Buying ski boots

I'm thinking of buying some new ski boots from Decathlon (surrey quays, london). They are about 30 quid cheaper than anywhere else (Nordica Speedmachine 12). Is their bootfitting service any good, or is there a reason why they are so cheap?

They dont have a fitting service. Just a few spotty teenagers trying to make a sale. Go and have a fitting with those specific boots in another ski store, and if they are ok for your feet, go buy them in Decathlon.

Tony_H wrote:They dont have a fitting service. Just a few spotty teenagers trying to make a sale. Go and have a fitting with those specific boots in another ski store, and if they are ok for your feet, go buy them in Decathlon.

thankfully i don't sell the speedmachine

Rent until the bug bites.

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

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'.