Need help on cramping feet.....

[MogulQueen]

Here's the problem, my feet are happy on flat and steep groomer trails. They are fine on bump trails that are not too steep ie Vertigo or Escapade, but they start to scream on steep bump trails like Outer Limits and Upper Devils Fiddle. Not at first, but about half way down and I just grin and bear it until I can unbuckle the boots in the liftline. I don't want to any wiggle room in the boot, so I don't want to loosen them on the trail. What do you do?

 

[St. Bear]

Here's the problem, my feet are happy on flat and steep groomer trails. They are fine on bump trails that are not too steep ie Vertigo or Escapade, but they start to scream on steep bump trails like Outer Limits and Upper Devils Fiddle. Not at first, but about half way down and I just grin and bear it until I can unbuckle the boots in the liftline. I don't want to any wiggle room in the boot, so I don't want to loosen them on the trail. What do you do?

I don't know about you, but I have a problem of unconsciously scrunching up my toes/feet when I ski advanced terrain. If I don't consciously keep in mind to relax my lower body, it can definitely lead to cramping.

 

[MogulQueen]

I don't know about you, but I have a problem of unconsciously scrunching up my toes/feet when I ski advanced terrain. If I don't consciously keep in mind to relax my lower body, it can definitely lead to cramping.

I DEFINATELY have noticed I do this as well. I try to remember to keep them relaxed but then I don't feel that I am skiing as aggressively.

 

[Bobt2ski]

Do you just have stock foot beds in the boots? I'm wondering if some superfeet footbeds might help this problem out. I use to have that happen some and changed to better footbeds and it did the trick. Just a suggestion and is good for your feet anyways!!!

 

[Vortex]

I have the same issue with me feet. I had my boots blown out and sounds stupid/simple. more water has seemed to help mr. Drink more Water.

 

[MogulQueen]

Do you just have stock foot beds in the boots? I'm wondering if some superfeet footbeds might help this problem out. I use to have that happen some and changed to better footbeds and it did the trick. Just a suggestion and is good for your feet anyways!!!

I only have the stock bootbeds. I have considered getting something better. What are the options on footbeds and what is really worth it? Aren't custom footbeds really expensive?

 

[2knees]

potassium.

eat a banana before every run down ol.

 

[kingdom-tele]

No backseat driving

Seriously, once you are weight bearing through theback half of your feet every muscle is trying hard to get your COG forward = toe cramps, if you aren't maintaining pressure into your boot cuff its the starts of muscle imbalance

 

[MogulQueen]

potassium.

eat a banana before every run down ol.

Dude, I'd turn into a monkey! I lap that trail all day. I think I would need at least two bunches of bananas to make it for the day. Maybe I'll try a banana every other run.....

 

[MogulQueen]

No backseat driving

Seriously, once you are weight bearing through theback half of your feet every muscle is trying hard to get your COG forward = toe cramps, if you aren't maintaining pressure into your boot cuff its the starts of muscle imbalance

I don't think it's a back seat thing going on. I pretty much ski on the balls of my feet. That is where I cramp, on the upper part of my foot.

 

[Greg]

I only have the stock bootbeds. I have considered getting something better. What are the options on footbeds and what is really worth it? Aren't custom footbeds really expensive?

I have custom footbeds (Insta-print) and love them. Wouldn't go to stock ever again. A good orthotic will likely last through more than one pair of boots so it's a good investment. Count on probably $150 to have it done. As I understand it Dave Neuman at Ski Market in Avon is one of th ebest around here. Of course, you're up at Killington a lot so there has to be several good boot fitters up there. Ask your crew.

As far as the cramping, try starting the day with your boots buckled pretty loose. After 3 or 4 runs, start to lock them down. I had major foot ache last week at MRG. I think it was a combination of being tense on the more advanced terrain as mentioned above, and boots that I immediately cinched down really tight.

 

[Bobt2ski]

I only have the stock bootbeds. I have considered getting something better. What are the options on footbeds and what is really worth it? Aren't custom footbeds really expensive?

These are not custom and are sold in most ski shops and there are probably other brands. I use to put in a full day of skiing as I use to instruct full time and some times a few weeks in a row so comfort to my feet were important. Here is a link I just looked up on this particular brand but as I said there might be others. http://www.superfeet.com/

 

[mondeo]

potassium.

eat a banana before every run down ol.

Or ride the gondola with certain members of the crew every few runs. That'll help you relax.

I think the green superfeet are about $40, customs are $100+. Superfeet helped my problems, customs basically fixed them. First time out with stocks I couldn't ski for more than an hour no matter what I did, now it's not an issue unless I'm just standing around. While skiing, not an issue at all anymore; customs definitely proved their wirth to me. If it's just minor problems (as in your boots are really close to fitting really well, which it sounds like,) non-custom aftermarkets may solve the issue.

Other option would be to back off the front buckle just slightly. The lower buckles don't do all that much, so you won't really lose that much control if you back the front one off a turn or two.

 

[MogulQueen]

Or ride the gondola with certain members of the crew every few runs. That'll help you relax.

I think the green superfeet are about $40, customs are $100+. Superfeet helped my problems, customs basically fixed them. First time out with stocks I couldn't ski for more than an hour no matter what I did, now it's not an issue unless I'm just standing around. While skiing, not an issue at all anymore; customs definitely proved their wirth to me. If it's just minor problems (as in your boots are really close to fitting really well, which it sounds like,) non-custom aftermarkets may solve the issue.

Other option would be to back off the front buckle just slightly. The lower buckles don't do all that much, so you won't really lose that much control if you back the front one off a turn or two.

Did you get your footbeds up at Killington or around here? Who would you recommend?

 

[2knees]

I don't think it's a back seat thing going on. I pretty much ski on the balls of my feet.

I'll vouch for that.

the queen is definitely not a tail gunner.

 

[thorski]

Stretch you feet and toes before you ski. That's all you have to do.

 

[Greg]

Stretch you feet and toes before you ski. That's all you have to do.

Hmff. Seems like that makes a lot of sense...

 

[Greg]

Stretch you feet and toes before you ski. That's all you have to do.

Hmff. Seems like that makes a lot of sense...

Brings up an interesting question. Is this cramping just a temporary thing, i.e. the first few runs and then it improves, or does it happen anytime you get on the steeper stuff, even after you're warmed up?

 

[MogulQueen]

Stretch you feet and toes before you ski. That's all you have to do.

I like the banana idea, but I'll try stretching too! DEFINATELY water. I'm always dehydrated on the trail.

 

[2knees]

I like the banana idea, but I'll try stretching too! DEFINATELY water. I'm always dehydrated on the trail.

Drink too much water and you'll be bloated and cramping......:razz: