Latest posts for the topic "Buying ski boots"

Buying ski boots

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:08:15 GMT

Is it better to buy ski boots in UK, or wait until you are away when you could have them adjusted if there is a problem?

Re:Buying ski boots

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:20:13 GMT

This is a big debate.. probably better off here just now the way the euro rate is. Where aer you and I am sure someone can rec. a local bootfitter?

Re:Buying ski boots

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:22:40 GMT

I'm in Essex, how much do you think I should spend, this will be my 2nd time skiing this year but as I am 54 don't know how many more times I will go, hopefully I will know after this trip.

Re:Buying ski boots

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:26:18 GMT

Spend as much as is required after seeing a professional boot fitter... generally boots for lower levels of ability are cheaper! A boot will be selected according to your foot/ability so it is important to tell a boot fitter what you want.

Re:Buying ski boots

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:28:23 GMT

Yes, big debate, I have always purchased in UK, and had any adjustments done here, but I have problematic feet apparently

I have witnessed poor practices in european ski boot stores, when a ski shop rented my OH some womens' touring boots 2 sizes too big. He was comfy for 1 run, but the subsequent sores lasted 2 weeks+
Coincidentally, another store in a different resort tried to sell him some womens' alpine boots 2 sizes too big.

And, no, he does not indulge in x-dressing

If you want to buy in resort do lots of research, know your size and foot shape.

Re:Buying ski boots

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:39:52 GMT

Mag,

Until recently (last two years) I had been skiing in a pair of old Salomons which were fine but dated. So, after dropping in to a local ski shop for a hat, I happened upon some of last years Salomon X-Wave 10 (I think). Essentially, they were GBP200 down from approx GBP300 just because they were a year old and while I don't know the ins and outs of ski boots, the inners were heat-moulded to my feet and they really made a difference to my technique when used for the first time in Les Arcs Jan 2007. They may not be the best for beginners but my point is, this shop is in Chelmsford - called Ski Plus on Navigation Road. You mentioned you were from Essex so hopefully this is near enough for you.

TomSki

Re:Buying ski boots

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:56:32 GMT

Thanks for that info, I think I'll wait until after this trip and get them in a sale hopefully, and I will try the place in Chelmsford.

Re:Buying ski boots

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 20:27:48 GMT

I'd second the comments regarding Ski Plus in Chelmsford.

I bought my boots from there a short while ago.

I'd suggest trying to go during the week to avoid the busy weekend. If this is not possible get there real early - so you get the best attention from the fitters.

Cost - believe me, the fit/comfort will be remembered longer than saving a few pennies.

Re:Buying ski boots

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 14:01:33 GMT

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?

Re:Buying ski boots

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 15:36:57 GMT

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.

Re:Buying ski boots

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 09:28:47 GMT

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

Re:Buying ski boots

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 10:23:15 GMT

Rent until the bug bites.

Re:Buying ski boots

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 14:12:08 GMT

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.

Re:Buying ski boots

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 14:15:05 GMT

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.

Re:Buying ski boots

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 14:44:06 GMT

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

Re:Buying ski boots

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 18:37:58 GMT

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'.

Re:Buying ski boots

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 07:38:33 GMT

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

Re:Buying ski boots

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 09:03:51 GMT

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

Re:Buying ski boots

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 10:11:54 GMT

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.

Re:Buying ski boots

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 11:10:11 GMT

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

Buying ski boots

Tue, 2 Dec 2008 11:37:27 GMT

hope you got the reply by PM