Why Do My Feet Hurt in Ski Boots?

Often symptoms of this type of fitting include a burning sensation or ache across and around the entire forefoot area, leading to numbness. This can become unbearable requiring the skier to remove the boots and it often feels like the pain spreads to the toes and the rest of the foot.

Solutions to this problem can be found in using a supportive footbed which prevents collapsing of the arches (causing the foot to get wider and longer), using a lower volume sock and/or performing shell modifications such as stretching and grinding of the shell's plastics creating a wider fitting boot around the problem areas.

The symptoms for this cause of foot pain are slightly more isolated when compared to that of general tightness. A burning or aching sensation running across the outside of the foot is often felt at first which then leads to a more widespread pain and numbness.

To resolve this we need to use some form of effective foot support. Using pre-moulded insoles offers a good alternative to the flat or unsupportive insoles we find inside ski boots.

Custom insoles use a stiffer template and stabilizer to offer the maximum amount of support and control. Regardless of the type of support, we need to try and maintain a more stable and neutral position of the foot between rolling inwards/outwards (i.e the motions of pronation/supination).

Solutions to this problem can be found in using a supportive footbed which prevents collapsing of the arches (causing the foot to get wider and longer), using a lower volume sock and/or performing shell modifications such as stretching and grinding of the shell's plastics creating a wider fitting boot around the problem areas.

Poor pressure distribution will cause a burning sensation under the ball of the foot which can take as little as 5-10mins to start, if the boots aren't removed it's then common to experience bruising and soreness leaving the skier wanting to lift the foot and ski to remove the pressure/ease the discomfort (or just remove all kit).

The solution for excessive pressure on the sole in the case of a high arch is to provide arch support which spreads the load. If it's identified that limited ankle flex is the cause, the forward lean (in short; the forward angle of the cuff) needs to be eased off.

We can do this by removing spoilers from behind the calf muscle. Other adjustments may be available depending on the type of ski boot you have and in more extreme cases we can modify the shell or liner to allow a more upright stance.

If you're experiencing ski boot foot pain, speak with one of our in-store ski boot fitting experts. They have all undergone the Surefit Training Programme, which means they are among the UK's leading ski boot fitting experts, and they'll be happy to help and explain in more detail what we can do to alleviate any pain or discomfort you have.