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Comfortable ice/mountaineering boots for over pronation

Original Post
Dan Barry · · Rock Springs, WY · Joined Jun 2016 · Points: 175

I currently have the la sportiva "silver bullets" trango evo pro gtx and whatever else they added to the name. But they kill my feet particularly my big toe on long approaches/ routes.

Has anyone else had this experience and can offer some advice on ways to make my current boots more comfortable? Or know of a boot that works well for people who over pronate? Thanks!

Bill Kirby · · Keene New York · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 480

Try out Scarpa boots. They’re wider than LS 

Shepido · · CO · Joined Aug 2014 · Points: 50

Does your over pronation really effect you much on approaches? I over pronate myself and it never matters much for actual hiking. For running, I went to a specialist who has me in a specific pair of running shoes to compensate as well as a set of insoles - and I feel phenomenal running now. If over pronation is a real problem for you, I would consider doing something similar for your mountain boots.

Overall fit is another issue - and may also be a problem you are dealing with. 

Best of luck.

Jesse Vanek · · Western MA · Joined Feb 2017 · Points: 0

I solved this for myself by cutting up a cheap pair of insoles to just pad the balls of my big toes, then inserting them under my normal insoles - effectively doubling the padding there while leaving just a single layer under my toes and the rest of my feet. Made a huge difference.

John Vanek · · Gardnerville, NV · Joined May 2013 · Points: 0

+1 to try Scarpa. I have both Mt Blanc Pros and Phantom Techs. I also use Sole insoles; the blacks that are their thickest. 

Dan Barry · · Rock Springs, WY · Joined Jun 2016 · Points: 175

Thanks for the advice everyone I'll definitely be investing in some insoles.
Walking in the boots without crampons is usually fine its just when I have to walk with crampons on up to a climb or between pitches that it's the worst. But I will say I bought these boots more for price not for fit so my next pair I'll take more time to get the right boot but if I can get away with some insoles for awhile that'd be great. 

Zac St Jules · · New Hampshire · Joined Dec 2013 · Points: 1,203

Are you thinking the overpronation is the problem effecting your big toes? Mountain boots are generally so stiff anyway that youd have to be pretty friggin flat footed to cause them to have noticeable pronation wear. Try a boot that fits your feet better and put in a stability style insert for the pronation. It wont really change the wear of the boot but it'll likely make you more comfortable. 

Dan Barry · · Rock Springs, WY · Joined Jun 2016 · Points: 175

I'm pretty friggin flat footed 

Curt Haire · · leavenworth, wa · Joined Jun 2011 · Points: 1

if you can afford it, go for a prescription orthotic from a podiatrist.  if your funds are less abundant, go for a high-end insole (superfeet corks have worked well for me for thirty years - I'm on my second pair).  you might get by with a basic insole, and the low cost may be worth the gamble but my experience with the high end $200+) suggests that it's worth the investment..  my original superfeet corks outlasted five pairs of ice-boots, and I still use them in ski-boots although they're pretty ragged now...
-Haireball

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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