Ski Boot Modification

{Let's try this again}


Every year I have suffered the same condition . . . my right big toe gets squashed in my ski boot, causing my big toenail to die and fall off. And that is without catching absurd amounts of air. Since my left foot is fine, I have concluded that my right foot is longer than the other. Maybe that is the reason I can't dance?

Any suggestions on how I could modify my boot - liner or shell - to accomodate my abnormally long right big toe? I don't want to feel the pain again this year, and I don't have the cash to buy new boots. They actually fit great except for this one problem.

Thanks.

Take them to a good bootfitter you trust and explain the problem. Depending on what they think, they will either heat the shell and punch it out to make room for your big toe, or they can grind away some of the shell to make room. This will prolly run between 50 and 100 bucks depending on the shop and what they decide to do to the boot, but it will be cheaper than new boots and allow you to retain a pair of otherwise well fitted boots. Hope that helps.

1, use custom footbeds, proper foot support can keep the foot from spreadingout uner weight.
2, cut out part of the out side layer of the liner, it will allow the inver portion to strech, thus creating more room.
3, try grinding the shell slightly.

Ususally 1-3 are all thats needed, and do these in the order listed above

4, get the shells punched out. the problem with this aproach is that since it is at the toe box, where there is often significant clamping presure wich will cause the boot to distort.

and make sure your heel is right at the back of the boot, If the heel is too far forward the toes will be top.


$50 to $100. I've always charged way less.

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Originally posted by mtbakerskier
3, try grinding the shell slightly.

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What is the best way to approach this?

I am going to perform your second suggestion first (since I already have custom footbeds), and cut a little bit off of the outside of the liner. But I'm afraid I may need more room, hence the grinding may be necessary. Any hints?

Thanks for the input, fellas.

Dr.,
As mentioned, I too would first make sure you're not sliding forward a bit in that boot....before you go slicing & dicing(although from your reply, you've already observed this....and the liner thinning worked once for me.), but a limited-area toebox blowout (OR Grinding!) shouldn't be tough for a good boot guy
:cool:

also cutting the end seam of the liner on the end of the big toe might give it a bit more room to strech out. You can always get it restiched if you want to.

Quote:

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Originally posted by steved
Dr.,
As mentioned, I too would first make sure you're not sliding forward a bit in that boot....before you go slicing & dicing(although from your reply, you've already observed this....and the liner thinning worked once for me.), but a limited-area toebox blowout (OR Grinding!) shouldn't be tough for a good boot guy
:cool:

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This is the first approach. Make sure the shell size is good. I would not cut the liner (depending on what kind of boot it is, higher end salomons, nordicas and tecnicas all have liners that are lasted very close to the shell, rossis, head, atomic liners all run short.)
Try a lange shim glued to the tongue to keep you foot back. Once again depending on what kind of boot/shell (poly urethane or poly either) i would grind or stretch. You can also grind a slot for your heel which would allow you heel to move further back into the boot, giving more toe room without affecting the heel (if done right). Pm me and i can send you to someone close by.
Good luck

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Originally posted by Dr. Gaper
{Let's try this again}


Every year I have suffered the same condition . . . my right big toe gets squashed in my ski boot, causing my big toenail to die and fall off. And that is without catching absurd amounts of air. Since my left foot is fine, I have concluded that my right foot is longer than the other. Maybe that is the reason I can't dance?

Any suggestions on how I could modify my boot - liner or shell - to accomodate my abnormally long right big toe? I don't want to feel the pain again this year, and I don't have the cash to buy new boots. They actually fit great except for this one problem.

Thanks.

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I think the obvious answer is a big toe grind. Can be done with a hacksaw or belt sander depending on what you have lying around the house.
ask nhtele, he did a pretty good job with his