelson (Feet First) is the OG in NH. His original shop is in Plymouth but he opened a second location in Bow (I think) or Londonderry. If you're in the western part of the state, make an appointment with Bill Haight at Green Mountain Orthotics Lab at the base of the Stratton Access Road. Both are widely regarded as the best of the best. I know a lot of people that really like Nick Blaylock over at Mount Snow also but I don't have any experience with him. Have also heard good things about Bob Skinner at the entrance to Mt. Sunapee ski area but again, don't have any experience with him.

I personally go to Bill at GMOL (I spend my winters at Magic) but my dad swears by Paul Richelson.

[mntlion]

I tried to search, but not having much success. How/where can I search to find a good boot fitter in my area? (S NH area). I *did* have a good boot fitter/podiatrist back when I was patrolling but he passed away a few years ago and looking for a new pair of boots/boot fitter.

ask the annoying racers or coaches at your local hill.

or the above advice seems good

[Dhiler17]

Have not been stoked with the only boot fitter in the region, so I’m reaching out to the collective for some advice. I have a very low volume foot, no issues with shell fit or hot spots, just tired feet from trying to press into the boot and keep my ankle down simultaneously. I suffer from severely limited dorsiflexion in both ankles (ankle injuries) and am having problems with heel lift. My limited range makes me scrunch my toes to compensate and it’s been a painful start to the season to say the least . I’m in a new boot (Recon 130 LV) and I’ve been considering trying heel wedges to open up my range of motion. Before I do this, anyone have a different suggestion? I have custom posted insoles that make a huge difference, but still haven’t resulted in the boot zen I’m chasing.


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[Diamond Joe]

Are you eastern SoNH or western SoNH?

Paul Richelson (Feet First) is the OG in NH. His original shop is in Plymouth but he opened a second location in Bow (I think) or Londonderry. If you're in the western part of the state, make an appointment with Bill Haight at Green Mountain Orthotics Lab at the base of the Stratton Access Road. Both are widely regarded as the best of the best. I know a lot of people that really like Nick Blaylock over at Mount Snow also but I don't have any experience with him. Have also heard good things about Bob Skinner at the entrance to Mt. Sunapee ski area but again, don't have any experience with him.

I personally go to Bill at GMOL (I spend my winters at Magic) but my dad swears by Paul Richelson.

Thanks mang. I'm actually eastern SoNH (Nashua area). Never thought of Bob Skinner, Sunapee is the closest mountain to me but I might be willing to travel to go to the best guy and Bow is actually closer than Sunapee.

[Flippo]

Cutting a tiny hole in the elastic over the instep doesn't do much; you can cut off the entire thing including the vinyl tabs of the liner (this makes the tongue connection weaker, but not a problem as long as you are putting on the boot correctly i.e. widening the throat of the shell and not pulling "up" on the tongue). That footbed is quite thick; you can grind at least 1 - 1.5 mm off the white part with a bench mount belt sander and get more instep clearance (you could also thin the black cushion material thinner if you have a Foredom or Dremel tool). Every millimeter helps.

Once you have your height established, have someone who knows what they are doing punch for the malleolus.

I tried to ski without my footbeds for some time this weekend and even though my foot is less maintained, the ankle and instep pressure were non existent. I think that it confirms that the heel of that footbed is also too high and put my malleolus outside the liner/boot ankle pocket. I will go back to the bootfitter and ask them to adjust the footbeds (they made) to the boots.
Thanks for the help!

[MyNameIsAugustWest]

Thanks mang. I'm actually eastern SoNH (Nashua area). Never thought of Bob Skinner, Sunapee is the closest mountain to me but I might be willing to travel to go to the best guy and Bow is actually closer than Sunapee.

Call to make an appointment. Can't remember which days they're open in Bow.

[gregL]

I tried to ski without my footbeds for some time this weekend and even though my foot is less maintained, the ankle and instep pressure were non existent. I think that it confirms that the heel of that footbed is also too high and put my malleolus outside the liner/boot ankle pocket. I will go back to the bootfitter and ask them to adjust the footbeds (they made) to the boots.
Thanks for the help!

FWIW, you can also lower the position of the "ankle pocket" if necessary; I was just commenting that the footbed you show is considerably thicker than the Sidas or Masterfit product I'm used to.

[GoldenBC]

Have not been stoked with the only boot fitter in the region, so I’m reaching out to the collective for some advice. I have a very low volume foot, no issues with shell fit or hot spots, just tired feet from trying to press into the boot and keep my ankle down simultaneously. I suffer from severely limited dorsiflexion in both ankles (ankle injuries) and am having problems with heel lift. My limited range makes me scrunch my toes to compensate and it’s been a painful start to the season to say the least . I’m in a new boot (Recon 130 LV) and I’ve been considering trying heel wedges to open up my range of motion. Before I do this, anyone have a different suggestion? I have custom posted insoles that make a huge difference, but still haven’t resulted in the boot zen I’m chasing.


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Definitely start with some heel wedges. Your limited dorsiflexion is likely giving you heel lift and the rest of your issues follow.

[turnfarmer]

Definitely start with some heel wedges. Your limited dorsiflexion is likely giving you heel lift and the rest of your issues follow.

X1,0000000

Is your limited ankle confirmed on X-rays as a bony blockage? If not this might rock your world-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrSQiQrAb5E

[bennyboy]

Thanks mang. I'm actually eastern SoNH (Nashua area). Never thought of Bob Skinner, Sunapee is the closest mountain to me but I might be willing to travel to go to the best guy and Bow is actually closer than Sunapee.

I know I might be a little late to give feedback, but I had a fantastic experience with Paul Richelson, Feet First. I highly recommend him if you have trouble finding the right boot or need work to your boot. He is a service and not a boot salesman so after an evaluation he will give you a list of boots that will work well for you, that you have to source. My mach1s are dialed after a few visits.

[DigSki]

I have some SMax 130's with <100 days on the shells where the cuff rotates a few degrees with no effort (rotates in the direction of the flex). This seems concerning, but figured I'd ask the experts if I should be concerned / what I should do. I can't figure out what could possibly be loose or what I should do about it. Any thoughts?

[mntlion]

I have some SMax 130's with <100 days on the shells where the cuff rotates a few degrees with no effort (rotates in the direction of the flex). This seems concerning, but figured I'd ask the experts if I should be concerned / what I should do. I can't figure out what could possibly be loose or what I should do about it. Any thoughts?

are the pivot bolts a bit loose or worn?

Replace them, or tighten bolt, or press in tighter?

[DigSki]

are the pivot bolts a bit loose or worn?

Replace them, or tighten bolt, or press in tighter?

Whoa, I thought they were tight, but I really cranked them and got another 1/8-ish turn and got rid of most of the slop. Thanks for the help

I did notice the hole for the pivot bolt is not circular, but an oval...seemed a bit odd to me, is that expected? I can take them apart and take a picture if it'd help.

[mntlion]

Whoa, I thought they were tight, but I really cranked them and got another 1/8-ish turn and got rid of most of the slop. Thanks for the help

I did notice the hole for the pivot bolt is not circular, but an oval...seemed a bit odd to me, is that expected? I can take them apart and take a picture if it'd help.

if they are not moving, you have solved the problem.

[halliday]

Maybe check out Fire On The Mountain in Dover.

[Diamond Joe]

I know I might be a little late to give feedback, but I had a fantastic experience with Paul Richelson, Feet First. I highly recommend him if you have trouble finding the right boot or need work to your boot. He is a service and not a boot salesman so after an evaluation he will give you a list of boots that will work well for you, that you have to source. My mach1s are dialed after a few visits.

Not too late, thanks for the recommendation, I'm waiting till after Christmas to go for it.

[PinyonJuniper5]

Does anyone have tips for keeping footbeds in place? I’m using a 1/2 length custom insole in my touring boots, and it often slides forward out of place, which makes getting in to the boots difficult sometimes. I tried duct taping them to the inside of the liner, with a loop underneath the footbed, but that hasn’t been strong enough.


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[mntlion]

Does anyone have tips for keeping footbeds in place? I’m using a 1/2 length custom insole in my touring boots, and it often slides forward out of place, which makes getting in to the boots difficult sometimes. I tried duct taping them to the inside of the liner, with a loop underneath the footbed, but that hasn’t been strong enough.


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contact cement (maybe spray version?)

or shoe goo

[Jongle]

Couple inches of double-sided tape along the bottom of the insole.

[Gnar_Shralp406]

Something is definitely wrong.

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[MacFive]

Im punching the toes out on my boots and I dont want to heat the top of the boot or the toe piece. What is the best way to cover those areas? I have just been using a piece of wood to cover it, but am thinking maybe a wet towel could work.

[gregL]

Im punching the toes out on my boots and I dont want to heat the top of the boot or the toe piece. What is the best way to cover those areas? I have just been using a piece of wood to cover it, but am thinking maybe a wet towel could work.

We use a 3mm piece of Bontex ground to match the shape of the boot toe over the lug. Hold the gun close to the plastic (like 1/4" away) and you won't hit the top of the toe.