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Limited ankle flex & very high instep - leading me towards a dale boot, but could exercise help?
 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead

After years of skiing in rentals I decided to treat myself to a pair of properly fitted boots and after reading a few reviews here decided to book an appointment to see James at Outdoor Traders.
My OH who has always moaned about the fitting of his boots was easily sorted out, I on the other hand was advised I have very limited ankle flex and a high instep and that an off the shelf boot wouldn't be the best solution.

I'd like to add that James seemed really knowledgable, and talked through the options, he was refreshing frank in fact about the limitations that a standard boot would have on my continuing skiing ability, however I've got to say, I was pleasantly surprised that he wasn't willing to just sell me any boot but really wanted to find the best boot for me inspite of the fact it meant I walked out of there with empty hands Sad

We discussed Dale boots as an option but given that I'm going on the 6th jan there's no way to get these before I go.
So with that out of the question in time I though I'd seek the opinion of others to see whether there was anything else I could do with exercise before I go and fork out on some super expensive boots.

Any advice would be welcomed, thanks
Very Happy
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snow conditions
 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person

Hi, Im no boot specialist but custom boots sound expensive!
If you are used to a rental boot then a purchased boot will be quite an improvement.
Did he discuss why an orthotic wouldn't help the high arch?
Also do you know why you have limited ankle flex? By far the commonest reason is a tight calf.
I would suggest an assessment from a physio would be able to identify that but it may take a couple of months to correct with stretches.
If your calf is tight i would hold on the purchase until sorted then ask for another assessment.
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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?

HelenC, I don't know where you are based but suffer the same foot problems as you.

Went to pro feet years ago and basically they stated I didn't have feet suitable for skiing but proceeded to sell me some conformable foam liners, didn't really make the boots comfortable but struggled on anyhow.

Then through the magic of snow heads went to Colin at solutions 4 feet in Bicester and now have a pair of well fitted ski boots that I can ski all day in Very Happy

Haven't looked at stretching etc but would probably help.
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 You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.

HelenC, Me too. Colin at Solutions4feet sold me some new boots, chucked away the standard liners and put in posh zipfit liners which are great and added footbeds made to fit my feet. I can ski all day without foot pain now! It was worth the extra £200 for the Zipfits. Don't know where you are in the world, but would recommend a trip to Bicester. I also stretch as much as I can (not just when skiing, just any time, any place) because yes it is my calves which are tight.
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latest report
 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

I have similar problems (rental boots were unwearable! 1 run max before having to sit one out) and I am now in a standard boot with no issues - head edge with the high back plate bit removed, and erm probably a size too big - but COMFY Smile I use skee-tex out in essex. If you can ski at all in rentals I see no reason you can't buy tbh.

I also stopped wearing high heels for walking to/from work and have gained quite a bit of flex back so it can be improved.

aj xx
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