How do I avoid cramping in my lower legs in ski boots?

Question

I have been skiing for a few years. Every boot I wear kills my shins and calves. They lock up as soon as I put on my boot. I have tried many boots and got a new pair. The boot is not too tight, I feel like it is the angle that my foot is in. They are so cramped up I have to lean on my pole waiting for the ski lift and I cant enjoy skiing for a long period of time.

Answer 1

I had boots for years that were a size too small and they were torture.  The pair I now use are the correct size and shape for my foot, I then added a set of footbeds, and had the shells cut down to accommodate the size of my calf and where it hits the shell. The boots are now quite comfortable, I also had the liners modified  to hold my foot secure in them.

Answer 2

Sympathize with you. Had a similar problem. The only time my legs weren't in pain was when I was actually skiing. Hurt on the lift, getting to the lift line, etc. What I finally did which solved most of the problem was to buy a USED pair of boots that had just been beaten up. They were flexible and not painful. I could still make all the adjustments. One person's experience.

Answer 3

I know the feeling, you probably have cheap boots like I had. Other than changing boots to something comfortable, I don't know if there is anything you can do. Maybe drink more milk to help strengthen your bones and do some weight training to build up your bone and muscle density.

I think it's an equipment problem.

Answer 4

If the angle is a problem, you can have the stance adjusted at a ski shop.  Custom footbeds can help align your feet inside of your boots too and they fix almost all problems, but they're really expensive.  Don't buy used boots.  I don't know what that guy is talking about...buying boots that have taken the shape of another person's foot doesn't make any sense, and the softness of a boot has nothing to do with how beat up it is.

Answer 5

They are pretty much always like that. You could try puting on long, thick socks for padding.