Ski boots

Hi, we're off skiing again in a few weeks (7 weeks and counting!)and my husband wants to buy himself some ski boots before we go. There's a sale on in our local Decathlon so we're going to have a look this week.

I had thought about getting him some when we are in La Tania as that's where I bought mine a couple of years ago, but with the exchange rate, it's not going to work out much cheaper.

He broke his leg quite badly 4 years ago - the break shattered his tib and fib and he's had it pinned. The break is sort of mid-shin and can be painful. He managed 3 days skiing when we went over New Year and is hoping to do a bit more this time. His leg did swell quite a lot the first day and I think he was paranoid the pain was solely due to the break until he realised the rest of us were all moaning about aching shins too!

Can anyone give some general pointers? He has size 11 feet and has skied about 4/5 times previously. He will ski blues and some reds confidently.

Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks

I'd pay a bit more and buy in resort.

The shop will be able to adjust/tweak the boots during the week to fit perfectly.

Also 7 weeks is getting pretty close to the end of the season, so there could be some bargains to be got in resort.

I have seen some really good deals in decathlon, so I can see why you are tempted. Its important to get boots that fit properly, to the correct chape of your foot, so be prepared to try on a few different makes, and be prepared for the ones in the sale not to fit properly.

I bought my son some ski boots from decathlon as they were 1/3 of the price at £79, and they were fine for him, and worked out cheaper than renting in st anton for a week so nothing lost.

If you are lucky the boots you had in mind may fit, but only get them if he is absolutely sure. I note they sell Salomon boots with custom liners, and they will heat them up for you to mould to your feet.

I dont think you're likely to find boots abroad much cheaper from what I have seen this season with the exchange rate.

ok to frighten you about the exchange rate a little, these prices are actual prices in chamonix 2 weeks ago compared to uk prices...with the € at around 1.03 to the £ i know where i would be spending my money

Head S90 UK £220 france €350
atomic TI 100 race boot UK £350 france €500
salomon falcon CS UK £270 france €399
head raptor ltd UK £275 france €429

Hi,
As you are in the 3 valleys, you may want to consider a trip to Armando at "Au Pied des Pistes"-local number 0479 07 30 87. Best to phone and say you are coming. He is an orthopaedic podiatrist who has a small boot shop, based in the Bruyeres area of Les Menuires. I bought my boots from him 3 years ago when I spent a season in France, as well as other guests and people with funny feet. He has just sorted out a friend with all sorts of foot problems. The most important thing is he knows about feet-he can look at your feet and tell what you need from that. His shop is not the easiest to find-take the Boyes piste from above Les Menuires down towards Reberty, and keep right as you round the right hand bend above the bottom of the hill. His shop is just below Absolu sports, set back from the piste in the right-but all you will see is an A board with 2 yellow feet on it and an arrow!!.

I think he's great. He speaks reasonable english, wears a white coat (and looks like Lurch from the Adams family!!). He isn't the cheapest, but will do his utmost to ensure you have the best fit. Note that his shop is shut from about 12.30 until 3.30.

Basically you know you are getting the real deal from him-rather than some keen but inexperienced "boot fitter" in a shop in the UK. You also get to go back for adjustments.

I would never buy boots in the UK-and my feet are normal, but for high arches. He took one look at my Snow and rock insoles and pointed out they were useless. He made me new ones. I now do my boots up at 9 am and don't or even open them until I finish for the day. No pain under the toes, no numb feet. How many skiers can say that?? Believe me-a pair of comfy boots are worth the extra cost!

Happy shopping.

PertyB wrote: I now do my boots up at 9 am and don't or even open them until I finish for the day. No pain under the toes, no numb feet. How many skiers can say that?? Believe me-a pair of comfy boots are worth the extra cost!

I can because I asked cem do my boot fitting, and he's amazing

I can and CEM did not do my fitting!

bandit wrote:

PertyB wrote: I now do my boots up at 9 am and don't or even open them until I finish for the day. No pain under the toes, no numb feet. How many skiers can say that?? Believe me-a pair of comfy boots are worth the extra cost!

I can because I asked cem do my boot fitting, and he's amazing

I can too but, shock horror, I bought mine at ellis brigham in milton keynes

I think it's a generalisation to say you can't buy in the uk. I'd rather buy in the uk and then, as my husband has, you can go back up to 18 months after buying them to have them adjusted.

I suppose it's all about personal experience and having a good one