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Expert Boot Advice by Jeff Bergeron/Boot Fixation - Page 3  

post #61 of 216
2/7/05 at 4:33pm
Jeff,

I'm woman,36 years old, 5 ft 93 lbs, intermediate skier. I've been ski for 3 years. My left foot is 21.5, right foot is 22. I wear regular woman us shoe size 5.0. My forefeet are little wide and arches are normal. I try Nordica GT junior 21.5. It is perfectly fit on length, but little pain on arches, after walk around 5 minutes, not on ski yet. It's not very comfortable boot.

I tried Solomon performa 8 for woman, 22. I like the support lining. But when I lean forward, it gives a little roommy. Can you recommend what brands I should have? It's pain for woman at this size. I have been spending more than 2 weeks try to find a boot. I like comfort and dont want to sacrifice performance. I'm sometime speedy.

My goal : to be somewhere advance skier, not helicopter skier.

Thanks in advance.
Babe
post #62 of 216
2/8/05 at 11:52am
Hi Jeff.
I am 5'7", 160#, 43yrs old/33 years skiing and I ski mostly icey eastern black runs. I have wide feet, skinny ankles and an average to slightly high instep. I already have cork Superfeet footbeds. My current boots are 1999-2000 Salomon Ellipse 90's (flex 90) in a 25.5. I want to replace them as they are feeling a little loose and a little soft (I have tripled my ski days / year).

1- I tried on a Technica Diablo Fire Utrafit in a 25.5. They feel a little soft foreaft, but am told they are laterally stiff. The fit is good (shell fit is about 7/8 of an inch heel space), but I am concerned about the pack out factor. Will the the Technica Ultrafit loosen up much?

2- As a less comfortable but more performance oriented alternative I am considering the Lange 120 MF in a 7.5 (it was definatelt tighter, it would have to be punched out at the sides). How would you compare the two?

3- Any other recommendations based on my background.
post #63 of 216
2/11/05 at 12:26pm
Jeff,

I need your help. I need some info about Rossignol boots.

1. What is your opinion about the Elite Pro boots?
2. My current boot is the Icon Alu Comp. I am interested in the Elite Pro 1 Ltd. Can you give me a comparison between these boots? I am particularly interested in fit and flex.
3. I was told that the Elite Pro 1 Ltd. actually flexes better than the Alu Comp. What is your opinion? you see, i am not very satisfied with the flex of the Icons.
4. What are the differences between the 2005 Elite Pro 1 Ltd. and the 2006 model? Again, i am very interested in flex.

Thanks a lot,

Cosmin
post #64 of 216
2/17/05 at 9:44am
Hi Jeff,

Thank you in advance for this.

Background: expert skier, 6'2, 210 lbs, 30 years old
Style: aggressive, fast, like stiffer flex (hockey player)
Location: mostly Austrian alps

Preferred terrain/snow: hard pack, groomed, crud/powder, trees, bumps

Skis: Head XRC 1100 SW (177), Rossignol Bandit B2 (190)

Current boot: Tecnica Icon (6 years old, never stopped hurting, even though a fitter tried to make it more wider.)

Every boot I have ever worn has given me pain specifically on the outside of my foorfoot. It seems like we don't have any good bootfitter here in Austria at all. Somehow I found this page and hopefully you can help me out. (please)

I am considering buying new shoes. Since we have differnt shoe sizes in Europe, I measured my foot. It's 274 mm long, and my foorfoot is about 114mm wide (EE on skating shoes). I have a high instep, guess average heel width, no calf problems at all and no toe box problems either - since the technica icon never hurted there.

I already read a lot of posts and the guy at St. Anton, Arlberg in Austria, let me try the Atomic Widebody (which felt good, but kind of a low shaft compared to the icon), Nodica Beast 12, the Technica Diablo Fire (i liked the hard flex) and the Head S10. But actually I cant say, if they fit, since they always start hurting later.

Questions:

1. Which boot would you suggest?

2. What do I have to look at, when I am trying them on? I have no idea about fitting.

3. How much do you tighten them when trying on?

4. Should I get a custom liner? (One guy told me this is the best, the other said it used to be good, but now the liners that come with the new shoes are even better)

would be very, very glad for any help.
ciao... marc
post #65 of 216
2/17/05 at 10:01am
hi jeff,

additional information:
measured my foot the other day and i had 27.5 almost 28. (it was a salomon measuring table, but i guess it's for any brand.)
i also tried the atomic widebody topmodell again in 27.5 but it still hurted me on the foorfoot, also the diabolo fire.
would be very happy for any help.
thanks, marc
post #66 of 216
2/17/05 at 11:34am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by tdk6
Thanks Jeff for the invitation. I will most certainly look you up when I come to Colorado. We have some really nice back roads as well and ralley is in everyones veins here in my country. Snow and grawel. Rear weel drive.

Question
1. One of my clients last week had boots like mine, Beast 12 2003/4 model, and he complained that they fill up with snow at the tip. I started checking my own boots and the snow is clearly visible through the transparet outside shell. The guy said that its a well known problem with this boot. Is it true or not?
tdk6,

It is common to get moisture in the boot, but this should be limited. If a lot of snow is getting in there you might try putting some duck (cloth) tape over the opening at the toe box. This something most racers did years ago, although is not usually necessary anymore.

As they used to say, You need a Finn to Win!
Jeff
post #67 of 216
2/17/05 at 12:03pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by GordM
Hi Jeff.
I am 5'7", 160#, 43yrs old/33 years skiing and I ski mostly icey eastern black runs. I have wide feet, skinny ankles and an average to slightly high instep. I already have cork Superfeet footbeds. My current boots are 1999-2000 Salomon Ellipse 90's (flex 90) in a 25.5. I want to replace them as they are feeling a little loose and a little soft (I have tripled my ski days / year).

1- I tried on a Technica Diablo Fire Utrafit in a 25.5. They feel a little soft foreaft, but am told they are laterally stiff. The fit is good (shell fit is about 7/8 of an inch heel space), but I am concerned about the pack out factor. Will the the Technica Ultrafit loosen up much?

2- As a less comfortable but more performance oriented alternative I am considering the Lange 120 MF in a 7.5 (it was definatelt tighter, it would have to be punched out at the sides). How would you compare the two?

3- Any other recommendations based on my background.
GordM,

Unfortunately, you have very difficult feet to fit into ski boots. You have a few options...

1. Go with what fits your heel/ ankle and try to make room in the forefoot. For this you could try one of the race boots or near race boots. I have had a lot of success with the Nordica Dobermann Pro and WC series for doing this. This is your best bet if holding power is your main concern. You might also like the 2006 Atomic Race Tech CS, which is a little easier to live with than the full on Race Tech TI race boot. Lange's 2006 plug boot might also work very well for you. Keep in mind that these boots almost always require some amount of grinding and fitting.

2. Go with what fits in the forefoot and pad in the heel. You could possibly do this with a Nordica Beast or Salomon Xwave. Keep in mind that the padding needs to be fairly dense (as in not spongy) if you want to go this route. Ultimately, I think you will be disappointed with this setup because things will eventually become loose.

3. Go with something in the middle like the Tecnica Diablo Fire you listed. In my opinion they both ski and fit well. This boot is wider in the forefoot but still holds the heel fairly well, so this may be a good compromise. Also, I have found their liners reasonably durable.

I would probably stay away from production Lange's because in my opinion they do not hold a stretch very well. (The only exception to this is the Lange plug boot, which is easily ground and stretched. World Cup racers do not mess around.)

What you have to decide is what is the best compromise for your situation. If you cannot get to a decent boot specialist, then the race boots are out. Good luck with your decision.

Jeff
post #68 of 216
2/17/05 at 12:08pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by babe
Jeff,

I'm woman,36 years old, 5 ft 93 lbs, intermediate skier. I've been ski for 3 years. My left foot is 21.5, right foot is 22. I wear regular woman us shoe size 5.0. My forefeet are little wide and arches are normal. I try Nordica GT junior 21.5. It is perfectly fit on length, but little pain on arches, after walk around 5 minutes, not on ski yet. It's not very comfortable boot.

I tried Solomon performa 8 for woman, 22. I like the support lining. But when I lean forward, it gives a little roommy. Can you recommend what brands I should have? It's pain for woman at this size. I have been spending more than 2 weeks try to find a boot. I like comfort and dont want to sacrifice performance. I'm sometime speedy.

My goal : to be somewhere advance skier, not helicopter skier.

Thanks in advance.
Babe
Babe,

I am happy to answer your questions if you follow the format that was listed in the front of the thread. (As in background info and numbering your questions.)

Jeff
post #69 of 216
2/17/05 at 12:21pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by sywsyw
Jeff,

I need your help. I need some info about Rossignol boots.

1. What is your opinion about the Elite Pro boots?
2. My current boot is the Icon Alu Comp. I am interested in the Elite Pro 1 Ltd. Can you give me a comparison between these boots? I am particularly interested in fit and flex.
3. I was told that the Elite Pro 1 Ltd. actually flexes better than the Alu Comp. What is your opinion? you see, i am not very satisfied with the flex of the Icons.
4. What are the differences between the 2005 Elite Pro 1 Ltd. and the 2006 model? Again, i am very interested in flex.

Thanks a lot,

Cosmin
Cosmin,

1. In my opinion, the current Rossignol is heavy and too roomy. It does have a decent flex pattern though.

2. In my opinion the Rossignol will flex better, but not fit better than the Icon.

3. The later models of Icons seemed to struggle with their flex.

4. There seemed to be little difference between the 05 and the 06. Too bad, because the last Rossignol was a boot I recommended for quite a few people. Still, I doubt that boot would have worked for you.

5. I thought I would mention that the Rossi plug boot is also a good free skiing boot. I have not received word of whether that boot will be changed for next year as its sister boot the Lange plug will be.

That is about as specific as I can get without more info on your foot shape, ski style, etc...

Good luck,
Jeff
post #70 of 216
2/17/05 at 12:31pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by used2ski
Hi Jeff, thanks for taking the time to answer questions here!

BACKGROUND INFO:
-- 35 yrs old, 175 lbs, 6' 1"
-- straight skinny feet. Feet are 28.5 cm long
-- Expert skill level.
-- Had been skiing Nordica Crystal Grand Prix (sz 29.0, flex index 90 but 4 rivets between lower shell and upper cuff)
-- Sold GPs b/c too stiff and repeatedly tore up my shins, actually abrading away the skin on the front of my shins, especially after spending any time in bumps.

Recently bought Salomon Pro Model Spaceframe
-- Skied two days at Vail in pretty bumped up conditions
-- Suffered abrasions on front of shins again.
-- Did not realize until returning to East Coast that rear bolts marked LOCK served to lock upper cuff and lower shell. Thought somehow was a lock mechanism for canting
-- Also suffered egg shaped bumps/inflamations on the lower front of my shins, just above the ankle, but as stated on the front of my shin.
-- Assuming swelling above from two factors: 1.) getting too far back 2.) cuff not tightened enough.
-- One more gross adjustment position available to make upper cuff tighter. Two upper buckles were essentially as tight as they could go without moving the buckle teeth to this final position.

Discussion with Local Shop Owner:
-- LSO did not feel removing locking bolts would significantly change amount of flex.
-- LSO did not feel that creating more forward lower leg position would improve getting in "back seat".
-- LSO suggested carving out material in tongue, creating a channel to reduce pressure on shin.

Discussion with Local:
-- Vail/Denver resident who suffers boot bang on and off suggested high density foam to create a channel on outside of tongue to create ovalization of cuff, reducing pressure on shin.

No professional boot fitters in my area

Questions:
1. Would you expect to see a substantial increase in the boot's flex by removing the locking screws?

2. Do you believe that by tightening the cuff and creating a more forward position/stance that I would reduce the amount of swelling on the fronts of my ankles?

3. Would doing those things discussed in Question 2 above create more pressure and thereby more abrasion between my shins and the boot tongue?

Thanks again!
Fellow skinny footer,

First of all, I have had a number of people come in to my shop with shin bang from this boot. All the cases I have seen involved people who did not get enough forward lean with this boot. On the other hand, people who need a more upright boot seem to do well with it.

1. No, it would be moderate at best.
2. Adding a forward lean shim behind the calf should at least help.
3. I expect it would just make the pressure more even. Still, these tongues do not have much padding.
4. If the forward lean shims do not work, then ALSO add an Eliminator tongue pad to the tongue. You can also modify its shape quite easily.
5. Your next step from here is to find a narrow more forward boot, and there are plenty that exist.

Good luck,
Jeff
post #71 of 216
2/17/05 at 1:22pm
Hi Jeff

Male
32
190 lbs
Intermediate/Expert Skiier
Size 28.5

I recently bought Salomon Performa 8's. First few days out I didn't notice any problems. Ever since I've seen a consistant problem where I have to crank the top two buckles (to the last knotch)down or I feel like I'm coming out of my boots when on a steep incline. I brought the boots back to the store. The bootfitter shimmed the boot and moved the 2nd strap from the top, so I have more knotches to strap to. (I also splurged on a custom molded footbed.) The top strap automatically comes undone now! Do I need a stiffer boot? Maybe an xwave? I play hockey as well and am used to a stiff boot. I'm thinking that the "8's" are not enough boot for me. Please advise
post #72 of 216
2/18/05 at 5:50am

Lange sizing

Jeff:

I'm looking at Lange Comp 120s but have found the sizes available at this point in the season to be limited. I wear a 13 in most athletic shoes, 13C in dress, and measure a 14 on a Brannock (left foot = 12" long, right a bit less). I hear they pack out, and I am a high performance skier who wants a performance fit. I can order a 12 or 13 in the Lange, and would like to get a new (good fitting) boot ASAP. Do they pack out enough to order the 12, or should I play it safe and get the 13s?
Thanks in advance, Bob
post #73 of 216
2/21/05 at 5:59am
Jeff:

Could you explain what effects cuff height, ramp angle and forward lean have on skier balance and boot performance?

What types of skiers would benefit from a boot with more forward lean; or a more upright boot? Thanks.
post #74 of 216
2/21/05 at 7:46pm
Hey Jeff,

I have read most of the posts and you are the man. Thanks in advance for taking your time to answer questions. A little background about myself before my questions (not sure if this is necessary). I am 6'0 160 an agressive skier (level 7/8)...ski a mix of groomers/bumps/powder/steeps.

1. I have a pair of Lange Banchee's 90 (year 2003). I have skied the boot 25 days at the max. I love the support and the stiffness seems about right. The only modification I have done/had done are a slight heel riser (under the footbed) to correct a hot spot on the right of my ankle (both boots).

PROBLEM : My big toe and middle toe seem to rub slightly....by the end of the day they are very sore. NOT black and blue but sore. It is worse on my left boot than my right but noticable in both. I have a very narrow foot. The place I bought the boots did a shell and liner fit...and the fit seemed right at the time. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. I am going to see a boot fitter in Steamboat in a few weeks to hopefully see whats going but any advice would be much appreciated. I have also tried all thicknesses of socks with no change either way.

2. My feet tend to fall asleep at times. More so when I crank my boots down for added control/support but I have had it happen with the boot as loose as possible. It probably happens a couple times a day at most....but still very annoying when you can't feel your feet on a ski run.

Thanks and sorry for the long post.

Brandon
Blacksburg, VA
post #75 of 216
2/27/05 at 9:09pm
Background:
Male 52 years old, skied 45 yrs. Ex propatrol, college racer. 190lbs. Skiing in Saolomon XWave 10.0. Have had footbeds made by reputable ski shop in Seattle. Have skied boots and footbeds for 1.5 yrs. NO problem when skiing inbounds, great fit throughout boot.

Question:
1. When hiking into the backcountry, even short 150-200' ridge hike, I get what starts as burning sensation under each foot, just behind the ball of the foot, and all the way across (laterally). If I continue hiking, skiing and yoyoing lift I will eventually get very painfull cramping in same location on both feet. If I stop and pull boots off and massage area the pain goes away (10-15 minutes in the lodge of course). I experinced the same thing with my last pair of boots, Tecnica Icons w/ Superfeet footbeds. I believe the custom footbeds I now use are correct, they cradle my foot well when skiing all day in area, it;s adding the hiking to the mix that causes the grief.
What should I do???
Thanks, Jeff!
post #76 of 216
2/27/05 at 9:27pm
Hi Jeff,

I am a 28 y.o male, ski mostly on east coast, expert (diamond/double diamond).
Weight 195lbs, height 6'0" Have high instep regualar to a little wide foot.

1. I have a pair for Rossignol Course KX which I have been skiing for the past 8 years, initially they were a bit too tight but got better esp. last 2 years, but the left boot fell apart literally, as plastic crumpled right under the buckle line?!? I could still ski but the buckles became useless. I liked the stiffness of the boot and very price control, which boot would be similar (this is older Course KX that did not have a removable insert in the tongue)

2. I bought a pair of Tecnica Icon Alu Ultrafit, I had the boot heated so it was custom molded. Yet when I got on the mountain I still feel pressure on my instep??!

3. The icons do indeed respond better laterally but not in the toes like the Course KXs which would require only slight toe pressure. Is this how ICONS are in general or perhaps I need to get used to the boot? Is there a different boot I should consider, I really like having the prcise control of the KXs.

4. any other tips on the Icons? I have lowered the back spoiler to -5, the flex inserts are in place nad the flex is in LOCK positon (since I always skiied Course KX which is a race boot). I have not really adjusted anything esle, I don't think I am bowleged hence did not touch caniting.

Thanks
post #77 of 216
2/28/05 at 4:07am
Hi Jeff,

Info: None neccessary.

1. Can you recomend someone in the Münich, Germany that does what you do?

Thanks,

Pierre
post #78 of 216
3/1/05 at 6:27am
Hi Jeff--thanks so much for doing this. It's a huge service.

Background: Solidly intermediate female skiier (blue runs all day), mostly East Coast but occasionally get back home to Colorado. I'm 5'7", 150 lbs, with size 9.5-10 feet. I've been skiing (embarrassed to admit) since 1990 or so on rear-entry Nordica 720s. They're not compressed, since I've had 7 years off from skiing and started again this season. Finally broke down and bought new boots last week as I know I'll be skiing a lot more now.

Problem: Bought Nordica Beast 10Ws in a 26.5 after trying on at store with thinnish socks. Bootfitter had me jump on a simulator and wobble around, etc. They felt wonderful in the store. Got to the slopes on Sunday with similar (possibly slightly less thin) socks and was in constant pain. Forefoot numb and toes tingly, and I rubbed my instep raw on both feet. I loosened the boots as much as possible at lunch, but it didn't help.

1. Could this be the socks?
2. Could 26.5 be too small?
3. Can you recommend a bootfitter in the Boston area (I'm west of Boston) who might be helpful?
4. Any other thoughts?

Thanks!
post #79 of 216
3/1/05 at 11:20pm
jeff, thanks for taking the time to answer our questions.

background info: upper level advance to expert. ski very fast and very aggressive. 21 year old college student and have been skiing for 14 years. because of new time openings in my schedule i am looking to buy a new pair of boots because of more skiing time available. last 4 years i have been doing season demos on skis. with the size of my feet they only have the grey dalbellos that im sure every ski shop in america carry's (dont know the name of them). Now that i am giong to buy some boots with on a students budget i need some good advice
1) i have a size 13.5-14 foot. its very hard to find a stiff boot to meet my demands with that size of foot. i have been told that i could be fitted into a 29.5 shell. does that sound at all remotely possible?
2)what do you suggest as brand and type for my advanced level? (i have been suggested the nordica speed demons and/or solamon x-wave 10.0's to give you the idea of stiffness i want)
3)the fact that i am also 6'3'' 240, will this weight create packing out early more of a problem?
post #80 of 216
3/2/05 at 2:04pm
hi Jeff

background: 5' 11" 185lbs intermediate skier who's looking to doing some tricks and all mountain riding. wide front, high instep, high arch, FAT CALF, just bought a pair of salomon performa 4.0 and moving the top 2 buckles to the widest setting coz it's the only boot that'll fit my calf. my goal is to get a boot that'll last with me until the boot dies, i want to be able to increase in performance with it and have value for money.

problem
the front and top of my foot feels pain after i wear the boot for a while, it could be too small for me, but it gets better the more i wear it around the house.

question
1. will the salomon performa 7.0 last me longer than the 4.0 in terms of skill level wise?
2. should i get the salomon performa 7.0 instead of the 4.0?
3. are there any other boots that might fit my calf?
post #81 of 216
3/3/05 at 6:04am
Quote:
Quote:
Originally Posted by tdk6
Thanks Jeff for your excellent advise. But how on earth can anybody from the US possibly know about Ralley car driving? And Marcus Grönholm!! He is practically my neighbour, well allmost anyway, and the current champion.


Originally posted by Jeff Bergeron
I watch WRC anytime I can and drive a Subaru WRX STI. If you are ever in Colorado call me and I will show you some of our great backroads.
Jeff

Jeff/TDK

Good to see some other WRC fans out there. No offence to Marcus and his countrymen but the WRC has not been the same since Colin Macrae lost his drive!!. I can claim the distinction of having competed against him in the 80s when he was starting his career. We were in the same car club and both competing in the Scottish Championship series. I actually sat beside him while he drove my car at a test day.!! Always knew he was good but never dreamt at the the time I was sitting beside a future world champion.

Great choice of car Jeff, my other half bought one after I persuaded her to test it!
post #82 of 216
3/7/05 at 4:03am
where's jeff?
post #83 of 216
3/7/05 at 4:40am
Jeff

I went to Northeast Orthotics. They put me in a plug boot, Solomon. They grounded the sole 1' and 1.5". They put a small lift in front under sole. Got a new foot bed, fore foot lifted a bit - not sure why but I like it. Also took up room above fore foot. Seems like a real good set up - hope it works.

This thread and some poor skiing motivated me. Thanks for the help. We don't have to live like that!
post #84 of 216
3/7/05 at 4:25pm
Jeff,

Thanks for this, it's hard to find help like this near me...

Background:
Agressive all around skier/master's racer. Currently on Atomic SL and LT skis, boots are Atomic 9.50 race in a 26. My boots are getting old and the liner has stretched a lot. When trying all race boots available by me, the most comfortable, yet good flex I found was the Atomic tx11 (junior race). Just a fit problem.

Questions:

1- When I got my old boots, I wasn't looking for a 'tighest-fitting' race boot. This time around, when I tried the 25.5, my toes were slightly (not much at all) crunched at the end, the 26 was fine new. Since I'm looking for more performance this time, should I get the smaller boot, and wait for the liner to stretch (can the toe area even be punched out?), or get the larger size and add a thicker insole or risers?

2- If I get the larger size boot, should I buy seperately a liner from an adult race boot with the ability to heat-mold the entire foot?

Thanks again for your time!

Sharona
post #85 of 216
3/7/05 at 4:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Strider
where's jeff?
Working on boots in Breck and other places!
post #86 of 216
3/7/05 at 11:13pm

Newbie Questions

Jeff,

Background: New recreational skier, 7 lessons, greens and easy blue groomer trails in the East, 190 lbs, 5' 10", 40 years old, will be out learning/improving skiing with my kids (5 and 3 years old). I have Blizzard XO5s at 163cm on a railflex system. I have flatish, average-width feet (10.5 C) that tend to splay out wider (D) when I put pressure on them. The front of my left foot has a nerve condition called Morton's Neuroma that flairs up painfully when I wear tight shoes -- I am seeing a podiatrist (whose doesn't really have any advice when it comes to ski boots).

Questions:
1. Given my description, do you recommend any particular make/model boot?
2. Nordicas seem to cause the least pain of any of the boots I've tried -- Saloman, Technica. Is going with a little wider boot (like the Nordicas) likely to cause any other problems? such as? Or do you recommend going with a narrower boot and grinding/expanding the area that causes pain?
3. Any thoughts on the fit/features of softboots, like the Smartechs?
4. Do you think I would benefit from a custom footbed (and metatarsal bridge support)? Keep my foot from splaying as badly?
5. Is there any custom footbed system you recommend (the blue foam casts; the vacuum-sealed sand casts; other)? Are they about the same?
6. Any recommended fitter in the Rochester, NY area?

Thanks!

SkiGator
post #87 of 216
3/8/05 at 4:14am
hope he comes back soon....
post #88 of 216
3/8/05 at 5:02pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by used2ski
Jeff,

Thanks again for the quick response.

Background 2:
I should clarify that I believe I suffer more from shin bite (abrasions, skin rubbed red and raw) than shin bang. Since reading your reply, I found on another posting site an explanation of shin bite as a symptom of excessive pronation, with the pronation creating excessive twisting of the shin in the boot. The poster went on to suggest that a proper footbed could remedy the situation.

Questions 2:
1. Is this an accurate explanation of how/why shin bite occurs?

2. If so, is a footbed an appropriate remedy?

3. Is there a specific brand of footbed that you would recommend?

4. If the above is not accurate, is there a brand of boot that you would recommend to meet the needs of my skinny feet, shins, and calves as well as my need for more forward lean?

Thanks again!
1. It is one of a few possibilities. It could also be from excessive tib/fib curvature in which case the a footbed would not solve the problem.

2. Maybe yes, maybe not. Still, a well made footbed is always a good thing.

3. The quality of a footbed has more to do with the technician than the brand. Still, you start by looking at Masterfit University's list of America's best bootfitters. Just an idea.

4. A good place to start are some of the newer race and near race boots. As of this year, the options are limited to mostly true race boots such as the Lange and Rossi plug boot, the Atomic Race Tech XS and last year's Tecnica XT17. You could also try the Nordica Doberman WC 100. Next year there will be more near race boots, of which I like the Dolomite Z series and the Atomic Race Tech CS. Another strong possibility is the Dalbello Krypton Pro, which is not narrow but holds low volume feet very well. It also has an incredible flex pattern which tends to be easy on shins. Good luck.

Jeff
post #89 of 216
3/8/05 at 5:27pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by TerpSKI
Jeff:

Could you explain what effects cuff height, ramp angle and forward lean have on skier balance and boot performance?

What types of skiers would benefit from a boot with more forward lean; or a more upright boot? Thanks.
TerpSKI,

Sorry about the delay in my response. While your question does not use my format, it is simple enough to answer so here you go.

1. Cuff Height- While I prefer the boot to match the skier (higher cuff for longer tib/fib), I will usually focus on other issues before working on cuff height. For instance, my Atomic Race Tech boots are not very tall in the cuff, but I have long tib/fibs. The boot is so good that I find it only a minor detriment. Also, it is fairly easy to make an excessively tall cuff shorter.

2. Ramp Angle- This affects your sense of where your fore and aft balance is. The issue is far more complicated than simply more or less. I do not wish to elaborate beyond that.

3. Forward Lean- Man are there a lot of misconceptions here. It is not a matter of upright or forward being good, it has to match the skier. As a general rule, more athletic skiers GENERALLY prefer more forward lean while more casual skiers prefer less. Still, there are major exceptions here. That is as much detail as I care to give.

4. Overall Setup- Keep in mind that ramp angle, forward lean, flex pattern and binding ramp are interrelated. Say you like having 5 degrees of ramp angle with your current setup. Change your forward lean, an you may find you now prefer 7 degrees of forward lean also.

5. Perfect Settings- Fore and aft balance is further complicated by YOUR TECHNIQUE. For instance, if you are having trouble getting forward, you may find a heel lift helpful to get you moving in the right direction. But that does not mean it is your ideal setup. Once you learn to move forward better, you may eventually ski better if you remove the heel lift.

I hope this was at least somewhat helpful.

Good luck,
Jeff
post #90 of 216
3/8/05 at 5:58pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by bigbadwulf11
Hey Jeff,

I have read most of the posts and you are the man. Thanks in advance for taking your time to answer questions. A little background about myself before my questions (not sure if this is necessary). I am 6'0 160 an agressive skier (level 7/8)...ski a mix of groomers/bumps/powder/steeps.

1. I have a pair of Lange Banchee's 90 (year 2003). I have skied the boot 25 days at the max. I love the support and the stiffness seems about right. The only modification I have done/had done are a slight heel riser (under the footbed) to correct a hot spot on the right of my ankle (both boots).

PROBLEM : My big toe and middle toe seem to rub slightly....by the end of the day they are very sore. NOT black and blue but sore. It is worse on my left boot than my right but noticable in both. I have a very narrow foot. The place I bought the boots did a shell and liner fit...and the fit seemed right at the time. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. I am going to see a boot fitter in Steamboat in a few weeks to hopefully see whats going but any advice would be much appreciated. I have also tried all thicknesses of socks with no change either way.

2. My feet tend to fall asleep at times. More so when I crank my boots down for added control/support but I have had it happen with the boot as loose as possible. It probably happens a couple times a day at most....but still very annoying when you can't feel your feet on a ski run.

Thanks and sorry for the long post.

Brandon
Blacksburg, VA
Brandon,

Your post is not laid out properly, but since you flattered me...

1. Toe Room- In my opinion, Lange toe boxes are shaped oddly and the liners are slightly too short for the shells. A decent bootfitter should be able to fix it without too much effort.

2. Steamboat Bootfitter- The only Steamboat bootfitter I know is named Derek and works at the base of the mountain. He is a good guy and should be able to help you.

3. Foot Numbing- This could be caused by many things such as too tight of an instep or too much forward lean. I would have to see you to determine any further.

Jeff
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EpicSki › The Barking Bear Forums › On the Snow (Skiing Forums) › Ask the Boot Guys › Expert Boot Advice by Jeff Bergeron/Boot Fixation