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Save my ankles! (another sock thread)

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Bataleon85
Posts: 36 - Karma: -37
So, I'm newish to skiing. Tried and failed a few times over the years but finally committed to some gear and proper lessons this year and after about 7 days I'm pretty solid. I've been snowboarding for a long time so in the interest of saving money, I've just been using my smartwool PhD snowboards, thinking they would be up to the task, but every time I'm out I rub my ankles into absolute hamburger. I definitely did my homework on the boots and there's no complaints with them specifically. I think I just need the right sock. I guess it makes sense that a sock designed to help eliminate heel lift on a snowboard is gonna rub the crap out of your ankles if you're skiing. Anybody have any recommendations for a good sock to eliminate ankle chafing? I've googled my heart out, but I don't really know many skiers personally, so I figured I'd get it from the horse's mouth. I was just gonna stay on the smartwool bandwagon and get some ski specifics, but I'm absolutely open to any suggestions if it'll save my ankles from rubbing raw every time.
7 years ago
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7290 - Karma: 18,696
For sure the boots rather then the socks. Is it mainly the inner ankle bone or both sides. Does it feel like you have heel movemnt in the boot? Did you get them fitted?
7 years ago
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Bataleon85
Posts: 36 - Karma: -37
No heel movement, got them fitted where I used to work, mostly happens on the right inside heel/ankle area but if I'm out all day, it's both. I know with snowboarding good purpose built socks were a game changer for me. I imagine the right socks will help. I just wanna get some input before I throw more money at the problem.
7 years ago
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.[sanhedrin].
Posts: 1657 - Karma: 941
Dissent Labs make super tight socks and I have loved them. It increases the blood flow for sure. Takes 5 minutes to put them on but it’s worth it.
7 years ago
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7290 - Karma: 18,696
ok so did you get any footbeds with the boots?
7 years ago
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Bataleon85
Posts: 36 - Karma: -37
Yes. I put some shred soles in. That's why I'm leaning toward socks being the problem because as I said I did my homework on the boots. There's literally no other area that's bothering me. They're a nice snug, comfy fit all over and feel great for ski boots. Almost as comfy as my snowboard boots. I just get mad inner ankle rubbing, particularly on the right foot. I don't feel it jostling around at all. It seems snug enough and I'm not getting heel play. I think I just need to play around with some ski specific socks. I know for a fact snowboard socks are thicker in the heel area, that's why it's the first conclusion I'm jumping to. (and cheapest haha) for what it's worth the only guy I know IRL who skis said maybe I should avoid walking unnecessarily, going to the lodge in them, etc. I mean I don't do that anyway. Mainly just to drain the lizard and warm up for a minute. Could be onto something though?

**This post was edited on Dec 22nd 2017 at 7:54:55am
7 years ago
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6744 - Karma: 11,755
Bataleon85Yes. I put some shred soles in. That's why I'm leaning toward socks being the problem because as I said I did my homework on the boots. There's literally no other area that's bothering me. They're a nice snug, comfy fit all over and feel great for ski boots. Almost as comfy as my snowboard boots. I just get mad inner ankle rubbing, particularly on the right foot. I don't feel it jostling around at all. It seems snug enough and I'm not getting heel play. I think I just need to play around with some ski specific socks. I know for a fact snowboard socks are thicker in the heel area, that's why it's the first conclusion I'm jumping to. (and cheapest haha) for what it's worth the only guy I know IRL who skis said maybe I should avoid walking unnecessarily, going to the lodge in them, etc. I mean I don't do that anyway. Mainly just to drain the lizard and warm up for a minute. Could be onto something though?

**This post was edited on Dec 22nd 2017 at 7:54:55am


Good socks to look for: Darn Tough Over The Calf Ultra Light, Smartwool PhD Ultra Light, Falke SK5 - basically anything synthetic or wool that is ultra thin. Thick socks will mess up the fit and cause you to be colder.

If you still have problems, then it is definitely not the sock but your boot/boot-fit. Your insole choice is also most likely part of the problem- Shred Soles don't do anything to properly support your foot and ensure your ankle is positioned in the right spot.

And while your boot might be "comfy" it doesn't necessarily mean it is the right thing for your foot. As a boot-fitter, the first thing I would check is to make sure you are in the right size and shape for your foot. If you want us to help you check this, just ask.
7 years ago
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Bataleon85
Posts: 36 - Karma: -37
onenerdykidGood socks to look for: Darn Tough Over The Calf Ultra Light, Smartwool PhD Ultra Light, Falke SK5 - basically anything synthetic or wool that is ultra thin. Thick socks will mess up the fit and cause you to be colder.

If you still have problems, then it is definitely not the sock but your boot/boot-fit. Your insole choice is also most likely part of the problem- Shred Soles don't do anything to properly support your foot and ensure your ankle is positioned in the right spot.

And while your boot might be "comfy" it doesn't necessarily mean it is the right thing for your foot. As a boot-fitter, the first thing I would check is to make sure you are in the right size and shape for your foot. If you want us to help you check this, just ask.


Sure. Hit me. I've done about everything that can be done with googling, snowboard boot expertise and a brick and mortar store. Every store is different. Some just wanna make a sale. I've found myself outsmarting many a boot fitter with snowboard boots, especially when it comes to foot width. Almost NONE of them ever check your width and wide feet are one of the leading causes of oversizing your mondo with snowboarding. But yeah hit me with any insight you got. I'm not nearly as knowledgeable about skiing.
7 years ago
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6744 - Karma: 11,755
Bataleon85Sure. Hit me. I've done about everything that can be done with googling, snowboard boot expertise and a brick and mortar store. Every store is different. Some just wanna make a sale. I've found myself outsmarting many a boot fitter with snowboard boots, especially when it comes to foot width. Almost NONE of them ever check your width and wide feet are one of the leading causes of oversizing your mondo with snowboarding. But yeah hit me with any insight you got. I'm not nearly as knowledgeable about skiing.


Do this trick with a thin sock on:
1. Remove the liner
2. Step into the bare shell and slide your foot to the front so your toes just barely touch
3. Measure the space behind your heel

Ideal gap is 2cm (roughly two finger tips, one on top of the other). 1cm is a super tight, performance oriented fit. 3cm is way too big and you got the wrong size.

If you can, post a picture of your foot and the boot you got.
7 years ago
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Sharko
Posts: 2274 - Karma: 4,104
Bataleon85I've just been using my smartwool PhD snowboards, thinking they would be up to the task, but every time I'm out I rub my ankles into absolute hamburger.


I actually had this problem too with these same socks. I got a pair of these added to an order to get free shipping and they rub the skin raw on my ankles with any activity. It happened skiing and it also happened when I wore them for hockey. Never had this happen with any other pair of socks in the same ski boots and skates.

I agree with others who suggested thinnest possible merino wool socks.
7 years ago
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Bataleon85
Posts: 36 - Karma: -37
I'm gonna give the darn tough ultralights a go. I'll post the foot and boot photos later when I get home. I'm a 27.5 mondo with a hair over D width in snowboard boots, I know that for gospel. I'm rocking Nordica NXT 60s in 275
7 years ago
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Bataleon85
Posts: 36 - Karma: -37
Did my best to take pictures of what I could. With the finger in the shell method, I was able to barely get two fingers behind my heel. They were scrunched together so probably about 1.5cm gap between shell and heel. I measured my feet by standing knees flexed on cardboard and marking the four contact points of my feet with a sharpie. This is the most accurate method I've found besides straight up using a brannock device. Like I said, I've measured 27.5 with a Dish width both on my own and in shops, so here's what I came up with...












7 years ago
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6744 - Karma: 11,755
From what I can tell from your pictures, the length/size shell is about right but your foot is about 92mm wide in size 27.5, and your boot is 104mm wide in size 27.5. That is a huge difference, which is most likely contributing to your problem. Excess space leads to movement, which leads to friction and discomfort.

The NXT 60 is a very low end boot, with a very wide fit. The liner will mainly use recycling foams (foam bits off the cutting room floor pressed together) and probably no 3D molded pieces in its construction. The combination of a very narrow foot inside a wide, high volume boot and a basic liner construction could very well be a large contributing factor to the pain/discomfort you described in your OP.

If the thinner socks don't fix the problem, then this is 99% why you have ankle discomfort- too much space, too much movement, basic liner, and not enough foot hold.
7 years ago
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Bataleon85
Posts: 36 - Karma: -37
Well, I know my feet are borderline narrow. I think I might have screwed up on the width a little with that particular exercise. Brannocks have always put me around 3.9 or so which in my size is right around a D if not a hair below. I know it's a bit of a wide boot for me but I'll try to fine tune it a little more. Any recommendations for aftermarket liners or insoles?
7 years ago
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6744 - Karma: 11,755
Bataleon85Well, I know my feet are borderline narrow. I think I might have screwed up on the width a little with that particular exercise. Brannocks have always put me around 3.9 or so which in my size is right around a D if not a hair below. I know it's a bit of a wide boot for me but I'll try to fine tune it a little more. Any recommendations for aftermarket liners or insoles?


Let's rule out the socks first, since that is the easiest to try.

With insoles, it's more about who is making them rather than what brand you are looking at. Sidas makes probably the best product, but again it depends on who is making them for you. Research in your area which shops are known for boot-fitting and ask them. And if there isn't one in your area, then search at the mountain/resort where you will be skiing.

Aftermarket liners would be the last thing I would purchase, since at that point you're just better off buying a new boot. A nice aftermarket liner will run you $150-250, and at that point there are better boot options you should be looking at.
7 years ago
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Bataleon85
Posts: 36 - Karma: -37
I mean I pretty much already did make the rounds of my local shops including the one I used to work for which is where I bought them. Didn't know the guy who fitted me but he seemed to know his shit. Didn't seem to think I had any width issues. As usual, the brannock was just a hair inside the D which is where I almost always fall on the width chart. I dunno, I've never had width issues with snowboard boots. I usually just wear regular 9.5s in that area. Might be worth noting I didn't get them heat molded since they felt quite snug but comfortable out of the box. Could be just needing to pack them out at this point. I found a good deal on some DT ultralight pinnacles so I'm gonna give them a try. I'll check out the insoles too. I'll see where I'm at when I get back on the snow. Withn this weekend being 60 degrees and raining, I might as well just chill until the blister heals anyway. Will keep you posted.
7 years ago
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Cade2
Posts: 2124 - Karma: 2,706
I'd buy boots a boot fitter recommends
7 years ago
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Bataleon85
Posts: 36 - Karma: -37
CadeRI'd buy boots a boot fitter recommends

That's what I did. I spent a good two hours with this dude trying on quite a few boots. After trying numerous brands, it seemed various Nordicas were the most comfortable on my feet. I mainly opted for the NXTs because I didn't wanna throw a ton of money into my first pair of boots and also because they were recommended for a beginner. I thought I did my homework on them too, which for the most part I did, but I didn't take into consideration the last width. I think I might do well to shave about 5 mm off my next pair of boots.
7 years ago
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Cade2
Posts: 2124 - Karma: 2,706
I ment buy the pair he recommended in the shop, not off eBay for cheap
7 years ago
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Bataleon85
Posts: 36 - Karma: -37
CadeRI ment buy the pair he recommended in the shop, not off eBay for cheap

I did man..... I got the same pair I tried on and liked in store. After doing a little more homework, I think the last might be my issue, if not the socks. As dude said, these boots have a 104 last. My feet hover just around 4 inches wide at the maximum, so a true custom fit would be more like 100/101. I know my mondo is correct. I'm actually a hair over 27.5 cm heel to toe, so 275s are exactly where I need to be. I think I just need some better socks, possibly insoles and if that doesn't do the trick, ditch the boots for some with a narrower last.
7 years ago
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Cade2
Posts: 2124 - Karma: 2,706
I think your too into the measurements and should be trying on boots
7 years ago
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Bataleon85
Posts: 36 - Karma: -37
CadeRI think your too into the measurements and should be trying on boots

Did you read my posts dude? I spent hours trying on boots in a brick and mortar store. I thought I had the right boot based on feel. I'm now trying address some discomfort experienced after putting some days on them. Shit I may be more of a snowboarder but I would think skiers of all people would more appreciate the importance of getting boots right. I'm into measurements because that shit is important, especially for someone who gets on the snow as often as possible. I'm not a tourist. I go every day if I can. I need to be anal about boots.
7 years ago
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