UKC

Hi, I really want to try skiing some time, but have struggled to find boots I can fit into. My problem is that I have a very rigid right ankle joint; it doesn't flex much, and I can't fit it into a normal ski boot.

Is there a type of boot that is virtually upright, as opposed to being angled forwards, or is there a style of skiing that is suited to wearing rigid winter boots? I have a pair of Scarpa Mantas that may be suitable.

I'm hoping there is something I can try; I can't imagine that people always wore specialist ski boots in the old days of skiing!

Thanks for your advice!

In reply to Joe Miller:

You could try Nordic or Snowboarding, give them a try and see what works for you, best of luck...

In reply to Joe Miller:

Scarpa Mantas will not be suitable. It would be like trying to front point in trainers.

Have a word with a master boot fitter, they should be able to give you accurate advice.

In reply to Edradour:
A good boot fitter should be able to sort you out with a heel lift which will put your lower leg into a leaning forward position

In reply to Joe Miller:

Try ski touring boots they can unlock the ankle for walking. They wont be so easy to learn to ski in but if you can't get into downhill boots they might be the best you can do.

In reply to Edradour:

Second the suggestion to see a master boot fitter. I've got weird feet (although with full joint mobility), and they sorted me out. Search for a decent independent shop - there are a few around in the UK - and give them a ring.

Skiing's great - hope you manage to find something that works.

In reply to Joe Miller:
Hi Joe.
I bust up my lower leg about 12 years ago and gave up skiing as I simply couldn't fit my foot into a ski boot as I didn't have the range of flex to get it inside. I don't have a completely rigid ankle but very little movement and a partial weakness due to nerve damage.
I came back to skiing using plastic climbing boots but clearly they don't give any rear support and while they're good for the up they're bad for the down bits.
And then...
I tried a pair of Scarpa Maestrale. They have a front tongue which rotates completely out of the way and I can get my foot easily inside and then tighten up enough to ski ok downhill and even ok on piste for a day.
The Maestrale is one of several scarpa models with this feature on the tongue so its worth shopping around to see whats available. Braemar Mt Sports let me hire a pair for a day and then reduced the price of a new pair so I would unreservedly recommend them. Are you near there? Unfortunately Maestrales are insanely expensive.
There may be other boots with a similar sort of answer to your problem so its worth going to a specialist shop (when its quiet) and discussing your needs.
I do sympathise as skiing was a big part of my leisure time and I'd almost given up on it so it was a great relief to get back on the boards with a competent pair of boots again. Give it a try and don't give up.
pm me if you want more advice