Are there wide calf ski boots?
The best ski boots for wide calves deliver the fit you need so you can focus on racking up more runs this season. The Atomic Hawx XTD: Our favorite ski boot for wide calves overall. This is The Wise Adventurer’s roundup and review of the best ski boots for wide calves to fit every type of skier. Ski boots should be as tight fitting as possible. You need minimal foot movement inside the boot. If your boot moves with your foot, your ski will move with your boot and in turn your foot. Allowing you to exert maximum control over your skis.Top skiers and snowboarders often opt for a sock with no cushioning or very light cushioning because aggressive boots have a tighter fit. Thinner socks are also a good option for skiers and snowboarders who want to feel the terrain underfoot.Boots designed for wider feet are sometimes called “high volume” boots. Stiffer boots designed for advanced skiers tend to be narrower or “low volume,” which can make it difficult for advanced skiers with wide feet.Minimal flexibility: Unlike regular boots or shoes that bend at the ankle and toes to allow smooth walking, ski boots offer little to no flexibility. The lack of ankle mobility restricts the natural heel-to-toe motion we use while walking.Boots that are too big will be sloppy and result on a loss of control. Boots that are too small will be uncomfortable and could result in numbness in the feet. The Pro Ski and Ride is a specialty boot fitting shop.
Why do my calves hurt so much in ski boots?
A ski boot that is tightened too much around the lower leg can put excessive pressure on the calf muscle. This in turn can lead to cramps generally caused by restricted blood flow or trapped nerves, especially common in women. If you have heel slippage, blisters, shin bang, or you find yourself curling your toes when going downhill, then your ski boots are too big. Ski boots that are too small can cause hot spots, pressure on your calves, ankle or lower heel pain, and cold, numb feet.In our experience, the majority of foot pains when skiing come from an inadequate boot size. If your boots are too big in length and/or width, your foot floats inside. The rigidity of the boot and the frequent movements associated with skiing will cause repetitive rubbing.Unstable Feet and Medial Malleolus Impact: One of the leading causes of ankle pain is an unstable foot within the ski boot. When your foot isn’t properly stabilized, it can move around, causing the inner ankle (medial malleolus) to repeatedly impact against the rigid plastic boot shell.Typically, when the boot is too big you end up clawing your feet to try and secure yourself and gain control which can often cause cramping. If the boot is too small, it will result in crushing and put pressure on the foot often cutting of circulation leading to cramping and cold feet.
Is it better to have tighter or looser ski boots?
Ski boots should be as tight fitting as possible. You need minimal foot movement inside the boot. If your boot moves with your foot, your ski will move with your boot and in turn your foot. Allowing you to exert maximum control over your skis. On the beginner side, men’s ski boots usually start at an 80 flex and go up to 100. Generally speaking, men who are beginner skiers should stick to 80-110 flex; intermediates should look to a ski boot with a 100-120 flex point; experts may want to consider a ski boot with 120 flex or up.
Is it better to size up or down for ski boots?
While wearing ski socks, slide your foot into the empty shell and press your toes to the front of the boot. You should be able to slide two fingers behind your heel. If you can only fit one finger, you’ll want to size up. If you can fit three fingers or more, you’ll need to size down. You’ll be able to lift your heel slightly if you try to stand on your toes in the boots — your foot is more flexible than the ski boot. If you can’t lift your heel at all, that’s fine too; it likely means you’re in a smaller shell or have a stiffer foot.