12 tips to say goodbye to painful feet in your ski boots

The mountains, fresh snow, radiant sun, and a clear blue sky; all the ingredients for a perfect skiing day are here—except for one: the comfort of your feet. Winter comes and goes, yet the same issues persist: minor discomforts, numbness, or even unbearable pain that turns skiing into a struggle. Foot discomfort in ski boots can rob you of the joy this sport should bring.

Laurent Tacussel, head of International Training at Sidas with over 20 years of experience in bootfitting, has developed more than just expertise: he’s turned the relationship between your foot and ski boot into an art.

Here are his 12 expert tips to ensure your ski boots no longer cause pain. As he reminds us, "To get off on the right foot in skiing, you'd better be right in your boots!"

Before you go skiing: be well-equipped & well-prepared

1. Equip yourself properly

There are no bad ski boots, just feet in unsuitable boots with inadequate equipment. Comfort depends on a winning combination: the boot, but also the ski sock, the ski insole, and the liner.

2. Break in your boots before skiing

Even with great equipment, the first day in new ski boots will test your feet due to the tight fit. To ease the strain, wear your ski boots at home several times and walk in them to flex and adapt.

3. Prepare your feet

A pre-ski foot routine can be a lifesaver. Massage your arches with a tennis ball, trim toenails, and apply a moisturizing or anti-friction cream to reduce the risk of numbness, blisters, or overheating.

On the day of skiing

4. Warm your boots beforehand

Nothing ruins foot comfort like starting with cold boots. Avoid leaving them outside, in the basement, or the car overnight.

5. Put your boots on correctly

There’s a simple technique for avoiding pain when putting on ski boots: guide your instep into the boot by placing your thumbs between the liner and shell near the catches.

6. Adjust your ski boots properly

A well-fitted ski boot should feel secure but not tight. Pay attention to the pressure on your feet when the boot is closed. A little trick: listen to the sound of the catches; they shouldn’t sound too dull.

7. Readjust throughout the day

As you ski, the liner materials settle under the weight of your movements. Adjust the catches after a few hours for continued comfort and precision.

8. Give your feet a break

During breaks—whether for a coffee, lunch, or on the chairlift—relieve your feet by loosening the catches for a few minutes. This can be a lifesaver later.

Après-ski: at the end of your day skiing

Taking a few extra minutes for foot care after skiing can make all the difference tomorrow.

9. Remove your boots carefully

Just as with putting them on, be careful when removing your boots. Place your thumbs between the shell and liner at the instep to keep parts, like the sole and tongue, in place for the next day.

10. Dry your boots

Instead of tossing your boots in the car trunk, set them upright and close the catches. At home, remove the liners and dry them with a shoe dryer or near a heat source (but not in direct contact) to preserve the foam’s shape.

11. Address persistent pain

If discomfort or pain lingers, don’t give up. Try solutions like GEL shin protections, which can be integrated into socks.

12. Maintain your boots for long-term use

At season’s end, let your boots air dry for two or three days after disassembling them (liner, shell, sole). Store them in a dry room, away from light, in a ski boot bag.

We may not have Cupid’s arrow to create a lasting bond between your feet and your ski boots, but with these tips, they can at least be friends.