![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) Poster: A snowHead
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My best fitting boots ever that I bought in 2021 are not comfy anymore.
Life's too short for not having comfy boots so I've got to do something about it before the season starts.
They were great at first but the liners have bedded down.
The suppliers were very good at trying to fix the problem.
New Sidas custom foot beds were fitted free of charge to replace the previous ones, but now there is another problem ..
My "sticky out" medial malleoli. This hurts.
I don't know anything about Custom Liners, and I'd like to know in case this is the solution.
I've seen a few serious skiers lace up their inner bits in the boot room, but I've not stuck my nose in .. yet.
Anyway, I was going to treat myself to a new pair of boots this season, and I'd like to get some advice from you guys who know all about this stuff.
Is it worth it?
How much are they?
Should it be liners with boots purchase?
Any advice welcome.
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Thu 18-07-24 19:03; edited 2 times in total
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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DrLawn wrote: |
Any advice welcome. |
Go to a bootfitter.
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) 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?
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Quote: |
Go to a bootfitter
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This. And yes.
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Hurtle wrote: |
Quote: |
Go to a bootfitter
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This. And yes. |
+1
Your are in a good really location with several experienced boot fitters within easy reach..
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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I've got problem feet to various degrees and I'd say Zipfit ftw. Not cheap though and be prepared to add additional goop as problems arise.
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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I got some that you do at home. They worked quite well for a few years before they started to breakdown.
However I made the mistake of not putting on the thinnest socks possible, so ended up with only being able to wear 2x pairs with them. Hunted everywhere for the same ones but couldn't find identical ones of the same weight. My fault for buy discontinued twin pack I guess!
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@DrLawn, tbh my immediate suggestion is shell stretching - but as above go see an expert
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A further though if your shells were comfy AND your feet haven't changed shape a new liner may be all you need. Anyone who really struggles changes shells as a last resort.
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) 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.
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Hi Guys, of course I'm going to a bootfitter, do you think I was going to buy them on eBay?
(That's where I sell them)
Cheers @Dave of the Marmottes, I was hoping someone was going to mention Zipfits.
I'm trying to be armed with as much info as I can before I roll up at the bootlab, like a lamb to the slaughter.
I've spent a day traveling by train to visit one well known bootfitter.
Only to be told .. "sorry mate with feet like that you'll have to go somewhere else".
Anyway some more from you Zipfit wearers, I'm not a racer, I just want to have something comfy for a whole day.
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I've got Zipfits. Super-comfy. Have taken more than 10 years to require fettling, now super-comfy again. But my feet aren't particularly problematic.
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Would it be a good idea to base a holiday around somewhere with a really good Bootfitter - and then get them tweaked as necessary during the week?
I can't help with the main question, as I've never had Custom Liners.
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) 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.
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... and very minor fettling at that, just an injection of some cork.
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@DrLawn, I read the initial post as that your feet had changed.
If you have a bump on one then you will probably need to have the shell stretched at that point, new liners by themselves won't solve that problem and may not be needed at all.
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) You know it makes sense.
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Cheers guys, I'll get myself an appointment with my local fitters and have the discussion on the phone first.
That's if they are open at this time of year.
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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I have a club left foot that is 3 sizes smaller than the right but has a higher instep, and my left leg is an inch shorter below the knee, so I’m a boot fitters nightmare.
Sidas foam injection was the only solution for me, and for the last 15 years I’ve even had touring boots foamed. If foamed liners can fit me, but haven’t been suggested for you, your feet must be a very odd shape.
I first had them foamed at S&R in the late 80’s and 90’s back when they were still an independent enthusiast run operation. The next time I needed some new boots it was clear I knew way more than the S&R fitter, despite calling ahead and explaining the situation. I then switched to Profeet and haven’t looked back.
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) Poster: A snowHead
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@DrLawn, a couple of our local fitters, one well known round these parts suggest that there's more or less nothing that's a huge obstacle.
Sounds to me like you need the shell modified. And possibly a new liner. I have either zipfits or intuitions in my boots (the original was gash) and they're great, whichever they are.
But a liner can only go far if the shell doesn't fit correctly ...
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I got some Sidas moulded (lace
Up) liner when I had an issue.
I need a new pair and if buying a new set of boots I would even consider binning the liners that come with it and get a set of Sidas injection liners (same as I have).
Or I may just get a new set and some replacement footpads.
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) 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?
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I had Zipfits put in to my Lange shells after the original liners packed down after a couple of seasons (six weeks skiing). So far all is good.
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@DrLawn, talk to Colin in Bicester
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Linds wrote: |
@DrLawn, talk to Colin in Bicester |
+1
and great experience with Zip Fit
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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I used Zipfit for a few years, have a big medial malleolus. The problem with this area, and Zipfit here for me was that the dynamic nature of the product and the amount of force through the area when skiing. The ankle bone just kept squeezing the cork away, i put loads in to pack it out and day after day the cork was just pressed away leaving my ankle with no protection or padding. The ankle bone grew and grew over seasons of skiing, and am now left with a hefty golfball sized problem, one, which as a bootfitter i have solved. The first thing is to contour the shell to the same shape as the problem, then get a liner with hefty padding on and around the area, intuition liners do this best IMO. Of course a well made footbed, not any footbed, not sidas, not superfeet or anything branded, one made by a skilled technician that can build the support required to stop the ankle moving harder into the area. Footbed fabrication is key and few technicians IMO have any clue what they're doing, despite a 3 day training course to practice with materials and tools, infact again IMO not many podiatrists seem capable. Your boy in Bicester makes awesome, footbeds consistently, this is not a UK vs Resort bootfitter thing, it's a skill, he has an eye for it and his eyes translate into awesome footbeds, again, that's my opinion, i've seen his work for the best part of 30 years now and he's got it dialled. See him, get him to do your shells right, get the support right and then hopefully he'll get the liner needed to keep unwanted pressure off the problem.
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Hi @Linds & @DCG,
I've seen CEM already, I made an appointment with him back in 2020 (I think)
I spent the whole day traveling there and back and meeting lots of Chinese people on the way.
He could not help, only sympathise with my ankle, and suggested I see someone else the other side of Oxford.
If I had driven it may have been possible, but by train it was a "no-no".
I won't be bothering him again.
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@DrLawn, so what ya gonna do?
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) 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.
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@CH2O, Thank you for your very informative input.
I dont think my ankle bone (medial malleolus as you say) is growing ... its just huge and becoming pointy, thus making a soar part as it rubs against the liner.
So you are a bootfitter too?
I've just looked up "intuition liners" and it looks interesting.
Your handle of CH20 hints that you are not a local, but someone who is smarting from your unlucky loss last night on penalties. (But its only a game)
I think I share your suspicion of Sidas footbeds .. just because they have caused me problems.
But lets face it difficult feet are difficult, I just hope I can sort it.
But thanks again for your very informative post.
I must have caught Cem on a bad day then.
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@CH2O, so what ya gonna do?
I think I'll have a word agian with my local guys and see if they are dealers for Zipfit and Intuition.
Then I'll scratch my head a bit and concentrate on getting my 1965 Lambretta Li150 going.
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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I also have a massive medial maleolus and it has caused me no end of problems.
I ended up with a permanently weeping wound and bone damage.
Really not good.
In my painful experience, mucking about with boot liners had minimal effect.
This was because, whatever I did with the liner, the tip of my maleolus was still the bit closest to the boot shell and consequently suffered the most abuse.
In desperation, I went to Ski Bartlett where Tom and a lady whose name I sadly can't remember, took ownership of my problem.
I gave them permission to radically punch out the problem area to a significant level, on the understanding that if it broke the boot, I would bare the cost.
The service and care I received was exceptional.
After a couple of visits, I had a pocket for my oversized bone so the pressure was distributed around it rather than focused on the tip.
I now have odd-looking but completely comfortable boots.
It was an horrendous and painful journey to get to that point, but I can't thank the guys at SB enough for their care and tenacity.
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) 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.
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Quote: |
So you are a bootfitter too?
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Yes
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Your handle of CH20 hints that you are not a local, but someone who is smarting from your unlucky loss last night on penalties. (But its only a game)
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No, i'm English, however spent the night with a "wunch of swiss bankers" so it was sweet, given they could possibly buy the entire england team to wash their boat. A quick google should help you get closer to the truth regards my "handle" some animals need to be kept for the long term.
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I think I share your suspicion of Sidas footbeds .. just because they have caused me problems.
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Nothing wrong with Sidas product, we only use their product, more who's hands build them.
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But lets face it difficult feet are difficult, I just hope I can sort it.
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Again, depends on who's hands you put them in.
all the best.
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Hi @FoofyNoo,
Sorry to hear that you've got a massive bit on your ankle too.
I've never been along to Ski Bartlette, but I'm sure I've met Tom...
He gave a presentation about boots a few months ago at Hemel Fridge,
very interesting, it was only supposed to last for 1/2 hour but we must have spent at least a whole hour with Q&As.
I sort of know the Bartlett family quite well.
I'll have a word with them.
Cheers @CH2O,
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) You know it makes sense.
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DrLawn wrote: |
Hi @FoofyNoo,
Sorry to hear that you've got a massive bit on your ankle too.
I've never been along to Ski Bartlette, but I'm sure I've met Tom...
He gave a presentation about boots a few months ago at Hemel Fridge,
very interesting, it was only supposed to last for 1/2 hour but we must have spent at least a whole hour with Q&As.
I sort of know the Bartlett family quite well.
I'll have a word with them.
Cheers @CH2O, |
Good luck
If you speak to Tom, he should remember Jez and his humongous ankle bones.
I could give you the entire sorry story that took me to most of the renoun bootfitters in the UK.
I have no wish to name names as they were all excellent and very accommodating.
They just didn't work for me.
SB turned out to be the solution.
The thing that became obvious is that, if your problematic bone is above a certain size, even the best liner is not going to help you.
The pressure has to be released by creating a pocket in the shell.
If you feel any pressure from your shell on a specific small tip area of your bone, it IS going to cause problems.
My issues were going to cause necrosis.
I am now comfy and pain free, which makes a massive difference to my enjoyment level.
The alterations were performed on AT boots which could have caused ROM problems, but all seems fine.....
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@CH2O, I always thought you were an embalmer or pathology tech. Good old Formaldehyde.
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) Poster: A snowHead
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@DrLawn, if i suggested you see the guys at Daleboot it is because i thought it was the best thing for your foot at the time, the size of your malleolus alone is unlikely to be the reason i suggested it, more likely a seriously limitation in your ankle joint ROM a fused ankle, or some other reason in combination, i am really not in the habit of giving business away if i don't have to (was it me you saw or someone else here)
so if i read it correctly, you got some boots that "worked" in 2021, now they cause you problems, so unless you are skiing 5-6 years plus a season i am going to suggest someone put you in a boot too big that just didnt hit the problem area at the time and now the liner has broken down
to which end NO a custom liner will not help you much at all (or certainly not in the long term)
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Thank you @CEM,
Yes it was yourself I saw a few years ago.
Yes my left ankle is a bit of a state, due to a Potts fracture from a serious motor bike accident almost 60 years ago.
It's riddled with arthritis now, but I still love to ski.
I do ski quite a lot, mostly in the Hemelays.
The boots I'm using now were a fab fit, extremely tight on the left problem foot, the right foot is a half size smaller so it's not as tight.
The hurty medial malleoli thingy is a fairly recent problem, I suspect caused by an air borne out of control snowboarder causing an almighty rotational twang on that iffy ankle.
I still haven't got over it and that was 12 months ago.
Still, thanks CEM for your insight and opinion on the custom liners. I'm sure you know more about them than anyone else.
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) 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?
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FWIW my last pair of boots needed a zipfit liner, my current pair uses a stock liner, so "it depends" and "listen to your bootfitter"
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) You need to Login to know who's really who.
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I've got boots fitted by both fitters in this thead. Zero G's by CH20 which now have zipfit GFTs fitted by CEM and footbeds made by CH20 (these liners have 11 weeks of skiing on them). RS130 by CEM with Zipfit Gara's fitted by CEM foitbeds made by CEM(these liners have 4 weeks on them)
Only this last season have I had a problem in the Zero G's with medial malieoi on my right foot. Same boot and liner as season before but painful after 1st day. Lange RS130 no problem at all(currently race training twice/thrice a week in them) . Both are a great fit, no heal movement with little bit of toe wiggle.
I dont know how to explain the change from one season to the next. I'm not enduring the pain this coming season though
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Hi @Baron von chippy,
Welcome to the medial malieoi club a place where can soak our feet and empathise with each other.
When you say "I'm not enduring the pain this coming season though"
Does this mean you have solved the problem?
I'm not sure what my way forward is, but I'm going to visit my local Boot Lab and see what they reckon.
There are other problems apart from the "sticky out medial malieoi".
I'll keep you updated, when I've discovered more.
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Intuition liners, a good stretch and a good footbed and the club would have no members.
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@DrLawn, not solved the problem but
going to go and see someone about it before they go back on my feet. The whole of winter that pointy/lumpy bone was sore.
The lange rs130s couldn't fit better if I tried with the zipfits. The stock liners crushed my big toe nails to the point of me losing them.
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@CH2O, that's my though go intuition tour liners
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) 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.
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Well it will insure there’s protection on the issue, the cork in ZF will displace. Just need to get the shell mod right
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@CH2O, but why no problem in the rs130s and zips? footbeds you and Colin made are identical,
zero g and gft were good 22/23 season.
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