The great thing about people is that we are all different, but this does present some issues for skiers, especially when it comes to ski boot fitting. One of the most common complaints I hear from people looking for new ski boots is that they’ve never been able to find a comfortable boot because they have wide calves, so they just accept that they will have to cope with hot spots and other pain while skiing. If you have the same mindset, abandon those negative thoughts, because there are few different ways to accommodate athletic calves.
Start by looking for a boot with a short cuff and consider getting a custom insole with a heel lift to bring the shaft of the leg slightly out of the boot. This will allow the boots to make contact with the lower leg and narrower part of the calves, enhancing fit and comfort.
You should also consider adding a custom liner that fits into any shell and can be molded by a professional to accommodate any extra room. Although custom insoles and liners are great solutions for issues with fit, it really helps to start with the right boot. It is strongly advised that you consult with a knowledgeable boot-fitter to ensure that you are getting the best recommendations for your anatomy. In case you don’t have the ability to meet with an expert at Christy Sports, here are few models to start your boot search with:
Men’s Ski Boots for Wide Calves:
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- Men’s Atomic Hawx Magna 130 S
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- Men’s Nordica Sportmachine 100
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- Men’s K2 B.F.C. 100
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- Men’s Tecnica Mach Sport EHV 120
Women’s Ski Boots for Wide Calves:
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- Women’s Nordica Sportmachine 85
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- Women’s Dalbello Kyra 85
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- Women’s Tecnica Mach Sport HV 95
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- Women’s Head Advant Edge 85
These models are by no means a cure-all, but we’ve found them to be a good starting point in our shops. If the fit of your ski boots has been an issue in the past, visit a shop and get fit by a professional. At Christy Sports, we guarantee every boot we fit in our shops. This includes any molding, liners, parts, and labor. Have you found solutions for boot fit issues? Help fellow skiers by sharing them in the comments below.
I WILL BE SKIING BEAVER CREEK Next Monday March 7-Thursday March 10. Coming from NY, I am considering renting equip. rather than carrying my own. Do you have rental boots for wide calves/feet?
Hi JoAnne! Great question. We do have rental boots that can accommodate athletic calves. However, March is one of our busiest times of the year, so we would advise making a note on your reservation so that the shop can be sure they have those options available. Have fun in Beaver Creek! 🙂
How about ski boots for eee width?
I have been struggling with this for years- I have smaller feet and bigger calves than anyone I know. My calves push me forward in the boots and prevent me from standing upright and this has put pressure on the inside of the knee – things only improved when I had a toe lift (otherwise known as gas peddle).
This is only possible on boots with a solid toe piece. The process is that The top edge of the front lug is ground down by a few millimetres and then an equivalent sized piece of plastic is fitted under the toe (on the outside). This tips the boot backwards and allows the skier to stand-up straighter.
I’m looking for a backcountry touring ski boot. I have wide calves
Hi,
Many brands now make very efficient ski touring and alpine skiing oriented backcountry boots. This should give you lots of options to find a boot that works for your calves. My suggestion might be to start with Technica, but I am not an expert boot fitter.
Our best resource for backcountry gear is The Alpineer in Crested Butte, Colorado.
Give them a call at 970-349-5210.