 Poster: A snowHead
|
Quick question
I have had my Strolz boots for about 10 years and they have been fabulous. However, over the years (am now 52) I have developed a bit of arthritis in my feet and hands and my big toe joints have nice bunion type protrusions. This has made my boots a tad tight with the result that I got a bit of pain in the balls of my feet when I went skiing last year. I was thinking of going back to Lech to get Strolz to check them out but frankly I can buy off the peg boots cheaper and save money on the holiday by going to the Dolomites or Serfaus, where we'd planned to go. I hate the thought of wasting ski time by sitting having boots fitted and having problems etc. The injectable foam was good at the time because my feet were really narrow with narrow ankles. Any suggestions? Thanks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
@erica2004, I'd say time spent with a specialist boot fitter like Strolz in Lech might be money well spent. You don't have to stay in Lech, there are plenty of cheaper areas around there. Good luck with it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
@erica2004, I'd maybe make my thread title a little more informative so you attract attention from one of the pro fitters on here.
my lay opinion is that a little attention from a fitter would adapt your existing boots to your "current" feet.
off the peg boots are going to require at least as much attention.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
Or go up to Slide & Glide in Otley/Leeds. I went there to get my Strolz/slippers fitted, he is official Strolz fitter and I couldn't be happier with my pain free skiing. Sure they'd sort them out.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
It sounds like you just need the shells pushed out a bit to reduce the pressure on your bunions. Any half decent boot fitter can do that for you for not much money at all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
@CAPTA1N P, Devon to Leeds just to find a boot fitter 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@erica2004, any boot fitter should be able to stretch the shell a little to release the pressure on the bunions, the other thing which is quite important with a foam liner is that they would need to create a bit of space in the liner, depending on how much is needed the foam could be locally softened with chemical or the outer skin of the liner cut to release the surface tension over the pressure point. the plastic will have hardened a little over 10 years so any shell work needs to be done with care to avoid damage
anyone finding you an off the peg boot and NOT doing some work for the bunion is putting you in a boot which is possibly too wide just to save effort!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thanks for your replies. I think probably I should head to Lech and let them look at the boots. As you say, CEM, the shells could be stretched if they are not too old and brittle and maybe I could buy new liners. Ta.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
|
@erica2004, easy enough drive from Serfaus to Lech one evening.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@erica2004, I'd love any excuse to go to glorious Lech 
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
@under a new name, I did it on my way to Scotland. Point being nobody knows her circumstances, maybe she'll be passing through there at some point and being the only official Strolz dealer and fitter in the country it was worth her being informed of this.
Not many people know they can get Strolz done in the UK.
|
|
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
@CAPTA1N P, an odd way to point it out. But, hey ho!
I'm not sure why a Strolz boot, once fitted, is any different from any other boot, once fitted. I don't think the plastics or foams are unique?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Also assuming the plastics are OK can't any good bootfitter punch out a bit of shell and foam a new liner ( if foam is what the OP likes)
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
The liners are made from a two pack mixture, not like a regular liner that is just heated up.
When I first bought them the guys
in Strolz were really good and I went back for a couple of tweaks during the week so I wouldn't go to Yorkshire for a refit. It is certainly no hardship to go to Lech.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
|
But the point is other competent fitters who deal in foam liners can do a foam. However seems like your favourite fitters are in Lech.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
@Dave of the Marmottes, I didn't know that other fitters did the same liners as Strolz ??
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
Strolz is just a brand of foam liner. Sidas also do them and Surefoot and Profeet brand something as their own.
Must admit I thought oiams were considered rather old hat with Zipfits and Intuitions etc available but if you like them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
|
@erica2004, I think that the Strolz secret sauce is actually in the shell selection so you start out with a more or less fully optimised shell. The foaming part (although they also used to do very nice leather linings) are rather more mundane. But probably appear to be more interesting given the process involved.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
| Quote: |
I'm not sure why a Strolz boot, once fitted, is any different from any other boot, once fitted. I don't think the plastics or foams are unique?
|
+1
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
| under a new name wrote: |
| I'm not sure why a Strolz boot, once fitted, is any different from any other boot, once fitted. I don't think the plastics or foams are unique? |
I don't think the models change very often so you can probably get spare parts more easily than for other recreational boots.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
| under a new name wrote: |
| @erica2004, I think that the Strolz secret sauce is actually in the shell selection so you start out with a more or less fully optimised shell. The foaming part (although they also used to do very nice leather linings) are rather more mundane. But probably appear to be more interesting given the process involved. |
The secret is possibly more that they start with a high volume shell. I think if you took the liner out and put your foot into the shell, pushed it to the front, you would see more than a finger width between the heel and the back the shell. A finger width is a rough guide for a performance fit. Similarly, there is likely to be a fair amount of play between the widest part of the forefoot and shell, with the liner out. It helps produce a more comfortable fit, but perhaps not a high performance fit. If you are only skiing 1 or 2 weeks a year, then that is probably what you want.
As usual, the best advice is to go see a good boot fitter. You might find a great boot for less price than a Strolz. If however you love them, then go for Strolz. Enjoyment is the name of the game for all but FIS racers...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
So you're saying it's basically marketing over substance for the sort of well heeled clientele that go to Lech? Wouldn't surprise me, after all Surefoot is similar.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I also had Strolz for about 10 years and as much as i loved them I thought it is time to update. They seemed really heavy with comparison to new ones and v. difficult to get on as my ankles are quite narrow.
I thought I try Scarpas . I saw some early this year on sales and ordered online. Tried one pair (Freedom i think) and after 15 minutes my feet were numb. So I thought i stick to my Strolz. However, i did try another pair, Gea, (again, through the post). They seemed amazing.I don't have any problem with my fit yet. So I wore them around the house for couple of weeks and then went to Ellis Bringham (that's where I ordered from) to check the fit. They adjusted the foam a bit and had a great week skiing after that. But those Scarpas are amazing and so light. And I got them for half the usual price 
It is not advisable to buy online, I know. But I have various ski shops around and knew i could easily return if it was no go and if they fit I can have them adjusted.
hope it helps.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
erica2004, if your boots are so lovely, why change your boots? Change your feet instead.
Get your bunions fixed. They will only go on to cause even greater trouble with ordinary shoes if you leave them.
Find yourself a decent Foot and Ankle surgeon - NOT a general orthopaedic surgeon - and get those bunions sorted.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@ulmerhutte, I don't think so. Mine are quite a low volume shell and @under a new name, is correct - the shell is the secret - the foot bit can be selected separate to the ankle cuff. I have 'sporty/narrow' ankle cuffs as I have narrow ankles. I do agree that the boots seem heavy compared with newer boots. The liner fitting in the shop is quite interesting as you have to bear a certain amount of discomfort when they pour the mixture in. That's why they give you schnapps!
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
| Budgie Snuggler wrote: |
| But those Scarpas are amazing and so light. |
Perhaps that is because many of the Scarpa models use Intuition liners which are reputed to be the lightest of the lot. No first-hand experience of them though.
I have just bought a pair of Zipfit liners after having an absolutely painful winter here in Sidas foamed liners. The shop did not buckle the boots down tightly before the foam set. End result... Huge pressure, to the point of a distorted shell. The boot techo tried to fix it with acetone but that changed the foot alignment and made it worse. I will post a review of my experiences after a month's skiing in St Anton in Feb.
|
|
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
|
@Budgie Snuggler, Scarpas will be much lighter as they are quasi (or completely) touring boots. So you compromise in other areas.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| erica2004 wrote: |
| @ulmerhutte, I don't think so. Mine are quite a low volume shell and @under a new name, is correct - the shell is the secret - the foot bit can be selected separate to the ankle cuff. I have 'sporty/narrow' ankle cuffs as I have narrow ankles. I do agree that the boots seem heavy compared with newer boots. The liner fitting in the shop is quite interesting as you have to bear a certain amount of discomfort when they pour the mixture in. That's why they give you schnapps! |
Happy to be corrected. That was my experience and it was confirmed by their senior boot-fitter at their Zürs store. He is now at Lech.
BTW I have had 2 pairs of Strolz boots, ie the red and then the orange. I ski ~55 days per year. The Strolz packed out after 2 seasons.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
@Jonpim, I should get the feet looked at again - the last surgeon sent me on my way telling me to 'take glucosamine'....I haven't bothered too much as I do a lot of hiking and keep horses. Hey ho.
I didn't do the Imelda Marcos thing - always wear decent shoes and heels for special ocassions!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
| Jonpim wrote: |
erica2004, if your boots are so lovely, why change your boots? Change your feet instead.
Get your bunions fixed. They will only go on to cause even greater trouble with ordinary shoes if you leave them.
Find yourself a decent Foot and Ankle surgeon - NOT a general orthopaedic surgeon - and get those bunions sorted. |
^^^ This. The longer it's left the worse the problem will get - in the end you'll almost certainly affect your gait which will in turn affect your hips and spine. Soldiering on is not the answer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
| Dave of the Marmottes wrote: |
| So you're saying it's basically marketing over substance for the sort of well heeled clientele that go to Lech? Wouldn't surprise me, after all Surefoot is similar. |
From what I've heard in the past, there is a definitely higher level of customisation in the shell, if you look on their website down to clip positioning, different materials for vibration absorbing, etc.
But I think it's a reasonable analogy to being able to choose the stitching pattern on the front seats of your new Bentley. For 99% of skiers and their feet, that really won't make a great deal of difference.
I would expect that a good 'fitter would be able to (especially these days with thermo-moulded shells) get just as good a result at significantly less cost.
Foam liners? Hmmm, I've had them twice, when I was replacing dead liners anyway. You do get a wonderfully close fit - i.e. I could quite happily ski without buckles (maybe not so fast, nor in tough conditions but certainly on a restaurant tour). But the "race" ones aren't particularly comfortable. Great when you are "in position" but not so much when you're not as the foam is pretty firm. Would I bother again? I don't know as the alternatives are maybe a better idea.
ulmerhutte, actually, from what I see, the process involves a closer fitting shell, but it's one that's been properly fitted.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
@irie, My feet aren't that bad. I don't have to 'soldier on' - it really doesn't affect me - just the bloody ski boots are a bit tight. Do you realise what surgery entails ? 6 months off your feet ?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
|
I'm with you @erica2004, - you modify the boot to accomodate the foot, not vice versa.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
erica2004 and RUGBY PETER, I would agree completely if it was just a problem of a slightly odd shaped foot.
But erica2004, you posted you have "bunions".
Bunions are widely misunderstood. They are not just silly lumps on the side of the foot. The whole fore-foot is deformed:
Wikipedia is a good place to start: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunion
Surgical correction is indeed rather uncomfortable, and does entail some time off work, but not 6 months.
This booklet from the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital is rather good.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
@erica2004, if you are going to Lech then great, but if not any fitter with experience in foam liners can make an adjustment to your boot, the shell stretch is simple, the liner adjustment just takes someone with knowledge of foam liners, many fitters are scared to touch the sacred strolz foam, it is just the same as any other 2 part PU foam, just to their specification in terms of hardness and filling their leather liner not a branded one
Strolz have 4 maybe 5 shell widths, they then select cuffs based on leg circumference and stiffness required and fill the liner with foam, a good boot fitter will have at least that many options on the wall if not a lot more and have liners appropriate for the customers needs not just a one type fits all. the biggest issues we see are when people buy a strolz boot not at lech from one of their many dealers in austria or the like, they seem to only stock one width or maybe two, i recently saw a customer who had bough a pair like this, skied in them 2 days and the shop refused to do anything to help her with the pain and feeling of being tipped out onto the outside edge of the skis... the footbed has been rolled by the pressure of the foam .... the heel pocket of the lange boot we put her in was 20mm YES 20mm narrower than the strolz one and her feet were flat on her skis. So while they may be a solution for some people they are certainly not the solutions for everyone
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
but@CEM, the wooden bits! the wooden bits!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@CEM "the heel pocket of the lange boot we put her in was 20mm YES 20mm narrower than the strolz one".
Blimey! 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@CEM, 20mm??? I was under the impression that 2mm was a huge difference in ski boot sizing. 20mm sounds insane.
Anyway, for me, I mostly enjoyed my time in Strolz, but have since moved on. I had one of the early orange boots, with the buckles that kept breaking. That put the relationship on edge. Having the liners pack out in ~80 days made the break-up inevitable. That is only 1½ years for me.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
|
@CEM, Where are you based ?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@erica2004, i am in Bicester www.solutions4feet.com but any bootfitter who has worked with foam liners should be able to adjust your current boot,i am very much a if if isnt broken don't try and fix it kind of person, a simple stretch and some minor liner work and you will be off again
@irie, yup we measured it with a caliper and i was so surprised by the difference i expected maybe 5-8mm but it just looked massive, i should say she did have a very narrow heel and the boot she was in was completely inappropriate, the volume of foam injected is probably what caused the foot to be inverted with the footbed during the process, i will again stater this was NOT done at Lech
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
