Foot cramp, do I need new ski boots?

Hi all,

A couple of years ago I got my own boots. I always used to rent boots, but finally went and got my own pair. The thing is ever since getting my own pair I've noticed I've often got really bad cramps in the arch of my feet.

The cramp would be so bad that I'd have to stop every hundred or so meters going down a slope, and it would take the whole ride up the ski lift for it to subside fully.

In the years before where I used to rent boots, I can't say I ever remember getting this problem. However in those years I did use to exercise far more regularly. So I'm not really sure if this problem is due to the boots, or simply because I'm not as physically fit as I used to be a couple of years ago.

This issue is certainly more noticeable nearer the end of the day. So there's definitely an element of fatigue. I'm just wondering if my boots, could be making it worse. I never really hear other people complaining about cramp in the same way as I do. When I hear others complain about painful boots, It's more a pain in a certain area where the boots are putting more pressure than I comfortable.

I don't feel my boots are uncomfortable, I don't get any bruises or feel like one part is sticking in where it shouldn't. It's just the cramp that I feel in the arch of my foot that makes it really hard to enjoy my skiing when it sets in.

My boots were heated up and moulded to my feet and I got the same with some removable footbeds. I've never tried removing the footbeds or getting the boots re-moulded. Would it be worth trying both?

Can anyone offer me any advice?

Cheers :)

take the boots and go to a decent fitter ...my guess is that you need an orthotic foot bed that has been moulded to your feet but get qualified advice

I get a very similar problem and have spent £'s and had refunds trying to solve it but nothing helps me.
Best advice is to see a boot fitter with a decent reputation who will probably fix this for you given that you didn't have the issue with rental boots.
My guess its an inappropriate footbed. Rental boots tend to be just flat inside. Have you tried simply taking the footbeds out?

This year i am going to try mine without and even buy some cheapy foam from the local cobblers to see if that helps.

On the whole i tend to just ski through the grief and it goes away in time.