Asolo Extreme Boots - Remove/Adjust Padding?

[olive]

I recently purchased a pair of Asolo Extreme Leather Tele Boots, and they are my size and fit me quite well. However, the gel padding on the arch of the foot is hard and pinches and digs into the arch of my foot after prolonged use, which results in discomfort. I was wondering if there was a way to reduce the foot arch padding, or remove it entirely?

[fgd135]

I recently purchased a pair of Asolo Extreme Leather Tele Boots, and they are my size and fit me quite well. However, the gel padding on the arch of the foot is hard and pinches and digs into the arch of my foot after prolonged use, which results in discomfort. I was wondering if there was a way to reduce the foot arch padding, or remove it entirely?

Those boots of yours are at least 30 years old...worn out, dried out, leather, inner linings, etc., not been made since the early 1990's.
Fwiw, Extremes had the reputation as "foot-biters", even in 1986.

New boots are the best option, as refurbishing those would require a complete rebuild, if it could even be done, by a very skilled cobbler experienced with leather tele boots.

[Andy M]

Hi Olive, it sounds to me like the previous owner of your Extremes put some footbeds in there that are causing you problems. There was no gel padding in those boots when they were new, and the footbed was fairly simple.

I own two pairs of Asolo ski boots from back then, and I still use them regularly (Snowpine and Extreme Plus). Both of mine have a fairly narrow last. When I put a trim-to-fit footbed in mine, it is difficult to pull them out again, as they are wedged in there securely -- I sometimes have to use a small flat-blade screwdriver, or something similar, to help pry the footbed out of the boot. I assume that may be the case with yours -- you just need to get those old footbeds out of there, if that is indeed the cause of your problems. Then put a trim-to-fit footbed of your choice in them. I prefer Sole footbeds, as they come in different thicknesses and they are heat-moldable.

Note: The previous owner might have glued the footbeds down -- if you can't get them out with reasonable effort, you might take them to a cobbler for advice. When you get those footbeds out, you should have a smooth, flat hard surface left in the boot, either leather or rubber/plastic.

Asolo boots from that time period (late 70s thru early 90s) are some of the most well-made boots ever. As long as the previous owner didn't trash the pinholes, etc., or leave them in an outdoor shed for 30 years, yours should last for a while. They are definitely better quality than most comparable boots made today.

[turnfarmer]

Is it the bottom of the arch if so above advice is good. If it is the side of your arch(navicular) a cobble can stretch it for you or you could buy a ball and ring stretcher and do it If it is the top[ of your arch(instep) skip lacing will fix it-
https://www.loopkinglaces.com/blog/how- ... foot-pain/ They call it gap lacing.