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new boot pain - ouch.

 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
fatgaz, sorry to hear that Sad

Despite the distance I'd recommend you head over to Bicester, hopefully it can be sorted in one trip but if not at least you'll get to the bottom of the problem once and for all Smile
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
CEM & Dr eeyore, thanks for the advice. I fear i'll need to spend some more dosh...

I have a feeling that it may well be my feet are a significant part of the problem. They haven't been that happy for many months, I wasn't coping with any running in the spring/summer - the arch of my feet would hurt fairly quickly.

don't have much time to sort things out either, will be on ski hols. start of feb... Sad the pain is sufficient that I doubt I can actually ski. (well, I may need to take my boots off after every run)

I guess there should be no harm in doing serious* calf & achilies stretching for the next few weeks.

Gareth.

*many times a day
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 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?
fatgaz, Go and see CEM.
I made the trip from Manchester last Tueday. It was worth it.
You do have the time between now and your ski hol, will you really be happy not skiing. Stop DIYing and get a proffessional to help.

I parted with many crisp 20's but sat in my new boots for 3 hours last night - felt like snug slippers. I never thought I'd get a pair so great and can't wait to ski in them.

Make the trip Very Happy


PS. CEM glad to see you took your coat off and Thankyou.
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I have booked to see local podiatry bods, may not solve ski boot problems, but might help my biking/running foot issues at least.....

ANYHOW, getting back to equipment.... still worried my boots are too stiff.......... but then i'd be worried that I didn't have anything to worry about.....
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 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
fatgaz, have been reading this with empathetic twinges. It must be miserable. I hope you sort it out - there's just no joy in skiing with hurting boots. It sounds like you shouldn't run - so bad for people with less than perfect gait, hammers the knees. You're young enough to get away with it, but it'll catch up with you. Biking better!

That's my excuse for not running - so I'd better get out on the bike.

Tell us how it goes. snowHead
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Hi from a newbie..

I feel your pain, I've had terrible trouble getting boots to fit in the past. My feet are very wide and size 8 (large for a girly) and the bone on the top of foot is quite prominent. The pressure on it from boots often makes my toes go numb. I've just bought some new Nordicas (Supercharger Ignitions), and they get their first real test after tomorrow when I'm going to Meribel for a week.

The bootfitter expanded the shell slightly for me around the outside of the toes to allow more room. I have the moulded footbeds from my old boots in them but really I need to buy some new ones because they're not as supportive as they should be. I wore them round the house for a few hours and they seem fine, although my heel lifts slightly in the right boot. I guess I won't know until I get on snow, but fingers crossed they'll be ok!

Fatgaz, could you take your boots back to the shop and get them to have another look? There are all sorts of adjustments they can do.
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 Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
fatgaz, I went to see the Podiatrist last year he made me some custom footbeds and they were worse than useless in my ski boots, LZK sorted me out in no time. If you do see a pod bod ensure they have some expertise in skiing a lot of them specialize in runners.
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 After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
jbob wrote:
I went to see the Podiatrist last year he made me some custom footbeds and they were worse than useless in my ski boots, LZK sorted me out in no time. If you do see a pod bod ensure they have some expertise in skiing a lot of them specialize in runners.


Hi Jbob,

i'm a bit concerned with this - but i think i need some help in my day-to-day shoes / running shoes anyway. I think part of my problem is continuing 'plantar faciitis' like symptoms.

I will quiz the Pod. about ski boot specific issues - I've read a few bits on the web that clearly say ski boots are very different to walking/running shoes and so need different orthotics. I think the place is mainly for runners/rugby players etc.. but at least one staff member is 'keen on skiing' ? what ever that actually means. I hope it means someone who has at least studied the relevent literature and had some experience of solving skiing problems.

seems to me i need to find a position of my foot that will hurt the least when in a skiing stance and see if it's possible to accomodate this in my boots ?

who/where is LZK ? abroad ? what was needed - just different foot beds or more work on boot fit as well ?

I did do a little bit of running on fri night - I taped up the sole (plantar facia?) of one foot as an experiment - it was much more comfortable than the untaped foot. I'm trying to do lots of stretching and rolling a frozen bottle under my feet.

Gareth.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
fatgaz, I am a lowly and fat chiropodist so please don't take offence when i say that the most helpful thing I have ever found for plantar faciitis is to lose weight.
Decided to edit my stupid post 'cos I've just read through the thread and you're not a fellow fatty after all so please ignore above Embarassed
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ARGH !!!!!!!!!!!

I have given up on my new boots as hopeless. Sad I have no idea if i can get anything out of lockwoods for returning them...

I have tried with a new pair of custom foot beds and it has done nothting to make my feet hurt less. i have adjusted the canting and tried little shims to tilt the front underneath of the inner boots and a little heal lift.
My last try was last night.... felt like some one had put clamps around my feet to start with and then settled down to stead pain on the outside of both feet.... my feet still don't feel right today.

Don't know if I should cancel my skiing this year or not... or may be try some hire boots and hope the high volume might make things better.. I don't want to be stuck in a yucky ski resort for a week if I can't ski...

anyway they are Xwave 10 boots size 26.6 i think - 2-3 hours use on a dry slope only... last years model in perfect nick. I can even throwin some superfeet foot beds to sweeten the deal....

G.
(who is even more grumpy than usual)
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
fatgaz, call the guys at lockwoods, their fit guarantee is probably the most comprehensive in the industry they will sort you out...yes i know it means travel but it will be worth it
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 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.
fatgaz, you started this thread around a month and a half ago and pretty much everyone sympathised and recommended that you either take the boots back to Lockwoods (who have an excellent reputation and fit guarantee) or see a specialist like CEM.

Forgive me if I'm reading this wrong or have missed a post but I see no sign that you have done this but have played with the boot settings a bit yourself - is that correct?

If so I'm afraid I'm not going to offer any more sympathy because you've ignored all the good advice offered and are now complaining again - please either go back to Lockwoods or see someone like CEM, then update us.
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 So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
Bicester isn't that far from Cardiff. Take M4, A34 (Newbury)(at Chieveley Services), then go up to Oxford, folllow signs to Bicester, cross M40 and you're there.
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 You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
roga wrote:
fatgaz
If so I'm afraid I'm not going to offer any more sympathy because you've ignored all the good advice offered and are now complaining again - please either go back to Lockwoods or see someone like CEM, then update us.


I think i've got to the point that i'm going to have to stop throwing good money after bad and just give up.

my feet hurt and that seems to be that ! I just can't ski at the moment like this.

G.
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 Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
fatgaz wrote:
roga wrote:
fatgaz
If so I'm afraid I'm not going to offer any more sympathy because you've ignored all the good advice offered and are now complaining again - please either go back to Lockwoods or see someone like CEM, then update us.

I think i've got to the point that i'm going to have to stop throwing good money after bad and just give up.

my feet hurt and that seems to be that ! I just can't ski at the moment like this.

I'll ask again, what steps have you taken to sort the problem out?

Lockwoods will do the work free under their guarantee so I don't understand why you say it's costing so much?
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 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Get them refitted..

I posted above about new boots, foam liners and dry slopes. I went back to profeet they softened up the footbed amongst other things..I will go back again as I'm not quite satified yet but my boots became more confortable after a weeks ski use..

I think one more visit to the fitter (for my left foot only) and another weeks sking on them..and I'll be happy...
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
fatgaz you bought them from Lockwoods. Lockwoods offer a fit guarantee. They don't feel good so take them back to Lockwoods and see what they can do to help, it will cost you your travel. I don't understand why you keep asking/commenting on this when you have already had lots of good advice on what to do about it yet you don't seem prepared to act on any of it. Do you want Lockwoods to come to you?

Quote:

my feet hurt and that seems to be that ! I just can't ski at the moment like this.

Then don't. Forget it and stop commenting it.
Or do something about it and go and see the people who know what they are doing, stop twiddling about with them yourself then getting all dispondant when it doesn't work out.

I don't quite know what you want us to say Puzzled
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 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?
fatgaz, At the end of the day, it is all down to how much you really want the pain in your feet to stop or at least ease off.

I have had constant foot pain for the last 4 years and that is even before I think about putting ski boots on, finally after having 2 operations to remove Mortons Neuroma's from my right foot, I went skiing in November, this resulted in me buying my boots. When they arrived, before I even thought about putting them on, I came on here for help and advice in getting them to give me a comfy fit. I took on board everything I was told and made an appointment to see CEM, last Friday, I set off on the 150 miles there. After having to change my boots as the originals were a bit too big, the new ones were fitted, insoles / footbeds made to fit, then the liners put back in, feet in boots, boots adjusted, comfort comfirmed, then drove another 150 miles back home.

300 miles to get my feet comfortable, is mileage well spent. Cardiff to Bicester should only be around 250 miles round trip. You have nothing to lose but plenty to gain. Very Happy
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Thanks for the advice - which I am listening to, honest !

I'm just generally confused and exasperated by the whole business.
and a bit down worrying about having a non-sking, sking holiday. (i guess I'll just have to drink beer instead)

It may be that the best thing to do is to try and get things adjusted at the resort ?
I could go see CEM or Lockwoods, but I'll have no way of quickly testing the boots out really.
I'm trying not to lose a day's work, unless it's unavoidable.
I'll give lockwoods a bell today anyway.

thanks,

Gareth.
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 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
I've got the exact same problem, I had new boots fitted at Lockwoods, skied in them in the chillfactore and I didn't have a problem. Got to Livigno and the first 15 minutes was murder, once I was warmed up they seemed much better, I wasn't sure whether I was numb from pain or the boots where stretching a little more...

- Edit - Posted this after only reading the first page, I'm planning to get over to the chillfactore again to see whether I still get the pain. If so I'll be heading back to down to see Lockwoods and take advantage of that fit guarantee. Then I'll re-test.

FatGaz - When don't you get over to Lockwoods and then go and try them out at Tamworth. They are not that far away so you could always hop back if you are still having problems. Look on the bright side, its an excuse to ski.....
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fatgaz,

I got my xwave 9s from the zoo. They took me down two SHELL sizes. To say the boots were uncomfortable on the first run out does not really do the situation justice! I went back twice for stretches. I've since had one more stretch done in a different resort (would have gone back to the zoo if I was nearby). They are still very snug and if I get knocked backwards my big toes take a bit of a beating but they are getting much more comfortable. You probably need some work on the boots. You paid for it when you bought from Lockwoods. You need to go back.

By the way, as I understand it, reputed bootfitters like Lockwoods, CEM and SZK consciously put people in smaller boots than most shops. They expect to have to stretch quite a lot of boots as a result. By doing this, they make sure that everyone gets a performance fit. But the process can involve some discomfort...

FWIW - I'm around your weight and sound like I'm a more experienced skier. I find my xwave 9s stiff enough. That said I don't think the xwave 10s should be TOO stiff for you.

good luck
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 Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
fatgaz, I was also fitted last year for a pair of X Wave 10's, but by LARGEZOOKEEPER. I also went down two shell sizes. I skied them for about three days last year, and they hurt like hell to begin with. The first day I had them off after about 40 minutes, convinced I was unable to ski. Went back and had a couple mods done to them. Now, having done around 10 days, I am convinced I did the right thing. Last week I spent a day off-piste, in deep snow, and they were magic; the first pair of boots I've had where I've not constantly fiddled with the buckles etc. Get yourself to see CEM, and see what he can do. Surely better than chucking a pair of boots away?
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 After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
fatgaz wrote:
Thanks for the advice - which I am listening to, honest !

Okay but you do need to do something about it - I know boot problems are frustrating but it's even more frustrating if you don't do anything to sort the problem out and just talk about it.
Quote:
I'm just generally confused and exasperated by the whole business.
and a bit down worrying about having a non-sking, sking holiday. (i guess I'll just have to drink beer instead)

If you haven't done anything yet to deal with the problem, which you obviously haven't because you've avoided my direct question above, I or anyone else can't really say or do anything more to make you feel better - if you go on holiday without making any attempt to get the problem looked at you'll only have yourself to blame for what happens I'm afraid.
Quote:
It may be that the best thing to do is to try and get things adjusted at the resort ?

You'll waste time there getting stuff done to your boots, far better to see someone here and get final adjustments, if necessary, in the resort you go to.
Quote:
I could go see CEM or Lockwoods, but I'll have no way of quickly testing the boots out really.

Dry slopes and snowdomes?
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I'm trying not to lose a day's work, unless it's unavoidable.

Fair point, I've visited CEM on saturdays - all it needs is an appointment pre-booked.
Quote:
I'll give lockwoods a bell today anyway.

Good!

Sorry if I seem a little harsh fatgaz but you have been making an awful fuss whilst doing nothing to actually cure the problem, in fact you seem to me to be looking for reasons not to cure the problem. Once you've done something about it, as clearly advised by a number of people here, you'll find everything much better, including the reception you get on this thread if you come on talking about the same/further boot problems.
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OK, I've been to lockwoods and had a good chat. Decided to keep at it.
They doubled checked the boot shell and say it's not too narrow or too small.
Haven't played with the shell but the boot board has been ground along with the foot beds to result in a slightly tilted foot.
The hope is that i'll get a more even weight distribution across my foot and feel less like all my weight is on the outside edge.

I now understand a possible theory the nice chap in lockwoods gave me for what might be happening.
I think my foot gets an 'aquired forefoot varus' shape when pointing straight that when I stand I naturally compensate for by rolling my foot inwards slightly to get the weight more towards my big toe. Problem may be that a skiboot stops my foot rolling becuse it holds the ankle tightly - and so the foot is in a stressed position whilst skiing.

off skiing next week anyway so hopefully things will be ok.

Gareth.
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fatgaz, Gaz - you have got them on the correct feet right? the buckles should be on the outside.... wink
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 snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
fatgaz take an ibuprofen 1st thing EVERY morning. Prevention, better than cure!!
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 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.
Quote:

I now understand a possible theory the nice chap in lockwoods gave me for what might be happening.

i must have explained it well for you when you called me then Little Angel Little Angel
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 So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
CEM wrote:
Quote:

I now understand a possible theory the nice chap in lockwoods gave me for what might be happening.

i must have explained it well for you when you called me then Little Angel Little Angel


CEM, you were also very nice to me and explained as much as you could over the phone !!!

I did wear them in the kitchen when i was making tea last night - still some aching/tingling along the sides.

I think minx is right, the first morning will require a breakfast cocktail of pain killers. will hope to get across to val d'isere from val calret to see the downhill sunday morning.

Gareth.
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 You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
fatgaz, add in a small beer at 10am and you'll soon be fine Twisted Evil
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