@Edana74, you definitely need to look into better fitting boots! I could write a novel about the 6 pair I have owned over 5 seasons since moving to Utah and skiing for +- 100 days per season. I have ridiculously narrow feet, and "retail" boots do not work for me. I just found that out three weeks ago after being stuck on a fearful intermediate plateau for FIVE SEASONS at 100 days per season! I was so fed up a month ago, I told my husband, who is a level 3 instructor (he's a fantastic skier!) that I was done with skiing! Fast forward to a few phone calls and appointments later, and I am in a junior race boot that I was afraid was way too stiff, that actually fits my foot (with an Intuition custom liner) and my skiing has jumped by leaps and bounds in two weeks. I have never skied with so much confidence, and had so much fun. For reference, a 98mm last boot in my size, a 22.5, is closer to 92mm wide. My feet are 80mm wide. Adding padding to take up space was zapping any performance a boot might offer. Your feet need to be close to the shell, or you'll be fighting your skis every turn.
My current boot is 92mm wide in a 26.5. In a 22.5, it is about 85mm or so, with a tiny heel pocket and ankle. I had to put an Intuition foam liner in it because race liners are paper thin and not comfortable, but the performance is out of this world. My feet still have wiggle room, and in the afternoon, they have more room than in the morning, but because the shell is fit so much closer, I have a million times more control even when the boots "loosen up" throughout the day.
Anyway, I also felt I was digressing, with little bits of improvement here and there (untracked powder, I can ski it now) but for the most part, I struggled on steeper terrain, and in crud. As in, I'd panic on steeps in particular. Meanwhile, I'd watch women with half the level of fitness, half the overall skill set, dawdle down steeps with minimal grace but they sure weren't scared like I was and they sure were having fun! I don't mean to say that to sound rude, it's just I've worked my BUTT off for 5 seasons now and was still struggling on terrain I KNEW I could ski.
I feel like the 3 years I've been skiing with my husband and all his coaching are finally surfacing and I'm able to apply everything I've learned--all thanks to boots that actually fit! Poor fitting boots are a very big hindrance to improving in skiing. Taking up volume in big boots is a big hindrance, too.
Again, I could write a novel about my journey. I was told I was being too sensitive. I was told I needed to just suck it up and ski. I was told I needed more lessons. I was told, "you're skiing fine!" My comment was always, "I feel like I could fit another foot inside my boot." And, "I don't FEEL fine!"
So, get to a fitter (like
@mustski recommended above) and make sure to share your thoughts with them. I'm curious as to how wide your feet are at the widest point?
