Ski boots - width vs length

[Pebbly]

Hi all,

Disclaimer - I know the ultimate answer is to see a bootfitter, but they’re a bit limited where I am, and I’d like to be a bit more informed regardless.

So I’m cursed with very small and very narrow feet, with an even narrower heel. I’ve been skiing in a second hand pair of boots for many many years, which are a 22 (unkown last). They’re too big. Weighted, my feet measure roughly 22 and 21.5, with a forefoot of around 85mm.

I’m seeing few options for boots - adults don’t go below 22, and a lot of the junior race boots either don’t do below 22 in a flex greater than 60/have adult lugs, or are out of stock.

There are a few options I can see, but I'm wondering - which is more important for overall fit - getting a boot which is really narrow and actually fits the width of my foot, or getting something that fits length-wise as a priority? I’m sure both is best!

Any opinions appreciated!

 

[MissySki]

@SnowHot might be able to provide some guidance!

 

[snoWYmonkey]

I am definitely not a boot fitter, but my experience has been for me that length seems hardest to fill up if too big. I end up buying after market liners that taken up width, especially around my very narrow ankles. I also add butterfly foam around ankle, an extra sole and heel risers. I am a 23.5 mondo length but need a 21 in terms of ankle size. This according to a very skilled boot fitter in Utah that I trust.
Your sole length will for certain present a challenge. Hopefully some divas have some solutions for you as you are not alone.

 

[mustski]

@contesstant and @WaterGirl will both likely be able to provide some insight on this issue.

 

[scandium]

Not a bootfitter, but my thought is I am not sure how you would take up length in a boot whereas I know of some workarounds for width/volume.

I assume you may have seen the article about size 21.5 boots over on skitalk but I'll leave the link in case it's useful:

Exclusive: - The Disappearance of the 21.5 Adult Ski Boot

The Lilliputen skier needs to stand up and be noticed.

www.skitalk.com

 

[empogo]

Zipfit liner may help; I’m not as small for length but I have a very narrow ankle too. I wound up going to Racestock in Waterbury VT and he put me in Rossi plug(ish?) boots that I believe are borderline juniors— the flex is still pretty hefty (and those numbers can’t always be directly compared between brands), but omfg having a boot that actually holds me around my ankle is incredible. Expensive but so worth it. I have my zipfit liners in those and I’m so excited to get back on snow. Can’t recall the model off the top of my head, full-on plug boots definitely need work done to them immediately (they aren’t really foot shaped) but I think these are maybe slightly more foot shaped than a traditional plug boot? Either that or my feet are not foot shaped because he didn’t have to carve out too much space. I went back to him probably 3 or 4 times for fine tuning so it definitely isn’t something I’d want to do long distance.

I do have a friend who has TINY feet, I think she said there’s a company coming out with a smaller adult boot this year. Not sure who makes that though.

 

[SnowHot]

Hi all,

Disclaimer - I know the ultimate answer is to see a bootfitter, but they’re a bit limited where I am, and I’d like to be a bit more informed regardless.

So I’m cursed with very small and very narrow feet, with an even narrower heel. I’ve been skiing in a second hand pair of boots for many many years, which are a 22 (unkown last). They’re too big. Weighted, my feet measure roughly 22 and 21.5, with a forefoot of around 85mm.

I’m seeing few options for boots - adults don’t go below 22, and a lot of the junior race boots either don’t do below 22 in a flex greater than 60/have adult lugs, or are out of stock.

There are a few options I can see, but I'm wondering - which is more important for overall fit - getting a boot which is really narrow and actually fits the width of my foot, or getting something that fits length-wise as a priority? I’m sure both is best!

Any opinions appreciated!

I am a bootfitter and have some extensive experience with this.
From your description, I'd say you definitely go to a specialty bootfitter if given the opportunity.
@contesstant has had some good luck with Park City Ski Boot Brent Amsbury.
I actually took a woman to see him last year who's foot is similar to what you describe.
She ended up in a Lange 21.5 in 90 flex which she'll have for a very long time.

As for the question of which is more important; length or last? Yes to both.
Also overall volume. Instep/vamp, heel cup, length, last, ....all factor into a really well fitted boot.
And if you get it done well/dialed, it will likely be pricy but they will last you for a very long time.

 

[Pebbly]

Thanks all! Some food for thought, appreciate the help

 

[SnowHot]

Thanks all! Some food for thought, appreciate the help

Don't hesitate to reach out for more information.
I often post short snips so its not too much to absorb but there's a ton of stuff rolling around in my head.

 

[contesstant]

I have narrower feet than yours, if you can believe that! Mine are size 7, which in some ways makes it even more challenging. You really need to fit the length AND the width. My toes prefer a 22.5 boot, however, I was put into a 21.5 last winter and it's the best-fitting boot I've ever had. I did have to have an aftermarket foamed liner done as well. I have extremely narrow ankles to match my skinny feet. We are not made to wear ski boots and it's frustrating! I am also hyper mobile which makes it even more frustrating.

My advice? Go as small as you can and have the boot punched/ground/whatever is necessary to include an aftermarket liner.

 

[Pebbly]

I have narrower feet than yours, if you can believe that! Mine are size 7, which in some ways makes it even more challenging. You really need to fit the length AND the width. My toes prefer a 22.5 boot, however, I was put into a 21.5 last winter and it's the best-fitting boot I've ever had. I did have to have an aftermarket foamed liner done as well. I have extremely narrow ankles to match my skinny feet. We are not made to wear ski boots and it's frustrating! I am also hyper mobile which makes it even more frustrating.

My advice? Go as small as you can and have the boot punched/ground/whatever is necessary to include an aftermarket liner.

Wow, that is narrow! I feel your pain, glad you found some that work!

 

[SnowHot]

Wow, that is narrow! I feel your pain, glad you found some that work!

I didn't catch where you're located but...
If you can get to Park City for a visit, make an appointment to see Brent Amsbury at Park City Ski Boot.
He carries some of the most extensive inventory of size 21.5 in the US and can get you into a real grown up boot that is kiddie size ;)

 

[badger]

I also wear a 21 boot. It's a junior race boot, but the flex is high enough not to be a problem, and it fits into every adult binding I have. ( 8 pairs of skis). Yes, the narrow small feet are hard to get boots for, but not at all impossible! I have a narrow foot too. Did not realize that until I began the adventure into skiing and bootfitting. And, not all bootfitters will have the same opinion...so that takes real effort on your own to learn what is best for YOU.

 

[badger]

I should also add: I did at one time purchase a boot from a very reputable bootfitter that I was seriously hesitant about buying. The boot fit great lengthwise, but felt a bit too wide over the top of my foot. It concerned me. Despite this being a narrow low-volume boot, it was still too wide on top , which turns out was not quite low -volume enough for my foot. After a season I stopped using them. The only reason I purchased them was due to my boots at that time were getting packed out. I really should have just waited because this mistake cost me more than some mediocre skiing in a packed-out boot. Race boots are not usually on sale or even available in a size 21. no matter what time of year you buy them.