Large Calves : - (

Hello All,

I was wondering if someone could point me in the right position, I went skiing for the first time last year and loved it!! naturally, I'm going again this year (in about 2 weeks, hurrahhh!) but the only problem is that I have large calves, I'm not big all over (about a size 12) but I found it really embarassing and difficult to get bigger boots. What would you recommend?

Thanks in advance :-)

Do not think you need "larger" boots.

What you need is a modification of some boots. Let me explain.

The most important fitting parameter you must consider is comfort at the toe and ankle area first.

Once you have found a boot that is comfortable in the lower sections then you focus on the upper sections . That is your top buckle and power strap.

My wife has "larger than average" gatronemious muscle ( the calf muscle) and here is what I did. Take the top buckle loop ( that wire that clips into some serrated sections. You can take this wire section out and using an ordinary wire hanger ( it is same diameter as 90% of boot clips) cut a section and fashion similiar loop but much longer. USE THE OLD CLIP AS TEMPLATE!

Now instead of having a clip 10 cm. long it will be 20 cm or more. You decide!

The power strap has lots of space to adapt to your legs. If you need a longer power strap, just get some nylon straps that are same color as original and for a few euros a shoemaker will sew in this new strap.

You now have a boot that is adapted to your needs, without having a "larger sheel size"

If you get a "larger "boot size to fit your calfs but your feet "float" in the lower section of the boot you will have more skiing problems!


PS,
On 90% of boot clips that wire loop is pressure fitted. Pull it out. Do not cut it from housing, since you will have to drill out the rest of the wire.

Once you have inserted the "adapted wire", try out boot for few ski trips. Once you are satisfied the work is well done..... just tape ( electrical tape) this wire at anchoring points so that it will not come out of housing.

Hope this helps you.

Do not be embarassed , we all have small imperfections!!!!

Banafell, as you said You are size 12, You must be female. Make sure you are renting female specific boots. Womens skis boots, not only have a narrower last for the foot, but the boot cuffs are different to accomadate womens calves being lower than mens.

Some boots appear to more female specific than others. so you may have to try a few different maufacturers. If you have a ski store you can get to, try on different manufacturers and models. If you then find a pair that works for you., call around the rental shops where you are going, to see if they have that model.

Otherwise, you may be stuck with buying a pair, modifying them yourself (per pavelski) or having the shop modify them for you.

Trencher

Banafell wrote:Hello All,

I was wondering if someone could point me in the right position, I went skiing for the first time last year and loved it!! naturally, I'm going again this year (in about 2 weeks, hurrahhh!) but the only problem is that I have large calves, I'm not big all over (about a size 12) but I found it really embarassing and difficult to get bigger boots. What would you recommend?

Thanks in advance :-)

Hi Banafell,

You are not alone with this problem, my wife and many of our female customers have experienced the same pains. One thing to look out for on the boot is whether or not the rear support of the boot is adjustable. On most Salomon boots for example there is the ability to lower the rear support of the boot which will stop it digging into the calf and hopefully make it less painful.

The previous comments are valid, going for a larger boot is not the answer as you need the correct support to hold the forefoot and heel in place.

Hope its not as painful next time.

Regards,

Mike