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Boot Cuff Height Adjustment

post #1 of 9
11/16/04 at 7:00am
Thread Starter 
I have Salomon Crossmax 10 boots and after skiing for 2 days I was getting slight discomfort in the back of my calves.

I took out the removable height adjustment plastic pieces on my boots to see if it helps.

What are the negative/positives of doing this?

I know that some people with large calves remove this piece to alleviate pain.
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post #2 of 9
11/16/04 at 7:48am
I don't know if I would phrase it as a positive or a negative to make any adjustment, it depends on the person.

I ski this boot as well. The only affect that I can see, other than increased volume, is that if you remove the spoiler you decrease the forward lean a few degrees.

Edited to add a thought:

You've stated before that you're not a very big guy, so I doubt volume is the issue here. Could it be this boot has a little more forward lean than you need or feel comfortable with?
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post #3 of 9
11/16/04 at 8:35am
The spoiler is easily removed and re-installed. Be sure to leave it in the car in case you want it back. Whether removing the spoiler solves your problem, kind of depends on whether your calves are sore from relying on the boots to maintain fore-aft alignment, or if the boots are forcing you too far forward and the pain results from the effort to stay upright in a posture correct for your center. The first infers back-seat driving, the second infers an alignment problem caused by the forward lean of the boot or the position of the spoiler on the fat part of the calf. Do you maintain tip pressure through the turn, or do you tend to shift sharply aft at the end of turns?

I have exactly the opposite problem with these boots; they flex too low on the front of the ankle, and I get pain on the anterior ankle tendon. I keep the spoiler at the lowest position and use a slight heel shim, so the spoiler falls a little lower on the leg and does not force me forward.
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post #4 of 9
11/16/04 at 9:37am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cirquerider
Whether removing the spoiler solves your problem, kind of depends on whether your calves are sore from relying on the boots to maintain fore-aft alignment, or if the boots are forcing you too far forward and the pain results from the effort to stay upright in a posture correct for your center. The first infers back-seat driving, the second infers an alignment problem caused by the forward lean of the boot or the position of the spoiler on the fat part of the calf. Do you maintain tip pressure through the turn, or do you tend to shift sharply aft at the end of turns?
The first day out I was struggling with my fore/aft balance which is usually the case my first time out. My bruising is probably from being in the back seat a few times on some bumps.

I am 5'7" 160 so I am not that big.

So in my case would removing the cuff adjustment even make a difference?

Would standing more upright help me get my CM forward? When I pressure the fronts of my boots I try not to drop my butt too far back from bringing my knees too far forward.

To stay forward I usually have to stick out my pelvis and stand more upright.

I use the analogy that I read on this board that I should pretend like I am going to the bathroom and trying not to get any on my pants. It works pretty well.

This is usually only an issue when I am tired or at the beginning of the season.

I always leave any boot pieces or tools in my bag in case I need them.
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post #5 of 9
11/16/04 at 9:49am
Quote:
To stay forward I usually have to stick out my pelvis and stand more upright.
Just bring your hands farther forward into your periferal vision, and the rest will follow.
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post #6 of 9
11/16/04 at 10:07am
Thread Starter 
For the most part I do keep my hands forward which obviously helps.

I will try the boots without the cuff adjustment and see what I think.
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post #7 of 9
11/16/04 at 12:29pm
Let me know what you find out. From everything I've seen here, you are an upper echelon skier. That first run of the season is rarely representative until the callouses set in. When I get in the back seat off moguls, or in deep powder, I rely too much on that spoiler to get back on top, and am curious if removing it would be like taking away an unwanted crutch or would leave you sitting. Anyway, I'm curious what you learn, if you don't mind looking up this thread after you have on-snow experience with the modification.
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post #8 of 9
11/29/04 at 8:15am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cirquerider
Let me know what you find out. From everything I've seen here, you are an upper echelon skier. That first run of the season is rarely representative until the callouses set in. When I get in the back seat off moguls, or in deep powder, I rely too much on that spoiler to get back on top, and am curious if removing it would be like taking away an unwanted crutch or would leave you sitting. Anyway, I'm curious what you learn, if you don't mind looking up this thread after you have on-snow experience with the modification.
I would not put myself even close to being on par with most skiers from this board but I try to improve every day.

Well I removed the cuff height piece on my Salomons and I was not in the backseat all weekend. I was skiing bumps and soft/heavy conditions all weekend so those would have been my problem area.

I am not sure if that is because I am warmed up for the season after a few days on the snow or if it was from removing the spoiler.

Either way I think I am leaving it out for good.

I also worked alot with compressing and extending my legs in the bumps and it was a blast. I think I am finally getting more balanced and fluid in uneven bumps with various conditions throughout the run.
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post #9 of 9
11/29/04 at 8:31am
Good information Scalce. The Solomon boot does seem to push forward lean. There are many conditions where an upright stance is desirable and dependence on the spoiler just encourages, or forces, weight back. I have not removed mine, but played around with the spoiler and notice there is a substantial (1/4 inch?) shim at the back of the leg with the spoiler in place. Removing it would not seem to affect support, but would seem to allow the more upright stance. I feel I am persistently in contact with the back of the boot, and it seems to actually lower aggrevate shin pressure I have.

Simple enough to try, I think I'll give it a whirl. How are conditions in your neck of the woods? We just had 20 inches on Saturday to refresh the bases here in CA. Badly needed. Looks like storms for the East this week.
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