New skates... new pain...

Question
Hi Pat... I recently tried on a pair of 2005 Salomon Motion 7Ti at Princeton Ski Shop... i loved the fit and the comfort they provided but when i returned to the shop the pair i tried where already sold.  So I found a similar pair of 2005 Salomon Motion 9Ti online and purchased those... unfortunately, these are giving me a pretty sharp pain on the inside part of left foot close to the inside ankle bone.  My right foot is as comfortable as I remeber it to be in the store.  I put an insole to see if the elevation would alleviate the pressure point... it did but then my foot felt too tight and a new pressure point pain arose on the front part of left foot.  I inspected the left boot, and it seems the same as the right boot?  Could it be my left foot is more sensitive? I just don't know.. and as you know Salomon doesn't sell in the US so I'm not sure what to do? Any suggestions?  Thanks in advance for all your help.  Jed  

Answer
Hi Jed,
  Sorry to hear about the trouble with your new skates.  There could be a couple factors. Yes, your left foot could be more sensitive but more commonly......your left foot is not the same size or shape as your right foot.  Also one ankle is usually weaker than the other.  If you notice that your left ankle leans inward instead of being straight up over the wheels that could be your problem.  If so....then you need to focus on keeping your ankles straight up and not allowing them to lean inward.

The Motion 9Ti is suppose to be a better skate with more comfort than the 7 but I noticed from pictures that I'm looking at......the 9Ti seems to be fitted around the ankle area a little more than the 7.   It seems to taper in where the 7 appears more straight up.  

Because the outer part is molded plastic, when they try to make a supportive/trimmer fit for the ankle it can sometimes cause more trouble with the fit......like you're experiencing.

You can try placing a foam pad "under" your sock in the ankle area but if that doesn't work.....can you return them?  

As long as you know what size you wear, order the Motion 7 online.  I checked to see if Princeton Ski Shop had a web site and they do.  Here's the site for the Motion 7.  

http://www.princetonoutdoor.com/browse.cfm/4,3752,1608.htm

I'm not sure where you're located but this store is in NY.  Actually it doesn't matter where you live, long as you know your correct size, you can order them online.  

Hopefully you can return your other skates.  

I'm sorry I don't have a quick fix for you ankle problem.  It's just that sometimes one ankle is shaped differently than the other.  The bone may be bigger or you carry your weight on that foot differently than you do on the right foot.  But check again to make sure your ankle isn't leaning inward.  Hopefully it's that simple.

Good Luck......if I can help any more, just let me know.
Pat