• Women skiers, this is the place for you -- an online community without the male-orientation you'll find in conventional ski magazines and internet ski forums. At TheSkiDiva.com, you can connect with other women to talk about skiing in a way that you can relate to, about things that you find of interest. Be sure to join our community to participate (women only, please!). Registration is fast and simple. Just be sure to add [email protected] to your address book so your registration activation emails won't be routed as spam. And please give careful consideration to your user name -- it will not be changed once your registration is confirmed.

Prepping feet for ski season?

knolan12

Angel Diva
Hey Divas,

So I posted a bit last season about my feet falling asleep in my boots and the adjustments that were made, etc. One of the questions I was asked by the guy adjusting my boots was if my feet fell asleep in my shoes. When he first asked the question, I was surprised and said I didn't think so cuz I hadn't noticed it? But as the months have gone on, I have noticed my FEET do fall asleep or muscles feel sensitive in certain shoes (I have a pair of running shoes that make my toes in one foot fall asleep, muscles start to hurt in one foot if I walk too far in sandals, etc.).

Now I'm thinking there might be something to the actual state of my feet and not so much my boots. I literally know nothing about feet care-wise (and spent many years dancing (not pointe) and beating them up soo haha) so I don't know where to start. I also have a theory that they have swelled since I put on a lot of weight last summer/fall (which I'm working on removing currently haha). Do I see a podiatrist to get a check-up? Add in a nightly foot massage to my routine? I did find that massaging my feet before putting on ski boots last season significantly helped with reducing fatigue.

Any thoughts or advice is appreciated, want to get ahead of the ski season now :smile:
 

SallyCat

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
It sounds like seeing a podiatrist would be a good idea; it would at least tell you whether you're dealing with underlying medical or structural issues.

I used to roll a golf ball under my feet for a few minutes before putting my boots on and it seemed to help stave off pain a little longer than usual.
 

marzNC

Angel Diva
Perhaps my experience is related. My feet started giving me trouble about 10 years ago (over 50). Not skiing. But just day-to-day. I'm pretty much wear athletic shoes all the time. So thought I was getting enough arch support. For a couple years, I started wearing sandals (I hate sandals) during warm weather because my feet would feel better. Really didn't want to go to a podiatrist.

Then I came across a pedortist at the NC State Fair. He checked my feet. Said he could make a custom orthodic for a few hundred dollars (discounted from office price) and I could pick them up later that day. He warned that it would take a little while for my feet to adjust to having proper support. The deal was that I could get more for $100 each within the first 30 days. Bottom line was that I bought more because it made a huge difference after a week or so.

The orthodic is partial and hard plastic. I don't use them all the time, but have the shoes I wear the most set up for them. Have to make adjustments in the stock footbed that comes in new shoes.

After about a year, one foot wasn't feeling as good. When I went back to the Fair and asked about the issue, the pedortist turned over my shoe and showed me how it had worn down unevenly. Not much, but enough that the orthodic couldn't do it's job anymore. I bought new shoes . . . problem solved.

Since you are in Boston, maybe make an appointment to talk to Boston Pedorthic. Don't know anything about them but turned up in a Google Search. They define Pedorthics as "the art and practice of designing, making, and fitting therapeutic footwear for relieving painful or disabling conditions of the feet." Apparently there is an American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics.
 

fgor

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I have a lot of foot problems so I'll throw my own experiences into the ring :D mainly bunion pain and unending arch pain, with a side of numbness in my right foot. I've done a bunch of things to try to ameliorate them over the years!

I haven't gone the route of having custom orthotics made for my everyday shoes - largely due to cost and at the time I had a pair of very supportive running shoes (asics gel kayano) that I just ended up wearing as everyday shoes. Getting these very supportive running shoes helped me a lot! I have to be careful about how tight I tie them though or else risk numbness in one of my feet. Definitely know people for whom custom orthotics has helped a lot though.

My issues stem from ankle instability causing my arches to collapse without support. They also cause me a lot of arch pain in ice skates. I saw a podiatrist who told me I would have to wear orthotics for the rest of my life, however I later spoke to a physiotherapist who had a lot of interest in foot and ankle strengthening. I started doing daily exercises to try to strengthen my feet (e.g. writing the alphabet with your toes in the air, "short foot" exercises, "toe yoga"). I noticed in a month or so that I was getting less pain in my ice skating boots. I also tried rolling out my arches with a tennis ball every day which definitely helped too! I highly recommend doing these foot exercises.

With regards to ski boots - i have two separate issues. One is that some of my toes/foot like to go numb on my right foot. This is an issue I've had in certain shoes ever since fracturing my fifth metatarsal, so I know it's a foot issue. It seems to be to do with pressure over a certain part of my foot/instep. If I'm diligent about undoing my boot buckles every time I'm in the lift line, I can stop that happening. It's the only solution I've found so far.

My other ski boot issue is arch pain, which I also have in my ice skates. I spoke at length to my boot fitter about this and in the end they fitted me for custom insoles. They look a bit weird as you can see - they cut a gouge out because there's some tight structure on the underside of my arch which is constantly getting stressed - but they work.
received_473428279885880.jpeg
I haven't had any arch pain since getting these. Expensive but worth it. I wish I could get the custom insoles for my ice skates and I'm kinda tempted to ask my ski boot fitter if they'd have a go at it, hahaha.

Anyway good luck! I think a podiatrist is a good place to start, bonus if they have an interest in skiing or ice skating at all (both sports which involve enclosing your feet in stiff, close fitting boots for hours at a time) :smile:
 

knolan12

Angel Diva
With regards to ski boots - i have two separate issues. One is that some of my toes/foot like to go numb on my right foot. This is an issue I've had in certain shoes ever since fracturing my fifth metatarsal, so I know it's a foot issue. It seems to be to do with pressure over a certain part of my foot/instep. If I'm diligent about undoing my boot buckles every time I'm in the lift line, I can stop that happening. It's the only solution I've found so far.

I fractured my 5th metatarsal two years ago! Last season was the first time I had skiied after the injury and had some serious foot pain issues. Somehow this didn't occur to me that it might be related since it doesn't bother me day-to-day haha Love the idea of foot and ankle strengthening exercises. When I consistently danced, I had a ton of that built into my week and haven't had that for a couple of years so that could definitely help.

Thanks for all the other tips and suggestions! I think I'll go to the podiatrist to make sure nothing weird is amiss and work in some strengthening exercises when watching tv at night :smile:
 

VickiK

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
For bunions, I found this device. I haven't used it and apparently the thick rubber bands of the type you see on broccoli bunches might be used in a similar fashion.
 

nopoleskier

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
we have a store called "The good feet store" gets rave reviews. I have broken bones in both my feet one that had a few broken I get cramping and they go to sleep if buckled to tightly. I have boots a tad bigger than I probably should but now I can flex and lift my toes in them.
I hope you find relief!
 

knolan12

Angel Diva
Just an update: went to meet a specialist this morning and I think we're on the right track! I actually found her through a blog post on the ski shop I go to (Ski Monster in Boston) as the topic was on your feet hurting while skiing.

We did the initial meeting today and I have been reassured this is not all in my head haha I don't put my weight fully on my feet (they roll out to the sides when standing straight) so we're going to correct that first. While I have mobile feet, I have fairly stiff ankles so we'll also work on that. She's already given me an at-home exercise to work on for the next week till our next appointment.

We set the goal as a pain-free ski season, but I think this will have a larger effect on my day-to-day. She said I timed coming in great and hopefully I'll be good to go by this winter!
 

MissySki

Angel Diva
That sounds great @knolan12! I’m quite intrigued since you are nearby. Would you mind sharing the name and/or blog post you mentioned? I’ve been having some foot pains this offseason, and Have been wanting to see someone in general. Seeing someone who might also be able to link things to skiing would be great.
 

knolan12

Angel Diva
Here's the blog link: https://theskimonster.com/blog/posts/ski-boot-fitting-why-do-your-ski-boots-hurt/

The ankle mobility test was intriguing as my husband could easily pass it and I couldn't at all. The office is in Back Bay across from the BPL. They take Blue Cross as insurance. We did the intake assessment today which included a pretty thorough medical history and then a mobility assessment. For a treatment course, we're going to meet weekly for 30 min for a few weeks and then taper it off. For me, it's just muscle strengthening, but she was also looking for bone issues, if there was something larger going on, etc. I instantly liked Dr. Laura (v important) and her philosophy is that we're "co-captains" and she encouraged me to reach out during the week about good/bad days via email so she can continue to tailor our sessions.

https://www.backbayhealth.com/
 

MissySki

Angel Diva
Here's the blog link: https://theskimonster.com/blog/posts/ski-boot-fitting-why-do-your-ski-boots-hurt/

The ankle mobility test was intriguing as my husband could easily pass it and I couldn't at all. The office is in Back Bay across from the BPL. They take Blue Cross as insurance. We did the intake assessment today which included a pretty thorough medical history and then a mobility assessment. For a treatment course, we're going to meet weekly for 30 min for a few weeks and then taper it off. For me, it's just muscle strengthening, but she was also looking for bone issues, if there was something larger going on, etc. I instantly liked Dr. Laura (v important) and her philosophy is that we're "co-captains" and she encouraged me to reach out during the week about good/bad days via email so she can continue to tailor our sessions.

https://www.backbayhealth.com/

Thank you! This is about a 10 minute drive from my job in Cambridge, so that’s convenient! My foot pain is mostly around the 5th metatarsal as well as the burning pain it’ll turn into under the balls of my feet at times. I’m so interested in the fact that the blog discussed so much about foot strength being helped by being barefoot. I love being barefoot, but this past summer I’ve had some times where the bottom of my feet hurt walking around, and it’s something I haven’t dealt with before except in high heels. I suspect that the padding on the bottom of my feet isn’t as thick as it used to be, I believe it thins out as you age. Anyway, I’m very curious to see if there is anything I can do to get my feet feeling better for ski boots now as well!
 

knolan12

Angel Diva
My foot pain is mostly around the 5th metatarsal as well as the burning pain it’ll turn into under the balls of my feet at times.

I broke my 5th metatarsal a couple of years ago and my numbness starts in the balls of my feet and goes to my toes. It turns out I don't distribute my weight evenly on my feet (even sitting, my feet roll to the side) and then there's a ball of nerves between your toes that can cause issues. I definitely think it's worth reaching out to them! I shot an email first being like, "Here's what's happening, do you think you can help me". It sounds like we're having similar issues so they might be a good fit! Just an FYI, it's a little pricey if you don't go through insurance (initial assessment is like $175, a 30 min follow-up session is $90). I have Blue Cross, but haven't hit my deductible so it's most likely going to be out-of-pocket, but she's still going to run it through my insurance in case my HRA can cover the cost. I hemmed and hawed about it, but honestly, I'd rather pay the money now rather than buy lift tickets and not be able to ski cuz my feet hurt haha
 

MissySki

Angel Diva
I broke my 5th metatarsal a couple of years ago and my numbness starts in the balls of my feet and goes to my toes. It turns out I don't distribute my weight evenly on my feet (even sitting, my feet roll to the side) and then there's a ball of nerves between your toes that can cause issues. I definitely think it's worth reaching out to them! I shot an email first being like, "Here's what's happening, do you think you can help me". It sounds like we're having similar issues so they might be a good fit! Just an FYI, it's a little pricey if you don't go through insurance (initial assessment is like $175, a 30 min follow-up session is $90). I have Blue Cross, but haven't hit my deductible so it's most likely going to be out-of-pocket, but she's still going to run it through my insurance in case my HRA can cover the cost. I hemmed and hawed about it, but honestly, I'd rather pay the money now rather than buy lift tickets and not be able to ski cuz my feet hurt haha

I was going to ask how you got started, I will probably send an email as well! I have Blue Cross too, and I’m lucky in that my company pays our deductible as we use it, so that should work well. Out of curiosity, do they assess you in your boots at all as well?
 

knolan12

Angel Diva
Hm the boot question is a good one that I don't know the answer to, so I'd certainly ask! I can see once I start distributing my weight evenly that the boot pain will go away (and skiing might even get better) since I'll have a proper posture for once haha
 

Pequenita

Ski Diva Extraordinaire
But as the months have gone on, I have noticed my FEET do fall asleep or muscles feel sensitive in certain shoes (I have a pair of running shoes that make my toes in one foot fall asleep, muscles start to hurt in one foot if I walk too far in sandals, etc.).

I've custom inserts in my running shoes - it's the same philosophy as with custom footbeds for ski boots. You can bring them from shoe to shoe. I feel like for anyone that runs over 15 miles per week, they're worth it.
 

MissySki

Angel Diva
@knolan12 I’m going back and forth on where to get hybrid AT boots fitted for me. There is a place way up in Vermont that has a nice selection and great seeming fitter, but I’m a little worried about getting stuff done so far away from where I’ll be skiing. I see that The Ski Monster has 2 of the 3 boots I’m interested in for this purpose, and their proximity to my workplace has kept them in mind to potentially check out as well. Are you happy with their work overall, and would you recommend or caution against any particular fitter there if I go check them out? Is it usually busy for midweek appointments? Anything else I should know?
 

knolan12

Angel Diva
Hey @MissySki - November on it's fairly busy after work and they don't actually do foot fitting appointments (generally anyone can help you when you walk in). They can do bootwork, but from what I've read about the more involved boot fitting appointments, it wasn't like that. I had them adjust a hotspot, widen the foot on one boot, and switched out the footbeds (they weren't customized, just a step up). The work was quick/on-time and definitely made my boots more comfortable. I worked with George a lot (one of the owners) and he's super nice and even gave my husband and I a tour downstairs of the equipment and how he'd be making the adjustments. He also never charged me for any of the adjustments and threw the footbeds in for free. Everyone I did work with to buy boots and make adjustments were super nice and didn't make me feel dumb when I asked questions (something that I can feel can definitely happen with an all-male staff). I'd recommend them for purchasing and smaller adjustments definitely.
 

knolan12

Angel Diva
Each time was a quick consult, maybe like a 10 minute chat? Shopping was a bit more straightforward with them bringing boots they thought would fit my needs and then heat molding them at the end (with a beer! Haha). I originally looked into the place in Newton, Boston Ski and Tennis, and was under the impression that they were a bit more intense due to the fact that you had to pay to hold a bootfitting appointment and their website talks about biometric fittings, etc.

Ski Monster is my only experience with bootfitting and shopping as my first pair of boots my mom bought for me in high school from Sports Authority (and I found out last year they were two sizes too big haha). I definitely enjoyed the experience and would go back to purchase more items, have my skis tuned, etc.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
26,235
Messages
497,585
Members
8,503
Latest member
MermaidKelly
Top