Question: Right boot is now looser than left boot-- help?

[Tammy]

Hi Divas,

Well, I read some of the boot fitting threads and I'm hoping that I'm not completely doomed with my very first pair of boots as a beginning/intermediate skier (Salomon Idol 7). I think that they're somewhat packed out now since I've skied on them about 10-12 times and I've been noticing the following problem as I was out on the slopes today.

This morning, the boots went on nice and snug, but I've historically had problems with my right foot being smaller than my left; therefore, my right is always buckled tighter. As the day progressed, I noticed that my boots become a little more loose and I had to readjust them. My right boot at this point fits much more loose than my left one. The buckle at the very top is buckled all the way. It's starting to affect my turns and I can't seem to adjust the 2nd buckle from the top any further (it's not on the last notch, but maybe 2 or 3 from the last).

When I first bought these, the left boot was really tight and the right one was snug, but not painful. The fitter told me they'd pack out and he was right.

Is there a simple fix to this that does not necessarily involve Craigslist or Ebay :D?

 

[volklgirl]

For future reference, always fit boots to the small foot. A good fiter can give you more room for the bigger foot, but can't really give you less room for the smaller foot.

For now, your fitter can do several things to take up extra space in either or both boots. he can add a footbed if you don't already have one, a spacer underneath if you do, he can pad the tongue, he can add a saddle pad around your heel and ankle, and he may be able to move the buckles inboard some.

None of these solutions is as good as a properly fitted boot and all will probably pack out again shortly, but it should work for the remainder of the season or so.

 

[Robyn]

In addition to what VG said I will tell you that I typically tighten my boots down as my day goes on. My feet/legs just need time to settle in. I start at my 1st or 2nd latch and usually end on the 3rd or 4th depending on any number of factors.

 

[Tammy]

Hi Volklgirl and Robyn,

Thanks for the tips. I'll be bringing my boots to the place I bought them sometime this week and I'll see what they can do.

Hopefully, there will be a fix that will last me a little while so I don't have to run right out and get new boots immediately.

Eh, live and learn I guess .

For future reference, always fit boots to the small foot. A good fiter can give you more room for the bigger foot, but can't really give you less room for the smaller foot.

For now, your fitter can do several things to take up extra space in either or both boots. he can add a footbed if you don't already have one, a spacer underneath if you do, he can pad the tongue, he can add a saddle pad around your heel and ankle, and he may be able to move the buckles inboard some.

None of these solutions is as good as a properly fitted boot and all will probably pack out again shortly, but it should work for the remainder of the season or so.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Spacer/shim should help you out, as mentioned above, for remainder of season. Available in 2 thicknesses at Tognar Toolworks (online). I have one foot larger than the other and endure similar situation. Can be exasperating....Current boots at 50+- days, right still tight (to near toenail damage), left now loose :mad: