New narrow boot: How to put on?!

[LaPetiteMaimai]

I'm a new skier and got a pair of Atomic Hawx Ultra in size 24.5 (I usually wear 7.5-8 in street shoes). While my feet feel snug without pain, I have a super difficult time putting them on! I literally need a second person to pry open the boot so I can twist my foot in.

Besides the Ski Boot Horn I read on other threads, what other advice is there to get these stiff and narrow boots on (be myself!)?

 

[santacruz skier]

Heat them up first ! Use boot dryer or hair dryer !

 

[AJM]

What @santacruz skier said, I put mine in the footwell of the car and blast the heater on full bore, I have a 30 min drive to our local ski hill, then get them on pronto once I get there, the loo stop and coffee all has to wait so I can get my boots on while they're still warm. I also pull the tongue out on an angle and not straight up or forward to make it even easier.

 

[spoicegurl]

use your thumbs to gently pry the lower parts of the shell away from each other, it will make more space for your instep

 

[contesstant]

*Warm them up (I'm lost without my heated boot bag.)
*Pull the tongue along with the outer shell hard to the outside, and if that doesn't work, trying pulling it to *the inside. Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle the foot and ankle.
*Socks that are a bit more slippery.
*The boot horn thing you mentioned.

Nothing works better than heating them up.

 

[snoWYmonkey]

The hairdryer will be key to getting them off. A few colleagues in the locker room struggle more to get theirs off when they are cold than on when they are warm. They other option, but a costly one, is the wrap around intuition liner. I find that I never have trouble with it as the liner is much softer and opens differently.

 

[Bikini2b]

I have the same issue. I put on super slippery black knee-high stockings over my wool ski socks. Also works extremely well for getting kids in their boots. Then stand up and just shove your feet in. Make sure to wear high quality ski socks. I wore my thick soccer socks one time and got blisters all over. Bring some Moleskin along in your jacket, in case you feel a blister starting up.

 

[Verve]

In addition to all the great advice here, I find that how I stand makes a big difference. I always do it fully standing (car or wall on my opposite side for balance) and right on top of the boot - like, can look straight down into it. Then I slide my foot in with my knee cocked a bit to the outside, then separate the cuff by pulling to the outside, then just a twist to slide in. You’ll find a routine that works for you!

Here are the verbatim instructions from my first real boot fit, which had me in those blue Lange RS boots everyone loves to get into :

When getting into your boots remember to turn you foot and knee to the outside. After partially inserting your foot in the cuff separate the lower part of the boot by pulling the tongue to the outside and then pulling the inside away from the outside. Then insert your foot the rest of the way into the boot.

 

[HuntersEmma57]

I had stiff boot syndrome, too. These are all good tips. I warmed my boots on the boot dryer and still needed help. I called my husband my boot valet. I often could not even get them off without help - near impossible at the end of the day in cold temps.
I just replaced those boots with a custom Daleboots which is only three-buckle shell with an Intuition wrap liner. I can slip my boots on and off in seconds.
What? Yeah, didn't know that was possible either. I have their performance/pro boot. Spouse has a Zipfit liner in the same boot and he's got the wrestling match on his hands now.

 

[HuntersEmma57]

The hairdryer will be key to getting them off. A few colleagues in the locker room struggle more to get theirs off when they are cold than on when they are warm. They other option, but a costly one, is the wrap around intuition liner. I find that I never have trouble with it as the liner is much softer and opens differently.

I agree the Intuition liner as a great option, but not maybe as much for someone with low volume foot? The Intuition liner removes the bulky tongue which is something OP might need to take up volume. Not sure tho and it's worth inquiring about at the boot shop. I'm thrilled with my Intuitions but I have a high volume foot.

 

[skinnyfootskis]

I agree with everyone above but I cannot put mine on without my magic plastic orange boothorn. Good luck!

 

[liquidfeet]

I'm a new skier and got a pair of Atomic Hawx Ultra in size 24.5 (I usually wear 7.5-8 in street shoes). While my feet feel snug without pain, I have a super difficult time putting them on! I literally need a second person to pry open the boot so I can twist my foot in.

Besides the Ski Boot Horn I read on other threads, what other advice is there to get these stiff and narrow boots on (be myself!)?

You are a new skier and buying your first boots must have been an interesting experience. Tell us all about it. Was it at a local ski shop?

 

[Jilly]

You are a new skier and buying your first boots must have been an interesting experience. Tell us all about it. Was it at a local ski shop?

And part of that process should have been, how to get in and out of the boot.

 

[Skac1919]

Hawx are amazing boots. You will love them.

Agree about separating the layers, and stepping in from the top/standing up. They will take a few days to break in then will be great. I really like the right/left Stance light cushion socks with them but will try the knee high slip-in trick this year!


Another thread here:
https://www.theskidiva.com/forums/index.php?threads/boot-help-tongue-pain.28437/

 

[HuntersEmma57]

I agree the Intuition liner as a great option, but not maybe as much for someone with low volume foot? The Intuition liner removes the bulky tongue which is something OP might need to take up volume. Not sure tho and it's worth inquiring about at the boot shop. I'm thrilled with my Intuitions but I have a high volume foot.

After an offline discussion, I learned that Intuition liners can be a great option for low volume boots, too! We are here to learn and I love that!

 

[skinnyfootskis]

OMG, I just tried to get my boots on…nope not happening without a lot of help! Grrr
I will have to warm them up and work on finger strength. I got my hand caught in the footbed in the boot as it’s so narrow. Dang I hate skinny feet, ankles. Getting psyched to hit the slopes next weekend.

 

[mustski]

When I am in new boots, I start in knee high stockings until I break the boots in a bit. I also keep a portable hair dryer in my boot bag (which is heated). I use the heater to get them off at the end of the day. They will get a "bit" easier as you break them in. I can get mine off without heating them now but still need to heat them to get them on.

 

[skinnyfootskis]

When I am in new boots, I start in knee high stockings until I break the boots in a bit. I also keep a portable hair dryer in my boot bag (which is heated). I use the heater to get them off at the end of the day. They will get a "bit" easier as you break them in. I can get mine off without heating them now but still need to heat them to get them on.

First attempt after being buckled up all summer. Bahhaa. It will get better.

 

[KayOss]

Warm before - Yes!
Make sure all buckles are open - Yes!
Pull the tongue straight up and away from you, then pull a little more - Yes!
Optional: use a thick plastic bag just under your heel to slide
Toes in and wiggle - Yes!
And a must do that happens naturally, make a face!

 

[SnowyO]

Zipfit liners slide in great with “Easy On Sport Spray” and a hair dryer.