Buying ski boots

Not wanting to cast dispertions on a whole bootfitting industry, but I have had some frustrating experiences with boot fitting here and in Canada.

I have always owned my own boots, but seem to have difficult feet. I have done boot modifications, custom footbeds and spent valuable skiing time trying to get a proper fit. My mistake seems to have been to put too much faith in the fitter and not enough in my own instincts. I've spent a lot of time trying different suggestions only to end up solving the problem myself, which is frustrating and costly.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying fitters don't want to help solve your problem. However, it is a myth that a bootfitter alone is going to solve all your fit problems.

If you are a beginner, then you have no choice in relying on the fitters advice. But, once you have done a lot of skiing and know your style, you know a lot about what you should be doing with your boots to improve the way you ski. Even with the best communication. It is a mistake to place all of your faith in the abilities of the bootfitter to solve all fit problems.

A fitter can give good advice about the modifications that can be made and the possible effects, but ultimately, you know your own feet and can decide which modifications are likely to be the most successful.

I know this might be a bit controversial, but I wondered if anybody else had similar experiences. Sorry for the essay.

Never had a fitting, but i tend to agree that you yourself knows your style, limitations and the feel of your own feet better than anyone. I would welcome some good advice however in terms of which brands and models are best for my shape and requirements, although I do read a number of buying guides so have a pretty good idea myself.
I have made my mind up that I should be looking at Salomon boots, and 2 models in particular, but I have no idea if they will actually fit me until I try them and test them out.
Its a tough one, considering how vital the boots are and how much money you will be shelling out.

A bootfitter will tell you which boot/size will fit your foot. A ski boot seller will let you choose which boot you want to try on, then ask you if you think it fits you )

Of course there are fitters, and fitters. As a purchaser, it's hard to spot the difference.
Personally, I would be lost without my ski boot fitter, as he modifies all my footwear to take into account 2 lots of surgery and the subsequent loss of tissue and ongoing problems therein.
My Orthopaedic Consultant was pretty impressed with the footbed modification work done too.

Thank you cem :thumbup:

I don't think it makes too much difference if you buy at home or abroad, the key thing is the ability of the boot fitter.

Another point is they can only sell you the boots the shop stocks. So choose a shop which has boots from a large number of manufacturers and follow the advice given on which shell shape suits your feet.
I always say that of the cost of a new pair of boots, 50% of it pays for the fitting. Make sure you get your money's worth. Pre-book an appointment, set aside 1-2 hours, if done properly that's how long it takes.

I've got 'difficult' feet. I once got a new pair of boots from S&R, the technician took one look at my feet, made that sucking noise motor mechanics make before giving you a quote, and said 'you're going to have problems with them'.

Hi All

On the subject of ski boots, I also need to buy some this year and have very difficult feet (toes go numb and burn after a short while in boots) After reading some forums I have been in touch with Herbert Auer in Steinach am Brenner which is only an hour or so from Kitzbuhel where I will be staying.

He is quoting me around 400 to 600 euro to have ski boots made and fitted. He has said that based on my lengthy email that 'off the shelf' modified boots will not suffice.

Does anyone know of him or other professional bootfiters close to Kitzbuhel?

thx

cwagner wrote:

He has said that based on my lengthy email that 'off the shelf' modified boots will not suffice.

Does anyone know of him or other professional bootfiters close to Kitzbuhel?

thx

I don't know him, but it would take a pretty special foot to ONLY be able to be comfortable in a custom made boot

i guess it depends on what you mean by off the shelf boot, and what constitutes a modification

my thoughs are that the correct shell for YOU combined with the correct footbed for YOU and prehaps a custom liner and some modifications, that to me is a custom boot and need not cost the same as what he is suggesting, but as i do not know what brand he is working with it is difficult to say

if you want a custom boot and you are in Kitzbuhel then go and see Rob Graham at Daleboot


whatever the solution the key is the assessment of the foot in the first place, simple things can cause major problems and often simple problems need nothing more than simple solutions, i see countless client who have been sold a rack of different footbeds and had major modifications done to boots when all they really needed was a heel lift and to do some calf stretches

if you would like a second opinion as to his solution you can forward the e mail that you sent over to me [clinicatsolutions4feetdotcom] i will come back to you with my thoughs..... [entirely up to you if you want to do this]


good luck

I think the custom footbed make a huge difference to comfort. Even the off-the-shelf advanced footbeds. It's almost not worth buying a new pair of boots until you have tried a proper footbed.

If you look at the footbeds they put in even the most expensive boots, they don't offer anything like the arch support that you get with the ones you buy seperately. I have found this to be important in getting a comfortable fit.

Thanks cem and steverandomno!

I have sent the details of my foot problems to cem so am waiting with baited breath for his expert opinion. I also checked out Daleboot in Kitz and they are quoting around 500 pounds for a set of boots. I think I will have to buy a pair of boots and have the footbed made to suit.

Depending on cem's assessment, can anyone recommend a store in or near Kitzbuhel or Niederau where I can get good service and a selection of boots to try?

thx